Description of Invention: Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate intracellular bacterial pathogen that colonizes and infects oculogenital mucosal surfaces. The organism exists as multiple serovariants that infect millions of people worldwide. Ocular infections cause trachoma, a chronic follicular conjunctivitis that results in scarring and blindness. The World Health Organization estimates that 300–500 million people are afflicted by trachoma, making it the most prevalent form of infectious preventable blindness. Urogenital infections are the leading cause of bacterial sexually transmitted disease in both industrialized and developing nations. Moreover, sexually transmitted diseases are risk factors for infertility, the transmission of HIV, and human papilloma virus-induced cervical neoplasia. Control of C. trachomatis infections is an important public health goal. Unexpectedly, however, aggressive infection control measures based on early detection and antibiotic treatment have resulted in an increase in infection rates, most likely by interfering with natural immunity, a concept suggested by studies performed in experimental infection models. Effective management of chlamydial disease will likely require the development of an efficacious vaccine.
This technology claims vaccine compositions that comprise an immunologically effective amount of PmpD protein from C. trachomatis. Also claimed in the application are methods of immunizing individuals against C. trachomatis. PmpD is an antigenically stable pan-neutralizing target that, in theory, would provide protection against all human strains, thus allowing the development of a univalent vaccine that is efficacious against both blinding trachoma and sexually transmitted disease.
Application:
Prophylactics against C. trachomatis.
Developmental Status:
Preclinical studies have been performed.
Patent Status:
DHHS Reference No. E-031-2006/0 --
PCT Application No. PCT/US2007/001213 filed 16 Jan 2007, which published as WO 2007/082105 on 19 Jul 2007
U.S. Patent Application No. 12/087,952 filed 16 Jul 2008
Relevant Publication: DD Crane et al. Chlamydia trachomatis polymorphic membrane protein D is a species-common pan-neutralizing antigen. Proc. Natl Acad Sci USA. 2006 Feb 7;103(6):1894-1899. Epub 2006 Jan 30. [PubMed abs]
Licensing Status: Available for exclusive or non-exclusive licensing.
Collaborative Research Opportunity:
The NIAID, Laboratory of Intracellular Parasites, is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative research to further develop, evaluate, or commercialize PmpD vaccine development. Please contact Harlan D. Caldwell, at hcaldwell@niaid.nih.gov or 406-363-9333 for more information.
For Additional Information Please Contact: John Stansberry Ph.D.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Boulevard, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: (301)435-5236
Email: stansbej@mail.nih.gov
Fax: (301) 402-0220
