A Prophylactic and Therapeutic for Preventing and Treating Tularemia by Rapid Activation of Host Cells and Antigen Recognition
Description of Invention:
The invention is a composition and method for prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of tularemia caused by Francisella tularensis comprised of Cationic Liposome DNA Complexes (CLDC) complexed with noncoding DNA and membrane antigens isolated from F. tularensis strain LVS (MPF). F. tularensis is category A pathogen (as designated by the NIH) that was previously weaponized by both the former Soviet Union and the United States of America and is currently a potential bioweapon and bioterrorism threat. Furthermore, tularemia is endemic to the U.S. (majority of the cases occurring in the Midwest) and Europe. The prophylactic and therapeutic activities of this invention rely in part on rapid activation of host cells and recognition of bacterial antigens. In vivo studies in mice show that CLDC + MPF elicit protective immunity against pneumonic tularemia when administered shortly (days) prior to exposure to aerosols of virulent F. tularensis. The method can be applicable for eliciting immune response in other infectious diseases.
Applications:
Prophylactic and therapeutic for Tularemia
Biodefense agent
Method is applicable to other infectious diseases, particularly for pathogens that are enveloped or encapsulated (i.e. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Neisseria meningiditis, Yersinia pestis and Influenza)
Advantages:
Rapid induction of protective immunity against F. tularensis
Avoids antibiotic resistance associated with current therapies
Development Status: In vitro and in vivo data are available
Market:
Prophylactic and treatment for tularemia and other infectious diseases
For Additional Information Please Contact: Sally Hu PhD MBA
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: (301) 435-5606
Email: hus@mail.nih.gov
Fax: (301) 402-0220
