Targeting Poly-Gamma-Glutamic Acid to Treat Staphylococcus Epidermidis and Related Infections
Description of Invention:
Over the past decade, Staphylococcus epidermidis has become the most prevalent pathogen involved in nosocomial infections. Usually an innocuous commensal microorganism on human skin, this member of the coagulase-negative group of staphylococci can cause severe infection after penetration of the epidermal protective barriers of the human body. In the U.S. alone, S. epidermidis infections on in-dwelling medical devices, which represent the main type of infection with S. epidermidis, cost the public health system approximately $1 billion per year. Importantly, S. epidermidis is frequently resistant to common antibiotics.
Immunogenic compositions and methods for eliciting an immune response against S. epidermidis and other related staphylococci are claimed. The immunogenic compositions can include immunogenic conjugates of poly-gamma-glutamic acid (such as gammaDLPGA) polypeptides of S. epidermidis, or related staphylococci that express a gammaPGA polypeptide. The gammaPGA conjugates elicit an effective immune response against S. epidermidis, or other staphylococci, in subjects to which the conjugates are administered. A method of treating an infection caused by a Staphylococcus organism that expresses cap genes is also disclosed. The method can include selecting a subject who is at risk of or has been diagnosed with the infection by the Staphylococcus organism which expresses gammaPGA from the cap genes. Further, the expression of a gammaPGA polypeptide by the organism can then be altered.
Application:
Prophylactics against S. epidermidis.
Developmental Status:
Preclinical studies have been performed.
Inventors: Michael Otto (NIAID) Stanislava Kocianova (NIAID) Cuong Vuong (NIAID) Jovanka Voyich (NIAID) Yufeng Yao (NIAID) Frank DeLeo (NIAID)
Relevant Publication: S Kocianova et al. Key role of poly-gamma-DL-glutamic acid in immune evasion and virulence of Staphylococcus epidermidis. J Clin Invest. 2005 Mar;115(3):688-694. [PubMed abs]
Licensing Status: Available for exclusive or non-exclusive licensing.
Collaborative Research Opportunity:
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory of Human Bacterial Pathogenesis, is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative research to further develop, evaluate, or commercialize the use of poly-gamma-glutamic acid of staphylococci. Please contact Dr. Michael Otto at motto@niaid.nih.gov for more information.
For Additional Information Please Contact: Peter A. Soukas J.D.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: (301) 435-4646
Email: soukasp@mail.nih.gov
Fax: (301) 402-0220
