CAP: PSM-Based Vaccines to Protect from MRSA Infection

National Institute Of Allergy And Infectious Diseases

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

The long-term goal of this project is the development of a multivalent anti-S. aureus vaccine/cocktail of anti-S. aureus mAbs that will be composed of several toxoid antigens or mAbs against the most important S. aureus toxins, respectively. In addition, mAbs against PSMα3 will be an indispensable tool for our planned high-throughput screen for agents inhibiting PSM secretion. Specifically, we plan to: Test all PSMα3 derivatives for their immunogenic potential Test all PSMα3 derivatives (active vaccination) in animal protection assays (using skin, bacteremia, and pneumonia infection models) Produce mAbs against PSMα3 and a selection of PSMα3 derivatives Test the efficacy of those mAbs in protecting from S. aureus-induced disease in various infection models (skin, bacteremia, pneumonia) This project has just started. In the current FY, we have initiated production of polyclonal Abs and mAbs against PSMα3.