Description of Invention: The invention provides compositions and methods of use for a modified strain of Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of tularemia, a category A biodefense agent (NIAID classification). Currently, no vaccines are available, and the only approved therapeutics for tularemia are antibiotics that are only effective if delivered early in the infection. The subject invention defines and characterizes mutations in Francisella tularensis that result in attenuated bacteria capable of inducing strong protective immune responses. Thus, these stable mutant strains could be used as efficient live vaccines against tularemia.
Applications: Live-attenuated vaccines against Francisella tularensis
Advantages:
Live-attenuated bacteria can be easily produced through recombinant technologies
Live-attenuated vaccines do no require adjuvants
Immune response to live-attenuated vaccines lasts for years and does not require booster
Development Status: In vitro and in vivo data available
TD Wehrly et al. Intracellular biology and virulence determinants of Francisella tularensis revealed by transcriptional profiling inside macrophages. Cell Microbiol. 2009 Jul;11(7): 1128-1150. [ PubMed abs ]
J Su et al. Genome-wide identification of Francisella tularensis virulence determinants. Infect Immun. 2007 Jun;75(6):3089-3101. [ PubMed abs ]
S Janovská et al. Identification of immunoreactive antigens in membrane proteins enriched fraction from Francisella tularensis LVS. Immunol Lett. 2007 Feb 15;108(2):151-159. [ PubMed abs ]
S Janovská et al. Proteomic analysis of antibody response in a case of laboratory-acquired infection with Francisella tularensis subsp. tularensis. Folia Microbiol (Praha). 2007;52(2):194-198. [ PubMed abs ]
Licensing Status: Available for licensing.
Collaborative Research Opportunity: The NIAID Office of Technology Development is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative research to further develop, evaluate, or commercialize live vaccine strains of Francisella tularensis with defined mutations. Please contact Rosemary Walsh at 301-496-2644 for more information.
Portfolios: Infectious Diseases Infectious Diseases - Vaccines In-vivo Data In-vitro Data
For Additional Information Please Contact: Sally Hu Ph.D., M.B.A. NIH Office of Technology Transfer 6011 Executive Blvd. Suite 325
Room 21, Rockville, MD 20852 United States Email: hus@mail.nih.gov Phone: 301-435-5606 Fax: 301-402-0220
Description of Invention:
The invention provides compositions and methods of use for a modified strain of Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of tularemia, a category A biodefense agent (NIAID classification). Currently, no vaccines are available, and the only approved therapeutics for tularemia are antibiotics that are only effective if delivered early in the infection. The subject invention defines and characterizes mutations in Francisella tularensis that result in attenuated bacteria capable of inducing strong protective immune responses. Thus, these stable mutant strains could be used as efficient live vaccines against tularemia.
Applications:
Live-attenuated vaccines against Francisella tularensis
Advantages:
Development Status:
In vitro and in vivo data available
Inventors:
Jean A Celli (NIAID)
Catharine M Bosio (NIAID)
Patent Status:
HHS, Reference No. E-125-2009/0
PCT, Application No. PCT/US10/25417 filed 25 Feb 2010
Relevant Publication:
Licensing Status:
Available for licensing.
Collaborative Research Opportunity:
The NIAID Office of Technology Development is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative research to further develop, evaluate, or commercialize live vaccine strains of Francisella tularensis with defined mutations. Please contact Rosemary Walsh at 301-496-2644 for more information.
Portfolios:
Infectious Diseases
Infectious Diseases - Vaccines
In-vivo Data
In-vitro Data
For Additional Information Please Contact:
Sally Hu Ph.D., M.B.A.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd. Suite 325 Room 21,
Rockville, MD 20852
United States
Email: hus@mail.nih.gov
Phone: 301-435-5606
Fax: 301-402-0220
Ref No: 2029
Updated: 06/2010