A Prophylactic and Therapeutic for Preventing and Treating Tularemia by Rapid Activation of Host Cells and Antigen Recognition

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.

Potential Commercial Applications:		Competitive Advantages:
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)		Rapid induction of protective immunity against F. tularensis Avoids antibiotic resistance associated with current therapies

Development Stage:
In vitro and in vivo data are available

Inventors:

Catharine Bosio (NIAID)  ➽ more inventions...


Intellectual Property:
US Application No. 61/030,984
PCT Application No. PCT/US2009/001176
US Application No. 12/919,204

Publications:
PowerPoint slide presentation of invention can be provided upon request.

Licensing Contact:
Jeffrey Thruston,
Email: jeffrey.thruston@nih.gov
Phone: 301-594-5179

OTT Reference No: E-095-2008-0
Updated: May 16, 2018