Pore forming toxin from Gardnerella vaginalis
- Summary
- Lead Inventors: Adam J. RatnerA particular cytolysin, a class of protein responsible for targeting and lysing human cells, was found through a genome-wide search of Gardnerella vaginalis. The protein was cloned, isolated and shown to be especially specific for human cells.
- Technology Benefits
- The cytolysin is specifically produced by Gardnerella vaginalis The protein is especially specific for human red blood cells A more specific antibody based diagnostic test can be developed based on the isolated protein Antibody or inhibitor of the cytolysin can be developed as new non-antibiotic therapies for bacterial vaginosisThrough the generation of toxoid (non-lytic) strains and cytolysin-specific antibodies, vaccines for Gardnerella vaginalis can be developedOpportunities: Sponsored research funding for continuing on diagnostic tests, therapies and vaccine developments Licensing
- Technology Application
- A new diagnostic test, more specific and potentially less laborious can be developed New therapies can be developed based on antibody or inhibitor of the cytolysin Vaccines for Gardnerella vaginalis can be developed Cytolysin-negative Gardnerella vaginalis can have utility in prevention of recurrent disease
- Detailed Technology Description
- A particular cytolysin, a class of protein responsible for targeting and lysing human cells, was found through a genome-wide search of Gardnerella vaginalis. The protein was cloned, isolated and shown to be especially specific for human cells.
- *Abstract
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None
- *Inquiry
- Sara Gusik Columbia Technology Ventures Tel: (212) 854-8444 Email: TechTransfer@columbia.edu
- *IR
- 2051
- *Principal Investigator
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- *Publications
- J Bacteriol. 2008 Jun;190(11):3896-903. Epub 2008 Apr 4. Functional and phylogenetic characterization of Vaginolysin, the human-specific cytolysin from Gardnerella vaginalis. Gelber SE, Aguilar JL, Lewis KL, Ratner AJ.
- Country/Region
- USA
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