Genes involved in the Biosynthesis of Nontypeable Haemophilus Influenzae Biofilms
TechnologyResearchers at the University of Iowa have identified two genes that are necessary for the formation of biofilms by H. influenzae. The first gene, lsgG, is a regulatory gene that may have the ability to control the expression cassette of lsg genes. The second gene, referred to as rfe or wecA, encodes an undecaprenyl-phosphate-a-N-acetyl glucosaminyltransferase. Research has shown that the bacteria that lack this functioning gene produce little or no biofilms. Therefore, it is believed that isolates of H. influenzae attenuated by mutations in these two biofilm-related genes to decrease their wild-type virulence will serve as useful vaccines. As a result, patients given these formulations in a prophylactic manner should be able to mount an effect immune response against the vaccination and be protected against subsequent H. influenzae infections. AdvantagesLIVE VACCINE. This vaccine consists of wild-type H. influenzae cells with a key mutation in one or two viral genes that inhibits the pathogen's ability to create biofilms in their host. Without that factor, the bacteria is weakened to the extent that the patient is able to establish a multi-targeted prophylactic immune reaction that protects against future exposure. POTENTIALLY EFFECTIVE ACROSS SEROTYPES. Lipooligosaccharide (LOS) is a key component of the outer membrane across all H. influenzae. Targeting this factor with a vaccine preparation should produce a robust host immune response across the H. influenzae species.POTENTIAL CO-VACCINE APPLICATION. This preparation could be used to augment the efficacy of conventional influenza vaccines to increase the breath of the host immune response to subsequent challenges.
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