A vaccine specifically targeting T3SS-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa

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SUMMARY Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important opportunistic human pathogen that causes severe infections in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), burns, severe wounds, pneumonia, and critically ill patients who require intubation or catheterization. Clearing Pa has become problematic as it, in particular, has become increasingly antibiotic resistant. This is exacerbated by the fact that the biggest risk factor for negative outcomes associated with MDR Pa is advanced age. While there are Pa vaccines in development, none are licensed. We have developed a self-adjuvanting fusion antigen platform to target Gram-negative bacteria that use the type III secretion system (T3SS) for mediating onset of infection. The T3SS apparatus (T3SA) needle tip and translocator proteins within a given genus (e.g. Shigella) or species (e.g. Pa) are highly conserved. By genetically fusing the T3SA needle tip and first translocator proteins, we can elicit broad serotype-independent protection. The Pa fusion, called PaF, is a genetic fusion of PcrV and PopB. With dmLT as the adjuvant, PaF reduced mouse lung burden by ~90% when delivered intranasally (IN). When we genetically fused LTA1, the active moiety of dmLT, to the N-terminus of PaF (L-PaF). L-PaF reduces mouse and rat lung burdens significantly.We hypothesize that our formulation will provide broad protection against all strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa including MDR species/strains.