Burkholderia antibody molecules for therapeutics and diagnostics

Burkholderia pseudomallei and Burkholderia mallei are highly pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria and the causative agents of melioidosis and glanders, respectively. These infections, which occur in humans and other animals, are endemic is wide regions of the developing world. Translational research regarding these pathogens is focused on developing new strategies to detect, treat and ideally protect humans and animals from these infections. In this Phase I SBIR project, we will establish methodologies for the generation of monoclonal antibodies that have high-affinities to Burkholderia antigens. The purpose of these studies is to create new antibody-based prophylactics that can neutralize Burkholderia infections. As a first step, we will isolate carbohydrate antigens from non-pathogenic strains of Burkholderia in forms that will generate appropriate immune responses. We will also assess the relative performance and compatibilities of existing antibodies to bind Burkholderia pathogens, in order to create optimized formulations, which will be assessed for therapeutic benefit in future challenge studies.