Protection against MRSA infection using conserved antigen among Gram-positive bacterial cell surface

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25893286
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Research Field: Environmental and hygienic pharmacy
• Research Institution: Nagasaki International University
• Principal Investigator: KUROKAWA KENJI 長崎国際大学, 薬学部, 准教授 (80304963)
• Research Collaborator: LEE Bok LEUL 釜山大学校, 薬学部, 教授 ; TAKAHASHI Kazue Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Assistant Professor
• Project Period (FY): 2013-08-30 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 細菌宿主相互作用 / 免疫賦活化 / 細胞壁タイコ酸 / 黄色ブドウ球菌

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Antibodies against wall teichoic acids (WTA) have major roles to protect against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. Because WTA is well distributed among GC-low content Gram-positive bacteria, we hypothesize if anti-S. aureus WTA antibodies may be induced by non-pathogenic bacteria. Here, we found that a lactic acid producing bacterium belong to Lactobacillus species had an antigen recognized by anti-S. aureus WTA antibodies. This is a candidate non-pathogenic strain that may induce anti-MRSA antibodies.

Free Research Field

微生物薬品化学