Advantages:
- A recombinant Cwp2 protein that induces strong IgG and IgA antibody response in animal models.
- Decrease levels of C. difficile spores and toxins in feces and decrease mortality rates in immunized mice.
- Anti-Cwp2 antibodies delay the binding of C. difficile vegetative cells to human gut epithelial cells and prevent bacterial colonization.
Summary:
Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the colon, caused by the bacterium Clostridioides difficile. It often leads to symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. CDI can be particularly dangerous because it can cause severe inflammation of the colon, known as colitis, and in extreme cases, it can lead to life-threatening complications like toxic megacolon or sepsis. Current treatment options for CDI primarily involve antibiotics like Fidaxomicin, Vancomycin, or Metronidazole. However, these treatments do not offer complete protection and can disrupt the gut microbiota, potentially leading to recurrent infections. The development of vaccines against CDI is actively being researched as a more effective preventive strategy.
Our researcher has developed a technology that utilizes the cell wall protein 2 (Cwp2) from Clostridioides difficile as a vaccine antigen to combat C. difficile infection (CDI). Cwp2 was identified as a potent vaccine candidate due to its immunodominant properties and its role in facilitating the adherence of C. difficile to host cells. In experimental studies, mice immunized with recombinant Cwp2 protein exhibited strong IgG and IgA antibody responses. Immunization of mice protected them against infection and decreased spores and toxin levels in the feces after infection with C. difficile spores.
Anti-Cwp2 serum hindered the binding of C. difficile vegetative cells to human gut epithelial cells, suggesting that Cwp2 vaccination could prevent bacterial colonization in humans. This technology represents a novel approach to traditional toxin-based vaccine approaches by offering a novel pathway for vaccine development, addressing the limitations of current antibiotic treatments and the absence of effective vaccines.
Immunizations of mice with Cwp2 decrease the C. difficile spores and toxins in feces after challenge with C. difficile spores. TcdA (A) or TcdB (B) levels in feces were determined by ELISA. (C) R20291 spore concentrations in feces. Bars stand for means ± SD. (*p<0.05, **p<0.01 versus PBS).
Desired Partnerships:
- License
- Sponsored Research
- Co-Development