The long-term goal of this research project is to develop more effective oral vaccines against Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of cholera, a life threatening diarrheal disease that remains endemic in many parts of the developing world. While there is mounting evidence from epidemiological studies to suggest that IgA antibodies directed against bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are the primary determinants of immunity to V. cholerae, virtually nothing is known about how these antibodies affect the bacterium's capacity to colonize the intestinal epithelium. This proposal will test the hypothesis that the binding of LPS-specific IgA (and IgG) antibodies to the surface of V. cholerae has direct impact on bacterial physiology and virulence.
Aim 1 will test the hypothesis that LPS-specific IgA (and IgG) antibodies induce changes in V. cholerae membrane potential, permeability and ultrastructure.
Aim 2 will test the hypothesis that LPS-specific IgA (and IgG) antibodies also trigger changes in the bacterial virulence gene expression and signal transduction pathways. The principal investigator is a leading expert in the field of IgA-pathogen interactions, while key personnel have expertise in V. cholerae physiology and virulence.

Public Health Relevance

The long-term goal of this research program is to develop more effective vaccines against the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of cholera, a life-threatening diarrheal disease that afflicts millions of individuals each year.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
5R21AI109275-02
Application #
9228914
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-IDM-R (02)M)
Program Officer
Hall, Robert H
Project Start
2016-02-18
Project End
2018-01-31
Budget Start
2017-02-01
Budget End
2018-01-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2017
Total Cost
$184,248
Indirect Cost
$59,248
Name
Wadsworth Center
Department
Type
Research Institutes
DUNS #
153695478
City
Menands
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
12204