The scientific premise of this CRC proposal rests upon our three decades of work defining the molecular architecture of the outer membrane (OM) of Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum (TPA), coupled with our recent successes combining bioinformatics, biophysical techniques, and localization methods with live TPA to topologically characterize TPA outer membrane proteins (OMPs) and define the syphilis spirochete's `OMPeome'--its repertoire of OMPs. Its central hypothesis is that the principal targets for a syphilis vaccine reside within TPA's repertoire of rare outer membrane proteins (OMPs). The projects in the proposal employ three different, but closely integrated, strategies to exploit this novel application of reverse vaccinology to develop a syphilis vaccine with global efficacy. Project 1 is `immune-agnostic', selecting leading vaccine candidates based on genomic sequences, bioinformatics, biophysical analysis, and structural modeling. Project 2 takes its cue from the human immune system: since the large majority of untreated individuals do eventually control TPA infection, it stands to reason that OMPs targeted by opsonic antibodies6-9 should be excellent vaccine candidates. Project 3 borrows a page from the Center for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Immunology and Immunogen Discovery (CHAVI-ID) `book', using state-of-the art recombinant B cell and phage technology to generate broadly reactive, opsonic monoclonal antibodies directed against surface-exposed loops of TPA OMPs. The extraordinary deep sequencing capabilities of the Genetics and Genomics core will provide the data needed to tailor these approaches for efficacy on a global scale. This CRC, led by two senior investigators, established collaborators with complementary clinical and research backgrounds, pulls together (a) the unique capabilities of the Spirochete Research Laboratories at UConn Health; (b) the world-class B cell technology and vaccine research infrastructure of the Duke Human Vaccine Institute (DHVI); (c) the international health infrastructure and expertise of the University of North Carolina Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases; and (d) the unparalleled knowledge of TPA genomics at Masaryk University to achieve our long-term objective. The Administrative Core will provide the managerial oversight needed to integrate these capabilities and resources to strengthen existing collaborations and foster new ones within the Center and with other CRCs. The ultimate strength of this CRC is the diversity and complementarity of approaches, technologies, resources, and expertise it marshals to interrogate the TPA OMPeome to achieve our long-term goals. An effective syphilis vaccine would represent a triumph of biomedical research over an ailment that for more than five centuries has exacted a heavy toll on humanity4,5 and that has defied conventional public health strategies for containment. If successful, the scientific and public health impact of our approach to reverse vaccinology will extend well beyond syphilis, establishing a paradigm applicable to other recalcitrant organisms.
The scientific premise of this CRC proposal derives from three decades studying the composition and ultrastructure of the outer membrane of Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum, the syphilis spirochete. The central hypothesis of the proposal is that the best vaccine candidates for syphilis will be found within T. pallidum's repertoire of outer membrane proteins. The projects in the proposal employ three different, but tightly integrated, strategies to exploit our novel application of reverse vaccinology to develop a vaccine with global efficacy.
