Invention:
A set of Neisseria musculi (Nmus) genes have been identified which promote Nmus infection and persistence in its natural host, the mouse. These genes have never been described before, so the in-host function of their encoded proteins is unknown. These genes are present in the human pathogenic Neisseria, N. meningitidis and N. gonorrhoeae. These genes and/or their encoded proteins are therefore potential targets for vaccines and antimicrobials against N. meningitidis and N. gonorrhoeae.
Background:
The proposed technology can be potentially used treat both N. meningitidis and N. gonorrhoeae by being an antimicrobial treatment and a vaccine possibility. The new genes identified make it an extremely versatile proposition that would be extremely useful and convenient.
N. meningitidis can cause some serious illnesses including meningococcal disease. This disease can be extremely harmful to young adults and adolescents, necessitating the need for vaccination. The other application of this proposed technology would be developing a treatment for N. gonorrhoeae, which is extremely prevalent in the United States. In 2019, over 616,000 people were impacted and it continues to be a growing issue. Infection rates have increased by over 50% overall for people from 2015-2019. It is an issue that could use some new treatment technology to help those and keep the serious cases to a minimum.
Applications:
- N. meningitidis vaccines and antimicrobial treatment
- N. gonorrhoeae antimicrobial treatment
Advantages:
- New method
- Possibly more effective
- Better target in the body
- Multiple applications
