# A vaccine specifically targeting T3SS-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa

> **NIH NIH R21** · UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-COLUMBIA · 2022 · $195,625

## Abstract

SUMMARY
 Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important opportunistic human pathogen that causes severe infections in
patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), burns, severe wounds, pneumonia, and critically ill patients who require
intubation or catheterization. Clearing Pa has become problematic as it, in particular, has become increasingly
antibiotic resistant. This is exacerbated by the fact that the biggest risk factor for negative outcomes associated
with MDR Pa is advanced age. While there are Pa vaccines in development, none are licensed.
 We have developed a self-adjuvanting fusion antigen platform to target Gram-negative bacteria that use the
type III secretion system (T3SS) for mediating onset of infection. The T3SS apparatus (T3SA) needle tip and
translocator proteins within a given genus (e.g. Shigella) or species (e.g. Pa) are highly conserved. By
genetically fusing the T3SA needle tip and first translocator proteins, we can elicit broad serotype-independent
protection. The Pa fusion, called PaF, is a genetic fusion of PcrV and PopB. With dmLT as the adjuvant, PaF
reduced mouse lung burden by ~90% when delivered intranasally (IN). When we genetically fused LTA1, the
active moiety of dmLT, to the N-terminus of PaF (L-PaF). L-PaF reduces mouse and rat lung burdens
significantly.We hypothesize that our formulation will provide broad protection against all strains of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa including MDR species/strains.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10636201
- **Project number:** 7R21AI164616-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-COLUMBIA
- **Principal Investigator:** Wendy L. Picking
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $195,625
- **Award type:** 7
- **Project period:** 2021-07-12 → 2023-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10636201

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10636201, A vaccine specifically targeting T3SS-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa (7R21AI164616-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10636201. Licensed CC0.

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