Surface Proteins Expressed by Bioterrorist Agents Francisella Tularensis and Yersinia: Implications for Detection and Vaccine Development
Grant
Overview
abstract
Yersinia pestis, the bacterium that causes bubonic and pneumonic plague, and Francisella tularensis responsible for tularemia are potential WMD agents that can be used against man and animals. At present there are no vaccines for either agent and we know little about their mechanisms by which they cause disease The overall purpose of this proposal is to make a complete panel of Y. pestis and F. tularensis surface proteins genetically fused to the enzymatic reporter molecule alkaline phosphotase gene(phoA). Such fusions will permit gene regulatory studies and determine individual gene contributions to invasion and growth within white blood cells. These data are critical in dissecting the disease process of each organism, and the information gained from these investigations will lead to new strategies for vaccine development and therapeutic
interdiction.
