The invention is a composition and method for prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of tularemia caused by Francisella tularensis comprised of Cationic Liposome DNA Complexes (CLDC) complexed with noncoding DNA and membrane antigens isolated from F. tularensis strain LVS (MPF).  F. tularensis is category A pathogen (as designated by the NIH) that was previously weaponized by both the former Soviet Union and the United States of America and is currently a potential bioweapon and bioterrorism threat.  Furthermore, tularemia is endemic to the U.S. (majority of the cases occurring in the Midwest) and Europe.  The prophylactic and therapeutic activities of this invention rely in part on rapid activation of host cells and recognition of bacterial antigens.  In vivo studies in mice show that CLDC + MPF elicit protective immunity against pneumonic tularemia when administered shortly (days) prior to exposure to aerosols of virulent F. tularensis.  The method can be applicable for eliciting immune response in other infectious diseases.

Applications:

• Prophylactic and therapeutic for Tularemia
• Biodefense agent
• Method is applicable to other infectious diseases, particularly for pathogens that are enveloped or encapsulated (i.e. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Neisseria meningiditis, Yersinia pestis and Influenza)

Advantages:

• Rapid induction of protective immunity against F. tularensis
• Avoids antibiotic resistance associated with current therapies

Development Status:

In vitro and in vivo data are available

Publication:

PowerPoint slide presentation of invention can be provided upon request.

U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/030,984 filed 24 Feb 2008 (HHS Reference No. E-095-2008/0-US-01)

Inventors:

Catherine M. Bosio (NIAID)

Licensees Sought:

This invention is available for exclusive or non-exclusive licensing.