Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 22, 2026
Establishment and Characterization of UTI and CAUTI in a Mouse Model
Published on: June 23, 2015
Vaccination with FimH adhesin protects cynomolgus monkeys from colonization and infection by uropathogenic
S Langermann1, R Möllby, J E Burlein
1MedImmune, Inc., Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA. langermanns@medimmune. com
Abstract:
Escherichia coli FimH adhesin mediates binding to the bladder mucosa. In mice, a FimH vaccine protects against bacterial challenge. In this study, 4 monkeys were inoculated with 100 microgram of FimCH adhesin-chaperone complex mixed with MF59 adjuvant, and 4 monkeys were given adjuvant only intramuscularly. After 2 doses (day 0 and week 4), a booster at 48 weeks elicited a strong IgG antibody response to FimH in the vaccinated monkeys. All 8 monkeys were challenged with 1 mL of 108 E. coli cystitis isolate NU14. Three of the 4 vaccinated monkeys were protected from bacteruria and pyuria; all control monkeys were infected. These findings suggest that a vaccine based on the FimH adhesin of E. coli type 1 pili may have utility in preventing cystitis in humans.
Insights
A vaccine targeting Escherichia coli FimH adhesin protected monkeys from bladder infections. This suggests a potential FimH vaccine could prevent human cystitis caused by E. coli.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Escherichia coli FimH adhesin facilitates bacterial attachment to the bladder lining.
- Previous studies in mice demonstrated vaccine-induced protection against E. coli challenge.
- Urinary tract infections, particularly cystitis, represent a significant public health concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the immunogenicity and efficacy of a FimH adhesin-chaperone complex vaccine in a non-human primate model.
- To assess protection against experimentally induced E. coli cystitis.
Main Methods:
- Four non-human primates received intramuscular injections of FimCH adhesin-chaperone complex with MF59 adjuvant.
- Control group (four primates) received adjuvant only.
- Vaccination involved two initial doses and a booster, followed by challenge with E. coli cystitis isolate NU14.
Main Results:
- Vaccinated monkeys developed a robust IgG antibody response to FimH after vaccination.
- Three out of four vaccinated monkeys were protected from developing bacteruria and pyuria post-challenge.
- All control monkeys exhibited signs of infection.
Conclusions:
- A vaccine based on the FimH adhesin of E. coli type 1 pili demonstrates protective potential.
- This FimH-based vaccine may offer a viable strategy for preventing human cystitis.
- Further research into FimH adhesin vaccines is warranted for UTI prevention.
