mRNA-based platform for preventing and treating Staphylococcus aureus by targeted staphylococcal enterotoxin B.

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Staphylococcus aureus infections pose a significant threat due to drug-resistant strains.
• Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) is a key virulence factor and potential bioweapon.
• SEB is a promising target for developing countermeasures against S. aureus.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate mRNA-based vaccine and antibody targeting SEB.
• To assess the prophylactic and therapeutic potential of these mRNA-based interventions.
• To compare the efficacy of mRNA-based approaches with traditional protein-based methods.

Main Methods:

• Development of an mSEB mRNA vaccine and an anti-SEB mRNA antibody.
• Immunization of mice with mSEB mRNA vaccine and mSEB protein.
• Administration of anti-SEB mRNA antibody and purified anti-SEB protein.
• Evaluation of immune responses, antibody titers, cellular immunity, pharmacokinetics, and SEB neutralization.

Main Results:

• The mSEB mRNA vaccine elicited more robust and persistent immune responses than protein immunization.
• The anti-SEB mRNA antibody required a lower dose and showed superior pharmacokinetics.
• Both mRNA interventions demonstrated effective SEB neutralization, S. aureus clearance, and prophylactic/therapeutic effects in mice.

Conclusions:

• mRNA-based vaccines and antibodies targeting SEB are highly effective against S. aureus infections.
• These mRNA approaches offer advantages over traditional protein-based vaccines and antibodies.
• The study provides a foundation for developing advanced mRNA-based therapies for S. aureus.