Two-component system that controls bacterial membrane synthesis
AssigneeUniversity of Iowa Research Foundation
InventorsMICHAEL A. APICELLA, ANDREW PRESTON
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Abstract
The present invention discloses a mutant Neisseria having extensive membrane blebbing, both an indicium and a cause of virulence in the gonococcus and meningococcus. Methods are disclosed for making and characterizing the mutant, bmrRS. Methods are disclosed for isolating bmrRS membranes for use as a vaccine. Methods are also disclosed for the use of the mutant for determining the virulence of clinical samples of N. gonorrhoeae and N. meningitidis. Methods are also disclosed for the screening of antibiotics targeted to virulent Neisseria.
Claims5
A mutant Neisseria bacterium comprising excessive outer membrane.
A method of identifying an inhibitor compound of virulent Neisseria comprising:
- (a) providing a culture containing a bacterium having a mutation which results in blebbing of the outer membrane and a test inhibitor compound;
- (b) providing a second culture containing a wild type bacterium having no blebbing;
- and (c) comparing the growth of the mutant bacterium to that of the wild type, thereby identifying an inhibitor compound that inhibits the growth of the mutant but not the wild type bacterium.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.