Multifunctional antibacterial engagers stimulating innate immunity – AffiNKill

Multi-resistant bacteria regularly emerge throughout the world. They can be found in soldiers' wounds and in health care facilities where they cause nosocomial diseases. Some of these bacteria have become resistant to the best products available to treat multi-resistant bacteria. The consequences can be serious for the patients affected: prosthetic replacement, amputation or even death; but also for society with high induced costs.

In general, there are no antibiotics currently available for clinicians for which no bacterial resistance has been reported. However, despite the introduction of 30 new antibiotics since 2000, the pipeline of new drugs for all pathogens is drying up. It is therefore essential to explore new approaches to the development of innovative antibacterial approaches.

Innate immunity is the first-line barrier to prevent microbial invasion. The aim of this dual project is to develop multispecific proteins capable of stimulating cells of the innate immune system to inactivate two pathogenic bacteria of defence/civil interest. This innovative approach will help to reach bacteria regardless of their antibiotic resistance status and therefore those against which no effective antibiotic is available. It also offers the potential to be transposable to other pathogenic bacteria.