Research
The HTRL is a platform for basic research on the molecular mechanisms of infectious diseases, and translational research applying basic findings to the development of products such as diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines.
The current research projects at the HTRL include:
Plague
Plague is historically one of the deadliest human infectious diseases. It is endemic in the western US and is a frequent pathogen of prairie dogs. Plague is caused by Yersinia pestis, a gram – negative bacillus. It is transmitted by fleas and can infect humans. Currently there is a need for an effective vaccine. Researchers at the HTRL are developing a novel recombinant plague vaccine based on the LcrV protein, a component of the Y. pestis type III secretion system.
Anthrax
Anthrax is a deadly bacterial infection caused by Bacillus anthracis, a spore-forming, gram-positive bacillus. Anthrax spores are extremely resistant to heat, desiccation and other forms of disinfection. Spores can also be easily dispersed in the environment. HTRL researchers are taking several approaches to developing therapeutics that target assembly of the B. anthracis capsule and an effective anthrax vaccine based on an engineered form of a secreted anthrax toxin.
MRSA
Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus is now the most common infection that requires hospitalization in the US. This gram – positive coccus is easy to grow and manipulate genetically. Researchers at HTRL are developing novel therapeutics based on research that identified several new virulence determinants. In addition, a recombinant vaccine, developed at HTRL, based on Protein A, a major S. aureus virulence determinant is close to entering into clinical trials.
Rickettsia
Rickettsia species cause Rocky Mountain spotted fever and typhus, both infectious diseases that are transmitted to people by ticks. R. conori is the agent of Mediterranean spotted fever. The genus Rickettsiae was named in honor of Howard T. Ricketts in honor of his contributions in establishing R. rickettsia as the agent of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. All Rickettsia species are obligate intracellular pathogens. HTRL researchers are developing specific Rickettsia surface proteins as vaccine candidates.
Coxiella
Coxiella burnetii causes Q (query) fever, an endemic disease of sheep, cows and people. Although Q fever is rarely fatal, C. burnetii was successfully weaponized and the minimum dose to produce disease in people is 1 organism. Coxiella is also environmentally robust and resistant to heat drying and acid, in fact it grows best at pH 4. HTRL researchers are using C. burnetii to search for human genes that are required to support infection by Coxiella and target those functions with drugs to make the human cells resistant to infection.