Use of annexin V to prevent the spread of Listeria

Dr. Francis Blankenberg has developed a method to prevent the spread of Listeria and other obligate intracellular pathogens, including mycobacterium marinum, chlamydia trachomatis and parasitic infections. These pathogens share a common mechanism of cell to cell spread- they envelope themselves with membranes containing high levels of phosphatidylserine (PS) to evade recognition and attack by the host immune system. The effectiveness of the PS+membrane envelope system has made it difficult to effectively treat these infections. To overcome this difficulty the inventor has developed methods of using annexin V, a high affinity PS binding protein, to treat these infections. Annexin V can block the entry and immunosuppressive effects of pathogens which rely on PS-mediated mechanisms for infection. This technology provides methods to more effectively treat infection by Listeria, mycobacterium marinum, chlamydia trachomatis and parasites.

Stage of research
Proof-of-concept experiments using a murine listeria model have been performed and show great promise.