| Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, see picture) is a bacterium that is resistant to most common antibiotics. Moreover, it can easily change coat thereby developing immunity to new antibiotics as well. The bacterium is therefore difficult to treat and developing a remedy is a big challen In this project researchers are developing a medicine that attacks MRSA on several fronts. They have identified seven surface proteins that are common to all S. aureus bacteria. These proteins can be attacked by antibodies that are part of the human immune system, thereby disabling the bacterium. By using a cocktail of these antibodies the bacterium is practically unable to develop immunity to the medicine. The researchers use the antibody-producing cells of humans, thereby minimizing the risk of an immune response to the remedy. These cells will then be used to clone pure antibodies. |
