Characterization of anti-adhesine antibodies of Escherichia (EPEC) present in human colostrum and study of the human and secretory response to EPRC: bases for the development of vaccines

• Grant number: 95/09747-1
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• Start date: June 01, 1996
• End date: June 30, 1998
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Maternal and Child Health
• Principal Investigator: Magda Maria Sales Carneiro-Sampaio
• Grantee: Magda Maria Sales Carneiro-Sampaio
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant(s): 96/08809-6 - Colostral iga acts as opsinin for enteropathogenic escherichia coli killing by colostrul mononuclear phagocytes., AR.EXT; 96/04696-2 - Gad Frankel | Imperial College of Science Technology and Medicine - Inglaterra, AV.EXT

Abstract

Numerous clinical and epidemiological studies, in addition to in vitro data from our own group, demonstrate the protective role of human milk against enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), the principal etiological agent in infant diarrhea in developing countries. In this work we intend to: a) characterize, in human colostrum, antibodies aimed at the antigens considered relevant in the pathogenicity of EPEC; b) to produce monoclonal antibodies which recognize intimine, an adhesine of EPEC, against which we have already observed antibodies in human milk, capable of inhibiting in vitro the adhesion of EPEC to epithelial human cells; c) to evaluate the natural development of the serum and secretory anti EPEC antibody response in healthy nursing and pre-school infants. The data from this work will support the preparation of an anti EPEC vaccine, to be administered ideally orally in the first months of life. (AU)