Approach using Subtractive Proteomics and Reverse Vaccinology for the development of a vaccine against Klebsiella oxytoca strains

• Grant number: 24/17084-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2024
• End date: October 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology - Applied Immunology
• Principal Investigator: Maria Cristina da Silva Pranchevicius
• Grantee: Maria Carolina Francalassi Sarcinelli
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The indiscriminate use of antibiotics in human health, veterinary, and agricultural sectors has led to the selection of resistant bacterial strains, compromising the treatment of infectious diseases and increasing morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Klebsiella oxytoca, an opportunistic Gram-negative bacterium, has gained attention due to its increasing resistance to multiple antibiotics and its association with severe digestive tract infections. This study aims to develop a multi-epitope vaccine against K. oxytoca using subtractive proteomics and reverse vaccinology techniques. In silico analysis will identify potential vaccine candidates targeting specific antigens that can induce a robust and protective immune response. The development of an effective vaccine against K. oxytoca could significantly reduce the incidence of severe infections and help mitigate the spread of antimicrobial resistance in opportunistic and pathogenic strains. By targeting specific immunogenic proteins, this approach promises a rapid and targeted response against this emerging threat, contributing to the advancement of novel therapeutic strategies against resistant pathogens.