“We will explore ways to use hookworms to generate prophylactic molecules within a subject’s body to neutralize threats that soldiers may encounter in war zones or other high-risk environments,” said Makedonka Mitreva, PhD, a professor of medicine and of genetics. To achieve these goals, the Washington University team will harness knowledge of the genetics of helminths - more specifically, organisms commonly known as hookworms. The idea is that these living factories - somewhat like the commensal bacteria comprising the gut microbiome - would create a symbiotic relationship with the human body, secreting protective molecules into the bloodstream that could neutralize nerve agents or block weaponized viruses. The goal is to develop personalized protective biosystems that would include living factories of organisms genetically engineered to produce anti-nerve agents, antibodies or other biological antidotes to a variety of chemical or biological threats. government’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). research and development company Charles River Analytics from the U.S. Funding the work is a subcontract to the School of Medicine that is part of a $16.4 million contract awarded to U.S.
Louis hope to improve soldiers’ options by developing the next generation of combat-ready personal protective equipment (PPE).
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. While such suits and respirators can protect against chemical and biological weapons, they are cumbersome and can limit mobility at the worst possible times. Harnessing the genetics of hookworms, the research is focused on developing "living factories" that produce antibodies and anti-nerve agents to protect against chemical and biological weapons.Ĭombat troops require special equipment to guard against chemical and biological agents that could be unleashed in a war zone. Louis have received a grant to develop the next generation of personal protective equipment (PPE) for combat troops. Grant funds development of ‘living factories’ to produce antibodies, anti-nerve agentsīy Julia Evangelou Strait News Release Hookworms have potential to protect soldiers from chemical, biological weapons
0 kommentar(er)
