Kevin Killeen

Title: Kevin Killeen - Innovator in Vaccinology

Introduction

Kevin Killeen, based in Milton, MA, is a prominent inventor in the field of molecular biology and vaccinology. With a track record of innovation, Killeen holds two patents that showcase his contributions to medical research and potential therapeutic interventions.

Latest Patents

Killeen's most recent patents include groundbreaking work on Salmonella vectors and diphtheria toxin vaccines. The first patent describes a modified Salmonella strain where the wild-type pag gene has been replaced with a truncated pag gene fused to a heterologous DNA segment. This innovative approach significantly reduces the virulence of Salmonella, allowing for the generation of an immune response against the fusion protein encoded by the heterologous gene. Additionally, the patent details the vector's potential applications, including its use in drug screening.

The second patent involves a DNA encoding a cross-reactive form of diphtheria toxin Fragment A. This invention specifically deletes codons Val-147 and Glu-148 from the naturally occurring diphtheria toxin, paving the way for the development of safer and more effective vaccines.

Career Highlights

Kevin Killeen has made substantial contributions during his tenure at notable institutions such as Harvard College and the Virus Research Institute. His work has had a significant impact on understanding and combating infectious diseases through innovative vaccine development.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Killeen has collaborated with esteemed colleagues, including R John Collier and John J Mekalanos. These partnerships have fostered research that integrates diverse expertise, advancing the field of immunology and vaccine design.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Kevin Killeen exemplifies the spirit of innovation in the medical science domain. His patented inventions reflect a commitment to advancing healthcare and improving public health outcomes through research and development in vaccinology.