University of California

Douglas M Heithoff

Michael J Mahan

Christopher P Conner

Guillermo C Bazan

David A Low

Robert L Sinsheimer

Zichao Zhang

Alex Moreland

Jakkarin Limwongyut

Chenyao Nie

Compositions and methods of making and using thereof are provided with a specific antimicrobial activity and efficacy toward Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and low levels of toxicity toward mammalian cells. The compositions include water-soluble molecules characterized by a hydrophobic interior fragment and side groups containing cationic groups. A class of these molecules is provided with variations in the length of the internal conjugated segment and in other molecular features, which impact the efficacy and toxicity. The substituents on the cationic functional group, the structural variations on the solubilizing group, and the length of the conjugated segment are important features affecting the antimicrobial property and the non-toxicity to mammalian cells of the composition.

Short conjugated oligoelectrolytes and uses thereof

The invention relates to a live vaccine for protection against enteric bacterial infection.

Vaccine for livestock production systems

Bacteria and in particular pathogenic bacteria are treated in a manner which alters the bacteria's native level or activity of DNA methyltransferase (Dam). The alteration results in a change in the bacteria's native level of methylation of adenine in a GATC tetranucleotide which inhibits virulence of the bacteria. Thus, compounds which inhibit proliferation of bacteria are useful in treating bacterial infections.

Method of reducing bacterial proliferation

The present invention relates to a class of microbial coding sequences the transcription or cotranscription of which is specifically induced during microbial infection of a host. These particular coding sequences or defined regions thereof may be used as probes to identify and isolate microbial virulence genes. The products of these virulence genes will provide potential targets for the development of vaccines or antimicrobial agents.

Growing community of inventors

Goleta, CA, United States of America

Douglas M Heithoff