Programmed Pathogen Sense and Destroy Circuits
Abstract
We are creating an anti-microbial sense-and-destroy system by engineering sentinel/killer cells that detect the presence of pathogenic bacteria, report the identity of the pathogen with a coded output signal, and secrete specific bacteriocins/lysins that destroy the pathogen. Engineering cells for detection and targeted destruction of pathogens offers a single integrated solution to eradicate multiple threats with an approach that is a rapid, selective, and highly sensitive. We are engineering a single cell type that detects chemical signals naturally produced by different classes of pathogens and initiates multiple specific responses, each tailored to particular members of the classes. The system will thus be able to analyze environmental conditions and execute an "intelligent" response by utilizing multiple, customized treatments.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 18, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA494507
Entities
People
- Ron Weiss
Organizations
- Princeton University