Increasing Anti-Microbial Capacity through Transient Gene Expression in the Lung
Abstract
The objective of the proposed research is to explore synthetically stabled RNA and non-replicating plasmidic DNA as delivery vehicles for transient expression at disease sites in the lung. The investigators will transport synthetic RNA and non-replicating DNA to the lung through both intranasal and intravenous delivery. Fluorescent proteins coded by the RNA or DNA will provide the readout for expression efficiency. If necessary, liposomes optimized for lung delivery will be explored to boost efficiency. They will deliver Legionella bacteria intranasally into the mouse lung to establish an acute pneumonia model. They will use synthetic RNA or plasmidic DNA to manipulate host immune and tissue mechanisms in the lung before and after tuberculosis or Legionella infections. Synergy with frontline antibiotics will be explored. They will also investigate the underlying mechanism by delivering RNA or DNA that targets specific pathways, and attempt to recruit neutrophils over macrophages in the lung and examine the impact on tuberculosis or Legionella infection.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 12, 2017
- Source ID
- W911NF1510177
Entities
People
- Xiling Shen
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Cornell University
- Office of the Secretary of Defense