MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY AND VACCINE TARGETING FILAMENTOUS BACTERIOPHAGE

Abstract

Described here is a method for reducing or preventing Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation in a human subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the human subject a first composition comprising (a) an antigen-binding polypeptide that binds Pf-family bacteriophage, or (b) a vaccine against Pf-family bacteriophage. Also described is an antigen-binding polypeptide that binds specifically to a CoaB protein of Pf-family bacteriophage or fragment thereof.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/196,147 filed Jul. 23, 2015, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen in multiple clinical settings, including devastating pulmonary infections in individuals with the genetic disorder cystic fibrosis (CF). The virulence of P. aeruginosa is predicated on its ability to form biofilms, which are organized communities of bacteria encased in a polymer-rich matrix. Bacterial biofilms are ubiquitous in nature, and they endow bacteria with the ability to resist antibiotics and evade host immune defense mechanisms. See Costerton et al., Science 284:1318 (1999); Stewart et al., Int. J. Med. Microbiol. 292:107 (2002).

[0004] Thus, a need exists to develop therapeutic agents that can inhibit the formation of P. aeruginosa biofilms thereby making P. aeruginosa infections more susceptible to antibiotic treatment.

SUMMARY

[0005] Many embodiments described herein relate to a method for reducing or preventing P. aeruginosa biofilm formation in a human subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the human subject a first composition comprising (a) an antigen-binding polypeptide that binds Pf-family bacteriophage, or (b) a vaccine against Pf-family bacteriophage.

[0006] In one embodiment, the first composition comprises an antigen-binding polypeptide. In one embodiment, the antigen-binding polypeptide binds specifically to a CoaB protein of Pf-family bacteriophage or fragment thereof. In one embodiment, the antigen-binding polypeptide is IgG or IgM.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first composition further comprises an antibiotic, or the method further comprises administering a second composition comprising an antibiotic to the human subject.

[0008] In one embodiment, the human subject is infected with a P. aeruginosa strain resistant to one or more antibiotics.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first composition comprises a vaccine against Pf-family bacteriophage. In one embodiment, the vaccine comprises an immunogenic fragment of Pf-family bacteriophage.

[0010] In one embodiment, the CoaB protein or fragment thereof comprises the amino acid sequence of GVIDTSAVESAITDGQGDM (SEQ ID NO: 1).

[0011] In one embodiment, the human subject is suffering from cystic fibrosis, burns, chronic would, chronic rhinosinusitis, ventilator-associated pneumonia, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, septic shock, and/or gastrointestinal infections.

[0012] Further embodiments described herein relate to an antigen-binding polypeptide that binds specifically to a CoaB protein of Pf-family bacteriophage or fragment thereof.

[0013] In one embodiment, the antigen-binding polypeptide specifically binds to an antigenic fragment of the CoaB protein comprising the amino acid sequence of

TABLE-US-00001 GVIDTSAVESAITDGQGDM. (SEQ ID NO: 1)

[0014] In one embodiment, the antigen-binding polypeptide is a monoclonal antibody, a chimeric antibody, a humanized antibody, a Fab fragment, a Fab' fragment, a F(ab')2 fragment, or an scFv molecule. In one embodiment, the antigen-binding polypeptide is IgG or IgM.

[0015] Another embodiment described herein relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising (a) the antigen-binding polypeptide described herein or a fusion molecule comprising the antigen-binding polypeptide, and (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

[0016] Another embodiment described herein relates to a polynucleotide encoding the antigen-binding polypeptide described herein.

[0017] Another embodiment described herein relates to an expression cassette comprising a promoter operably linked to the polynucleotide described herein.

[0018] Another embodiment described herein relates to a vector comprising the expression cassette described herein.

[0019] Another embodiment described herein relates to a transformed cell comprising the expression cassette or the vector described herein.

[0020] Another embodiment described herein relates to a method for producing an antigen-binding polypeptide, comprising culturing the transformed cell described herein, and isolating the antigen-binding polypeptide expressed by the transformed cell.

[0021] In one embodiment, the methods herein relate to the co-delivery of antibiotics with the antigen-binding polypeptide (e.g., monoclonal antibody) described herein.

[0022] Additional embodiments described herein relate to a vaccine against Pf-family bacteriophage, comprising (a) an immunogenic fragment of CoaB protein of Pf-family bacteriophage, and (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

[0023] In one embodiment, the immunogenic fragment of CoaB protein consists of the amino acid sequence of GVIDTSAVESAITDGQGDM (SEQ ID NO:1)

[0024] These and other features, together with the organization and manner of operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] FIG. 1. Pf 4 bacteriophage organizes P. aeruginosa biofilms into a liquid crystalline structure. Panel A: Pf4 production by colony biofilms formed from the indicated strains enumerated as plaque forming units/milliliter (PFU/ml). Two versions of the standard PA01 P. aeruginosa lab strain were used: a "rough" strain that produces only a modest biofilm and a small colony variant (SCV) strain that produces robust biofilms. In addition, strain PA0728, a version of PA01 that does not produce Pf phage, was also used. Adjusted total Pf phage content are also plotted on the right axis. Results are mean.+-.SD of three experiments. Panel B: Representative images of rough and SCV colony biofilms showing transmitted light (displayed as I/I.sub.O) and birefringence (jsin(d)j). Panel C: Birefringence (sin(d)) of the indicated colony biofilms was quantified after normalizing for sample thickness. Birefringence, the capacity of a material to split light into two beams with perpendicular polarization, is a signature characteristic of crystals, Thus, assessments of birefringence can be used to determine whether a biofilm is a crystal. Birefringence was again measured after washing of the bacteria to remove the extracellular matrix. Results are mean.+-.SD of four experiments. Panel D: Representative images for SVC and "rough" colony biofilms (placed between glass plates) visualized through crossed polarizing lenses. Birefringence is visualized as bright areas where light passes through both polarizing lenses. The birefringence patterns change when the sample is rotated with respect to the polarizing lenses, revealing extended areas of birefringence. Together, the data in FIG. 1 show that biofilms made by P. aeruginosa are liquid crystals and that this crystalline organization is dependent on the presence of Pf phage.

[0026] FIG. 2 shows that a filamentous bacteriophage, Pf4, contributes to P. aeruginosa biofilm function. FIG. 2 shows data describing biofilm characteristics for two strains of P. aeruginosa-PA01 (a standard laboratory strain) and PA0728 (a version of PA01 from which the promoter responsible for Pf4 phage production has been deleted, such that Pf phage production is reduced). In panel A, the Pf phage copy number is shown for P. aeruginosa strains PA01 and PA0728, as measured by quantitative PCR. In panel B the amount of CoaB protein, the coat protein that surrounds phage, is shown to be reduced in PA0728 versus PA01 by Mass Spectrometry. In Panel C, the amount of P. aeruginosa colony aggregation is shown to be reduced for PA0728 versus PA01. In Panel D, the adhesion of these bacterial colonies is shown for PA0728 versus PA01, as measured in a flow chamber and crystal violet staining. In Panel E, the susceptibility of PA0728 versus PA01 to 10 .mu.g/ml of the antibiotic gentamycin is shown. In panel F, the birefringence of PA0728 versus PA01 is shown. It has been recently reported that Pf phage contribute to the organization of P. aeruginosa biofilms into a liquid crystal and that this contributes to biofilm adhesion and antibiotic tolerance. Together, the data in FIG. 2 show that the presence of Pf phage contributes to P. aeruginosa biofilm function. These data are further elaborated upon in Secor et al., Cell Host & Microbe., 18(5):549-559 (2015).

[0027] FIG. 3 shows that supplementation of P. aeruginosa strain PA01 with Pf4 bacteriophage makes these colonies more tolerant to multiple antibiotics. Killing is represented as the log.sub.10 reduction of viable cells recovered from cultures treated with different antibiotics, all at 10 mg/ml, compared to untreated controls. Results are mean.+-.SD of three experiments.

[0028] FIG. 4 shows that serum from rabbits immunized with whole Pf phage prevents biofilm formation. Biofilm formation was assayed by quantification of birefringence (liquid crystal-like organization of the biofilm matrix) of PA01 cultures 18 h after seeding and treatment with serum from rabbits before or after immunization against Pf4 phage.

[0029] FIG. 5 shows that the addition of secondary antibodies (IgG) to biofilms pre-treated with antiserum undergo aggregation and clumping. Serum from rabbits before (pre-serum) or after immunization against Pf4 phage (anti-serum) was added to cultures of a strain of PA01. Then, a fluorescently labeled secondary antibody against rabbit IgG was used to visualize the clustering of bacteria. Confocal microscopy images are shown on the Left side of the image while fluorescence microscopy images are shown on the Right.

[0030] FIG. 6 shows that the addition of secondary antibodies (IgM) to biofilms pre-treated with antiserum undergo aggregation and clumping. Serum from rabbits before (pre-serum) or after immunization against Pf4 phage (anti-serum) was added to cultures of P. aeruginosa strain PA01. Then, a fluorescently labeled secondary antibody against rabbit IgM was used to visualize the clustering of bacteria. Confocal microscopy images are shown on the Left side of the image while fluorescence microscopy images are shown on the Right.

[0031] FIG. 7 shows that monoclonal antibody directed against Pf-family bacteriophage disrupt tactoidal (crystalline) structure formation by Pf4-polymer solutions. For these experiments, a panel of monoclonal antibodies were generated against the coat protein (CoaB) of Pf4 bacteriophage. All of these monoclonal antibodies had similar effects on tactoidal structures.

[0032] FIG. 8 shows a semi quantitative dot colony-forming assay that demonstrates that the anti-Pf4 monoclonal antibodies facilitate the penetration of antibiotics into biofilms (exposed to 10 .mu.g/ml of Tobramycin). These experiments were performed by adding one of 4 monoclonal antibodies (AB1, AB2, AB3, AB4) that recognize Pf phage or a control antibody that does not recognize pf phage (AB5) to dilutions of biofilm cultures of the PA01 strain of P. aeruginosa. The size of the bacterial colonies that grow in this setting is inversely related to the penetration of antibiotic through the biofilm.

[0033] FIG. 9 shows PA concentration survived when exposed to anti-Pf4 antibodies and 10 .mu.g/ml of Tobramycin. This figure provides quantification of the bacterial killing observed in FIG. 8.

[0034] FIG. 10 shows a semi quantitative dot colony-forming assay that demonstrates that the anti-Pf4 antibodies facilitate the penetration of antibiotics into biofilms (exposed to 50 .mu.g/ml of Tobramycin). These experiments were performed by adding one of 4 monoclonal antibodies (AB1, AB2, AB3, AB4) that recognize Pf phage or a control antibody that does not recognize pf phage (AB5) to dilutions of biofilm cultures of the PA01 strain of P. aeruginosa. The size of the bacterial colonies that grow in this setting is inversely related to the penetration of antibiotic through the biofilm. Compared to FIG. 8, these data show that the effect of the antibodies was more intense when the biofilms were exposed to higher concentration of Tobramycin (50 ug/ml compared to 10 ug/ml). In that case AB1 and AB2 cause to 7 orders of magnitude reduction in P. aeruginosa. concentration that survived the Tobramycin treatment compare to the control.

[0035] FIG. 11 shows PA concentration survived when exposed to anti-Pf4 antibodies and 50 .mu.g/ml of Tobramycin. This figure provides quantification of the bacterial killing observed in FIG. 10.

[0036] FIG. 12 shows detection of the heavy and light chains of 5 different monoclonal antibodies by Coomassie staining and by Western Blot (WB). Three of the antibodies are IgG and two of the antibodies are IgM. All of these antibodies were generated against the Pf phage coat protein sequence GVIDTSAVESAITDGQGDM (SEQ ID NO: 1).

[0037] FIG. 13 shows detection of the CoaB coat protein of Pf bacteriophage by 5 different monoclonal antibodies by Western Blot (WB). Three of the antibodies are IgG and two of the antibodies are IgM. One of the IgM (Ab5) does not recognize Pf4 phage and is included here as a control.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Introduction

[0038] Pf-family bacteriophage play a heretofore unappreciated role in microbial biofilm formation. Monoclonal antibodies or immunizations directed against Pf-family bacteriophage provide protection against biofilm-associated infections with P. aeruginosa and other microbial pathogens. In particular, P. aeruginosa and other Gram-negative microbial pathogens can be resistant to multiple antibiotics, which is an enormous medical problem. Described herein are monoclonal antibodies and immunizations directed against Pf-family bacteriophage which can prevent biofilm formation by these microbes. Therefore, these monoclonal antibodies are an effective class of antibiotic.

[0039] In some embodiments, described herein are monoclonal antibodies (both IgG and IgM) directed against conserved regions on the CoaB coat protein of Pf-family bacteriophage. In other embodiments, described herein are synthetic peptides of these same conserved regions on the CoaB coat protein that can be used to immunize animals and human beings against Pf-family bacteriophage. Details of the methods and therapeutic agents of the present invention are provided in the following paragraphs.

[0040] Method for Treating/Preventing P. aeruginosa Infection

[0041] One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for treating or preventing P. aeruginosa infection in a human subject, which can be achieved by, for example, reducing or preventing P. aeruginosa biofilm formation. The method can comprise, for example, administering to the human subject a composition comprising (a) an antigen-binding polypeptide that binds Pf-family bacteriophage, or (b) a vaccine against Pf-family bacteriophage.

[0042] The human subject can be administered with, for example, one or more antigen-binding polypeptides as described herein. The antigen-binding polypeptide can be, for example, an antibody such as IgG or IgM. The antigen-binding polypeptide can bind specifically to, for example, a CoaB protein of Pf-family bacteriophage or fragment thereof. The CoaB protein or fragment thereof can be, for example, the CoaB protein of Pf4 bacteriophage. The CoaB protein or fragment thereof can comprise the amino acid sequence of, for example,

TABLE-US-00002 GVIDTSAVESAITDGQGDM. (SEQ ID NO: 1)

[0043] The human subject can be administered with, for example, one or more antibiotics. The antibiotics can comprise a known antibiotic against P. aeruginosa, which includes but is not limited to, Aminoglycosides (including for example, tobramycin and gentamicin), Cephalosporins (including ceftazidime), and flouroquinolones (including ciprofloxacin). The antibiotics can be administered to the human subject either sequentially or simultaneously with the antigen-binding polypeptides. Without being bound by any theory, it is believed that the antigen-binding polypeptide could reduce or inhibit P. aeruginosa biofilm formation, thereby rendering the P. aeruginosa more susceptible to antibiotics.

[0044] The human subject can be, for example, infected with a P. aeruginosa strain resistant to one or more antibiotics. The human subject can be, for example, infected with one or more additional gram negative pathogens.

[0045] The human subject can be, for example, suffering from cystic fibrosis. The human subject can be, for example, suffering from burns. The human subject can be, for example, suffering from chronic wounds. The human subject can be, for example, suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis. The human subject can be, for example, suffering from ventilator-associated pneumonia. The human subject can be, for example, suffering from catheter-associated urinary tract infections. The human subject can be, for example, suffering from septic shock. The human subject can be, for example, suffering from gastrointestinal infections.

[0046] The human subject can be administered with, for example, a vaccine against Pf-family bacteriophage, such as Pf4 bacteriophage. The vaccine can comprise, for example, an immunogenic fragment of the CoaB protein of Pf-family bacteriophage as described herein.

[0047] The human subject being vaccinated can be, for example, an immune-compromised person, such as a person suffering from AIDS. The human subject being vaccinated can be, for example a person over 60 years old, or a person over 65 years old, or a person over 70 years old.

[0048] The vaccination can immunize the human subject against, for example, P. aeruginosa biofilm formation. The vaccination can immunize the human subject against, for example, P. aeruginosa infection.

[0049] Antibody Against Pf-Family Bacteriophage

[0050] Another aspect of the present invention relates to an antigen-binding polypeptide that binds specifically to CoaB protein of Pf-family bacteriophage or fragment thereof. The CoaB protein or fragment thereof can be, for example, the CoaB protein of Pf4 bacteriophage. The CoaB protein or fragment thereof can comprise the amino acid sequence of, for example,

TABLE-US-00003 GVIDTSAVESAITDGQGDM. (SEQ ID NO: 1)

[0051] The antigen-binding polypeptide can be, for example, a monoclonal antibody, a chimeric antibody, a humanized antibody, a Fab fragment, a Fab' fragment, a F(ab')2 fragment, or an scFv molecule. The process for making antigen-binding polypeptides are described in, for example, WO/2008/094942, WO/2009/064854, and WO/2010/111180, which are incorporated by reference in their entireties. In one embodiment, the process comprises (a) immunizing a host with an immunogenic polypeptide of a Pf-family bacteriophage, such as an immunogenic fragment of the CoaB protein of Pf4 bacteriophage; and (b) harvesting the resulting antibody against the immunogenic polypeptide.

[0052] The antigen-binding polypeptide can be, for example, part of a fusion molecule. The fusion molecule can comprise, for example, a therapeutic or diagnostic agent conjugated to the antigen-binding polypeptide, as described in WO/2008/094942, WO/2009/064854, and WO/2010/111180.

[0053] The monoclonal antibodies can also be functionalized to better disrupt biofilms. The functionalized monoclonal antibodies can comprise, for example, enzymes that degrade constituents of the biofilm matrix, such as DNase I or alginate lyase, or charged molecules such as QDOTs or latex beads intended to alter the tertiary structure of the biofilm matrix. Functionalization can also consist of antibiotics, opsonins, reporter molecules, adjuvants, immunogens, or other proteins, carbohydrates or lipids conjugated to the antibodies.

[0054] In some embodiments, the antigen-binding polypeptide is an anti-Pf4 monoclonal antibody or fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody or fragment thereof specifically binds to the CoaB protein of Pf4 bacteriophage. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody or fragment thereof specifically binds to an antigenic fragment of the CoaB protein comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of GVIDTSAVESAITDGQGDM (SEQ ID NO:1). In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody or fragment thereof has a humanized heavy chain variable region and a humanized light chain variable region.

[0055] In some embodiments, the anti-Pf4 monoclonal antibody or fragment thereof comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising (1) the CDR-H1 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of GFTFSSYV (SEQ ID NO: 6); (2) the CDR-H2 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of ISSGGST (SEQ ID NO: 7); and (3) the CDR-H3 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of LRGQDYGAAY (SEQ ID NO: 8).

[0056] In some embodiments, the anti-Pf4 monoclonal antibody or fragment thereof comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising (1) the CDR-H1 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of GYSFTSYW (SEQ ID NO: 16); (2) the CDR-H2 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of IYPGNSDT (SEQ ID NO: 17); and (3) the CDR-H3 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of TRSQFYSGSSEDAMDY (SEQ ID NO: 18).

[0057] In some embodiments, the anti-Pf4 monoclonal antibody or fragment thereof comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising (1) the CDR-H1 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of GYTFTNYG (SEQ ID NO: 26); (2) the CDR-H2 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of INTNTGEP (SEQ ID NO: 27); and (3) the CDR-H3 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of ARKDYRYWFAY (SEQ ID NO: 28).

[0058] In some embodiments, the anti-Pf4 monoclonal antibody or fragment thereof comprises a light chain variable region comprising (1) the CDR-L1 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of QSLLDSDGKTY (SEQ ID NO: 9); (2) the CDR-L2 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of LVS (SEQ ID NO: 10); and (3) the CDR-L3 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of WQGTHFPQT (SEQ ID NO: 11).

[0059] In some embodiments, the anti-Pf4 monoclonal antibody or fragment thereof comprises a light chain variable region comprising (1) the CDR-L1 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of QSIVHSNGNTY (SEQ ID NO: 19); (2) the CDR-L2 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of KVS (SEQ ID NO: 20); and (3) the CDR-L3 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of FQGSHVPWT (SEQ ID NO: 21).

[0060] In some embodiments, the anti-Pf4 monoclonal antibody or fragment thereof comprises a light chain variable region comprising (1) the CDR-L1 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of QSIVHSNGNTY (SEQ ID NO: 29); (2) the CDR-L2 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of KVS (SEQ ID NO: 30); and (3) the CDR-L3 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of FQGSHVPFT (SEQ ID NO: 31).

[0061] In some embodiments, the anti-Pf4 monoclonal antibody or fragment thereof comprises (a) a heavy chain variable region comprising (1) the CDR-H1 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of GFTFSSYV (SEQ ID NO: 6); (2) the CDR-H2 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of ISSGGST (SEQ ID NO: 7); and (3) the CDR-H3 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of LRGQDYGAAY (SEQ ID NO: 8), and (b) a light chain variable region comprising (1) the CDR-L1 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of QSLLDSDGKTY (SEQ ID NO: 9); (2) the CDR-L2 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of LVS (SEQ ID NO: 10); and (3) the CDR-L3 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of

TABLE-US-00004 WQGTHFPQT. (SEQ ID NO: 11)

[0062] In some embodiments, the anti-Pf4 monoclonal antibody or fragment thereof comprises (a) a heavy chain variable region comprising (1) the CDR-H1 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of GYSFTSYW (SEQ ID NO: 16); (2) the CDR-H2 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of IYPGNSDT (SEQ ID NO: 17); and (3) the CDR-H3 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of TRSQFYSGSSEDAMDY (SEQ ID NO: 18), and (b) a light chain variable region comprising (1) the CDR-L1 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of QSIVHSNGNTY (SEQ ID NO: 19); (2) the CDR-L2 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of KVS (SEQ ID NO: 20); and (3) the CDR-L3 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of

TABLE-US-00005 FQGSHVPWT. (SEQ ID NO: 21)

[0063] In some embodiments, the anti-Pf4 monoclonal antibody or fragment thereof comprises (a) a heavy chain variable region comprising (1) the CDR-H1 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of GYTFTNYG (SEQ ID NO: 26); (2) the CDR-H2 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of INTNTGEP (SEQ ID NO: 27); and (3) the CDR-H3 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of ARKDYRYWFAY (SEQ ID NO: 28), and (b) a light chain variable region comprising (1) the CDR-L1 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of QSIVHSNGNTY (SEQ ID NO: 29); (2) the CDR-L2 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of KVS (SEQ ID NO: 30); and (3) the CDR-L3 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of

TABLE-US-00006 FQGSHVPFT. (SEQ ID NO: 31)

[0064] In some embodiments, the anti-Pf4 monoclonal antibody or fragment thereof comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of EVKLVESGGDLVKPGGSLKLSCAASGFTFSSYVMSWVRQTPEKRLEWVASISSGGSTYY PDSVKGRFTISRDNARNILYLQMSSLRSEDTAMYYCLRGQDYGAAYWGQGTLVTVSA (SEQ ID NO: 2) or a humanized version thereof.

[0065] In some embodiments, the anti-Pf4 monoclonal antibody or fragment thereof comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of EVQLQQSGTVLARPGASVKMSCKASGYSFTSYWMHWVKQRPGQGLEWIGAIYPGNSD TSYNQKFKGKAKLTAVTSASTAYMELSCLTNEDSAVFYCTRSQFYSGSSEDAMDYWGQ GTSVTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 12) or a humanized version thereof.

[0066] In some embodiments, the anti-Pf4 monoclonal antibody or fragment thereof comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of QIQLVQSGPELKKPGETVKISCKASGYTFTNYGMNWLKQAPGKGLKWMGWINTNTGEP TYAEEFKGRFAFSLETSASTAYLQINNLKNEDTATYFCARKDYRYWFAYWGQGTLVTV SA (SEQ ID NO: 22) or a humanized version thereof.

[0067] In some embodiments, the anti-Pf4 monoclonal antibody or fragment thereof comprises a light chain variable region comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of DVVMTQTPLTLSVTIGQPASISCKSSQSLLDSDGKTYLNWLLQRPGQSPKRLIYLVSKLD SGVPDRFTGSGSGTDFTLKISRVEAEDLGVYYCWQGTHFPQTFGGGTKLEIK (SEQ ID NO: 4) or a humanized version thereof.

[0068] In some embodiments, the anti-Pf4 monoclonal antibody or fragment thereof comprises a light chain variable region comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of DVLMTQTPLSLPVSLGDQASISCRSSQSIVHSNGNTYLEWYLQKPGQSPKLLIYKVSNRF SGVPDRFSGSGSGTDFTLKISRVEAEDLGVYFCFQGSHVPWTFGGGTKLEIK (SEQ ID NO: 14) or a humanized version thereof.

[0069] In some embodiments, the anti-Pf4 monoclonal antibody or fragment thereof comprises a light chain variable region comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of DVLMTQTPLSLPVSLGDQASISCRSSQSIVHSNGNTYLEWYLQKPGQSPKLLIYKVSNRF SGVPDRFSGSGSGTDFTLKISRVEAEDLGVYYCFQGSHVPFTFGSGTKLEIK (SEQ ID NO: 24) or a humanized version thereof.

[0070] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising (a) the antigen-binding polypeptide described herein or a fusion molecule comprising the antigen-binding polypeptide, and (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In one embodiment, the active ingredient of the pharmaceutical composition consists essentially of the antigen-binding polypeptide or fusion molecule. In another embodiment, the active ingredient of the pharmaceutical composition consists of the antigen-binding polypeptide or fusion molecule.

[0071] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a polynucleotide encoding the antigen-binding polypeptide described herein. The polynucleotide encoding the antigen-binding polypeptide can be comprised in, for example, an expression cassette, with optionally a promoter operably linked to the polynucleotide. The expression cassette can be comprised in, for example, a plasmid or transformation vector. The plasmid or transformation vector can be used to obtain a transformed cell capable of producing the antigen-binding polypeptide encoded therein.

[0072] In some embodiments, the polynucleotide encodes a heavy chain variable region comprising (1) the CDR-H1 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of GFTFSSYV (SEQ ID NO: 6); (2) the CDR-H2 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of ISSGGST (SEQ ID NO: 7); and (3) the CDR-H3 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of

TABLE-US-00007 LRGQDYGAAY. (SEQ ID NO: 8)

[0073] In some embodiments, the polynucleotide encodes a heavy chain variable region comprising (1) the CDR-H1 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of GYSFTSYW (SEQ ID NO: 16); (2) the CDR-H2 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of IYPGNSDT (SEQ ID NO: 17); and (3) the CDR-H3 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of

TABLE-US-00008 TRSQFYSGSSEDAMDY. (SEQ ID NO: 18)

[0074] In some embodiments, the polynucleotide encodes a heavy chain variable region comprising (1) the CDR-H1 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of GYTFTNYG (SEQ ID NO: 26); (2) the CDR-H2 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of INTNTGEP (SEQ ID NO: 27); and (3) the CDR-H3 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of

TABLE-US-00009 ARKDYRYWFAY. (SEQ ID NO: 28)

[0075] In some embodiments, the polynucleotide encodes a light chain variable region comprising (1) the CDR-L1 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of QSLLDSDGKTY (SEQ ID NO: 9); (2) the CDR-L2 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of LVS (SEQ ID NO: 10); and (3) the CDR-L3 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of

TABLE-US-00010 WQGTHFPQT. (SEQ ID NO: 11)

[0076] In some embodiments, the polynucleotide encodes a light chain variable region comprising (1) the CDR-L1 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of QSIVHSNGNTY (SEQ ID NO: 19); (2) the CDR-L2 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of KVS (SEQ ID NO: 20); and (3) the CDR-L3 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of

TABLE-US-00011 FQGSHVPWT. (SEQ ID NO: 21)

[0077] In some embodiments, the polynucleotide encodes a light chain variable region comprising (1) the CDR-L1 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of QSIVHSNGNTY (SEQ ID NO: 29); (2) the CDR-L2 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of KVS (SEQ ID NO: 30); and (3) the CDR-L3 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of

TABLE-US-00012 FQGSHVPFT. (SEQ ID NO: 31)

[0078] In some embodiments, the polynucleotide encodes (a) a heavy chain variable region comprising (1) the CDR-H1 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of GFTFSSYV (SEQ ID NO: 6); (2) the CDR-H2 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of ISSGGST (SEQ ID NO: 7); and (3) the CDR-H3 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of LRGQDYGAAY (SEQ ID NO: 8), and (b) a light chain variable region comprising (1) the CDR-L1 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of QSLLDSDGKTY (SEQ ID NO: 9); (2) the CDR-L2 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of LVS (SEQ ID NO: 10); and (3) the CDR-L3 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of WQGTHFPQT (SEQ ID NO: 11).

[0079] In some embodiments, the polynucleotide encodes (a) a heavy chain variable region comprising (1) the CDR-H1 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of GYSFTSYW (SEQ ID NO: 16); (2) the CDR-H2 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of IYPGNSDT (SEQ ID NO: 17); and (3) the CDR-H3 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of TRSQFYSGSSEDAMDY (SEQ ID NO: 18), and (b) a light chain variable region comprising (1) the CDR-L1 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of QSIVHSNGNTY (SEQ ID NO: 19); (2) the CDR-L2 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of KVS (SEQ ID NO: 20); and (3) the CDR-L3 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of FQGSHVPWT (SEQ ID NO: 21).

[0080] In some embodiments, the polynucleotide encodes (a) a heavy chain variable region comprising (1) the CDR-H1 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of GYTFTNYG (SEQ ID NO: 26); (2) the CDR-H2 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of INTNTGEP (SEQ ID NO: 27); and (3) the CDR-H3 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of ARKDYRYWFAY (SEQ ID NO: 28), and (b) a light chain variable region comprising (1) the CDR-L1 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of QSIVHSNGNTY (SEQ ID NO: 29); (2) the CDR-L2 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of KVS (SEQ ID NO: 30); and (3) the CDR-L3 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of FQGSHVPFT (SEQ ID NO: 31).

[0081] In some embodiments, the polynucleotide encodes a heavy chain variable region comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of EVKLVESGGDLVKPGGSLKLSCAASGFTFSSYVMSWVRQTPEKRLEWVASISSGGSTYY PDSVKGRFTISRDNARNILYLQMSSLRSEDTAMYYCLRGQDYGAAYWGQGTLVTVSA (SEQ ID NO: 2) or a humanized version thereof.

[0082] In some embodiments, the polynucleotide encodes a heavy chain variable region comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of EVQLQQSGTVLARPGASVKMSCKASGYSFTSYWMHWVKQRPGQGLEWIGAIYPGNSD TSYNQKFKGKAKLTAVTSASTAYMELSCLTNEDSAVFYCTRSQFYSGSSEDAMDYWGQ GTSVTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 12) or a humanized version thereof.

[0083] In some embodiments, the polynucleotide encodes a heavy chain variable region comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of QIQLVQSGPELKKPGETVKISCKASGYTFTNYGMNWLKQAPGKGLKWMGWINTNTGEP TYAEEFKGRFAFSLETSASTAYLQINNLKNEDTATYFCARKDYRYWFAYWGQGTLVTV SA (SEQ ID NO: 22) or a humanized version thereof.

[0084] In some embodiments, the polynucleotide encodes a light chain variable region comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of DVVMTQTPLTLSVTIGQPASISCKSSQSLLDSDGKTYLNWLLQRPGQSPKRLIYLVSKLD SGVPDRFTGSGSGTDFTLKISRVEAEDLGVYYCWQGTHFPQTFGGGTKLEIK (SEQ ID NO: 4) or a humanized version thereof.

[0085] In some embodiments, the polynucleotide encodes a light chain variable region comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of DVLMTQTPLSLPVSLGDQASISCRSSQSIVHSNGNTYLEWYLQKPGQSPKLLIYKVSNRF SGVPDRFSGSGSGTDFTLKISRVEAEDLGVYFCFQGSHVPWTFGGGTKLEIK (SEQ ID NO: 14) or a humanized version thereof.

[0086] In some embodiments, the polynucleotide encodes a light chain variable region comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of DVLMTQTPLSLPVSLGDQASISCRSSQSIVHSNGNTYLEWYLQKPGQSPKLLIYKVSNRF SGVPDRFSGSGSGTDFTLKISRVEAEDLGVYYCFQGSHVPFTFGSGTKLEIK (SEQ ID NO: 24) or a humanized version thereof.

[0087] Vaccine Against Pf-Family Bacteriophage

[0088] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a vaccine against Pf-family bacteriophage, comprising an immunogenic fragment of the CoaB protein of Pf-family bacteriophage. The CoaB protein or fragment thereof can be, for example, the CoaB protein of Pf4 bacteriophage. The CoaB protein or fragment thereof can comprise the amino acid sequence of, for example, GVIDTSAVESAITDGQGDM (SEQ ID NO:1).

[0089] In some embodiments, the vaccine is used to vaccinate patients newly diagnosed with cystic fibrosis before they become colonized with P. aeruginosa or to elderly people before they become prone to catheter infections and hospital-acquired infections. In some embodiments, the vaccine is used to vaccinate nursing home populations, or patients undergoing dialysis, mechanical ventilation or recurrent UTIs, or burn victims.

[0090] These and other features, together with the organization and manner of operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

WORKING EXAMPLES

[0091] It has been recently reported that a bacteriophage/virus produced by the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa contributes to the formation and function of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. In particular, it has been reported that Pf bacteriophage assemble biofilms into a liquid crystal and that this crystalline organization contributes to biofilm function, including adhesiveness and antibiotic tolerance. See Secor et al., Cell Host & Microbe., 18(5):549-559 (2015). In light of these data implicating Pf bacteriophages in biofilm structure and function, vaccines and monoclonal antibodies that target Pf bacteriophages have been generated to disrupt Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms.

Example 1

Role of Pf-Family Phage in Biofilm Formation

[0092] Filamentous bacteriophage are produced by P. aeruginosa during the biofilm mode of growth (see Rice et al., The ISME Journal (2009) 3, 271-282). A mutant not capable of producing Pf4, PA0728 (FIGS. 2A and 2B) (see Castang and Dove, J Bacteriol. September 2012; 194(18): 5101-5109), exhibited differences in morphology (FIG. 2C), adhesion (FIG. 2D), antibiotic susceptibility (FIG. 2E), and matrix organization (birefringence, FIG. 2F).

Example 2

Inhibition of Biofilms by Antiserum

[0093] The method of preventing biofilm formation by creating vaccines and monoclonal antibodies that target Pf bacteriophage was evaluated. Specifically, rabbits were immunized with CoaB peptide, and the ability of their sera to neutralize biofilm formation was examined. This antiserum was found to inhibit biofilm formation, alter antibiotic tolerance (FIG. 3), and alter the overall organization of the biofilm matrix (reduced birefringence, FIG. 4), suggesting that anti-CoaB antibodies present in the serum are capable of disrupting P. aeruginosa biofilms producing the filamentous bacteriophage Pf4. The addition of secondary antibodies (e.g., fluorescently labeled anti-rabbit IgG and IgM) to P. aeruginosa biofilms pre-treated with anti-Pf4 antibodies altered the gross morphology of P. aeruginosa biofilms (FIGS. 5 and 6).

Example 3

Production of Monoclonal Antibody

[0094] Monoclonal antibodies that target Pf4, including three IgG and two IgM antibodies, were developed as a new class of anti-microbial for use against multi-drug resistant P. aeruginosa. These antibodies were generated using standard, well-established techniques, generally as described in http://www.currentprotocols.com/WileyCDA/CPUnit/refIdim0205.html. In brief, the CoaB peptide in question was conjugated to immunogenic proteins in order to elicit an immune response in rabbits and/or mice. Clones were then isolated from individual animals with strong serum responses to the peptide in question and these were fused to competent cells to generate hybridomas. These were then grown in culture and monoclonal antibodies were harvested from the cell culture supernatants. The specificity of these against CoaB peptide was then confirmed and five clones with the greatest specificity were selected for further development.

[0095] The variable regions of the three mouse IgG anti-Pf4 monoclonal antibodies were sequenced. The VH, VL, and CDR sequences of IgG Ab #1 (1A8), IgG Ab #2 (2D4) and IgG Ab #3 (3D6) are provided below.

TABLE-US-00013 IgG Ab #1 VH: (SEQ ID NO: 2) EVKLVESGGDLVKPGGSLKLSCAASGFTFSSYVMSWVRQTPEKRLEWVAS ISSGGSTYYPDSVKGRFTISRDNARNILYLQMSSLRSEDTAMYYCLRGQD YGAAYWGQGTLVTVSA. (SEQ ID NO: 3) GAAGTGAAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGACTTAGTGAAGCCTGGAGGGTC CCTGAAACTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCACTTTCAGTAGCTATGTCA TGTCTTGGGTTCGCCAGACTCCAGAAAAGAGGCTGGAGTGGGTCGCATCC ATTAGTAGTGGTGGTAGCACCTACTATCCAGACAGTGTGAAGGGCCGATT CACCATCTCCAGAGATAATGCCAGGAACATCCTGTACCTGCAAATGAGTA GTCTGAGGTCTGAGGACACGGCCATGTATTACTGTTTAAGAGGCCAGGAC TACGGCGCCGCTTACTGGGGCCAAGGGACTCTGGTCACTGTCTCTGCA. IgG Ab #1 VL: (SEQ ID NO: 4) DVVMTQTPLTLSVTIGQPASISCKSSQSLLDSDGKTYLNWLLQRPGQSPK RLIYLVSKLDSGVPDRFTGSGSGTDFTLKISRVEAEDLGVYYCWQGTHFP QTFGGGTKLEIK. (SEQ ID NO: 5) GATGTTGTGATGACCCAGACTCCACTCACTTTGTCGGTTACCATTGGACA ACCAGCCTCCATCTCTTGCAAGTCAAGTCAGAGCCTCTTAGATAGTGATG GAAAGACATATTTGAATTGGTTGTTACAGAGGCCAGGCCAGTCTCCAAAG CGCCTAATCTATCTGGTGTCTAAACTGGACTCTGGAGTCCCTGACAGGTT CACTGGCAGTGGATCAGGGACAGATTTCACACTGAAAATCAGCAGAGTGG AGGCTGAGGATTTGGGAGTTTATTATTGCTGGCAAGGTACACATTTTCCT CAGACGTTCGGTGGAGGCACCAAGCTGGAAATCAAA. IgG Ab #1 CDR: (SEQ ID NO: 6) CDR-H1 - GFTFSSYV. (SEQ ID NO: 7) CDR-H2 - ISSGGST. (SEQ ID NO: 8) CDR-H3 - LRGQDYGAAY. (SEQ ID NO: 9) CDR-L1 - QSLLDSDGKTY. (SEQ ID NO: 10) CDR-L2 - LVS. (SEQ ID NO: 11) CDR-L3 - WQGTHFPQT. IgG Ab #2 VH: (SEQ ID NO: 12) EVQLQQSGTVLARPGASVKMSCKASGYSFTSYWMHWVKQRPGQGLEWIGA IYPGNSDTSYNQKFKGKAKLTAVTSASTAYMELSCLTNEDSAVFYCTRSQ FYSGSSEDAMDYWGQGTSVTVSS. (SEQ ID NO: 13) GAGGTTCAGCTCCAGCAGTCTGGGACTGTGCTGGCAAGGCCTGGGGCTTC CGTGAAGATGTCCTGCAAGGCTTCTGGCTACAGCTTTACCAGCTACTGGA TGCACTGGGTAAAACAGAGGCCTGGACAGGGTCTAGAATGGATTGGTGCT ATTTATCCTGGAAATAGTGATACTAGTTACAACCAGAAGTTCAAGGGCAA GGCCAAACTGACTGCAGTCACATCCGCCAGCACTGCCTACATGGAGCTCA GCTGCCTGACAAATGAGGACTCTGCGGTCTTTTACTGTACAAGATCCCAA TTTTACTCCGGTAGTAGCGAGGATGCTATGGACTACTGGGGTCAAGGAAC CTCAGTCACCGTCTCCTCA. IgG Ab #2 VL: (SEQ ID NO: 14) DVLMTQTPLSLPVSLGDQASISCRSSQSIVHSNGNTYLEWYLQKPGQSPK LLIYKVSNRFSGVPDRFSGSGSGTDFTLKISRVEAEDLGVYFCFQGSHVP WTFGGGTKLEIK. (SEQ ID NO: 15) GATGTTTTGATGACCCAAACTCCACTCTCCCTGCCTGTCAGTCTTGGAGA TCAAGCCTCCATCTCTTGCAGATCTAGTCAGAGCATTGTACATAGTAATG GAAACACCTATTTAGAATGGTACCTGCAGAAACCAGGCCAGTCTCCAAAG CTCCTGATCTACAAAGTTTCCAACCGATTTTCTGGGGTCCCAGACAGGTT CAGTGGCAGTGGATCAGGGACAGATTTCACACTCAAGATCAGCAGAGTGG AGGCTGAGGATCTGGGAGTTTATTTCTGCTTTCAAGGTTCACATGTTCCG TGGACGTTCGGTGGAGGCACCAAGCTGGAAATCAAA. IgG Ab #2 CDR: (SEQ ID NO: 16) CDR-H1 - GYSFTSYW. (SEQ ID NO: 17) CDR-H2 - IYPGNSDT. (SEQ ID NO: 18) CDR-H3 - TRSQFYSGSSEDAMDY. (SEQ ID NO: 19) CDR-L1 - QSIVHSNGNTY. (SEQ ID NO: 20) CDR-L2 - KVS. (SEQ ID NO: 21) CDR-L3 - FQGSHVPWT. IgG Ab #3 VH: (SEQ ID NO: 22) QIQLVQSGPELKKPGETVKISCKASGYTFTNYGMNWLKQAPGKGLKWMGW INTNTGEPTYAEEFKGRFAFSLETSASTAYLQINNLKNEDTATYFCARKD YRYWFAYWGQGTLVTVSA. (SEQ ID NO: 23) CAGATCCAGTTGGTGCAGTCTGGACCTGAGCTGAAGAAGCCTGGAGAGAC AGTCAAGATCTCCTGCAAGGCTTCTGGGTATACCTTCACAAACTATGGAA TGAACTGGCTGAAGCAGGCTCCAGGAAAGGGTTTAAAGTGGATGGGCTGG ATAAACACCAACACTGGAGAGCCAACATATGCTGAAGAGTTCAAGGGACG GTTTGCCTTCTCTTTGGAAACCTCTGCCAGCACTGCCTATTTGCAGATCA ACAACCTCAAAAATGAGGACACGGCTACATATTTCTGTGCAAGAAAGGAC TATAGGTACTGGTTTGCTTACTGGGGCCAAGGGACTCTGGTCACTGTCTC TGCA. IgG Ab #3 VL: (SEQ ID NO: 24) DVLMTQTPLSLPVSLGDQASISCRSSQSIVHSNGNTYLEWYLQKPGQSPK LLIYKVSNRFSGVPDRFSGSGSGTDFTLKISRVEAEDLGVYYCFQGSHVP FTFGSGTKLEIK. (SEQ ID NO: 25) GATGTTTTGATGACCCAAACTCCACTCTCCCTGCCTGTCAGTCTTGGAGA TCAAGCCTCCATCTCTTGCAGATCTAGTCAGAGCATTGTACATAGTAATG GAAACACCTATTTAGAATGGTACCTGCAGAAACCAGGCCAGTCTCCAAAG CTCCTGATCTACAAAGTTTCCAACCGATTTTCTGGGGTCCCAGACAGGTT CAGTGGCAGTGGATCAGGGACAGATTTCACACTCAAGATCAGCAGAGTGG AGGCTGAGGATCTGGGAGTTTATTACTGCTTTCAAGGTTCACATGTTCCA TTCACGTTCGGCTCGGGGACAAAGTTGGAAATAAAA. IgG Ab #3 CDR: (SEQ ID NO: 26) CDR-H1 - GYTFTNYG. (SEQ ID NO: 27) CDR-H2 - INTNTGEP. (SEQ ID NO: 28) CDR-H3 - ARKDYRYWFAY. (SEQ ID NO: 29) CDR-L1 - QSIVHSNGNTY. (SEQ ID NO: 30) CDR-L2 - KVS. (SEQ ID NO: 31) CDR-L3 - FQGSHVPFT.

Example 4

Inhibition of Biofilms by Monoclonal Antibody

[0096] Also tested is whether the monoclonal antibodies produced according to Example 2 can serve as effective antibiotic drugs that could be used in conjunction with conventional antibiotics, as current therapeutic options for treatment of multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa are very limited. As shown in FIG. 7, the mAbs prevented liquid crystal formation of Pf4-polymer solutions suggesting that the mAbs have the same activities as the anti-Pf4 antibodies present in the antiserum of Example 2.

[0097] As used herein, the singular terms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a marker can include multiple markers unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0098] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "substantial," and "about" are used to describe and account for small variations. When used in conjunction with an event or circumstance, the terms can refer to instances in which the event or circumstance occurs precisely as well as instances in which the event or circumstance occurs to a close approximation. For example, the terms can refer to less than or equal to .+-.10%, such as less than or equal to .+-.5%, less than or equal to .+-.4%, less than or equal to .+-.3%, less than or equal to .+-.2%, less than or equal to .+-.1%, less than or equal to .+-.0.5%, less than or equal to .+-.0.1%, or less than or equal to .+-.0.05%.

[0099] Additionally, amounts, ratios, and other numerical values are sometimes presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such range format is used for convenience and brevity and should be understood flexibly to include numerical values explicitly specified as limits of a range, but also to include all individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly specified. For example, a ratio in the range of about 1 to about 200 should be understood to include the explicitly recited limits of about 1 and about 200, but also to include individual ratios such as about 2, about 3, and about 4, and sub-ranges such as about 10 to about 50, about 20 to about 100, and so forth.

[0100] In the foregoing description, it will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that varying substitutions and modifications may be made to the invention disclosed herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The invention illustratively described herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, limitation or limitations, which is not specifically disclosed herein. The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention that in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention. Thus, it should be understood that although the present invention has been illustrated by specific embodiments and optional features, modification and/or variation of the concepts herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and that such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scopes of this invention.

Sequence CWU 1

1

31119PRTPseudomonas phage 1Gly Val Ile Asp Thr Ser Ala Val Glu Ser Ala Ile Thr Asp Gly Gln 1 5 10 15 Gly Asp Met 2116PRTMus sp. 2Glu Val Lys Leu Val Glu Ser Gly Gly Asp Leu Val Lys Pro Gly Gly 1 5 10 15 Ser Leu Lys Leu Ser Cys Ala Ala Ser Gly Phe Thr Phe Ser Ser Tyr 20 25 30 Val Met Ser Trp Val Arg Gln Thr Pro Glu Lys Arg Leu Glu Trp Val 35 40 45 Ala Ser Ile Ser Ser Gly Gly Ser Thr Tyr Tyr Pro Asp Ser Val Lys 50 55 60 Gly Arg Phe Thr Ile Ser Arg Asp Asn Ala Arg Asn Ile Leu Tyr Leu 65 70 75 80 Gln Met Ser Ser Leu Arg Ser Glu Asp Thr Ala Met Tyr Tyr Cys Leu 85 90 95 Arg Gly Gln Asp Tyr Gly Ala Ala Tyr Trp Gly Gln Gly Thr Leu Val 100 105 110 Thr Val Ser Ala 115 3348DNAMus sp. 3gaagtgaagc tggtggagtc tgggggagac ttagtgaagc ctggagggtc cctgaaactc 60tcctgtgcag cctctggatt cactttcagt agctatgtca tgtcttgggt tcgccagact 120ccagaaaaga ggctggagtg ggtcgcatcc attagtagtg gtggtagcac ctactatcca 180gacagtgtga agggccgatt caccatctcc agagataatg ccaggaacat cctgtacctg 240caaatgagta gtctgaggtc tgaggacacg gccatgtatt actgtttaag aggccaggac 300tacggcgccg cttactgggg ccaagggact ctggtcactg tctctgca 3484112PRTMus sp. 4Asp Val Val Met Thr Gln Thr Pro Leu Thr Leu Ser Val Thr Ile Gly 1 5 10 15 Gln Pro Ala Ser Ile Ser Cys Lys Ser Ser Gln Ser Leu Leu Asp Ser 20 25 30 Asp Gly Lys Thr Tyr Leu Asn Trp Leu Leu Gln Arg Pro Gly Gln Ser 35 40 45 Pro Lys Arg Leu Ile Tyr Leu Val Ser Lys Leu Asp Ser Gly Val Pro 50 55 60 Asp Arg Phe Thr Gly Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr Leu Lys Ile 65 70 75 80 Ser Arg Val Glu Ala Glu Asp Leu Gly Val Tyr Tyr Cys Trp Gln Gly 85 90 95 Thr His Phe Pro Gln Thr Phe Gly Gly Gly Thr Lys Leu Glu Ile Lys 100 105 110 5336DNAMus sp. 5gatgttgtga tgacccagac tccactcact ttgtcggtta ccattggaca accagcctcc 60atctcttgca agtcaagtca gagcctctta gatagtgatg gaaagacata tttgaattgg 120ttgttacaga ggccaggcca gtctccaaag cgcctaatct atctggtgtc taaactggac 180tctggagtcc ctgacaggtt cactggcagt ggatcaggga cagatttcac actgaaaatc 240agcagagtgg aggctgagga tttgggagtt tattattgct ggcaaggtac acattttcct 300cagacgttcg gtggaggcac caagctggaa atcaaa 33668PRTMus sp. 6Gly Phe Thr Phe Ser Ser Tyr Val 1 5 77PRTMus sp. 7Ile Ser Ser Gly Gly Ser Thr 1 5 810PRTMus sp. 8Leu Arg Gly Gln Asp Tyr Gly Ala Ala Tyr 1 5 10 911PRTMus sp. 9Gln Ser Leu Leu Asp Ser Asp Gly Lys Thr Tyr 1 5 10 103PRTMus sp. 10Leu Val Ser 1 119PRTMus sp. 11Trp Gln Gly Thr His Phe Pro Gln Thr 1 5 12123PRTMus sp. 12Glu Val Gln Leu Gln Gln Ser Gly Thr Val Leu Ala Arg Pro Gly Ala 1 5 10 15 Ser Val Lys Met Ser Cys Lys Ala Ser Gly Tyr Ser Phe Thr Ser Tyr 20 25 30 Trp Met His Trp Val Lys Gln Arg Pro Gly Gln Gly Leu Glu Trp Ile 35 40 45 Gly Ala Ile Tyr Pro Gly Asn Ser Asp Thr Ser Tyr Asn Gln Lys Phe 50 55 60 Lys Gly Lys Ala Lys Leu Thr Ala Val Thr Ser Ala Ser Thr Ala Tyr 65 70 75 80 Met Glu Leu Ser Cys Leu Thr Asn Glu Asp Ser Ala Val Phe Tyr Cys 85 90 95 Thr Arg Ser Gln Phe Tyr Ser Gly Ser Ser Glu Asp Ala Met Asp Tyr 100 105 110 Trp Gly Gln Gly Thr Ser Val Thr Val Ser Ser 115 120 13369DNAMus sp. 13gaggttcagc tccagcagtc tgggactgtg ctggcaaggc ctggggcttc cgtgaagatg 60tcctgcaagg cttctggcta cagctttacc agctactgga tgcactgggt aaaacagagg 120cctggacagg gtctagaatg gattggtgct atttatcctg gaaatagtga tactagttac 180aaccagaagt tcaagggcaa ggccaaactg actgcagtca catccgccag cactgcctac 240atggagctca gctgcctgac aaatgaggac tctgcggtct tttactgtac aagatcccaa 300ttttactccg gtagtagcga ggatgctatg gactactggg gtcaaggaac ctcagtcacc 360gtctcctca 36914112PRTMus sp. 14Asp Val Leu Met Thr Gln Thr Pro Leu Ser Leu Pro Val Ser Leu Gly 1 5 10 15 Asp Gln Ala Ser Ile Ser Cys Arg Ser Ser Gln Ser Ile Val His Ser 20 25 30 Asn Gly Asn Thr Tyr Leu Glu Trp Tyr Leu Gln Lys Pro Gly Gln Ser 35 40 45 Pro Lys Leu Leu Ile Tyr Lys Val Ser Asn Arg Phe Ser Gly Val Pro 50 55 60 Asp Arg Phe Ser Gly Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr Leu Lys Ile 65 70 75 80 Ser Arg Val Glu Ala Glu Asp Leu Gly Val Tyr Phe Cys Phe Gln Gly 85 90 95 Ser His Val Pro Trp Thr Phe Gly Gly Gly Thr Lys Leu Glu Ile Lys 100 105 110 15336DNAMus sp. 15gatgttttga tgacccaaac tccactctcc ctgcctgtca gtcttggaga tcaagcctcc 60atctcttgca gatctagtca gagcattgta catagtaatg gaaacaccta tttagaatgg 120tacctgcaga aaccaggcca gtctccaaag ctcctgatct acaaagtttc caaccgattt 180tctggggtcc cagacaggtt cagtggcagt ggatcaggga cagatttcac actcaagatc 240agcagagtgg aggctgagga tctgggagtt tatttctgct ttcaaggttc acatgttccg 300tggacgttcg gtggaggcac caagctggaa atcaaa 336168PRTMus sp. 16Gly Tyr Ser Phe Thr Ser Tyr Trp 1 5 178PRTMus sp. 17Ile Tyr Pro Gly Asn Ser Asp Thr 1 5 1816PRTMus sp. 18Thr Arg Ser Gln Phe Tyr Ser Gly Ser Ser Glu Asp Ala Met Asp Tyr 1 5 10 15 1911PRTMus sp. 19Gln Ser Ile Val His Ser Asn Gly Asn Thr Tyr 1 5 10 203PRTMus sp. 20Lys Val Ser 1 219PRTMus sp. 21Phe Gln Gly Ser His Val Pro Trp Thr 1 5 22118PRTMus sp. 22Gln Ile Gln Leu Val Gln Ser Gly Pro Glu Leu Lys Lys Pro Gly Glu 1 5 10 15 Thr Val Lys Ile Ser Cys Lys Ala Ser Gly Tyr Thr Phe Thr Asn Tyr 20 25 30 Gly Met Asn Trp Leu Lys Gln Ala Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu Lys Trp Met 35 40 45 Gly Trp Ile Asn Thr Asn Thr Gly Glu Pro Thr Tyr Ala Glu Glu Phe 50 55 60 Lys Gly Arg Phe Ala Phe Ser Leu Glu Thr Ser Ala Ser Thr Ala Tyr 65 70 75 80 Leu Gln Ile Asn Asn Leu Lys Asn Glu Asp Thr Ala Thr Tyr Phe Cys 85 90 95 Ala Arg Lys Asp Tyr Arg Tyr Trp Phe Ala Tyr Trp Gly Gln Gly Thr 100 105 110 Leu Val Thr Val Ser Ala 115 23354DNAMus sp. 23cagatccagt tggtgcagtc tggacctgag ctgaagaagc ctggagagac agtcaagatc 60tcctgcaagg cttctgggta taccttcaca aactatggaa tgaactggct gaagcaggct 120ccaggaaagg gtttaaagtg gatgggctgg ataaacacca acactggaga gccaacatat 180gctgaagagt tcaagggacg gtttgccttc tctttggaaa cctctgccag cactgcctat 240ttgcagatca acaacctcaa aaatgaggac acggctacat atttctgtgc aagaaaggac 300tataggtact ggtttgctta ctggggccaa gggactctgg tcactgtctc tgca 35424112PRTMus sp. 24Asp Val Leu Met Thr Gln Thr Pro Leu Ser Leu Pro Val Ser Leu Gly 1 5 10 15 Asp Gln Ala Ser Ile Ser Cys Arg Ser Ser Gln Ser Ile Val His Ser 20 25 30 Asn Gly Asn Thr Tyr Leu Glu Trp Tyr Leu Gln Lys Pro Gly Gln Ser 35 40 45 Pro Lys Leu Leu Ile Tyr Lys Val Ser Asn Arg Phe Ser Gly Val Pro 50 55 60 Asp Arg Phe Ser Gly Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr Leu Lys Ile 65 70 75 80 Ser Arg Val Glu Ala Glu Asp Leu Gly Val Tyr Tyr Cys Phe Gln Gly 85 90 95 Ser His Val Pro Phe Thr Phe Gly Ser Gly Thr Lys Leu Glu Ile Lys 100 105 110 25336DNAMus sp. 25gatgttttga tgacccaaac tccactctcc ctgcctgtca gtcttggaga tcaagcctcc 60atctcttgca gatctagtca gagcattgta catagtaatg gaaacaccta tttagaatgg 120tacctgcaga aaccaggcca gtctccaaag ctcctgatct acaaagtttc caaccgattt 180tctggggtcc cagacaggtt cagtggcagt ggatcaggga cagatttcac actcaagatc 240agcagagtgg aggctgagga tctgggagtt tattactgct ttcaaggttc acatgttcca 300ttcacgttcg gctcggggac aaagttggaa ataaaa 336268PRTMus sp. 26Gly Tyr Thr Phe Thr Asn Tyr Gly 1 5 278PRTMus sp. 27Ile Asn Thr Asn Thr Gly Glu Pro 1 5 2811PRTMus sp. 28Ala Arg Lys Asp Tyr Arg Tyr Trp Phe Ala Tyr 1 5 10 2911PRTMus sp. 29Gln Ser Ile Val His Ser Asn Gly Asn Thr Tyr 1 5 10 303PRTMus sp. 30Lys Val Ser 1 319PRTMus sp. 31Phe Gln Gly Ser His Val Pro Phe Thr 1 5

Claims

1. A method for reducing or preventing Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation in a human subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the human subject a first composition comprising (a) an antigen-binding polypeptide that binds Pf-family bacteriophage, or (b) a vaccine against Pf-family bacteriophage.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first composition comprises the antigen-binding polypeptide.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the antigen-binding polypeptide binds specifically to a CoaB protein of Pf-family bacteriophage or fragment thereof.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the antigen-binding polypeptide is IgG or IgM.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein the first composition further comprises an antibiotic, or wherein the method further comprises administering a second composition comprising an antibiotic to the human subject.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the human subject is infected with a Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain resistant to one or more antibiotics.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first composition comprises the vaccine against Pf-family bacteriophage.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the vaccine comprises an immunogenic fragment of CoaB protein of Pf-family bacteriophage.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the CoaB protein or fragment thereof comprises the amino acid sequence of GVIDTSAVESAITDGQGDM (SEQ ID NO: 1).

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the human subject is suffering from cystic fibrosis, burns, chronic would, chronic rhinosinusitis, ventilator-associated pneumonia, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, septic shock, and/or gastrointestinal infections.

11. An antigen-binding polypeptide that binds specifically to a CoaB protein of Pf-family bacteriophage or fragment thereof.

12. The antigen-binding polypeptide of claim 11, wherein the antigen-binding polypeptide specifically binds to an antigenic fragment of the CoaB protein comprising the amino acid sequence of GVIDTSAVESAITDGQGDM (SEQ ID NO: 1).

13. The antigen-binding polypeptide of claim 11, wherein the antigen-binding polypeptide comprises: (a) a heavy chain variable region comprising (1) the CDR-H1 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of GFTFSSYV (SEQ ID NO: 6); (2) the CDR-H2 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of ISSGGST (SEQ ID NO: 7); and (3) the CDR-H3 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of LRGQDYGAAY (SEQ ID NO: 8), a heavy chain variable region comprising (1) the CDR-H1 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of GYSFTSYW (SEQ ID NO: 16); (2) the CDR-H2 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of IYPGNSDT (SEQ ID NO: 17); and (3) the CDR-H3 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of TRSQFYSGSSEDAMDY (SEQ ID NO: 18), or a heavy chain variable region comprising (1) the CDR-H1 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of GYTFTNYG (SEQ ID NO: 26); (2) the CDR-H2 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of INTNTGEP (SEQ ID NO: 27); and (3) the CDR-H3 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of ARKDYRYWFAY (SEQ ID NO: 28); and (b) a light chain variable region comprising (1) the CDR-L1 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of QSLLDSDGKTY (SEQ ID NO: 9); (2) the CDR-L2 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of LVS (SEQ ID NO: 10); and (3) the CDR-L3 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of WQGTHFPQT (SEQ ID NO: 11), a light chain variable region comprising (1) the CDR-L1 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of QSIVHSNGNTY (SEQ ID NO: 19); (2) the CDR-L2 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of KVS (SEQ ID NO: 20); and (3) the CDR-L3 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of FQGSHVPWT (SEQ ID NO: 21), or a light chain variable region comprising (1) the CDR-L1 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of QSIVHSNGNTY (SEQ ID NO: 29); (2) the CDR-L2 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of KVS (SEQ ID NO: 30); and (3) the CDR-L3 comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of the amino acid sequence of FQGSHVPFT (SEQ ID NO: 31).

14. The antigen-binding polypeptide of claim 11, wherein the antigen-binding polypeptide is a monoclonal antibody, a chimeric antibody, a humanized antibody, a Fab fragment, a Fab' fragment, a F(ab')2 fragment, or an scFv molecule.

15. A pharmaceutical composition comprising (a) the antigen-binding polypeptide of claim 11 or a fusion molecule comprising the antigen-binding polypeptide of claim 11, and (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

16. A polynucleotide encoding the antigen-binding polypeptide of claim 11.

17. An expression cassette comprising a promoter operably linked to the polynucleotide of claim 16.

18. A vector comprising the expression cassette of claim 17.

19. A transformed cell comprising the expression cassette of claim 17.

20. A vaccine against Pf-family bacteriophage, comprising (a) an immunogenic fragment of CoaB protein of Pf-family bacteriophage comprising the amino acid sequence of GVIDTSAVESAITDGQGDM (SEQ ID NO: 1), and (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.