Researchers report a monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to an extracellular loop on the protein BamA, which is found in Gram-negative bacteria; the antibody inhibits BamA function in mutant E. coli, leading to compromised outer membrane integrity and bacterial death and suggesting a potential strategy for developing Gram-negative bacterial therapeutics.
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Article #18-00043: "Monoclonal antibody targeting the β-barrel assembly machine of Escherichia coli is bactericidal," by Kelly M. Storek et al.
MEDIA CONTACT: Steven T. Rutherford, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA; tel: 650-467-3650, 650-288-7662; e-mail: < rutherford.steven@gene.com >
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences