NanoBiCar: A novel immunotherapy for infectious diseases

Introduction

It is estimated that 20% of global mortality is associated with bacterial infections. The current treatment is based on the use of antibiotics, but nonspecific effects, difficulty in reaching intracellular bacteria, and the generation of antimicrobial resistance limit its effectiveness.

Tuberculosis Overview

Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of mortality due to a single infectious agent: Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) is a major threat to global health security. A quarter of the population is latently infected with Mtb, many of them MDR strains, so preventing new cases of this growing reservoir is a priority.

Immunotherapy as an Alternative

Immunotherapy is an alternative option, but its effectiveness is based on the immune response capacity of a compromised host.

NanoBiCar's Vision

NanoBiCar's long-term vision is to revolutionize the current treatment of bacterial infections with a groundbreaking and innovative immunotherapeutic approach. This approach aims to overcome many of the problems associated with treatment, with potential application beyond this field.

Proof of Concept

Using TB as a proof of concept, three immunotherapeutic platforms will be developed, using mRNAs encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles. These platforms have not been tested in bacterial diseases and will be used to eliminate:

1. Intracellular (IC) bacteria
2. Extracellular (EC) bacteria

Characteristics of the Immunotherapeutic Methods

These immunotherapeutic methods are characterized by being:

• Safe
• Economical
• Accessible
• Ready-to-use
• Specific, targeting latent, acute, and chronic infections

They are designed to operate without generating resistance and are suitable for use in high-burden, low-resource settings. Additionally, they are effective regardless of:

• The antibiotic resistance of the strain
• The niche (IC or EC)
• The genetic background of the host
• The degree of immunocompetence