METHODS FOR THE TREATMENT OF AN INFECTIOUS BACTERIAL DISEASEWITH AN ANTI-LACTONE OR LACTONE DERIVED SIGNAL MOLECULES ANTIBODY

摘要

The present invention relates to methods for the control of virulence of infectious bacteria by modulating the extra-cellular concentration of bacterial cell signalling molecules. Derivatives of cell signalling molecule s are conjugated to suitable carrier proteins and used to isolate high affinit y receptors recognising the native signal molecule(s). By binding to signallin g molecules, the receptors reduce and maintain extra-cellular concentrations o f signal molecules below the threshold level that would otherwise result in certain opportunistic pathogens adopting a virulent form, and can transform virulent organisms to non-virulent states. These receptors have applications for the treatment of individuals with susceptibility to infection, the treatment of patients with existing infections, in disease monitoring and management, and in related applications where the host for infection is an animal or plant.