Compositions and Methods for the Removal of Biofilms

Abstract

This invention provides isolated or recombinant polypeptides that are useful to vaccinate individuals suffering from chronic/recurrent biofilm disease or as a therapeutic for those with an existing infection. The individual's immune system will then naturally generate antibodies which prevent or clear these bacteria from the host by interfering with the construction and or maintenance of a functional protective biofilm. Alternatively, antibodies to the polypeptides can be administered to treat or prevent infection. Bacteria that cannot form functional biofilms are more readily cleared by the remainder of the host's immune system.

1 - 30 . (canceled) 
     
     
         31 . An antibody or antigen binding fragment that specifically recognizes or binds an isolated or recombinant polypeptide selected from the group of an amino acid sequence selected from: SEQ ID NO. 1 to 27; 42 to 336; or a DNA binding peptide identified in  FIG. 6 , or an isolated or recombinant polypeptide comprising two or more of any of SEQ ID NO. 1 to 27; 42 to 336; a DNA binding peptide identified in  FIG. 6 ; or a fragment or an equivalent of each thereof. 
     
     
         32 . The antibody of  claim 31 , wherein the antibody is selected from the group of a polyclonal antibody, a monoclonal antibody, a humanized antibody, a human antibody, an antibody derivative, a veneered antibody, a diabody, an antibody derivative, a recombinant human antibody, a chimeric antibody, or an antibody fragment. 
     
     
         33 . The antibody or antigen binding fragment of  claim 31 , wherein the antibody or antigen binding fragment further comprises modification by one or more of the group: a conservative amino acid mutation within the VH and/or VL CDR 1, CDR 2 and/or CDR 3 regions; by altering the number of cysteine residues or by conservative amino acid mutations in the Fc hinge region; by chemical modification; by pegylation; by conjugation to a serum protein; by conjugation to human serum albumin; by conjugation to a detectable label; by conjugation to a diagnostic agent; by conjugation to an enzyme; by conjugation to a prosthetic group complex; by conjugation to a fluorescent material; by conjugation to a luminescent material; by conjugation to a bioluminescent material; by conjugation to a radioactive material; by conjugation to a therapeutic agent; by fusion to at least one additional functional molecule; by fusion to a second antibody or antigen binding fragment; or by conjugation to an antimicrobial agent. 
     
     
         34 . A hybridoma cell line that produces the monoclonal antibody of  claim 32 . 
     
     
         35 - 36 . (canceled) 
     
     
         37 . A composition comprising a carrier and an antibody of  claim 31  or  49 . 
     
     
         38 . The composition of  claim 37 , further comprising one or more of an adjuvant, an antigenic peptide or an antimicrobial. 
     
     
         39 - 48 . (canceled) 
     
     
         49 . The antibody or antigen binding fragment of  claim 31 , wherein the isolated or recombinant polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO. 6-9, 46, 70, and 93 or an equivalent or a fragment of each thereof, or a DNA binding peptide identified in  FIG. 6  or an equivalent or a fragment of each thereof; an isolated or recombinant polypeptide comprising two or more of any of SEQ ID NO. 6-9, 46, 70, and 93 or an equivalent or a fragment of each thereof, a DNA binding peptide identified in  FIG. 6 , or an equivalent or a fragment of each thereof. 
     
     
         50 . The antibody or antigen binding fragment of  claim 31  or  49 , wherein the isolated or recombinant polypeptide does not comprise a polypeptide of the groups of: wild-type IHFalpha, IHFbeta, or SEQ ID NOs.: 6 to 11. 
     
     
         51 . The antibody or antigen binding fragment of  claim 31  or  49 , wherein the isolated or recombinant polypeptide consists essentially of the c-terminal half of the polypeptide. 
     
     
         52 . The antibody of  claim 50 , wherein the antibody is a monoclonal antibody. 
     
     
         53 . The antibody of  claim 51 , wherein the antibody is a monoclonal antibody. 
     
     
         54 . A hybridoma cell line that produces the antibody of  claim 52 . 
     
     
         55 . A hybridoma cell line that produces the antibody of  claim 53 . 
     
     
         56 . A method for breaking down a biofilm comprising contacting the biofilm with an effective amount of the antibody or antigen binding fragment of  claim 31  or  49 . 
     
     
         57 . A method for conferring passive immunity to a subject in need thereof comprising administering an effective amount of the antibody or antigen binding fragment of  claim 31  or  49  to the subject, thereby conferring passive immunity. 
     
     
         58 . The method of  claim 55 , wherein the subject is a human patient. 
     
     
         59 . The method of  claim 56 , wherein the human patient is a pediatric patient.