(341) Liposome-Encapsulated Bacteriophage Therapy for Drug-Resistant Mycobacterium abscessus
Introduction: Mycobacterium abscessus (Mabs) can cause pulmonary infections that are associated with increased mortality in individuals with lung diseases or weakened immune responses [1]. Bacteriophage (phage) therapy is being investigated as a compassionate-use treatment option for multi-drug resistant Mabs infection [2]. However, Mabs can persist both intracellularly and extracellularly, and phages do not readily cross the cellular membrane [3]. We hypothesize that liposome carrying phages may assist with macrophage uptake while also increasing their stability, tissue penetration, and retention.
Learning Objectives:
Compare different lipids to formulate liposomes and encapsulate phage.
Optimize which lipid combination and liposome formulation may best deliver the phage to macrophages.
Fabiana Bisaro, PhD – Postdoctoral Fellow, Colorado State University; Miriam Braunstein, PhD – Professor, Colorado State University; Anne Chenchar, PhD – Research Assistant, Colorado State University; Graham Hatfull, PhD – Professor, University of Pittsburgh; Anthony Hickey, PhD – Distinguished Fellow, RTI International; Sara Maloney Norcross, PhD – Chemist 2, RTI International; Gauri Rao, PhD – Associate Professor, University of Southern California; Rajnikant Sharma, PhD – Senior Research Associate, University of Southern California
