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New Antibody Disarms Deadly Pseudomonas aeruginosa Without Antibiotics
Scientists from the Institute of Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC) have created a new monoclonal antibody that targets a dangerous bacterial toxin. The antibody, named mAb122, neutralises pyocyanin—a key weapon used by Pseudomonas aeruginosa to weaken immune defences. This discovery could offer a fresh way to fight infections without relying solely on traditional antibiotics.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa poses a major global health risk due to its resistance to multiple drugs and its role in hospital-acquired infections. The new approach focuses on disabling the bacterium's ability to harm rather than killing it outright, potentially reducing the development of further resistance.
The research team developed mAb122 to specifically bind to pyocyanin, a toxin that disrupts immune responses and promotes infection. Lab tests demonstrated that the antibody significantly reduced cell death caused by the toxin. Importantly, mAb122 showed no harmful effects on cells when used alone.
By blocking pyocyanin, the antibody helps preserve the function of macrophages, a type of immune cell crucial for fighting infections. This could allow the body's natural defences to clear Pseudomonas aeruginosa more effectively. The strategy differs from conventional antibiotics, which directly kill bacteria but often trigger resistance over time.
The implications extend beyond Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Two other critical hospital pathogens—Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli—also produce similar toxins that aid immune evasion. Targeting these virulence factors might provide a broader solution for infections resistant to current treatments.
However, further testing in living organisms is required to confirm mAb122's safety and effectiveness. Researchers must also assess its impact on systemic inflammation before clinical use can be considered.
This development highlights a promising alternative to antibiotics by focusing on bacterial virulence rather than growth. If successful in further trials, mAb122 could help combat infections caused by highly resistant pathogens. The approach may also reduce the evolutionary pressure that leads to antibiotic resistance, offering a more sustainable long-term solution.
