Date of Award

6-9-2009

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Engineering Physics

First Advisor

David A. Smith, PhD

Abstract

Molecular biology techniques and low cost reagents have lowered the barriers to entry for development of biological arsenals by non-state and state groups. Additionally, genetic engineering of epitope targets from such pathogens as Y. pestis would annul current detection methods and therapeutic treatments. Vaccines often have short shelf lives and are of minimal utility if not used prior to exposure to BW agents. Camelidae, including camels and llamas produce unique antibodies termed Nanobodies® (Nbs) or antigen specific fragments (VHH) which are much smaller than traditional antibodies (15 vs. ~150 kDal) yet seem to attach with the same selectivity and affinity as full antibodies. VHH are more stable than the fragile, more bulky antibodies and maintain their structure and function even at high temperature and humidity. It is thought that, due to these unique characteristics, VHH could be reconstituted from a lyophilized pellet and used as a real time injectable immunotherapeutic to be used when warfighters have been exposed to BW. Two logical candidates for VHH production are the low-calcium-response V protein (LcrV) and the needle-like Yop (Yersinia Outer-membrane Protein) Secretion Protein F (YscF). This effort successfully produced quantities greater than 1-mg purified native recombinant LcrV and YscF proteins as antigens for VHH production.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GWM-ENP-09-S01

DTIC Accession Number

ADA503842

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