Vaccines and monoclonal antibodies against Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Gonorrhea has become resistant to most conventional antibiotics. The goal of this project is to develop vaccines and monoclonal antibodies against Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Our group evaluates the functional efficacy of antibodies elicited by vaccine antibodies using assays such as complement-dependent bactericidal assays. We also measure the magnitude of antibody responses and analyze IgG subclasses using ELISA and by flow cytometry. Similarly, the monoclonal antibodies that have been optimized for maximal complement activation will be evaluated by bactericidal assays. Trainees will learn bactericidal assays, perform ELISAs and basic flow cytometry assays. They will be supervised by a faculty member and when familiar with assays will perform them independently. We also encourage trainees to engage in discussions of the data and in planning next steps.