Proteomics for the development of vaccines and therapeutics.

Proteomics permits the large-scale and high-throughput analysis of proteins and has become a powerful tool with which to study the pathogenic mechanisms of bacteria. It not only provides a metabolic snapshot at a particular moment in the life of a pathogen, but can also determine where a protein resides, its function, whether it is secreted, and its interactions with other proteins, including those of the host. Comparative proteomics can yield important information on the differences between attenuated and pathogenic organisms and whether a protein is conserved among various strains.

Bacillus anthracis secretome time course under host-simulated conditions and identification of immunogenic proteins.

Background: The secretion time course of Bacillus anthracis strain RA3R (pXO1+/pXO2-) during early, mid, and late log phase were investigated under conditions that simulate those encountered in the host. All of the identified proteins were analyzed by different software algorithms to characterize their predicted mode of secretion and cellular localization. In addition, immunogenic proteins were identified using sera from humans with cutaneous anthrax.