A sublingual nanofiber vaccine to prevent urinary tract infections

Sci Adv. 2022 Nov 25;8(47):eabq4120. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.abq4120. Epub 2022 Nov 23.

Abstract

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a major public health problem affecting millions of individuals each year. Recurrent UTIs are managed by long-term antibiotic use, making the alarming rise of antibiotic resistance a substantial threat to future UTI treatment. Extended antibiotic regimens may also have adverse effects on the microbiome. Here, we report the use of a supramolecular vaccine to provide long-term protection against uropathogenic Escherichia coli, which cause 80% of uncomplicated UTIs. We designed mucus-penetrating peptide-polymer nanofibers to enable sublingual (under the tongue) vaccine delivery and elicit antibody responses systemically and in the urogenital tract. In a mouse model of UTI, we demonstrate equivalent efficacy to high-dose oral antibiotics but with significantly less perturbation of the gut microbiome. We also formulate our vaccine as a rapid-dissolving sublingual tablet that raises response in mice and rabbits. Our approach represents a promising alternative to antibiotics for the treatment and prevention of UTIs.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Escherichia coli Infections* / prevention & control
  • Mice
  • Nanofibers*
  • Rabbits
  • Urinary Tract Infections* / prevention & control
  • Vaccines*

Substances

  • Vaccines
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents