CBASS Inhibitor: Unlocking Next-Generation Phage Therapy to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance and Immunological Diseases

Technology Description

UCSF inventors have developed a novel CBASS inhibitor, a single protein capable of blocking bacterial cyclic-oligonucleotide-based anti-phage signaling systems (CBASS), which are a major obstacle to effective phage therapies. This innovation addresses the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance by disabling bacterial immunity and enhancing phage efficacy against pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The inhibitor demonstrates broad-spectrum capabilities, including blocking cGAS-like signaling in bacteria and human cells, positioning it as a powerful tool for both infectious disease and immunological disorders. Currently in advanced research stages, this technology offers unique insights into bacterial immunity and co-evolution with phages, with transformative applications in engineered phage therapeutics and anti-infective drug development. Its ability to target diverse CBASS systems across domains of life presents a key advantage in developing next-generation biologics to combat resistant infections.

Related Materials

• Phage anti-CBASS protein simultaneously sequesters cyclic trinucleotides and dinucleotides, PMCID: PMC11102597, DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.11.026 - 01/18/2024

Patent Status

Patent Pending