Fc-Free Single Chain Antibody mRNA Therapy for Airway Infection of Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas Aeruginosa

Abstract

With the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), alternatives to antibiotics are urgently needed. In this study, we developed mRNA-based therapeutics encoding single-chain variable fragment (scFv) antibodies that target the type III secretion system of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a key AMR pathogen. Delivered intravenously via lipid nanoparticles, the scFv mRNA effectively protected mice from airway infections by mitigating lung inflammation, reducing bacterial load, and improving survival. Notably, this approach proved effective in clinically relevant models involving immunocompromised mice infected with multidrug-resistant, exoU-positive (highly cytotoxic) clinical isolates. The study also explores the potential of Fc-free scFv formulations, leveraging mRNA technology to overcome their short half-life through sustained protein production. Importantly, Fc-free scFv antibodies migrated more efficiently from the bloodstream to the airway epithelium--the primary site of infection--than their Fc-conjugated counterparts, resulting in efficient therapeutic outcomes. Overall, mRNA-encoded Fc-free scFv antibodies represent a promising strategy for combating AMR infections.