Phages and phage proteins: what are we talking about?
VETOPHAGE leverages the properties of capture proteins to develop highly sensitive and specific diagnostic tools capable of detecting low concentrations of bacteria in complex environments, such as raw milk.
VETOPHAGE is also developing next-generation therapeutic solutions with endolysins in veterinary medicine, targeting pathogenic bacteria responsible for animal infections.
Bacteriophages (or phages) are viruses that infect bacteria.
(1) Each phage is specific to a particular bacterium; it can recognize and attach to it even when the target bacterium is present in low quantities. This ultra-specific and ultra-sensitive detection capability is due to special proteins in the phage structure known as “capture proteins.”
(2) Once attached to the bacterium, the phage hijacks the host bacterium’s cellular machinery to replicate, using its resources to produce new phages. (3) At the end of its replication cycle inside the bacterial cell, the phage destroys the host bacterium’s membrane to release the newly synthesized phages.
This destruction is carried out by an enzymatic protein encoded by the phage, called Endolysin.
Endolysins are powerful antibacterial agents. Unlike antibiotics, they are highly specific and target only the pathogenic bacteria, leaving the microbiota intact and avoiding secondary disruptions caused by antibiotic-induced imbalances.
Endolysins also have a highly favorable profile in terms of resistance development, making them a relevant alternative to antibiotics.
Endolysins are proteins that can be produced industrially and reproducible, making them better suited for certain applications. These are referred to as recombinant proteins.
biological banks
Phage bank and protein bank
At VETOPHAGE, we have built an extensive collection of reference phages targeting major pathogens in animal health and production, such as S. aureus, S. uberis, V. parahaemolyticus, E. coli, and S. pseudintermedius. Through a rigorous process of collection, selection, and characterization, our phage library is continually enriched with new field isolates that are highly representative of the bacterial flora.
In addition to this collection, we have developed a unique bank of highly specialized proteins, including endolysins and capture proteins. These innovative biomolecules, derived from phages, can also be utilized in diverse applications and fields, such as dermo-cosmetics, to effectively target pathogens.
Our phages and proteins provide a dynamic and evolving resource base, available for research and development projects in collaboration with industrial partners. VETOPHAGE stands at the forefront of innovation, delivering biological solutions for a healthier future.
For more information about the phage library, the protein bank, and their applications: contact us.
Staphylococcus aureus
Streptococcus uberis
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Escherichia coli
Staphylococcus pseudintermedius
Expertise
VETOPHAGE know-how and expertise
The potential of antibacterial agents and capture proteins is virtually unlimited, as there are an estimated 1030 phages on the planet.
Developing a protein is a long and complex process that requires a high level of technical expertise and know-how.
The collection, selection, and genotyping of phages represent the first phase, where VETOPHAGE applies its specific expertise.
The best proteins are identified and characterized, then undergo an optimization process through protein engineering. This phase not only enhances a protein’s performance but also enables the creation of new proteins tailored to specific objectives.
VETOPHAGE has filed 6 patents protecting original proteins.
