Novel Fusion Protein Vaccine for Moraxella Catarrhalis Infections

Background:

Respiratory infections caused by Moraxella catarrhalis (Mcat) represent a growing public health concern. In children, Mcat is a leading cause of otitis media, a common middle ear infection affecting most children by age three, frequently causing recurrent infections which lead to hearing loss and delays in speech and language development. In adults, Mcat is a major contributor to exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a condition affecting millions worldwide and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Widespread pneumococcal vaccination has altered the respiratory microbial landscape, increasing the relative prevalence of Mcat infections in these clinical settings. Currently, Mcat infections are treated with antibiotics after symptoms arise. However, antibiotics do not prevent recurrence and their use is accelerating the global crisis of antimicrobial resistance. Vaccine development has been hindered by antigenic variability in key surface proteins, leaving a significant gap in preventive strategies.

Technology Overview:

This University at Buffalo technology is a recombinant fusion protein vaccine targeting Mcat infections, particularly otitis media in children and exacerbations of COPD in adults. The vaccine combines immunogenic regions of two highly conserved surface proteins, OppA and AfeA, which are essential for bacterial nutrient and metal ion uptake. By targeting both surface proteins simultaneously, the fusion protein elicits a robust immune response in addition to inhibiting functions critical for bacterial survival. Produced recombinantly in E. coli, the vaccine has demonstrated strong immunogenicity and enhanced bacterial clearance in preclinical models. Unlike previous candidates limited by antigenic variability, the use of conserved antigens enables broad strain coverage while reducing the risk of vaccine escape, supporting its potential as a preventive strategy against Mcat-associated respiratory infections.

Advantages:

• Dual-antigen fusion protein expands the range of protective antibodies by targeting multiple Mcat surface proteins
• Highly conserved antigens (OppA and AfeA) enable broad strain coverage, unlike prior candidates such as UspA2 with significant sequence heterogeneity
• Stable antigen expression improves reliability of immune targeting, as OppA and AfeA are consistently expressed whereas UspA2 shows phase variation
• Single fusion construct simplifies development, enabling more efficient manufacturing, regulatory progression, and clinical evaluation

Applications:

• Prevention of COPD
• Prevention of pediatric otitis media

Intellectual Property Summary:

Provisional Patent Application filed.

Stage of Development:

TRL 3-4

Licensing Status:

Available for license or collaboration.