Date of Award

3-21-2013

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Olga Tarasenko

Abstract

Bacillus cereus group species including Bacillus cereus and Bacillus anthracis produce highly resistant spores. Dormant spores can survive for long period in harsh environmental conditions. Spores are engulfed by macrophages. Mammalian macrophages are the first line defenders immune cells through its phagocytic activity. Glycoconjugates (GCs) are a family of synthetic carbohydrates that possesses numerous bactericidal and immunodulatory properties. In my study, I used a multivariate approach to study the effects of GCs on B. cereus and B. anthracis Sterne phagocytosis. During in vitro study, I found that GC1 and GC3 were the best candidates that inhibited B. cereus and B. anthracis Sterne spore growth and protected murine macrophages from cell death. During the in vivo study, treatment with GCs increased spore killing suggesting that GCs promote phagocytosis by modulating spore surface and preventing a systemic dissemination of the bacteria. Results of this study will impact further research on developing carbohydrate based immunotherapeutic and/or vaccines against B. cereus, B. anthracis spores and other spore-forming organisms.

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