Overview
The Biodefense Proteomics Research Centers are among several recent initiatives developed by NIAID to provide comprehensive genomic, proteomic, and bioinformatic resources to the scientific community. By integrating multiple approaches to science, NIAID is providing resources for basic and applied research to rapidly address the Nation's biodefense needs.
It is anticipated that the data supplied by the research programs will help in the discovery of the next generation of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics. In order to accomplish this, the Biodefense Proteomics Research Program had the following goals:
- to characterize proteomes of pathogens and/or host cells;
- to identify proteins associated with the biology of the microbes;
- to elucidate mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis; and
- to further understand innate and adaptive immune responses to infectious agents and non-immune mediated host responses that contribute to microbial pathogenesis.
This program used existing proteomics technologies, augmented existing technologies, created novel proteomics approaches, and performed early stage validation of targets. The Centers focused on NIAID Category A-C priority pathogens and other microorganisms responsible for emerging and/or re-emerging diseases.
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