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 research programs will discover targets for potential candidates for the next generation of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics. In order to accomplish this, the Biodefense Proteomics Research Program has 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 is using existing proteomics technologies, augmenting existing technologies, creating novel proteomics approaches, and performing early stage validation of targets. The Centers focus on NIAID Category A-C priority pathogens and other microorganisms responsible for emerging and/or re-emerging diseases. All data, reagents, protocols and publications produced by the PRCs are publicly available at the Administrative Resource Center (non-government link).
back to top