Sandia researchers are focused on protecting soldiers and citizens from biological threats by creating innovative solutions to prevent and treat infectious diseases, especially those affecting the respiratory system. Advances in synthetic biology have led to the concept of “living countermeasures,” where cells are genetically engineered to act as sensors and deliver treatments inside the body. This led to engineering probiotics to fight infections.
Building on this foundation, the LDRD team identified specific bacteria that can infiltrate and live within the microbiome in the respiratory tract of mice, and located simplified antibodies, known as nanobodies, that can neutralize respiratory pathogens. After these discoveries, they worked to modify these bacteria to produce nanobodies in the respiratory tract, enhancing defense against infections. Through their successful project and collaborations with Sandia Alliance partners Georgia Tech and UC Berkeley, they successfully engineered the bacteria to produce nanobodies that neutralize SARS-CoV-2 and are testing their ability to protect mice from COVID-19. Future work will explore other pathogens and applications.
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- Steve Branda
July 14, 2025