New publication: an innovative strategy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

We are pleased to announce the publication of a scientific article co-authored by several members of the BIMC team: Ludovic Richert, Patrice Rassam, and Yves Mély in Ebiomedecine:

“Directed-complement killing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa protects against lethal pneumonia”

 

Background

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic bacterium capable of causing serious infections, particularly in immunocompromised or hospitalized patients. Classified as a major threat by the WHO due to its growing resistance to antibiotics, it represents a major therapeutic challenge.

 

The CoMiX innovation

In this collaborative effort, researchers developed original therapeutic complexes called CoMiX (Complement-activating Multimeric immunotherapeutic compleXes).

These molecules combine an antibody fragment, which specifically targets the bacterium, with effectors capable of activating the complement system, a key branch of innate immunity.

The results show that:

  • CoMiX effectively deposits immune proteins on the surface of P. aeruginosa,
  • it leads to the direct destruction of bacteria and enhances their elimination by immune cells,
  • when administered intranasally, it significantly improves survival in an experimental pneumonia model,
  • it acts synergistically with certain existing antibiotics.

 

A step forward for future therapies

This proof of concept demonstrates that it is possible to leverage complement to develop new therapeutic strategies against multidrug-resistant bacteria. These approaches could represent a valuable alternative or complement to current treatments.

 

Congratulations to all the authors of this project!

Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ebiom.2025.105926