A B cell-based sensor for rapid identification of pathogens.
We report the use of genetically engineered cells in a pathogen identification sensor. This sensor uses B lymphocytes that have been engineered to emit light within seconds of exposure to specific bacteria and viruses. We demonstrated rapid screening of relevant samples and identification of a variety of pathogens at very low levels. Because of its speed, sensitivity, and specificity, this pathogen identification technology could prove useful for medical diagnostics, biowarfare defense, food- and water-quality monitoring, and other applications.
Rider
Todd H
TH
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory, Lexington, MA 02420, USA. thor@ll.mit.edu
Petrovick
Martha S
MS
Nargi
Frances E
FE
Harper
James D
JD
Schwoebel
Eric D
ED
Mathews
Richard H
RH
Blanchard
David J
DJ
Bortolin
Laura T
LT
Young
Albert M
AM
Chen
Jianzhu
J
Hollis
Mark A
MA
D000331:Aequorin / Q000096:biosynthesis; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000276:immunology; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000276:immunology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D001408:Bacillus anthracis / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D001419:Bacteria / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D015374:Biosensing Techniques; D002460:Cell Line; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D004666:Encephalitis Virus, Venezuelan Equine / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D019453:Escherichia coli O157 / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D029544:Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D007135:Immunoglobulin Variable Region / Q000276:immunology; D008027:Light; D011947:Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / Q000276:immunology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013997:Time Factors; D014162:Transfection; D014780:Viruses / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D015010:Yersinia pestis / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D007135:Immunoglobulin Variable Region; D011947:Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell; D000331:Aequorin