Structure-guided investigation of antimicrobial targets and therapeutic candidates (HORIZON-HLTH-2027-01-DISEASE-08)

The Protein Crystallography and Structural Immunology Unit at Navarrabiomed (Spain) is interested in contributing to multidisciplinary projects developing innovative therapeutic approaches against antimicrobial-resistant bacterial and fungal pathogens.

Our recombinant expression systems (E. coli, Sf9 and CHO) and ÄKTA purification capacity enable preparation of selected microbial protein targets and antibody/Fab constructs. BLI and SPR platforms can assess target-binder interactions and their kinetics, while crystallisation robotics and routine access to the ALBA synchrotron support structural investigation of tractable protein-therapeutic complexes.

Within a consortium developing existing antimicrobial candidates against one of the priority pathogens addressed by this call, we could contribute to the structural characterisation of relevant microbial protein targets and the molecular investigation of therapeutic interactions. For antibody-based candidates, our expertise in antibody-antigen recognition could support epitope identification and structure-guided optimisation. For candidates acting on defined protein targets, structural analysis and molecular modelling could help clarify target engagement and provide mechanistic information to complement antimicrobial activity studies.

Such investigations could support the validation of innovative therapeutic targets or modes of action, while contributing molecular evidence to candidate prioritisation and optimisation. In collaboration with microbiology and pharmacology partners, structural findings could also help interpret selectivity and resistance-related experimental data.

We are particularly interested in structural target validation, mechanism-of-action investigation, protein-therapeutic interaction analysis and the optimisation of protein-targeted or antibody-based antimicrobial candidates, as part of a consortium addressing the translational and clinical requirements of the call.