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Bacterial Pseudaminic Acid Emerges as an Immune Target

Glycoproteomic mapping reveals pseudaminic acid as a shared feature across pathogenic bacteria 

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  • February 18, 2026

  • 2 min

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A study from the University of Sydney published in Nature Chemical Biology reveals that antibodies targeting pseudaminic acid, a sugar produced only by bacteria, can effectively expose dangerous drug-resistant pathogens to the immune system. Utilizing synthetic chemistry, researchers developed monoclonal antibodies that recognize varied forms of pseudaminic acid, enhancing the ability to clear lethal infections in mouse models, particularly from multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. This innovation paves the way for passive immunotherapies against critical healthcare threats.

Original Source(s)

Bacterial Pseudaminic Acid Emerges as an Immune Target

Glycoproteomic mapping reveals pseudaminic acid as a shared feature across pathogenic bacteria 

  • February 18, 2026

  • 2 min

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