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Uchechukwu CF, Shonekan A. Current status of clinical trials for phage therapy. J Med Microbiol 2024; 73:001895. [PMID: 39320361 PMCID: PMC11423923 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, bacteriophages have been considered alternatives to antibacterial treatments. Infectious diseases continue to plague the world because bacteria can adapt and develop defence mechanisms against antibiotics. The growing incidence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections necessitated the development of new techniques for treating bacterial infections worldwide. Clinical trials have shown efficiency against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. However, scientists in future clinical trials should scrutinize phage resistance implications, assess combination strategies with antimicrobial agents and address challenges in phage therapy delivery for effective implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chidiebere F. Uchechukwu
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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2
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Ozma MA, Moaddab SR, Hosseini H, Khodadadi E, Ghotaslou R, Asgharzadeh M, Abbasi A, Kamounah FS, Aghebati Maleki L, Ganbarov K, Samadi Kafil H. A critical review of novel antibiotic resistance prevention approaches with a focus on postbiotics. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2024; 64:9637-9655. [PMID: 37203933 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2214818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a significant public health issue, causing illnesses that were once easily treatable with antibiotics to develop into dangerous infections, leading to substantial disability and even death. To help fight this growing threat, scientists are developing new methods and techniques that play a crucial role in treating infections and preventing the inappropriate use of antibiotics. These effective therapeutic methods include phage therapies, quorum-sensing inhibitors, immunotherapeutics, predatory bacteria, antimicrobial adjuvants, haemofiltration, nanoantibiotics, microbiota transplantation, plant-derived antimicrobials, RNA therapy, vaccine development, and probiotics. As a result of the activity of probiotics in the intestine, compounds derived from the structure and metabolism of these bacteria are obtained, called postbiotics, which include multiple agents with various therapeutic applications, especially antimicrobial effects, by using different mechanisms. These compounds have been chosen in particular because they don't promote the spread of antibiotic resistance and don't include substances that can increase antibiotic resistance. This manuscript provides an overview of the novel approaches to preventing antibiotic resistance with emphasis on the various postbiotic metabolites derived from the gut beneficial microbes, their activities, recent related progressions in the food and medical fields, as well as concisely giving an insight into the new concept of postbiotics as "hyperpostbiotic".
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Asghari Ozma
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Seyyed Reza Moaddab
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hedayat Hosseini
- Department of Food Science and Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Faculty of Nutrition Science and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsaneh Khodadadi
- Material Science and Engineering, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Reza Ghotaslou
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Asgharzadeh
- Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amin Abbasi
- Department of Food Science and Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Faculty of Nutrition Science and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fadhil S Kamounah
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Khudaverdi Ganbarov
- Research Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Baku State University, Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan
| | - Hossein Samadi Kafil
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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3
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Shymialevich D, Wójcicki M, Sokołowska B. The Novel Concept of Synergically Combining: High Hydrostatic Pressure and Lytic Bacteriophages to Eliminate Vegetative and Spore-Forming Bacteria in Food Products. Foods 2024; 13:2519. [PMID: 39200446 PMCID: PMC11353811 DOI: 10.3390/foods13162519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The article focuses on the ongoing challenge of eliminating vegetative and spore-forming bacteria from food products that exhibit resistance to the traditional preservation methods. In response to this need, the authors highlight an innovative approach based on the synergistic utilization of high-hydrostatic-pressure (HHP) and lytic bacteriophages. The article reviews the current research on the use of HHP and lytic bacteriophages to combat bacteria in food products. The scope includes a comprehensive review of the existing literature on bacterial cell damage following HHP application, aiming to elucidate the synergistic effects of these technologies. Through this in-depth analysis, the article aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of how these innovative techniques can improve food safety and quality. There is no available research on the use of HHP and bacteriophages in the elimination of spore-forming bacteria; however, an important role of the synergistic effect of HHP and lytic bacteriophages with the appropriate adjustment of the parameters has been demonstrated in the more effective elimination of non-spore-forming bacteria from food products. This suggests that, when using this approach in the case of spore-forming bacteria, there is a high chance of the effective inactivation of this biological threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dziyana Shymialevich
- Department of Microbiology, Prof. Wacław Dąbrowski Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology—State Research Institute, Rakowiecka 36 Str., 02-532 Warsaw, Poland; (M.W.); (B.S.)
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Zeng C, Wan SR, Guo M, Tan XZ, Zeng Y, Wu Q, Xie JJ, Yan P, Long Y, Zheng L, Jiang ZZ, Teng FY, Xu Y. Fecal virome transplantation: A promising strategy for the treatment of metabolic diseases. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:117065. [PMID: 38971010 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic diseases are a group of disorders caused by metabolic abnormalities, including obesity, diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and more. Increasing research indicates that, beyond inherent metabolic irregularities, the onset and progression of metabolic diseases are closely linked to alterations in the gut microbiota, particularly gut bacteria. Additionally, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has demonstrated effectiveness in clinically treating metabolic diseases, notably diabetes. Recent attention has also focused on the role of gut viruses in disease onset. This review first introduces the characteristics and influencing factors of gut viruses, then summarizes their potential mechanisms in disease development, highlighting their impact on gut bacteria and regulation of host immunity. We also compare FMT, fecal filtrate transplantation (FFT), washed microbiota transplantation (WMT), and fecal virome transplantation (FVT). Finally, we review the current understanding of gut viruses in metabolic diseases and the application of FVT in treating these conditions. In conclusion, FVT may provide a novel and promising treatment approach for metabolic diseases, warranting further validation through basic and clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zeng
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Metabolic Vascular Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, and Metabolic Vascular Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Cooperation, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Disease, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Sheng-Rong Wan
- Metabolic Vascular Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, and Metabolic Vascular Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Cooperation, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Disease, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Man Guo
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Metabolic Vascular Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, and Metabolic Vascular Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Cooperation, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Disease, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Xiao-Zhen Tan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Metabolic Vascular Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, and Metabolic Vascular Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Cooperation, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Disease, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Yan Zeng
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Metabolic Vascular Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, and Metabolic Vascular Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Cooperation, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Disease, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao 999078, China
| | - Qi Wu
- Metabolic Vascular Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, and Metabolic Vascular Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Cooperation, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Disease, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao 999078, China; Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Jia-Jie Xie
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Metabolic Vascular Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, and Metabolic Vascular Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Cooperation, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Disease, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Pijun Yan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Metabolic Vascular Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, and Metabolic Vascular Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Cooperation, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Disease, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yang Long
- Metabolic Vascular Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, and Metabolic Vascular Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Cooperation, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Disease, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Lemin Zheng
- Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Zong-Zhe Jiang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Metabolic Vascular Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, and Metabolic Vascular Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Cooperation, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Disease, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Fang-Yuan Teng
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Metabolic Vascular Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, and Metabolic Vascular Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Cooperation, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Disease, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China.
| | - Yong Xu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Metabolic Vascular Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, and Metabolic Vascular Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Cooperation, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Disease, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China.
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Wang H, Yang Y, Xu Y, Chen Y, Zhang W, Liu T, Chen G, Wang K. Phage-based delivery systems: engineering, applications, and challenges in nanomedicines. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:365. [PMID: 38918839 PMCID: PMC11197292 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02576-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages (phages) represent a unique category of viruses with a remarkable ability to selectively infect host bacteria, characterized by their assembly from proteins and nucleic acids. Leveraging their exceptional biological properties and modifiable characteristics, phages emerge as innovative, safe, and efficient delivery vectors. The potential drawbacks associated with conventional nanocarriers in the realms of drug and gene delivery include a lack of cell-specific targeting, cytotoxicity, and diminished in vivo transfection efficiency. In contrast, engineered phages, when employed as cargo delivery vectors, hold the promise to surmount these limitations and attain enhanced delivery efficacy. This review comprehensively outlines current strategies for the engineering of phages, delineates the principal types of phages utilized as nanocarriers in drug and gene delivery, and explores the application of phage-based delivery systems in disease therapy. Additionally, an incisive analysis is provided, critically examining the challenges confronted by phage-based delivery systems within the domain of nanotechnology. The primary objective of this article is to furnish a theoretical reference that contributes to the reasoned design and development of potent phage-based delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
- Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Medical Group), Qingdao, 266024, China
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, 266024, China
| | - Ying Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Yan Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Yi Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Wenjie Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Tianqing Liu
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, 2145, Australia.
| | - Gang Chen
- Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Medical Group), Qingdao, 266024, China.
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, 266024, China.
| | - Kaikai Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
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Schwarz C, Mathieu J, Laverde Gomez J, Miller MR, Tikhonova M, Hamor C, Alvarez PJJ. Isolation and Characterization of Six Novel Fusobacterium necrophorum Phages. PHAGE (NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.) 2024; 5:63-75. [PMID: 39119211 PMCID: PMC11304844 DOI: 10.1089/phage.2023.0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Fusobacterium necrophorum, a human and animal pathogen, is the primary etiologic agent of bovine liver abscesses and a driving factor for prophylactic antibiotic use in the fed cattle industry. Considering calls to reduce agricultural antibiotic use, we isolated phages capable of killing F. necrophorum as an alternative or complementary biocontrol strategy. Methods Six novel phages (φFN37, φRTG5, φKSUM, φHugo, φPaco, and φBB) were isolated from rumen fluid or ruminal F. necrophorum isolates and subjected to host range testing on both F. necrophorum subspecies. Four F. necrophorum subspecies, necrophorum phages, were tested for cross-resistance and host growth inhibition individually and in pairs. Additionally, genomic sequencing, annotation, and analysis were performed.s. Results Four of six isolated phages were able to form lysogens, although all six contained lysogeny-related genes. φKSUM and φBB, did not form lysogens and were able to infect both subspecies. Four phages could infect F. necrophorum 8L1 (a liver abscess model challenge strain) in vitro. Genomic analysis showed that these phages belong to class Caudoviricetes with genome sizes ranging from 35 kbp to 111 kbp and GC values ranging from 26% to 36% and have extremely limited similarity to other deposited phage genomes infecting Fusobacterium or other genera. Conclusions Although all phages isolated contained sequences bearing similarities to genes implicated in lysogeny, the four selected for use in cocktails showed potential in inhibiting host growth, with several demonstrating promising attributes for biocontrol and therapeutic applications. Phage cocktails that may offer enhanced antibacterial activity were also identified, indicating the potential of some lysogenic phages to be adapted for biocontrol or therapeutic purposes when lytic phages are difficult to obtain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cory Schwarz
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
- Sentinel Environmental, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jacques Mathieu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
- Sentinel Environmental, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Megan R. Miller
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Clark Hamor
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Pedro J. J. Alvarez
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
- Sentinel Environmental, Houston, Texas, USA
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Casters Y, Bäcker LE, Broux K, Aertsen A. Phage transmission strategies: are phages farming their host? Curr Opin Microbiol 2024; 79:102481. [PMID: 38677076 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2024.102481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Extensive coevolution has led to utterly intricate interactions between phages and their bacterial hosts. While both the (short-term) intracellular molecular host-subversion mechanisms during a phage infection cycle and the (long-term) mutational arms race between phages and host cells have traditionally received a lot of attention, there has been an underestimating neglect of (mid-term) transmission strategies by which phages manage to cautiously spread throughout their host population. However, recent findings underscore that phages encode mechanisms to avoid host cell scarcity and promote coexistence with the host, giving the impression that some phages manage to 'farm' their host population to ensure access to host cells for lytic consumption. Given the tremendous impact of phages on bacterial ecology, charting and understanding the complexity of such transmission strategies is of key importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yorben Casters
- Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 23 - bus 2457, 3001, Belgium
| | - Leonard E Bäcker
- Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 23 - bus 2457, 3001, Belgium
| | - Kevin Broux
- Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 23 - bus 2457, 3001, Belgium
| | - Abram Aertsen
- Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 23 - bus 2457, 3001, Belgium.
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Ridgway R, Lu H, Blower TR, Evans NJ, Ainsworth S. Genomic and taxonomic evaluation of 38 Treponema prophage sequences. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:549. [PMID: 38824509 PMCID: PMC11144348 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10461-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite Spirochetales being a ubiquitous and medically important order of bacteria infecting both humans and animals, there is extremely limited information regarding their bacteriophages. Of the genus Treponema, there is just a single reported characterised prophage. RESULTS We applied a bioinformatic approach on 24 previously published Treponema genomes to identify and characterise putative treponemal prophages. Thirteen of the genomes did not contain any detectable prophage regions. The remaining eleven contained 38 prophage sequences, with between one and eight putative prophages in each bacterial genome. The prophage regions ranged from 12.4 to 75.1 kb, with between 27 and 171 protein coding sequences. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 24 of the prophages formed three distinct sequence clusters, identifying putative myoviral and siphoviral morphology. ViPTree analysis demonstrated that the identified sequences were novel when compared to known double stranded DNA bacteriophage genomes. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we have started to address the knowledge gap on treponeme bacteriophages by characterising 38 prophage sequences in 24 treponeme genomes. Using bioinformatic approaches, we have been able to identify and compare the prophage-like elements with respect to other bacteriophages, their gene content, and their potential to be a functional and inducible bacteriophage, which in turn can help focus our attention on specific prophages to investigate further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Ridgway
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Cheshire, CH64 7TE, UK.
| | - Hanshuo Lu
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, University of Liverpool, Biosciences Building, Crown Street, Liverpool, L69 7BE, UK
| | - Tim R Blower
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Stockton Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Nicholas James Evans
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Cheshire, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Stuart Ainsworth
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, University of Liverpool, Liverpool Science Park IC2, 146 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, L3 5RF, UK
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Alipour-Khezri E, Moqadami A, Barzegar A, Mahdavi M, Skurnik M, Zarrini G. Bacteriophages and Green Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Combination Are Efficient against Biofilm Formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Viruses 2024; 16:897. [PMID: 38932188 PMCID: PMC11209622 DOI: 10.3390/v16060897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that infect the bacteria within which their reproduction cycle takes place, a process that ends in the lysis and death of the bacterial cell. Some phages are also able to destroy bacterial biofilms. Due to increased antibiotics resistance, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, another biofilm-forming pathogen, is a problem in many parts of the world. Zinc oxide (ZnO) and other metal nanoparticles (NPs) are biologically active and also possess anti-biofilm properties. ZnO-NPs were prepared by the green synthesis method using orange peels. The vibrational peaks of the ZnO-NPs were analyzed using FTIR analysis, and their size and morphological properties were determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The ability of the ZnO-NPs to reduce or eliminate P. aeruginosa biofilm alone or in combination with phages PB10 and PA19 was investigated. The P. aeruginosa cells were effectively killed in the preformed 48 h biofilms during a 24 h incubation with the ZnO-NP-phage combination, in comparison with the control or ZnO-NPs alone. The treatments on growing biofilms were most efficient in the final stages of biofilm development. All five treatment groups showed a significant biofilm reduction compared to the control group (p < 0.0001) at 48 h of incubation. The influence of the ZnO-NPs and phages on the quorum sensing system of P. aeruginosa was monitored by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) of the autoinducer biosynthesis gene lasI. While the ZnO-NPs repressed the lasI gene transcription, the phages slightly activated it at 24 and 48 h of incubation. Also, the effect of the ZnO-NPs and phage PA19 on the viability of HFF2 cells was investigated and the results showed that the combination of NPs with PA19 reduced the toxic effect of ZnO-NPs and also stimulated the growth in normal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaheh Alipour-Khezri
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz 5166616471, Iran; (E.A.-K.); (A.M.); (A.B.)
| | - Amin Moqadami
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz 5166616471, Iran; (E.A.-K.); (A.M.); (A.B.)
| | - Abolfazl Barzegar
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz 5166616471, Iran; (E.A.-K.); (A.M.); (A.B.)
| | - Majid Mahdavi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran 1417614335, Iran;
| | - Mikael Skurnik
- Human Microbiome Research Program, and Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Gholamreza Zarrini
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz 5166616471, Iran; (E.A.-K.); (A.M.); (A.B.)
- Microbial Biotechnology Research Group, University of Tabriz, Tabriz 5166616471, Iran
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10
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Garrido Zornoza M, Mitarai N, Haerter JO. Stochastic microbial dispersal drives local extinction and global diversity. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 11:231301. [PMID: 39076806 PMCID: PMC11285425 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.231301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Airborne dispersal of microorganisms is a ubiquitous migration mechanism, allowing otherwise independent microbial habitats to interact via biomass exchange. Here, we study the ecological implications of such advective transport using a simple spatial model for bacteria-phage interactions: the population dynamics at each habitat are described by classical Lotka-Volterra equations; however, species populations are taken as integer, that is, a discrete, positive extinction threshold exists. Spatially, species can spread from habitat to habitat by stochastic airborne dispersal. In any given habitat, the spatial biomass exchange causes incessant population density oscillations, which, as a consequence, occasionally drive species to extinction. The balance between local extinction events and dispersal-induced migration allows species to persist globally, even though diversity would be depleted by competitive exclusion, locally. The disruptive effect of biomass dispersal thus acts to increase microbial diversity, allowing system-scale coexistence of multiple species that would not coexist locally.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Namiko Mitarai
- The Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jan O. Haerter
- The Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Constructor University, Bremen, Germany
- Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research, Bremen, Germany
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
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11
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Stante M, Weiland-Bräuer N, von Hoyningen-Huene AJE, Schmitz RA. Marine bacteriophages disturb the associated microbiota of Aurelia aurita with a recoverable effect on host morphology. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1356337. [PMID: 38533338 PMCID: PMC10964490 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1356337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The concept of the metaorganism describes a multicellular host and its diverse microbial community, which form one biological unit with a combined genetic repertoire that significantly influences health and survival of the host. The present study delved into the emerging field of bacteriophage research within metaorganisms, focusing on the moon jellyfish Aurelia aurita as a model organism. The previously isolated Pseudomonas phage BSwM KMM1 and Citrobacter phages BSwM KMM2 - KMM4 demonstrated potent infectivity on bacteria present in the A. aurita-associated microbiota. In a host-fitness experiment, Baltic Sea subpopulation polyps were exposed to individual phages and a phage cocktail, monitoring polyp survival and morphology, as well as microbiome changes. The following effects were obtained. First, phage exposure in general led to recoverable malformations in polyps without affecting their survival. Second, analyses of the community structure, using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, revealed alterations in the associated microbial community in response to phage exposure. Third, the native microbiota is dominated by an uncultured likely novel Mycoplasma species, potentially specific to A. aurita. Notably, this main colonizer showed resilience through the recovery after initial declines, which aligned with abundance changes in Bacteroidota and Proteobacteria, suggesting a dynamic and adaptable microbial community. Overall, this study demonstrates the resilience of the A. aurita metaorganism facing phage-induced perturbations, emphasizing the importance of understanding host-phage interactions in metaorganism biology. These findings have implications for ecological adaptation and conservation in the rapidly changing marine environment, particularly regarding the regulation of blooming species and the health of marine ecosystems during ongoing environmental changes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ruth Anne Schmitz
- Institute of General Microbiology, Christian-Albrechts University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
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12
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Evseev PV, Shneider MM, Kolupaeva LV, Kasimova AA, Timoshina OY, Perepelov AV, Shpirt AM, Shelenkov AA, Mikhailova YV, Suzina NE, Knirel YA, Miroshnikov KA, Popova AV. New Obolenskvirus Phages Brutus and Scipio: Biology, Evolution, and Phage-Host Interaction. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2074. [PMID: 38396752 PMCID: PMC10888812 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Two novel virulent phages of the genus Obolenskvirus infecting Acinetobacter baumannii, a significant nosocomial pathogen, have been isolated and studied. Phages Brutus and Scipio were able to infect A. baumannii strains belonging to the K116 and K82 capsular types, respectively. The biological properties and genomic organization of the phages were characterized. Comparative genomic, phylogenetic, and pangenomic analyses were performed to investigate the relationship of Brutus and Scipio to other bacterial viruses and to trace the possible origin and evolutionary history of these phages and other representatives of the genus Obolenskvirus. The investigation of enzymatic activity of the tailspike depolymerase encoded in the genome of phage Scipio, the first reported virus infecting A. baumannii of the K82 capsular type, was performed. The study of new representatives of the genus Obolenskvirus and mechanisms of action of depolymerases encoded in their genomes expands knowledge about the diversity of viruses within this taxonomic group and strategies of Obolenskvirus-host bacteria interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter V. Evseev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (M.M.S.); (O.Y.T.); (K.A.M.)
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, City District Serpukhov, Moscow Region, 142279 Obolensk, Russia; (L.V.K.); (A.A.K.)
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail M. Shneider
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (M.M.S.); (O.Y.T.); (K.A.M.)
| | - Lyubov V. Kolupaeva
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, City District Serpukhov, Moscow Region, 142279 Obolensk, Russia; (L.V.K.); (A.A.K.)
| | - Anastasia A. Kasimova
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, City District Serpukhov, Moscow Region, 142279 Obolensk, Russia; (L.V.K.); (A.A.K.)
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.V.P.); (A.M.S.); (Y.A.K.)
| | - Olga Y. Timoshina
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (M.M.S.); (O.Y.T.); (K.A.M.)
| | - Andrey V. Perepelov
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.V.P.); (A.M.S.); (Y.A.K.)
| | - Anna M. Shpirt
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.V.P.); (A.M.S.); (Y.A.K.)
| | - Andrey A. Shelenkov
- Central Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology, 111123 Moscow, Russia (Y.V.M.)
| | - Yulia V. Mikhailova
- Central Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology, 111123 Moscow, Russia (Y.V.M.)
| | - Natalia E. Suzina
- Skryabin Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, Federal Research Center “Pushchino Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, Moscow Region, 142290 Pushchino, Russia;
| | - Yuriy A. Knirel
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.V.P.); (A.M.S.); (Y.A.K.)
| | - Konstantin A. Miroshnikov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (M.M.S.); (O.Y.T.); (K.A.M.)
| | - Anastasia V. Popova
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, City District Serpukhov, Moscow Region, 142279 Obolensk, Russia; (L.V.K.); (A.A.K.)
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13
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Mun SY, Lee W, Lee SY, Chang JY, Chang HC. Pediococcus inopinatus with a well-developed CRISPR-Cas system dominates in long-term fermented kimchi, Mukeunji. Food Microbiol 2024; 117:104385. [PMID: 37919000 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2023.104385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Kimchi is produced through a low-temperature fermentation without pre-sterilization, resulting in a heterogeneous microbial community. As fermentation progresses, dominant lactic acid bacteria (LAB) species emerge and undergo a transition process. In this study, LAB were isolated from Mukeunji, a long-term fermented kimchi that is in the final stage of kimchi fermentation process. It was confirmed, through culture-dependent and independent analysis, as well as metagenome analysis, that Pediococcus inopinatus are generally dominant in long-term fermented kimchi. Comparative analysis of the de novo assembled whole genome of P. inopinatus with other kimchi LAB revealed that this species has a well-developed clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) system. The CRISPR system of P. inopinatus has an additional copy of the csa3 gene, a transcription factor for cas genes. Indeed, this species not only highly expresses cas1 and cas2, which induce spacer acquisition, but also has many diverse spacers that are actively expressed. These findings indicate that the well-developed CRISPR-Cas system is enabling P. inopinatus to dominate in long-fermented kimchi. Overall, this study revealed that LAB with a robust defense system dominate in the final stage of kimchi fermentation and presented a model for the succession mechanism of kimchi LAB.
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Affiliation(s)
- So Yeong Mun
- Research and Development Division, World Institute of Kimchi, 86 Kimchi-ro, Nam-gu, Gwangju, 61755, South Korea; Department of Food and Nutrition, Chosun University, 309 Pilmun-daero, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 61452, South Korea
| | - Wooje Lee
- Research and Development Division, World Institute of Kimchi, 86 Kimchi-ro, Nam-gu, Gwangju, 61755, South Korea
| | - Soo-Young Lee
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Chosun University, 309 Pilmun-daero, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 61452, South Korea
| | - Ji Yoon Chang
- Research and Development Division, World Institute of Kimchi, 86 Kimchi-ro, Nam-gu, Gwangju, 61755, South Korea
| | - Hae Choon Chang
- Research and Development Division, World Institute of Kimchi, 86 Kimchi-ro, Nam-gu, Gwangju, 61755, South Korea; Department of Food and Nutrition, Chosun University, 309 Pilmun-daero, Dong-gu, Gwangju, 61452, South Korea.
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14
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Kimchi O, Meir Y, Wingreen NS. Lytic and temperate phage naturally coexist in a dynamic population model. THE ISME JOURNAL 2024; 18:wrae093. [PMID: 38818736 PMCID: PMC11187991 DOI: 10.1093/ismejo/wrae093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
When phage infect their bacterial hosts, they may either lyse the cell and generate a burst of new phage, or lysogenize the bacterium, incorporating the phage genome into it. Phage lysis/lysogeny strategies are assumed to be highly optimized, with the optimal tradeoff depending on environmental conditions. However, in nature, phage of radically different lysis/lysogeny strategies coexist in the same environment, preying on the same bacteria. How can phage preying on the same bacteria coexist if one is more optimal than the other? Here, we address this conundrum within a modeling framework, simulating the population dynamics of communities of phage and their lysogens. We find that coexistence between phage of different lysis/lysogeny strategies is a natural outcome of chaotic population dynamics that arise within sufficiently diverse communities, which ensure no phage is able to absolutely dominate its competitors. Our results further suggest a bet-hedging mechanism at the level of the phage pan-genome, wherein obligate lytic (virulent) strains typically outcompete temperate strains, but also more readily fluctuate to extinction within a local community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ofer Kimchi
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Yigal Meir
- Department of Physics, Ben-Gurion University, Be’er Sheva 84105, Israel
- Department of Physics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Ned S Wingreen
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
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15
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Jordá J, Lorenzo-Rebenaque L, Montoro-Dasi L, Marco-Fuertes A, Vega S, Marin C. Phage-Based Biosanitation Strategies for Minimizing Persistent Salmonella and Campylobacter Bacteria in Poultry. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3826. [PMID: 38136863 PMCID: PMC10740442 DOI: 10.3390/ani13243826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Control strategies to minimize pathogenic bacteria in food animal production are one of the key components in ensuring safer food for consumers. The most significant challenges confronting the food industry, particularly in the major poultry and swine sectors, are antibiotic resistance and resistance to cleaning and disinfection in zoonotic bacteria. In this context, bacteriophages have emerged as a promising tool for zoonotic bacteria control in the food industry, from animals and farm facilities to the final product. Phages are viruses that infect bacteria, with several advantages as a biocontrol agent such as high specificity, self-replication, self-limitation, continuous adaptation, low inherent toxicity and easy isolation. Their development as a biocontrol agent is of particular interest, as it would allow the application of a promising and even necessary "green" technology to combat pathogenic bacteria in the environment. However, bacteriophage applications have limitations, including selecting appropriate phages, legal restrictions, purification, dosage determination and bacterial resistance. Overcoming these limitations is crucial to enhance phage therapy's effectiveness against zoonotic bacteria in poultry. Thus, this review aims to provide a comprehensive view of the phage-biosanitation strategies for minimizing persistent Salmonella and Campylobacter bacteria in poultry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaume Jordá
- Departamento de Producción y Sanidad Animal, Salud Pública Veterinaria y Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Calle Santiago Ramón y Cajal 20, 46115 Alfara del Patriarca, Spain; (J.J.); (L.M.-D.); (A.M.-F.); (S.V.)
| | - Laura Lorenzo-Rebenaque
- Institute of Animal Science and Technology, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Laura Montoro-Dasi
- Departamento de Producción y Sanidad Animal, Salud Pública Veterinaria y Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Calle Santiago Ramón y Cajal 20, 46115 Alfara del Patriarca, Spain; (J.J.); (L.M.-D.); (A.M.-F.); (S.V.)
| | - Ana Marco-Fuertes
- Departamento de Producción y Sanidad Animal, Salud Pública Veterinaria y Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Calle Santiago Ramón y Cajal 20, 46115 Alfara del Patriarca, Spain; (J.J.); (L.M.-D.); (A.M.-F.); (S.V.)
| | - Santiago Vega
- Departamento de Producción y Sanidad Animal, Salud Pública Veterinaria y Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Calle Santiago Ramón y Cajal 20, 46115 Alfara del Patriarca, Spain; (J.J.); (L.M.-D.); (A.M.-F.); (S.V.)
| | - Clara Marin
- Departamento de Producción y Sanidad Animal, Salud Pública Veterinaria y Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Calle Santiago Ramón y Cajal 20, 46115 Alfara del Patriarca, Spain; (J.J.); (L.M.-D.); (A.M.-F.); (S.V.)
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16
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Mageiros L, Megremis S, Papadopoulos NG. The virome in allergy and asthma: A nascent, ineffable player. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 152:1347-1351. [PMID: 37778473 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Allergic diseases can be affected by virus-host interactions and are increasingly linked with the tissue-specific microbiome. High-throughput metagenomic sequencing has offered the opportunity to study the presence of viruses as an ecologic system, namely, the virome. Even though virome studies are technically challenging conceptually and analytically, they are already producing novel data expanding our understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms related to chronic inflammation and allergy. The importance of interspecies and intraspecies interactions is becoming apparent, as they can significantly, directly or indirectly, affect the host's response and antigenic state. Here, we emphasize the challenges and potential insights related to study of the virome in the context of allergy and asthma. We review the limited number of studies that have investigated the virome in these conditions, underlining the need for prospective, repeated sampling designs to unravel the virome's impact on disease development and its interplay with microbiota and immunity. The potential therapeutic use of bacteriophages, which are highly complex components of the virome, is discussed. There is clearly a need for further in-depth investigation of the virome as a system in allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardos Mageiros
- Allergy Department, 2nd Pediatric Clinic, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Nikolaos G Papadopoulos
- Allergy Department, 2nd Pediatric Clinic, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.
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17
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Grigson SR, Giles SK, Edwards RA, Papudeshi B. Knowing and Naming: Phage Annotation and Nomenclature for Phage Therapy. Clin Infect Dis 2023; 77:S352-S359. [PMID: 37932119 PMCID: PMC10627814 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that infect bacteria shaping microbial communities and ecosystems. They have gained attention as potential agents against antibiotic resistance. In phage therapy, lytic phages are preferred for their bacteria killing ability, while temperate phages, which can transfer antibiotic resistance or toxin genes, are avoided. Selection relies on plaque morphology and genome sequencing. This review outlines annotating genomes, identifying critical genomic features, and assigning functional labels to protein-coding sequences. These annotations prevent the transfer of unwanted genes, such as antimicrobial resistance or toxin genes, during phage therapy. Additionally, it covers International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV)-an established phage nomenclature system for simplified classification and communication. Accurate phage genome annotation and nomenclature provide insights into phage-host interactions, replication strategies, and evolution, accelerating our understanding of the diversity and evolution of phages and facilitating the development of phage-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna R Grigson
- Flinders Accelerator for Microbiome Exploration, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Sarah K Giles
- Flinders Accelerator for Microbiome Exploration, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Robert A Edwards
- Flinders Accelerator for Microbiome Exploration, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Bhavya Papudeshi
- Flinders Accelerator for Microbiome Exploration, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
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18
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Abstract
The gut microbiome is a dense and metabolically active consortium of microorganisms and viruses located in the lower gastrointestinal tract of the human body. Bacteria and their viruses (phages) are the most abundant members of the gut microbiome. Investigating their biology and the interplay between the two is important if we are to understand their roles in human health and disease. In this review, we summarize recent advances in resolving the taxonomic structure and ecological functions of the complex community of phages in the human gut-the gut phageome. We discuss how age, diet, and geography can all have a significant impact on phageome composition. We note that alterations to the gut phageome have been observed in several diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and colorectal cancer, and we evaluate whether these phageome changes can directly or indirectly contribute to disease etiology and pathogenesis. We also highlight how lack of standardization in studying the gut phageome has contributed to variation in reported results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciara A Tobin
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Cork, Ireland; , ,
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Colin Hill
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Cork, Ireland; , ,
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Andrey N Shkoporov
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Cork, Ireland; , ,
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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19
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Lim HT, Kok BH, Leow CY, Leow CH. Exploring shark VNAR antibody against infectious diseases using phage display technology. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 140:108986. [PMID: 37541634 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2023.108986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Antibody with high affinity and specificity to antigen has widely used as a tool to combat various diseases. The variable domain of immunoglobulin new antigen receptor (VNAR) naturally found in shark contains autonomous function as single-domain antibody. Due to its excellent characteristics, the small, non-complex, and highly stable have made shark VNAR can acquires the antigen-binding capability that might not be reached by conventional antibody. Phage display technology enables shark VNAR to be presented on the surface of phage, allowing the exploration of shark VNAR as an alternative antibody format to target antigens from various infectious diseases. The application of phage-displayed shark VNAR in antibody library and biopanning eventually leads to the discovery and isolation of antigen-specific VNARs with diagnostic and therapeutic potential towards infectious diseases. This review provides an overview of the shark VNAR antibody, the types of phage display technology with comparison to the other types of display system, as well as the application and case studies of phage-displayed shark VNAR antibodies against infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ting Lim
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Boon Hui Kok
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Chiuan Yee Leow
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Chiuan Herng Leow
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia.
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20
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Montelongo Hernandez C, Putonti C, Wolfe AJ. Urinary Plasmids Reduce Permissivity to Coliphage Infection. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0130923. [PMID: 37409956 PMCID: PMC10433841 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01309-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The microbial community of the urinary tract (urinary microbiota or urobiota) has been associated with human health. Bacteriophages (phages) and plasmids present in the urinary tract, like in other niches, may shape urinary bacterial dynamics. While urinary Escherichia coli strains associated with urinary tract infection (UTI) and their phages have been catalogued for the urobiome, bacterium-plasmid-phage interactions have yet to be explored. In this study, we characterized urinary E. coli plasmids and their ability to decrease permissivity to E. coli phage (coliphage) infection. Putative F plasmids were predicted in 47 of 67 urinary E. coli isolates, and most of these plasmids carried genes that encode toxin-antitoxin (TA) modules, antibiotic resistance, and/or virulence. Urinary E. coli plasmids, from urinary microbiota strains UMB0928 and UMB1284, were conjugated into E. coli K-12 strains. These transconjugants included genes for antibiotic resistance and virulence, and they decreased permissivity to coliphage infection by the laboratory phage P1vir and the urinary phages Greed and Lust. Plasmids in one transconjugant were maintained in E. coli K-12 for up to 10 days in the absence of antibiotic resistance selection; this included the maintenance of the antibiotic resistance phenotype and decreased permissivity to phage. Finally, we discuss how F plasmids present in urinary E. coli strains could play a role in coliphage dynamics and the maintenance of antibiotic resistance in urinary E. coli. IMPORTANCE The urinary tract contains a resident microbial community called the urinary microbiota or urobiota. Evidence exists that it is associated with human health. Bacteriophages (phages) and plasmids present in the urinary tract, like in other niches, may shape urinary bacterial dynamics. Bacterium-plasmid-phage interactions have been studied primarily in laboratory settings and are yet to be thoroughly tested in complex communities. This is especially true of the urinary tract, where the bacterial genetic determinants of phage infection are not well understood. In this study, we characterized urinary E. coli plasmids and their ability to decrease permissivity to E. coli phage (coliphage) infection. Urinary E. coli plasmids, encoding antibiotic resistance and transferred by conjugation into naive laboratory E. coli K-12 strains, decreased permissivity to coliphage infection. We propose a model by which urinary plasmids present in urinary E. coli strains could help to decrease phage infection susceptibility and maintain the antibiotic resistance of urinary E. coli. This has consequences for phage therapy, which could inadvertently select for plasmids that encode antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesar Montelongo Hernandez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, USA
| | - Catherine Putonti
- Bioinformatics Program, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Alan J. Wolfe
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, USA
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21
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Dot EW, Thomason LC, Chappie JS. Everything OLD is new again: How structural, functional, and bioinformatic advances have redefined a neglected nuclease family. Mol Microbiol 2023; 120:122-140. [PMID: 37254295 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Overcoming lysogenization defect (OLD) proteins are a conserved family of ATP-powered nucleases that function in anti-phage defense. Recent bioinformatic, genetic, and crystallographic studies have yielded new insights into the structure, function, and evolution of these enzymes. Here we review these developments and propose a new classification scheme to categorize OLD homologs that relies on gene neighborhoods, biochemical properties, domain organization, and catalytic machinery. This taxonomy reveals important similarities and differences between family members and provides a blueprint to contextualize future in vivo and in vitro findings. We also detail how OLD nucleases are related to PARIS and Septu anti-phage defense systems and discuss important mechanistic questions that remain unanswered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Wanvig Dot
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Lynn C Thomason
- Molecular Control and Genetics Section, RNA Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Joshua S Chappie
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
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22
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Nicholas-Haizelden K, Murphy B, Hoptroff M, Horsburgh MJ. Bioprospecting the Skin Microbiome: Advances in Therapeutics and Personal Care Products. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1899. [PMID: 37630459 PMCID: PMC10456854 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11081899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioprospecting is the discovery and exploration of biological diversity found within organisms, genetic elements or produced compounds with prospective commercial or therapeutic applications. The human skin is an ecological niche which harbours a rich and compositional diversity microbiome stemming from the multifactorial interactions between the host and microbiota facilitated by exploitable effector compounds. Advances in the understanding of microbial colonisation mechanisms alongside species and strain interactions have revealed a novel chemical and biological understanding which displays applicative potential. Studies elucidating the organismal interfaces and concomitant understanding of the central processes of skin biology have begun to unravel a potential wealth of molecules which can exploited for their proposed functions. A variety of skin-microbiome-derived compounds display prospective therapeutic applications, ranging from antioncogenic agents relevant in skin cancer therapy to treatment strategies for antimicrobial-resistant bacterial and fungal infections. Considerable opportunities have emerged for the translation to personal care products, such as topical agents to mitigate various skin conditions such as acne and eczema. Adjacent compound developments have focused on cosmetic applications such as reducing skin ageing and its associated changes to skin properties and the microbiome. The skin microbiome contains a wealth of prospective compounds with therapeutic and commercial applications; however, considerable work is required for the translation of in vitro findings to relevant in vivo models to ensure translatability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keir Nicholas-Haizelden
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK;
| | - Barry Murphy
- Unilever Research & Development, Port Sunlight, Wirral CH63 3JW, UK; (B.M.); (M.H.)
| | - Michael Hoptroff
- Unilever Research & Development, Port Sunlight, Wirral CH63 3JW, UK; (B.M.); (M.H.)
| | - Malcolm J. Horsburgh
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK;
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23
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Dong X, Wu W, Pan P, Zhang XZ. Engineered Living Materials for Advanced Diseases Therapy. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023:e2304963. [PMID: 37436776 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202304963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Natural living materials serving as biotherapeutics exhibit great potential for treating various diseases owing to their immunoactivity, tissue targeting, and other biological activities. In this review, the recent developments in engineered living materials, including mammalian cells, bacteria, viruses, fungi, microalgae, plants, and their active derivatives that are used for treating various diseases are summarized. Further, the future perspectives and challenges of such engineered living material-based biotherapeutics are discussed to provide considerations for future advances in biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Dong
- Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, P. R. China
| | - Wei Wu
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, P. R. China
| | - Pei Pan
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education and Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
| | - Xian-Zheng Zhang
- Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education and Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
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Stante M, Weiland-Bräuer N, Repnik U, Werner A, Bramkamp M, Chibani CM, Schmitz RA. Four Novel Caudoviricetes Bacteriophages Isolated from Baltic Sea Water Infect Colonizers of Aurelia aurita. Viruses 2023; 15:1525. [PMID: 37515211 PMCID: PMC10383413 DOI: 10.3390/v15071525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The moon jellyfish Aurelia aurita is associated with a highly diverse microbiota changing with provenance, tissue, and life stage. While the crucial relevance of bacteria to host fitness is well known, bacteriophages have often been neglected. Here, we aimed to isolate virulent phages targeting bacteria that are part of the A. aurita-associated microbiota. Four phages (Pseudomonas phage BSwM KMM1, Citrobacter phages BSwM KMM2-BSwM KMM4) were isolated from the Baltic Sea water column and characterized. Phages KMM2/3/4 infected representatives of Citrobacter, Shigella, and Escherichia (Enterobacteriaceae), whereas KMM1 showed a remarkably broad host range, infecting Gram-negative Pseudomonas as well as Gram-positive Staphylococcus. All phages showed an up to 99% adsorption to host cells within 5 min, short latent periods (around 30 min), large burst sizes (mean of 128 pfu/cell), and high efficiency of plating (EOP > 0.5), demonstrating decent virulence, efficiency, and infectivity. Transmission electron microscopy and viral genome analysis revealed that all phages are novel species and belong to the class of Caudoviricetes harboring a tail and linear double-stranded DNA (formerly known as Siphovirus-like (KMM3) and Myovirus-like (KMM1/2/4) bacteriophages) with genome sizes between 50 and 138 kbp. In the future, these isolates will allow manipulation of the A. aurita-associated microbiota and provide new insights into phage impact on the multicellular host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Stante
- Institute for General Microbiology, Christian Albrechts University, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, D-24118 Kiel, Germany; (M.S.); (N.W.-B.); (A.W.); (M.B.); (C.M.C.)
| | - Nancy Weiland-Bräuer
- Institute for General Microbiology, Christian Albrechts University, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, D-24118 Kiel, Germany; (M.S.); (N.W.-B.); (A.W.); (M.B.); (C.M.C.)
| | - Urska Repnik
- Central Microscopy Facility, Christian Albrechts University, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, D-24118 Kiel, Germany;
| | - Almut Werner
- Institute for General Microbiology, Christian Albrechts University, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, D-24118 Kiel, Germany; (M.S.); (N.W.-B.); (A.W.); (M.B.); (C.M.C.)
| | - Marc Bramkamp
- Institute for General Microbiology, Christian Albrechts University, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, D-24118 Kiel, Germany; (M.S.); (N.W.-B.); (A.W.); (M.B.); (C.M.C.)
- Central Microscopy Facility, Christian Albrechts University, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, D-24118 Kiel, Germany;
| | - Cynthia M. Chibani
- Institute for General Microbiology, Christian Albrechts University, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, D-24118 Kiel, Germany; (M.S.); (N.W.-B.); (A.W.); (M.B.); (C.M.C.)
| | - Ruth A. Schmitz
- Institute for General Microbiology, Christian Albrechts University, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, D-24118 Kiel, Germany; (M.S.); (N.W.-B.); (A.W.); (M.B.); (C.M.C.)
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25
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Pilati GVT, Cadamuro RD, Filho VB, Dahmer M, Elois MA, Savi BP, Salles GBC, Muniz EC, Fongaro G. Bacteriophage-Associated Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli Isolated from Brazilian Poultry. Viruses 2023; 15:1485. [PMID: 37515172 PMCID: PMC10386125 DOI: 10.3390/v15071485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Colibacillosis is a disease caused by Escherichia coli and remains a major concern in poultry production, as it leads to significant economic losses due to carcass condemnation and clinical symptoms. The development of antimicrobial resistance is a growing problem of worldwide concern. Lysogenic bacteriophages are effective vectors for acquiring and disseminating antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). The aim of this study was to investigate the complete genome of Escherichia coli isolates from the femurs of Brazilian broiler chickens in order to investigate the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes associated with bacteriophages. Samples were collected between August and November 2021 from broiler batches from six Brazilian states. Through whole genome sequencing (WGS), data obtained were analyzed for the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes. Antimicrobial resistance genes against the aminoglycosides class were detected in 79.36% of the isolates; 74.6% had predicted sulfonamides resistance genes, 63.49% had predicted resistance genes against β-lactams, and 49.2% of the isolates had at least one of the tetracycline resistance genes. Among the detected genes, 27 have been described in previous studies and associated with bacteriophages. The findings of this study highlight the role of bacteriophages in the dissemination of ARGs in the poultry industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Von Tönnemann Pilati
- Laboratory of Applied Virology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Rafael Dorighello Cadamuro
- Laboratory of Applied Virology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Vilmar Benetti Filho
- Laboratory of Applied Virology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Mariane Dahmer
- Laboratory of Applied Virology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Mariana Alves Elois
- Laboratory of Applied Virology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Pereira Savi
- Laboratory of Applied Virology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Gleidson Biasi Carvalho Salles
- Laboratory of Applied Virology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil
- Zoetis Industry of Veterinary Products LTDA, São Paulo 04709-111, Brazil
| | | | - Gislaine Fongaro
- Laboratory of Applied Virology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil
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26
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Jędrusiak A, Fortuna W, Majewska J, Górski A, Jończyk-Matysiak E. Phage Interactions with the Nervous System in Health and Disease. Cells 2023; 12:1720. [PMID: 37443756 PMCID: PMC10341288 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system manages all of our activities (e.g., direct thinking and decision-making processes). It receives information from the environment and responds to environmental stimuli. Bacterial viruses (bacteriophages, phages) are the most numerous structures occurring in the biosphere and are also found in the human organism. Therefore, understanding how phages may influence this system is of great importance and is the purpose of this review. We have focused on the effect of natural bacteriophages in the central nervous system, linking them to those present in the gut microbiota, creating the gut-brain axis network, as well as their interdependence. Importantly, based on the current knowledge in the field of phage application (e.g., intranasal) in the treatment of bacterial diseases associated with the brain and nervous system, bacteriophages may have significant therapeutic potential. Moreover, it was indicated that bacteriophages may influence cognitive processing. In addition, phages (via phage display technology) appear promising as a targeted therapeutic tool in the treatment of, among other things, brain cancers. The information collected and reviewed in this work indicates that phages and their impact on the nervous system is a fascinating and, so far, underexplored field. Therefore, the aim of this review is not only to summarize currently available information on the association of phages with the nervous system, but also to stimulate future studies that could pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches potentially useful in treating bacterial and non-bacterial neural diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Jędrusiak
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.J.); (J.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Wojciech Fortuna
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 213, 54-427 Wroclaw, Poland;
- Phage Therapy Unit, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Majewska
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.J.); (J.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Andrzej Górski
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.J.); (J.M.); (A.G.)
- Phage Therapy Unit, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland
- Infant Jesus Hospital, The Medical University of Warsaw, 02-006 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Jończyk-Matysiak
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.J.); (J.M.); (A.G.)
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27
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Ali Y, Inusa I, Sanghvi G, Mandaliya V, Bishoyi AK. The current status of phage therapy and its advancement towards establishing standard antimicrobials for combating multi drug-resistant bacterial pathogens. Microb Pathog 2023:106199. [PMID: 37336428 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Phage therapy; a revived antimicrobial weapon, has great therapeutic advantages with the main ones being its ability to eradicate multidrug-resistant pathogens as well as selective toxicity, which ensures that beneficial microbiota is not harmed, unlike antibiotics. These therapeutic properties make phage therapy a novel approach for combating resistant pathogens. Since millions of people across the globe succumb to multidrug-resistant infections, the implementation of phage therapy as a standard antimicrobial could transform global medicine as it offers greater therapeutic advantages than conventional antibiotics. Although phage therapy has incomplete clinical data, such as a lack of standard dosage and the ideal mode of administration, the conducted clinical studies report its safety and efficacy in some case studies, and therefore, this could lessen the concerns of its skeptics. Since its discovery, the development of phage therapeutics has been in a smooth progression. Concerns about phage resistance in populations of pathogenic bacteria are raised when bacteria are exposed to phages. Bacteria can use restriction-modification, Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) defense, or mutations in the phage receptors to prevent phage invasion. Phage resistance, however, is often costly for the bacteria and may lead to a reduction in its virulence. The ongoing competition between bacteria and phage, on the other hand, ensures the emergence of phage strains that have evolved to infect resistant bacteria. A phage can quickly adapt by altering one or more aspects of its mode of infection, evading a resistance mechanism through genetic modifications, or directly thwarting the CRISPR-Cas defense. Using phage-bacterium coevolution as a technique could be crucial in the development of phage therapy as well. Through its recent advancement, gene-editing tools such as CRISPR-Cas allow the bioengineering of phages to produce phage cocktails that have broad spectrum activities, which could maximize the treatment's efficacy. This review presents the current state of phage therapy and its progression toward establishing standard medicine for combating antibiotic resistance. Recent clinical trials of phage therapy, some important case studies, and other ongoing clinical studies of phage therapy are all presented in this review. Furthermore, the recent advancement in the development of phage therapeutics, its application in various sectors, and concerns regarding its implementation are also highlighted here. Phage therapy has great potential and could help the fight against drug-resistant bacterial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yussuf Ali
- Department of Microbiology, Marwadi University, Gujarat, India
| | - Ibrahim Inusa
- Department of Information Technology, Marwadi University, Gujarat, India
| | - Gaurav Sanghvi
- Department of Microbiology, Marwadi University, Gujarat, India
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28
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Lauman P, Dennis JJ. Synergistic Interactions among Burkholderia cepacia Complex-Targeting Phages Reveal a Novel Therapeutic Role for Lysogenization-Capable Phages. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0443022. [PMID: 37195168 PMCID: PMC10269493 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04430-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a danger to global public health and threatens many aspects of modern medicine. Bacterial species such as those of the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) cause life-threatening respiratory infections and are highly resistant to antibiotics. One promising alternative being explored to combat Bcc infections is phage therapy (PT): the use of phages to treat bacterial infections. Unfortunately, the utility of PT against many pathogenic species is limited by its prevailing paradigm: that only obligately lytic phages should be used therapeutically. It is thought that 'lysogenic' phages do not lyse all bacteria and can transfer antimicrobial resistance or virulence factors to their hosts. We argue that the tendency of a lysogenization-capable (LC) phage to form stable lysogens is not predicated exclusively on its ability to do so, and that the therapeutic suitability of a phage must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Concordantly, we developed several novel metrics-Efficiency of Phage Activity, Growth Reduction Coefficient, and Stable Lysogenization Frequency-and used them to evaluate eight Bcc-specific phages. Although these parameters vary considerably among Bcc phages, a strong inverse correlation (R2 = 0.67; P < 0.0001) exists between lysogen formation and antibacterial activity, indicating that certain LC phages with low frequency of stable lysogenization may be therapeutically efficacious. Moreover, we show that many LC Bcc phages interact synergistically with other phages in the first reported instance of mathematically defined polyphage synergy, and that these interactions result in the eradication of in vitro bacterial growth. Together, these findings reveal a novel therapeutic role for LC phages and challenge the current paradigm of PT. IMPORTANCE The spread of antimicrobial resistance is an imminent threat to public health around the world. Particularly concerning are species of the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc), which cause life-threatening respiratory infections and are notoriously resistant to antibiotics. Phage therapy is a promising alternative being explored to combat Bcc infections and antimicrobial resistance in general, but its utility against many pathogenic species, including the Bcc, is restricted by the currently prevailing paradigm of exclusively using rare obligately lytic phages due to the perception that 'lysogenic' phages are therapeutically unsuitable. Our findings show that many lysogenization-capable phages exhibit powerful in vitro antibacterial activity both alone and through mathematically defined synergistic interactions with other phages, demonstrating a novel therapeutic role for LC phages and therefore challenging the currently prevailing paradigm of PT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Lauman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jonathan J. Dennis
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Naknaen A, Samernate T, Wannasrichan W, Surachat K, Nonejuie P, Chaikeeratisak V. Combination of genetically diverse Pseudomonas phages enhances the cocktail efficiency against bacteria. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8921. [PMID: 37264114 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36034-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Phage treatment has been used as an alternative to antibiotics since the early 1900s. However, bacteria may acquire phage resistance quickly, limiting the use of phage treatment. The combination of genetically diverse phages displaying distinct replication machinery in phage cocktails has therefore become a novel strategy to improve therapeutic outcomes. Here, we isolated and studied lytic phages (SPA01 and SPA05) that infect a wide range of clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates. These relatively small myophages have around 93 kbp genomes with no undesirable genes, have a 30-min latent period, and reproduce a relatively high number of progenies, ranging from 218 to 240 PFU per infected cell. Even though both phages lyse their hosts within 4 h, phage-resistant bacteria emerge during the treatment. Considering SPA01-resistant bacteria cross-resist phage SPA05 and vice versa, combining SPA01 and SPA05 for a cocktail would be ineffective. According to the decreased adsorption rate of the phages in the resistant isolates, one of the anti-phage mechanisms may occur through modification of phage receptors on the target cells. All resistant isolates, however, are susceptible to nucleus-forming jumbophages (PhiKZ and PhiPA3), which are genetically distinct from phages SPA01 and SPA05, suggesting that the jumbophages recognize a different receptor during phage entry. The combination of these phages with the jumbophage PhiKZ outperforms other tested combinations in terms of bactericidal activity and effectively suppresses the emergence of phage resistance. This finding reveals the effectiveness of the diverse phage-composed cocktail for reducing bacterial growth and prolonging the evolution of phage resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ampapan Naknaen
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thanadon Samernate
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Wichanan Wannasrichan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Komwit Surachat
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Poochit Nonejuie
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Vorrapon Chaikeeratisak
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Cell and Biomolecular Imaging Research Unit (CBIRU), Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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30
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Raeisi H, Noori M, Azimirad M, Mohebbi SR, Asadzadeh Aghdaei H, Yadegar A, Zali MR. Emerging applications of phage therapy and fecal virome transplantation for treatment of Clostridioides difficile infection: challenges and perspectives. Gut Pathog 2023; 15:21. [PMID: 37161478 PMCID: PMC10169144 DOI: 10.1186/s13099-023-00550-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile, which causes life-threatening diarrheal disease, is considered an urgent threat to healthcare setting worldwide. The current standards of care solely rely on conventional antibiotic treatment, however, there is a risk of promoting recurrent C. difficile infection (rCDI) because of the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains. Globally, the alarming spread of antibiotic-resistant strains of C. difficile has resulted in a quest for alternative therapeutics. The use of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), which involves direct infusion of fecal suspension from a healthy donor into a diseased recipient, has been approved as a highly efficient therapeutic option for patients with rCDI. Bacteriophages or phages are a group of viruses that can infect and destroy bacterial hosts, and are recognized as the dominant viral component of the human gut microbiome. Accumulating data has demonstrated that phages play a vital role in microbial balance of the human gut microbiome. Recently, phage therapy and fecal virome transplantation (FVT) have been introduced as promising alternatives for the treatment of C. difficile -related infections, in particular drug-resistant CDI. Herein, we review the latest updates on C. difficile- specific phages, and phage-mediated treatments, and highlight the current and future prospects of phage therapy in the management of CDI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamideh Raeisi
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Noori
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Azimirad
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Reza Mohebbi
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Asadzadeh Aghdaei
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Yadegar
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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31
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Petrovic Fabijan A, Iredell J, Danis-Wlodarczyk K, Kebriaei R, Abedon ST. Translating phage therapy into the clinic: Recent accomplishments but continuing challenges. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002119. [PMID: 37220114 PMCID: PMC10204993 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Phage therapy is a medical form of biological control of bacterial infections, one that uses naturally occurring viruses, called bacteriophages or phages, as antibacterial agents. Pioneered over 100 years ago, phage therapy nonetheless is currently experiencing a resurgence in interest, with growing numbers of clinical case studies being published. This renewed enthusiasm is due in large part to phage therapy holding promise for providing safe and effective cures for bacterial infections that traditional antibiotics acting alone have been unable to clear. This Essay introduces basic phage biology, provides an outline of the long history of phage therapy, highlights some advantages of using phages as antibacterial agents, and provides an overview of recent phage therapy clinical successes. Although phage therapy has clear clinical potential, it faces biological, regulatory, and economic challenges to its further implementation and more mainstream acceptance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Petrovic Fabijan
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Medicine, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jonathan Iredell
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Medicine, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Westmead Hospital, Western Sydney Local Health District, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katarzyna Danis-Wlodarczyk
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Razieh Kebriaei
- P3 Research Laboratory, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Stephen T. Abedon
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Mansfield, Ohio, United States of America
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Ho SFS, Wheeler NE, Millard AD, van Schaik W. Gauge your phage: benchmarking of bacteriophage identification tools in metagenomic sequencing data. MICROBIOME 2023; 11:84. [PMID: 37085924 PMCID: PMC10120246 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01533-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prediction of bacteriophage sequences in metagenomic datasets has become a topic of considerable interest, leading to the development of many novel bioinformatic tools. A comparative analysis of ten state-of-the-art phage identification tools was performed to inform their usage in microbiome research. METHODS Artificial contigs generated from complete RefSeq genomes representing phages, plasmids, and chromosomes, and a previously sequenced mock community containing four phage species, were used to evaluate the precision, recall, and F1 scores of the tools. We also generated a dataset of randomly shuffled sequences to quantify false-positive calls. In addition, a set of previously simulated viromes was used to assess diversity bias in each tool's output. RESULTS VIBRANT and VirSorter2 achieved the highest F1 scores (0.93) in the RefSeq artificial contigs dataset, with several other tools also performing well. Kraken2 had the highest F1 score (0.86) in the mock community benchmark by a large margin (0.3 higher than DeepVirFinder in second place), mainly due to its high precision (0.96). Generally, k-mer-based tools performed better than reference similarity tools and gene-based methods. Several tools, most notably PPR-Meta, called a high number of false positives in the randomly shuffled sequences. When analysing the diversity of the genomes that each tool predicted from a virome set, most tools produced a viral genome set that had similar alpha- and beta-diversity patterns to the original population, with Seeker being a notable exception. CONCLUSIONS This study provides key metrics used to assess performance of phage detection tools, offers a framework for further comparison of additional viral discovery tools, and discusses optimal strategies for using these tools. We highlight that the choice of tool for identification of phages in metagenomic datasets, as well as their parameters, can bias the results and provide pointers for different use case scenarios. We have also made our benchmarking dataset available for download in order to facilitate future comparisons of phage identification tools. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siu Fung Stanley Ho
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Nicole E. Wheeler
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Andrew D. Millard
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Willem van Schaik
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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Shah SA, Deng L, Thorsen J, Pedersen AG, Dion MB, Castro-Mejía JL, Silins R, Romme FO, Sausset R, Jessen LE, Ndela EO, Hjelmsø M, Rasmussen MA, Redgwell TA, Leal Rodríguez C, Vestergaard G, Zhang Y, Chawes B, Bønnelykke K, Sørensen SJ, Bisgaard H, Enault F, Stokholm J, Moineau S, Petit MA, Nielsen DS. Expanding known viral diversity in the healthy infant gut. Nat Microbiol 2023; 8:986-998. [PMID: 37037943 PMCID: PMC10159846 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01345-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
The gut microbiome is shaped through infancy and impacts the maturation of the immune system, thus protecting against chronic disease later in life. Phages, or viruses that infect bacteria, modulate bacterial growth by lysis and lysogeny, with the latter being especially prominent in the infant gut. Viral metagenomes (viromes) are difficult to analyse because they span uncharted viral diversity, lacking marker genes and standardized detection methods. Here we systematically resolved the viral diversity in faecal viromes from 647 1-year-olds belonging to Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood 2010, an unselected Danish cohort of healthy mother-child pairs. By assembly and curation we uncovered 10,000 viral species from 248 virus family-level clades (VFCs). Most (232 VFCs) were previously unknown, belonging to the Caudoviricetes viral class. Hosts were determined for 79% of phage using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat spacers within bacterial metagenomes from the same children. Typical Bacteroides-infecting crAssphages were outnumbered by undescribed phage families infecting Clostridiales and Bifidobacterium. Phage lifestyles were conserved at the viral family level, with 33 virulent and 118 temperate phage families. Virulent phages were more abundant, while temperate ones were more prevalent and diverse. Together, the viral families found in this study expand existing phage taxonomy and provide a resource aiding future infant gut virome research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiraz A Shah
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev-Gentofte, Gentofte, Denmark.
| | - Ling Deng
- Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jonathan Thorsen
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev-Gentofte, Gentofte, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders G Pedersen
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Moïra B Dion
- Département de biochimie, de microbiologie, et de bio-informatique, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec City, Quebec, Canada
- Groupe de recherche en écologie buccale, Faculté de médecine dentaire, Université Laval, Québec City, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Ronalds Silins
- Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Fie O Romme
- Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Romain Sausset
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, Agroparistech, Micalis institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Leon E Jessen
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev-Gentofte, Gentofte, Denmark
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Eric Olo Ndela
- Lab de Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Mathis Hjelmsø
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev-Gentofte, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Morten A Rasmussen
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev-Gentofte, Gentofte, Denmark
- Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tamsin A Redgwell
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev-Gentofte, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Cristina Leal Rodríguez
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev-Gentofte, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Gisle Vestergaard
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Yichang Zhang
- Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bo Chawes
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev-Gentofte, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Klaus Bønnelykke
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev-Gentofte, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Søren J Sørensen
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hans Bisgaard
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev-Gentofte, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Francois Enault
- Lab de Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jakob Stokholm
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev-Gentofte, Gentofte, Denmark
- Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sylvain Moineau
- Département de biochimie, de microbiologie, et de bio-informatique, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec City, Quebec, Canada
- Groupe de recherche en écologie buccale, Faculté de médecine dentaire, Université Laval, Québec City, Quebec, Canada
- Félix d'Hérelle Reference Center for Bacterial Viruses, Université Laval, Québec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marie-Agnès Petit
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, Agroparistech, Micalis institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Dennis S Nielsen
- Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Williams J, Burton N, Dhanoa G, Sagona AP. Host-phage interactions and modeling for therapy. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 200:127-158. [PMID: 37739552 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Phage are drivers of numerous ecological processes on the planet and have the potential to be developed into a therapy alternative to antibiotics. Phage at all points of their life cycle, from initiation of infection to their release, interact with their host in some manner. More importantly, to harness their antimicrobial potential it is vital to understand how phage interact with the eukaryotic environment in the context of applying phage for therapy. In this chapter, the various mechanisms of phage interplay with their hosts as part of their natural life cycle are discussed in depth for Gram-positive and negative bacteria. Further, the literature surrounding the various models utilized to develop phage as a therapeutic are examined, and how these models may improve our understanding of phage-host interactions and current progress in utilizing phage for therapy in the clinical environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Williams
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Nathan Burton
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Gurneet Dhanoa
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Antonia P Sagona
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom.
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Breijyeh Z, Karaman R. Design and Synthesis of Novel Antimicrobial Agents. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:628. [PMID: 36978495 PMCID: PMC10045396 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12030628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The necessity for the discovery of innovative antimicrobials to treat life-threatening diseases has increased as multidrug-resistant bacteria has spread. Due to antibiotics' availability over the counter in many nations, antibiotic resistance is linked to overuse, abuse, and misuse of these drugs. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognized 12 families of bacteria that present the greatest harm to human health, where options of antibiotic therapy are extremely limited. Therefore, this paper reviews possible new ways for the development of novel classes of antibiotics for which there is no pre-existing resistance in human bacterial pathogens. By utilizing research and technology such as nanotechnology and computational methods (such as in silico and Fragment-based drug design (FBDD)), there has been an improvement in antimicrobial actions and selectivity with target sites. Moreover, there are antibiotic alternatives, such as antimicrobial peptides, essential oils, anti-Quorum sensing agents, darobactins, vitamin B6, bacteriophages, odilorhabdins, 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid, and cannabinoids. Additionally, drug repurposing (such as with ticagrelor, mitomycin C, auranofin, pentamidine, and zidovudine) and synthesis of novel antibacterial agents (including lactones, piperidinol, sugar-based bactericides, isoxazole, carbazole, pyrimidine, and pyrazole derivatives) represent novel approaches to treating infectious diseases. Nonetheless, prodrugs (e.g., siderophores) have recently shown to be an excellent platform to design a new generation of antimicrobial agents with better efficacy against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Ultimately, to combat resistant bacteria and to stop the spread of resistant illnesses, regulations and public education regarding the use of antibiotics in hospitals and the agricultural sector should be combined with research and technological advancements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Breijyeh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem P.O. Box 20002, Palestine
| | - Rafik Karaman
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem P.O. Box 20002, Palestine
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
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36
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Wang C, Bai J, Chen X, Song J, Zhang Y, Wang H, Suo H. Gut microbiome-based strategies for host health and disease. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2023; 64:6834-6849. [PMID: 36803092 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2176464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Host health and disease are influenced by changes in the abundance and structure of intestinal flora. Current strategies are focused on regulating the structure of intestinal flora to ensure host health by alleviating disease. However, these strategies are limited by multiple factors, such as host genotype, physiology (microbiome, immunity, and gender), intervention, and diet. Accordingly, we reviewed the prospects and limitations of all strategies regulating the structure and abundance of microflora, including probiotics, prebiotics, diet, fecal microbiota transplantation, antibiotics, and phages. Some new technologies that can improve these strategies are also introduced. Compared with other strategies, diets and prebiotics are associated with reduced risk and high security. Besides, phages have the potential for application in the targeted regulation of intestinal microbiota due to their high specificity. Notably, the variability in individual microflora and their metabolic response to different interventions should be considered. Future studies should use artificial intelligence combined with multi-omics to investigate the host genome and physiology based on factors, such as blood type, dietary habits, and exercise, in order to develop individualized intervention strategies to improve host health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Wang
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Junying Bai
- Citrus Research Institute, National Citrus Engineering Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoyong Chen
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiajia Song
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongwei Wang
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huayi Suo
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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37
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Vidigal PMP, Hungaro HM. Genome sequencing of Pseudomonas fluorescens phage UFJF_PfSW6: a novel lytic Pijolavirus specie with potential for biocontrol in the dairy industry. 3 Biotech 2023; 13:67. [PMID: 36726557 PMCID: PMC9884711 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03485-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The genomic characterization of phages with biocontrol potential against food-related bacteria is essential to future commercial applications. Here, we report the genome sequence of P. fluorescens phage UFJF_PfSW6 and a taxonomy proposal framing it as a novel phage species with great potential for biocontrol in the dairy industry. It showed a short linear double-stranded DNA genome (~ 39 kb) with a GC content of 21.2% and short DTR sequences of 215 bp. The genome of the UFJF_PfSW6 phage contains 48 genes with a unidirectional organization into three functional modules: DNA replication and metabolism, structural proteins, and DNA packing and host lysis. Thirteen promoters from phage and nine from host regulate these genes, and six Rho-independent terminators control their transcription. Twenty-seven genes of the UFJF_PfSW6 encode proteins with predicted functions. Comparative genome analysis revealed that the UFJF_PfSW6 genome shares 84% of genomic similarity with the genome sequence of the Pijolavirus PspYZU08, the only representative of the genus recognized so far. Therefore, our findings indicate that both phages are of the same genus, but UFJF_PfSW6 a is a novel Pijolavirus specie belonging to the Studiervirinae subfamily. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-023-03485-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Marcus Pereira Vidigal
- Núcleo de Análise de Biomoléculas (NuBioMol), Campus da UFV, Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV), Viçosa, MG 36570-900 Brazil
| | - Humberto Moreira Hungaro
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (UFJF), Juiz de Fora, MG 36036-900 Brazil
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38
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Elois MA, da Silva R, Pilati GVT, Rodríguez-Lázaro D, Fongaro G. Bacteriophages as Biotechnological Tools. Viruses 2023; 15:349. [PMID: 36851563 PMCID: PMC9963553 DOI: 10.3390/v15020349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages are ubiquitous organisms that can be specific to one or multiple strains of hosts, in addition to being the most abundant entities on the planet. It is estimated that they exceed ten times the total number of bacteria. They are classified as temperate, which means that phages can integrate their genome into the host genome, originating a prophage that replicates with the host cell and may confer immunity against infection by the same type of phage; and lytics, those with greater biotechnological interest and are viruses that lyse the host cell at the end of its reproductive cycle. When lysogenic, they are capable of disseminating bacterial antibiotic resistance genes through horizontal gene transfer. When professionally lytic-that is, obligately lytic and not recently descended from a temperate ancestor-they become allies in bacterial control in ecological imbalance scenarios; these viruses have a biofilm-reducing capacity. Phage therapy has also been advocated by the scientific community, given the uniqueness of issues related to the control of microorganisms and biofilm production when compared to other commonly used techniques. The advantages of using bacteriophages appear as a viable and promising alternative. This review will provide updates on the landscape of phage applications for the biocontrol of pathogens in industrial settings and healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Alves Elois
- Laboratory of Applied Virology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Raphael da Silva
- Laboratory of Applied Virology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Giulia Von Tönnemann Pilati
- Laboratory of Applied Virology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil
| | - David Rodríguez-Lázaro
- Microbiology Division, Faculty of Sciences, University of Burgos, 09001 Burgos, Spain
- Research Centre for Emerging Pathogens and Global Health, University of Burgos, 09001 Burgos, Spain
| | - Gislaine Fongaro
- Laboratory of Applied Virology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil
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Egido JE, Toner-Bartelds C, Costa AR, Brouns SJJ, Rooijakkers SHM, Bardoel BW, Haas PJ. Monitoring phage-induced lysis of gram-negatives in real time using a fluorescent DNA dye. Sci Rep 2023; 13:856. [PMID: 36646746 PMCID: PMC9842612 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-27734-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that specifically attack bacteria. Their use as therapeutics, which constitutes a promising alternative to antibiotics, heavily relies on selecting effective lytic phages against the pathogen of interest. Current selection techniques are laborious and do not allow for direct visualization of phage infection dynamics. Here, we present a method that circumvents these limitations. It can be scaled for high-throughput and permits monitoring of the phage infection in real time via a fluorescence signal readout. This is achieved through the use of a membrane-impermeant nucleic acid dye that stains the DNA of damaged or lysed bacteria and new phage progeny. We have tested the method on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae and show that an increase in fluorescence reflects phage-mediated killing. This is confirmed by other techniques including spot tests, colony plating, flow cytometry and metabolic activity measurements. Furthermore, we illustrate how our method may be used to compare the activity of different phages and to screen the susceptibility of clinical isolates to phage. Altogether, we present a fast, reliable way of selecting phages against Gram-negative bacteria, which may be valuable in optimizing the process of selecting phages for therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia E Egido
- Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Catherine Toner-Bartelds
- Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ana Rita Costa
- Department of Bionanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
- Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft, The Netherlands
- Fagenbank, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Stan J J Brouns
- Department of Bionanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
- Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft, The Netherlands
- Fagenbank, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Suzan H M Rooijakkers
- Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bart W Bardoel
- Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Pieter-Jan Haas
- Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Andrianjakarivony HF, Bettarel Y, Armougom F, Desnues C. Phage-Host Prediction Using a Computational Tool Coupled with 16S rRNA Gene Amplicon Sequencing. Viruses 2022; 15:76. [PMID: 36680116 PMCID: PMC9862649 DOI: 10.3390/v15010076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Metagenomics studies have revealed tremendous viral diversity in aquatic environments. Yet, while the genomic data they have provided is extensive, it is unannotated. For example, most phage sequences lack accurate information about their bacterial host, which prevents reliable phage identification and the investigation of phage-host interactions. This study aimed to take this knowledge further, using a viral metagenomic framework to decipher the composition and diversity of phage communities and to predict their bacterial hosts. To this end, we used water and sediment samples collected from seven sites with varying contamination levels in the Ebrié Lagoon in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The bacterial communities were characterized using the 16S rRNA metabarcoding approach, and a framework was developed to investigate the virome datasets that: (1) identified phage contigs with VirSorter and VIBRANT; (2) classified these contigs with MetaPhinder using the phage database (taxonomic annotation); and (3) predicted the phages' bacterial hosts with a machine learning-based tool: the Prokaryotic Virus-Host Predictor. The findings showed that the taxonomic profiles of phages and bacteria were specific to sediment or water samples. Phage sequences assigned to the Microviridae family were widespread in sediment samples, whereas phage sequences assigned to the Siphoviridae, Myoviridae and Podoviridae families were predominant in water samples. In terms of bacterial communities, the phyla Latescibacteria, Zixibacteria, Bacteroidetes, Acidobacteria, Calditrichaeota, Gemmatimonadetes, Cyanobacteria and Patescibacteria were most widespread in sediment samples, while the phyla Epsilonbacteraeota, Tenericutes, Margulisbacteria, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Planctomycetes and Marinimicrobia were most prevalent in water samples. Significantly, the relative abundance of bacterial communities (at major phylum level) estimated by 16S rRNA metabarcoding and phage-host prediction were significantly similar. These results demonstrate the reliability of this novel approach for predicting the bacterial hosts of phages from shotgun metagenomic sequencing data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harilanto Felana Andrianjakarivony
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny, and Infection (MEΦI), IHU—Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
- Microbiologie Environnementale Biotechnologie (MEB), Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Yvan Bettarel
- MARBEC, Marine Biodiversity, Exploitation & Conservation, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, 093 Place Eugène Bataillon, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Fabrice Armougom
- Microbiologie Environnementale Biotechnologie (MEB), Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Christelle Desnues
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny, and Infection (MEΦI), IHU—Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
- Microbiologie Environnementale Biotechnologie (MEB), Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13009 Marseille, France
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Shymialevich D, Wójcicki M, Wardaszka A, Świder O, Sokołowska B, Błażejak S. Application of Lytic Bacteriophages and Their Enzymes to Reduce Saprophytic Bacteria Isolated from Minimally Processed Plant-Based Food Products-In Vitro Studies. Viruses 2022; 15:9. [PMID: 36680050 PMCID: PMC9865725 DOI: 10.3390/v15010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to isolate phage enzymes and apply them in vitro for eradication of the dominant saprophytic bacteria isolated from minimally processed food. Four bacteriophages-two Enterobacter-specific and two Serratia-specific, which produce lytic enzymes-were used in this research. Two methods of phage enzyme isolation were tested, namely precipitation with acetone and ultracentrifugation. It was found that the number of virions could be increased almost 100 times due to the extension of the cultivation time (72 h). The amplification of phage particles and lytic proteins was dependent on the time of cultivation. Considering the influence of isolated enzymes on the growth kinetics of bacterial hosts, proteins isolated with acetone after 72-hour phage propagation exhibited the highest inhibitory effect. The reduction of bacteria count was dependent on the concentration of enzymes in the lysates. The obtained results indicate that phages and their lytic enzymes could be used in further research aiming at the improvement of microbiological quality and safety of minimally processed food products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dziyana Shymialevich
- Culture Collection of Industrial Microorganisms—Microbiological Resources Center, Department of Microbiology, Prof. Waclaw Dabrowski Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology—State Research Institute, Rakowiecka 36 Street, 02-532 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Wójcicki
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Molecular Engineering, Department of Microbiology, Prof. Waclaw Dabrowski Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology—State Research Institute, Rakowiecka 36 Street, 02-532 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Artur Wardaszka
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Molecular Engineering, Department of Microbiology, Prof. Waclaw Dabrowski Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology—State Research Institute, Rakowiecka 36 Street, 02-532 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Olga Świder
- Department of Food Safety and Chemical Analysis, Prof. Waclaw Dabrowski Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology—State Research Institute, Rakowiecka 36 Street, 02-532 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Barbara Sokołowska
- Department of Microbiology, Prof. Waclaw Dabrowski Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology—State Research Institute, Rakowiecka 36 Street, 02-532 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Stanisław Błażejak
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Microbiology, Institute of Food Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS–SGGW), Nowoursynowska 166 Street, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
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42
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Zhu Y, Shang J, Peng C, Sun Y. Phage family classification under Caudoviricetes: A review of current tools using the latest ICTV classification framework. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1032186. [PMID: 36590402 PMCID: PMC9800612 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1032186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages, which are viruses infecting bacteria, are the most ubiquitous and diverse entities in the biosphere. There is accumulating evidence revealing their important roles in shaping the structure of various microbiomes. Thanks to (viral) metagenomic sequencing, a large number of new bacteriophages have been discovered. However, lacking a standard and automatic virus classification pipeline, the taxonomic characterization of new viruses seriously lag behind the sequencing efforts. In particular, according to the latest version of ICTV, several large phage families in the previous classification system are removed. Therefore, a comprehensive review and comparison of taxonomic classification tools under the new standard are needed to establish the state-of-the-art. In this work, we retrained and tested four recently published tools on newly labeled databases. We demonstrated their utilities and tested them on multiple datasets, including the RefSeq, short contigs, simulated metagenomic datasets, and low-similarity datasets. This study provides a comprehensive review of phage family classification in different scenarios and a practical guidance for choosing appropriate taxonomic classification pipelines. To our best knowledge, this is the first review conducted under the new ICTV classification framework. The results show that the new family classification framework overall leads to better conserved groups and thus makes family-level classification more feasible.
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Hibstu Z, Belew H, Akelew Y, Mengist HM. Phage Therapy: A Different Approach to Fight Bacterial Infections. Biologics 2022; 16:173-186. [PMID: 36225325 PMCID: PMC9550173 DOI: 10.2147/btt.s381237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Phage therapy is one of the alternatives to treat infections caused by both antibiotic-sensitive and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, with no or low toxicity to patients. It was started a century ago, although rapidly growing bacterial antimicrobial resistance, resulting in high levels of morbidity, mortality, and financial cost, has initiated the revival of phage therapy. It involves the use of live lytic, bioengineered, phage-encoded biological products, in combination with chemical antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. Importantly, phages will be removed from the body within seven days of clearing an infection. They target specific bacterial strains and cause minimal disruption to the microbial balance in humans. Phages for medication must be screened for the absence of resistant genes, virulent genes, cytotoxicity, and their interaction with the host tissue and organs. Since they are immunogenic, applying a high phage titer for therapy exposes them and activates the host immune system. To date, no serious side effects have been reported with human phage therapy. In this review, we describe phage–phagocyte interaction, bacterial resistance to phages, how phages conquer bacterial resistance, the role of genetic engineering and other technologies in phage therapy, and the therapeutic application of modified phages and phage-encoded products. We also highlight the comparison of antibiotics and lytic phage therapy, the pros and cons of phage therapy, determinants of human phage therapy trials, phage quality and safety requirements, phage storage and handling, and current challenges in phage therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zigale Hibstu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia,Correspondence: Zigale Hibstu, Email
| | - Habtamu Belew
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Yibeltal Akelew
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Hylemariam Mihiretie Mengist
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
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Interaction between Phage T4 Protein RIII and Host Ribosomal Protein S1 Inhibits Endoribonuclease RegB Activation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169483. [PMID: 36012768 PMCID: PMC9409239 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Lytic viruses of bacteria (bacteriophages, phages) are intracellular parasites that take over hosts' biosynthetic processes for their propagation. Most of the knowledge on the host hijacking mechanisms has come from the studies of the lytic phage T4, which infects Escherichia coli. The integrity of T4 development is achieved by strict control over the host and phage processes and by adjusting them to the changing infection conditions. In this study, using in vitro and in vivo biochemical methods, we detected the direct interaction between the T4 protein RIII and ribosomal protein S1 of the host. Protein RIII is known as a cytoplasmic antiholin, which plays a role in the lysis inhibition function of T4. However, our results show that RIII also acts as a viral effector protein mainly targeting S1 RNA-binding domains that are central for all the activities of this multifunctional protein. We confirm that the S1-RIII interaction prevents the S1-dependent activation of endoribonuclease RegB. In addition, we propose that by modulating the multiple processes mediated by S1, RIII could act as a regulator of all stages of T4 infection including the lysis inhibition state.
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Isolation and Characterization of the Lytic Pseudoxanthomonas kaohsiungensi Phage PW916. Viruses 2022; 14:v14081709. [PMID: 36016331 PMCID: PMC9414467 DOI: 10.3390/v14081709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens poses a serious global health threat. While patient infections by the opportunistic human pathogen Pseudoxanthomonas spp. have been increasingly reported worldwide, no phage associated with this bacterial genus has yet been isolated and reported. In this study, we isolated and characterized the novel phage PW916 to subsequently be used to lyse the multidrug-resistant Pseudoxanthomonas kaohsiungensi which was isolated from soil samples obtained from Chongqing, China. We studied the morphological features, thermal stability, pH stability, optimal multiplicity of infection, and genomic sequence of phage PW916. Transmission electron microscopy revealed the morphology of PW916 and indicated it to belong to the Siphoviridae family, with the morphological characteristics of a rounded head and a long noncontractile tail. The optimal multiplicity of infection of PW916 was 0.1. Moreover, PW916 was found to be stable under a wide range of temperatures (4–60 °C), pH (4–11) as well as treatment with 1% (v/w) chloroform. The genome of PW916 was determined to be a circular double-stranded structure with a length of 47,760 bp, containing 64 open reading frames that encoded functional and structural proteins, while no antibiotic resistance nor virulence factor genes were detected. The genomic sequencing and phylogenetic tree analysis showed that PW916 was a novel phage belonging to the Siphoviridae family that was closely related to the Stenotrophomonas phage. This is the first study to identify a novel phage infecting the multidrug-resistant P. kaohsiungensi and the findings provide insight into the potential application of PW916 in future phage therapies.
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Glonti T, Pirnay JP. In Vitro Techniques and Measurements of Phage Characteristics That Are Important for Phage Therapy Success. Viruses 2022; 14:1490. [PMID: 35891470 PMCID: PMC9323186 DOI: 10.3390/v14071490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Validated methods for phage selection, host range expansion, and lytic activity determination are indispensable for maximizing phage therapy outcomes. In this review, we describe some relevant methods, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages, and categorize them as preliminary or confirmatory methods where appropriate. Experimental conditions, such as the composition and consistency of culture media, have an impact on bacterial growth and, consequently, phage propagation and the selection of phage-resistant mutants. The phages require different experimental conditions to be tested to fully reveal their characteristics and phage therapy potential in view of their future use in therapy. Phage lytic activity or virulence should be considered as a result of the phage, its host, and intracellular/environmental factors, including the ability of a phage to recognize receptors on the bacterial cell surface. In vitro quantitative and qualitative measurements of phage characteristics, further validated by in vivo experiments, could be incorporated into one system or mathematical model/formula, which could predict a potential successful outcome of clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tea Glonti
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Technology, Queen Astrid Military Hospital, B-1120 Brussels, Belgium;
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47
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Shkoporov AN, Turkington CJ, Hill C. Mutualistic interplay between bacteriophages and bacteria in the human gut. Nat Rev Microbiol 2022; 20:737-749. [PMID: 35773472 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-022-00755-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Bacteriophages (phages) are often described as obligate predators of their bacterial hosts, and phage predation is one of the leading forces controlling the density and distribution of bacterial populations. Every 48 h half of all bacteria on Earth are killed by phages. Efficient killing also forms the basis of phage therapy in humans and animals and the use of phages as food preservatives. In turn, bacteria have a plethora of resistance systems against phage attack, but very few bacterial species, if any, have entirely escaped phage predation. However, in complex communities and environments such as the human gut, this antagonistic model of attack and counter-defence does not fully describe the scope of phage-bacterium interactions. In this Review, we explore some of the more mutualistic aspects of phage-bacterium interactions in the human gut, and we suggest that the relationship between phages and their bacterial hosts in the gut is best characterized not as a fight to the death between enemies but rather as a mutualistic relationship between partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey N Shkoporov
- APC Microbiome Ireland & School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland. .,Department of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | | | - Colin Hill
- APC Microbiome Ireland & School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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Venhorst J, van der Vossen JMBM, Agamennone V. Battling Enteropathogenic Clostridia: Phage Therapy for Clostridioides difficile and Clostridium perfringens. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:891790. [PMID: 35770172 PMCID: PMC9234517 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.891790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenic Clostridioides difficile and Clostridium perfringens are responsible for many health care-associated infections as well as systemic and enteric diseases. Therefore, they represent a major health threat to both humans and animals. Concerns regarding increasing antibiotic resistance (related to C. difficile and C. perfringens) have caused a surge in the pursual of novel strategies that effectively combat pathogenic infections, including those caused by both pathogenic species. The ban on antibiotic growth promoters in the poultry industry has added to the urgency of finding novel antimicrobial therapeutics for C. perfringens. These efforts have resulted in various therapeutics, of which bacteriophages (in short, phages) show much promise, as evidenced by the Eliava Phage Therapy Center in Tbilisi, Georgia (https://eptc.ge/). Bacteriophages are a type of virus that infect bacteria. In this review, the (clinical) impact of clostridium infections in intestinal diseases is recapitulated, followed by an analysis of the current knowledge and applicability of bacteriophages and phage-derived endolysins in this disease indication. Limitations of phage and phage endolysin therapy were identified and require considerations. These include phage stability in the gastrointestinal tract, influence on gut microbiota structure/function, phage resistance development, limited host range for specific pathogenic strains, phage involvement in horizontal gene transfer, and-for phage endolysins-endolysin resistance, -safety, and -immunogenicity. Methods to optimize features of these therapeutic modalities, such as mutagenesis and fusion proteins, are also addressed. The future success of phage and endolysin therapies require reliable clinical trial data for phage(-derived) products. Meanwhile, additional research efforts are essential to expand the potential of exploiting phages and their endolysins for mitigating the severe diseases caused by C. difficile and C. perfringens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Venhorst
- Biomedical Health, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jos M. B. M. van der Vossen
- Microbiology and Systems Biology, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Zeist, Netherlands
| | - Valeria Agamennone
- Microbiology and Systems Biology, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Zeist, Netherlands
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49
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Chen J, Gissendanner CR, Tikhe CV, Li HF, Sun Q, Husseneder C. Genomics and Geographic Diversity of Bacteriophages Associated With Endosymbionts in the Guts of Workers and Alates of Coptotermes Species (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae). Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.881538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Subterranean termites depend nutritionally on their gut microbiota, which includes protozoa as well as taxonomically and functionally diverse bacteria. Our previous metavirome study revealed a high diversity and novel families of bacteriophages in the guts of Coptotermes formosanus workers from New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. Two assembled bacteriophage genomes (Phages TG-crAlp-04 and 06, family Podoviridae) existed in all colonies and showed similarity to a prophage (ProJPt-Bp1) previously sequenced from a bacterial endosymbiont (Candidatus Azobacteroides pseudotrichonymphae, CAP) of protozoa in the gut of a termite species of the genus Prorhinotermes from Taiwan. In this study the genomes of Phage TG-crAlp-04 and 06 were subjected to detailed functional annotation. Both phage genomes contained conserved genes for DNA packaging, head and tail morphogenesis, and phage replication. Approximately 30% of the amino acid sequences derived from genes in both genomes matched to those of ProJPt-Bp1 phage or other phages from the crAss-like phage group. No integrase was identified; the lack of a lysogeny module is a characteristic of crAss-like phages. Primers were designed to sequence conserved genes of the two phages and their putative host bacterium (CAP) to detect their presence in different termite species from native and introduced distribution ranges. Related strains of the host bacterium were found across different termite genera and geographic regions. Different termite species had separate CAP strains, but intraspecific geographical variation was low. These results together with the fact that CAP is an important intracellular symbiont of obligate cellulose-digesting protozoa, suggest that CAP is a core gut bacterium and co-evolved across several subterranean termite species. Variants of both crAss-like phages were detected in different Coptotermes species from the native and introduced range, but they did not differentiate by species or geographic region. Since similar phages were detected in different termite species, we propose the existence of a core virome associated with core bacterial endosymbionts of protozoa in the guts of subterranean termites. This work provides a strong basis for further study of the quadripartite relationship of termites, protozoa, bacteria, and bacteriophages.
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Schulz P, Pajdak-Czaus J, Siwicki AK. In Vivo Bacteriophages' Application for the Prevention and Therapy of Aquaculture Animals-Chosen Aspects. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:1233. [PMID: 35625078 PMCID: PMC9137707 DOI: 10.3390/ani12101233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
To meet the nutritional requirements of our growing population, animal production must double by 2050, and due to the exhaustion of environmental capacity, any growth will have to come from aquaculture. Aquaculture is currently undergoing a dynamic development, but the intensification of production increases the risk of bacterial diseases. In recent years, there has been a drastic development in the resistance of pathogenic bacteria to antibiotics and chemotherapeutic agents approved for use, which has also taken place in aquaculture. Consequently, animal mortality and economic losses in livestock have increased. The use of drugs in closed systems is an additional challenge as it can damage biological filters. For this reason, there has been a growing interest in natural methods of combating pathogens. One of the methods is the use of bacteriophages both for prophylactic purposes and therapy. This work summarizes the diverse results of the in vivo application of bacteriophages for the prevention and control of bacterial pathogens in aquatic animals to provide a reference for further research on bacteriophages in aquaculture and to compare major achievements in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrycja Schulz
- Department of Ichthyopathology and Fish Health Prevention, S. Sakowicz Inland Fisheries Institute, Główna 48, 05-500 Żabieniec, Poland
| | - Joanna Pajdak-Czaus
- Department of Epizootiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 13, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Andrzej Krzysztof Siwicki
- Department of Microbiology and Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 13, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland;
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