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In Vivo Targeting of Escherichia coli with Vancomycin-Arginine. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:AAC.02416-20. [PMID: 33468474 PMCID: PMC8097466 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02416-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of vancomycin-arginine (V-r) to extend the spectrum of activity of glycopeptides to Gram-negative bacteria was investigated. Its MIC toward Escherichia coli, including β-lactamase expressing Ambler classes A, B, and D, was 8 to 16 μg/ml. The ability of vancomycin-arginine (V-r) to extend the spectrum of activity of glycopeptides to Gram-negative bacteria was investigated. Its MIC towards Escherichia coli, including β-lactamase expressing Ambler classes A, B, and D, was 8 to 16 μg/ml. Addition of 8 times the MIC of V-r to E. coli was acutely bactericidal and associated with a low frequency of resistance (<2.32 × 10−10). In vivo, V-r markedly reduced E. coli burden by >7 log10 CFU/g in a thigh muscle model. These data warrant further development of V-r in combatting E. coli, including resistant forms.
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52
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Du Q, Wu X, Bi W, Xing B, Yeow EKL. Increasing antibiotic activity by rapid bioorthogonal conjugation of drug to resistant bacteria using an upconverted light-activated photocatalyst. J Mater Chem B 2021; 9:3136-3142. [PMID: 33656045 DOI: 10.1039/d0tb02568b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Antibiotic vancomycin (Van) is often used as the drug of last resort to treat methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Due to the emergence of Van-resistant microbes, it is necessary to continuously design strategies to increase the efficacy of Van against resistant cells. In this study, an efficient method of bio-conjugating Van to bacteria is proposed using near-infrared (NIR)-light activation. A Nd3+-sensitized upconversion nanocrystal (UCNC) decorated with toluidine blue O (TB) on its surface undergoes upconverted energy transfer from the UCNC to TB when excited by 808 nm light. The photoexcited TB then catalyses the conversion of the dihydrotetrazine (dHTz) moiety in a Van-dHTz conjugate system to tetrazine which undergoes an efficient inverse electron demand Diels-Alder reaction with prior attached norbornene molecules on bacterial cell walls. The enhanced affinity of Van to bacteria by covalent bonding improves the activity of the drug against drug-resistant Enterococci, and the MIC is reduced by 6- to 7-fold as compared to neat Van. We demonstrate that the mode of action is due to increased inhibition of peptidoglycan cell wall biosynthesis. The findings in this study demonstrate that on-demand NIR-light activated bioorthogonal conjugation of Van to microbes is a viable alternative treatment in combating drug-resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanchao Du
- Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 637371, Singapore.
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Acaroğlu Degitz İ, Hakkı Gazioğlu B, Burak Aksu M, Malta S, Demir Sezer A, Eren T. Antibacterial and hemolytic activity of cationic polymer-vancomycin conjugates. Eur Polym J 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2020.110084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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54
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Fatty Acid Conjugation Leads to Length-Dependent Antimicrobial Activity of a Synthetic Antibacterial Peptide (Pep19-4LF). Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9120844. [PMID: 33255900 PMCID: PMC7760514 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9120844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing number of infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria requires an intensified search for new antibiotics. Pep19-4LF is a synthetic antimicrobial peptide (GKKYRRFRWKFKGKLFLFG) that was previously designed with the main focus on high antimicrobial activity. The hydrophobic motif, LFLFG, was found to be essential for antimicrobial activity. However, this motif shows several limitations such as aggregation in biological media, low solubility, and small yields in peptide synthesis. In order to obtain more appropriate peptide characteristics, the hydrophobic motif was replaced with fatty acids. For this purpose, a shortened variant of Pep19-4LF (Pep19-short; GKKYRRFRWKFKGK) was synthesized and covalently linked to saturated fatty acids of different chain lengths. The peptide conjugates were tested with respect to their antibacterial activity by microdilution experiments on different bacterial strains. The length of the fatty acid was found to be directly correlated to the antimicrobial activity up to an ideal chain length (undecanoic acid, C11:0). This conjugate showed high antimicrobial activity in absence of toxicity. Time–kill studies revealed a fast and bactericidal mode of action. Furthermore, the first in vivo experiments of the conjugate in rodents demonstrated pharmacokinetics appropriate for application as a drug. These results clearly indicate that the hydrophobic motif of the peptide can be replaced by a single fatty acid of medium length, simplifying the design of this antimicrobial peptide while retaining high antimicrobial activity in the absence of toxicity.
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Drayton M, Kizhakkedathu JN, Straus SK. Towards Robust Delivery of Antimicrobial Peptides to Combat Bacterial Resistance. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25133048. [PMID: 32635310 PMCID: PMC7412191 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25133048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), otherwise known as host defence peptides (HDPs), are naturally occurring biomolecules expressed by a large array of species across the phylogenetic kingdoms. They have great potential to combat microbial infections by directly killing or inhibiting bacterial activity and/or by modulating the immune response of the host. Due to their multimodal properties, broad spectrum activity, and minimal resistance generation, these peptides have emerged as a promising response to the rapidly concerning problem of multidrug resistance (MDR). However, their therapeutic efficacy is limited by a number of factors, including rapid degradation, systemic toxicity, and low bioavailability. As such, many strategies have been developed to mitigate these limitations, such as peptide modification and delivery vehicle conjugation/encapsulation. Oftentimes, however, particularly in the case of the latter, this can hinder the activity of the parent AMP. Here, we review current delivery strategies used for AMP formulation, focusing on methodologies utilized for targeted infection site release of AMPs. This specificity unites the improved biocompatibility of the delivery vehicle with the unhindered activity of the free AMP, providing a promising means to effectively translate AMP therapy into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Drayton
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada;
| | - Jayachandran N. Kizhakkedathu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Life Sciences Centre, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada;
| | - Suzana K. Straus
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-604-822-2537
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56
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Umstätter F, Domhan C, Hertlein T, Ohlsen K, Mühlberg E, Kleist C, Zimmermann S, Beijer B, Klika KD, Haberkorn U, Mier W, Uhl P. Vancomycin Resistance Is Overcome by Conjugation of Polycationic Peptides. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 59:8823-8827. [PMID: 32190958 PMCID: PMC7323874 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202002727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Multidrug-resistant bacteria represent one of the biggest challenges facing modern medicine. The increasing prevalence of glycopeptide resistance compromises the efficacy of vancomycin, for a long time considered as the last resort for the treatment of resistant bacteria. To reestablish its activity, polycationic peptides were conjugated to vancomycin. By site-specific conjugation, derivatives that bear the peptide moiety at four different sites of the antibiotic were synthesized. The most potent compounds exhibited an approximately 1000-fold increased antimicrobial activity and were able to overcome the most important types of vancomycin resistance. Additional blocking experiments using d-Ala-d-Ala revealed a mode of action beyond inhibition of cell-wall formation. The antimicrobial potential of the lead candidate FU002 for bacterial infection treatments could be demonstrated in an in vivo study. Molecular imaging and biodistribution studies revealed that conjugation engenders superior pharmacokinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Umstätter
- Department of Nuclear MedicineHeidelberg University HospitalIm Neuenheimer Feld 40069120HeidelbergGermany
| | - Cornelius Domhan
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular BiotechnologyHeidelberg UniversityGermany
| | - Tobias Hertlein
- Institute for Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB)University of WürzburgGermany
| | - Knut Ohlsen
- Institute for Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB)University of WürzburgGermany
| | - Eric Mühlberg
- Department of Nuclear MedicineHeidelberg University HospitalIm Neuenheimer Feld 40069120HeidelbergGermany
| | - Christian Kleist
- Department of Nuclear MedicineHeidelberg University HospitalIm Neuenheimer Feld 40069120HeidelbergGermany
| | - Stefan Zimmermann
- Medical Microbiology and HygieneHeidelberg University HospitalGermany
| | - Barbro Beijer
- Department of Nuclear MedicineHeidelberg University HospitalIm Neuenheimer Feld 40069120HeidelbergGermany
| | - Karel D. Klika
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)NMR Spectroscopy Analysis UnitGermany
| | - Uwe Haberkorn
- Department of Nuclear MedicineHeidelberg University HospitalGermany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear MedicineGerman Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)Germany
- Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC)German Center for Lung Research (DZL)Germany
| | - Walter Mier
- Department of Nuclear MedicineHeidelberg University HospitalIm Neuenheimer Feld 40069120HeidelbergGermany
| | - Philipp Uhl
- Department of Nuclear MedicineHeidelberg University HospitalIm Neuenheimer Feld 40069120HeidelbergGermany
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57
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Mühlberg E, Umstätter F, Domhan C, Hertlein T, Ohlsen K, Krause A, Kleist C, Beijer B, Zimmermann S, Haberkorn U, Mier W, Uhl P. Vancomycin-Lipopeptide Conjugates with High Antimicrobial Activity on Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13060110. [PMID: 32485876 PMCID: PMC7345083 DOI: 10.3390/ph13060110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Multidrug-resistant bacteria represent one of the most important health care problems worldwide. While there are numerous drugs available for standard therapy, there are only a few compounds capable of serving as a last resort for severe infections. Therefore, approaches to control multidrug-resistant bacteria must be implemented. Here, a strategy of reactivating the established glycopeptide antibiotic vancomycin by structural modification with polycationic peptides and subsequent fatty acid conjugation to overcome the resistance of multidrug-resistant bacteria was followed. This study especially focuses on the structure-activity relationship, depending on the modification site and fatty acid chain length. The synthesized conjugates showed high antimicrobial potential on vancomycin-resistant enterococci. We were able to demonstrate that the antimicrobial activity of the vancomycin-lipopeptide conjugates depends on the chain length of the attached fatty acid. All conjugates showed good cytocompatibility in vitro and in vivo. Radiolabeling enabled the in vivo determination of pharmacokinetics in Wistar rats by molecular imaging and biodistribution studies. An improved biodistribution profile in comparison to unmodified vancomycin was observed. While vancomycin is rapidly excreted by the kidneys, the most potent conjugate shows a hepatobiliary excretion profile. In conclusion, these results demonstrate the potential of the structural modification of already established antibiotics to provide highly active compounds for tackling multidrug-resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Mühlberg
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (E.M.); (F.U.); (A.K.); (C.K.); (B.B.); (U.H.); (W.M.)
| | - Florian Umstätter
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (E.M.); (F.U.); (A.K.); (C.K.); (B.B.); (U.H.); (W.M.)
| | - Cornelius Domhan
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Tobias Hertlein
- Institute for Molecular Infection Biology, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 2/D15, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (T.H.); (K.O.)
| | - Knut Ohlsen
- Institute for Molecular Infection Biology, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 2/D15, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (T.H.); (K.O.)
| | - Andreas Krause
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (E.M.); (F.U.); (A.K.); (C.K.); (B.B.); (U.H.); (W.M.)
| | - Christian Kleist
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (E.M.); (F.U.); (A.K.); (C.K.); (B.B.); (U.H.); (W.M.)
| | - Barbro Beijer
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (E.M.); (F.U.); (A.K.); (C.K.); (B.B.); (U.H.); (W.M.)
| | - Stefan Zimmermann
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120 Heidelberg Germany;
| | - Uwe Haberkorn
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (E.M.); (F.U.); (A.K.); (C.K.); (B.B.); (U.H.); (W.M.)
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 260, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Walter Mier
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (E.M.); (F.U.); (A.K.); (C.K.); (B.B.); (U.H.); (W.M.)
| | - Philipp Uhl
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (E.M.); (F.U.); (A.K.); (C.K.); (B.B.); (U.H.); (W.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-6221-56-7726
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