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Chen X, Liu M, Zhang P, Leung SSY, Xia J. Membrane-Permeable Antibacterial Enzyme against Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:2192-2204. [PMID: 34232613 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Bacteriophage endolysins (lysins, or murein hydrolases) are enzymes that bacteriophages utilize to degrade the cell wall peptidoglycans (PG) and subsequently disintegrate bacterial cells from within. Due to their muralytic activity, lysins are considered as potential candidates to battle against antibiotic resistance. However, most lysins in their native form lack the capability of trespassing the outer membrane (OM) of Gram-negative (G-ve) bacteria. To turn the bacteriophage enzymes into antibacterial weapons against G-ve bacteria, endowing these enzymes the capability of accessing the PG substrate underneath the OM is critical. Here we show that fusing a membrane-permeabilizing peptide CeA at the C-terminus of a muralytic enzyme LysAB2 renders a two-step mechanism of bacterial killing and increases the activity of LysAB2 against the multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii by up to 100 000-folds. The engineered LysAB2, termed LysAB2-KWK here, also shows remarkable activity against A. baumannii at the stationary phase and a prominent capability to disrupt biofilm formation. In addition, the enzyme shows a broad antibacterial spectrum against G-ve bacteria, a decent tolerance to serum, and a prolonged storage life. LysAB2-KWK rescues the larva of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella from A. baumannii infection through systemic administration. Altogether, our work equips a globular lysin with OM permeabilization activity to enable effective killing of G-ve bacteria, reveals the critical role of the C-terminus of a globular lysin in the antibacterial activity, and points toward a viable route to engineer globular lysins as antibacterial enzymes for potential clinical use against multidrug resistant G-ve bacteria.
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Lee C, Kim J, Son B, Ryu S. Development of Advanced Chimeric Endolysin to Control Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus through Domain Shuffling. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:2081-2092. [PMID: 34047546 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The increase in the prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Staphylococcus aureus with strong biofilm-forming capacity poses a serious public health concern. Endolysins derived from bacteriophages are a promising solution for antibiotic resistance problems. However, some natural staphylococcal endolysins have several shortcomings, such as low solubility and high sequence homology among domains. To overcome these limitations, we constructed a hybrid endolysin library by swapping an enzymatically active domain (EAD) and a cell wall binding domain (CBD) of 12 natural staphylococcal endolysins. We found a novel chimeric endolysin, ClyC, which showed enhanced lytic activity against S. aureus compared to its parental endolysin forms. ClyC also exhibited strong antibacterial activity against S. aureus in various biomatrices, such as milk and blood. Moreover, the treatment of chimeric endolysin effectively eradicated biofilms of multidrug-resistant bacteria, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), S. epidermidis (MRSE), and S. aureus clinical isolates. In an in vivo mouse infection model, ClyC showed effective protection capability against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) without any toxic effects. Taken together, our data suggest that the chimeric endolysin ClyC can be considered a potential antibacterial agent against multidrug-resistant S. aureus and may have clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanyoung Lee
- Department of Food and Animal Biotechnology, Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinwoo Kim
- Department of Food and Animal Biotechnology, Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Bokyung Son
- Department of Food and Animal Biotechnology, Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangryeol Ryu
- Department of Food and Animal Biotechnology, Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Center for Food and Bioconvergence, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
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Shemyakin IG, Firstova VV, Fursova NK, Abaev IV, Filippovich SY, Ignatov SG, Dyatlov IA. Next-Generation Antibiotics, Bacteriophage Endolysins, and Nanomaterials for Combating Pathogens. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2021; 85:1374-1388. [PMID: 33280580 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297920110085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
This review presents various strategies to fight causative agents of infectious diseases. Species-specific programmable RNA-containing antibiotics open up new possibilities for creating next-generation of personalized drugs based on microbiome editing and can serve as a new tool for selective elimination of pathogenic bacterial species while keeping intact the rest of microbiota. Another promising approach in combating bacterial infections is genome editing using the CRISPR-Cas systems. Expanding knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of innate immunity has been actively used for developing new antimicrobials. However, obvious risks of using antibiotic adjuvants aimed at activation of the host immune system include development of the autoimmune response with subsequent organ damage. To avoid these risks, it is essential to elucidate action mechanisms of the specific ligands and signal molecules used as components of the hybrid antibiotics. Bacteriophage endolysins are also considered as effective antimicrobials against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, metabolically inactive persisters, and microbial biofilms. Despite significant advances in the design of implants with antibacterial properties, the problem of postoperative infections still remains. Different nanomodifications of the implant surface have been designed to reduce bacterial contamination. Here, we review bactericidal, fungicidal, and immunomodulating properties of compounds used for the implant surface nanomodifications, such as silver, boron nitride nanomaterials, nanofibers, and nanogalvanic materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- I G Shemyakin
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Obolensk, Moscow Region, 142279, Russia
| | - V V Firstova
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Obolensk, Moscow Region, 142279, Russia.
| | - N K Fursova
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Obolensk, Moscow Region, 142279, Russia
| | - I V Abaev
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Obolensk, Moscow Region, 142279, Russia
| | - S Yu Filippovich
- Bach Institute of Biochemistry, Research Center of Biotechnology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119071, Russia
| | - S G Ignatov
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Obolensk, Moscow Region, 142279, Russia
| | - I A Dyatlov
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Obolensk, Moscow Region, 142279, Russia
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PhaLP: A Database for the Study of Phage Lytic Proteins and Their Evolution. Viruses 2021; 13:v13071240. [PMID: 34206969 PMCID: PMC8310338 DOI: 10.3390/v13071240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Phage lytic proteins are a clinically advanced class of novel enzyme-based antibiotics, so-called enzybiotics. A growing community of researchers develops phage lytic proteins with the perspective of their use as enzybiotics. A successful translation of enzybiotics to the market requires well-considered selections of phage lytic proteins in early research stages. Here, we introduce PhaLP, a database of phage lytic proteins, which serves as an open portal to facilitate the development of phage lytic proteins. PhaLP is a comprehensive, easily accessible and automatically updated database (currently 16,095 entries). Capitalizing on the rich content of PhaLP, we have mapped the high diversity of natural phage lytic proteins and conducted analyses at three levels to gain insight in their host-specific evolution. First, we provide an overview of the modular diversity. Secondly, datamining and interpretable machine learning approaches were adopted to reveal host-specific design rules for domain architectures in endolysins. Lastly, the evolution of phage lytic proteins on the protein sequence level was explored, revealing host-specific clusters. In sum, PhaLP can act as a starting point for the broad community of enzybiotic researchers, while the steadily improving evolutionary insights will serve as a natural inspiration for protein engineers.
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Aslam B, Arshad MI, Aslam MA, Muzammil S, Siddique AB, Yasmeen N, Khurshid M, Rasool M, Ahmad M, Rasool MH, Fahim M, Hussain R, Xia X, Baloch Z. Bacteriophage Proteome: Insights and Potentials of an Alternate to Antibiotics. Infect Dis Ther 2021; 10:1171-1193. [PMID: 34170506 PMCID: PMC8322358 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-021-00446-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The mounting incidence of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains and the dearth of novel antibiotics demand alternate therapies to manage the infections caused by resistant superbugs. Bacteriophages and phage=derived proteins are considered as potential alternates to treat such infections, and have several applications in health care systems. The aim of this review is to explore the hidden potential of bacteriophage proteins which may be a practical alternative approach to manage the threat of antibiotic resistance. Results Clinical trials are in progress for the use of phage therapy as a tool for routine medical use; however, the existing regulations may hamper their development of routine antimicrobial agents. The advancement of molecular techniques and the advent of sequencing have opened new potentials for the design of engineered bacteriophages as well as recombinant bacteriophage proteins. The phage enzymes and proteins encoded by the lysis cassette genes, especially endolysins, holins, and spanins, have shown plausible potentials as therapeutic candidates. Conclusion This review offers an integrated viewpoint that aims to decipher the insights and abilities of bacteriophages and their derived proteins as potential alternatives to antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Aslam
- Department of Microbiology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imran Arshad
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Aamir Aslam
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Saima Muzammil
- Department of Microbiology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Abu Baker Siddique
- Department of Microbiology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Nafeesa Yasmeen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, P.R. China
| | - Mohsin Khurshid
- Department of Microbiology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Maria Rasool
- Department of Microbiology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Moeed Ahmad
- Department of Microbiology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Mohammad Fahim
- College of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Riaz Hussain
- University College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Islamia University Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Xueshan Xia
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, P.R. China.
| | - Zulqarnain Baloch
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, P.R. China.
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Sequence-Function Relationships in Phage-Encoded Bacterial Cell Wall Lytic Enzymes and Their Implications for Phage-Derived Product Design. J Virol 2021; 95:e0032121. [PMID: 33883227 PMCID: PMC8223927 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00321-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Phage (endo)lysins are thought to be a viable alternative to usual antibiotic chemotherapy to fight resistant bacterial infections. However, a comprehensive view of lysins' structure and properties regarding their function, with an applied focus, is somewhat lacking. Current literature suggests that specific features typical of lysins from phages infecting Gram-negative bacteria (G-) (higher net charge and amphipathic helices) are responsible for improved interaction with the G- envelope. Such antimicrobial peptide (AMP)-like elements are also of interest for antimicrobial molecule design. Thus, this study aims to provide an updated view on the primary structural landscape of phage lysins to clarify the evolutionary importance of several sequence-predicted properties, particularly for the interaction with the G- surface. A database of 2,182 lysin sequences was compiled, containing relevant information such as domain architectures, data on the phages' host bacteria, and sequence-predicted physicochemical properties. Based on such classifiers, an investigation of the differential appearance of certain features was conducted. This analysis revealed different lysin architectural variants that are preferably found in phages infecting certain bacterial hosts. In particular, some physicochemical properties (higher net charge, hydrophobicity, hydrophobic moment, and aliphatic index) were associated with G- phage lysins, appearing specifically at their C-terminal end. Information on the remarkable genetic specialization of lysins regarding the features of the bacterial hosts is provided, specifically supporting the nowadays-common hypothesis that lysins from G- usually contain AMP-like regions. IMPORTANCE Phage-encoded lytic enzymes, also called lysins, are one of the most promising alternatives to common antibiotics. The potential of lysins as novel antimicrobials to tackle antibiotic-resistant bacteria not only arises from features such as a lower chance to provoke resistance but also from their versatility as synthetic biology parts. Functional modules derived from lysins are currently being used for the design of novel antimicrobials with desired properties. This study provides a view of the lysin diversity landscape by examining a set of phage lysin genes. We have uncovered the fundamental differences between the lysins from phages that infect bacteria with different superficial architectures and, thus, the reach of their specialization regarding cell wall structures. These results provide clarity and evidence to sustain some of the common hypotheses in current literature, as well as making available an updated and characterized database of lysins sequences for further developments.
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Human skin microbiota-friendly lysostaphin. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 183:852-860. [PMID: 33932416 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.04.154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Growing antibiotic resistance of bacteria is a burning problem of human and veterinary medicine. Expansion and introduction of novel microbicidal therapeutics is highly desirable. However, antibiotic treatment disturbs the balance of physiological microbiota by changing its qualitative and/or quantitative composition, resulting in a number of adverse effects that include secondary infections. Although such dysbiosis may be reversed by the treatment with probiotics, a more attractive alternative is the use of antibiotics that target only pathogens, while sparing the commensals. Here, we describe lysostaphin LSp222, an enzyme produced naturally by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius 222. LSp222 is highly effective against S. aureus, including its multi-drug resistant strains. Importantly, the inhibitory concentration for S. epidermidis, the predominant commensal in healthy human skin, is at least two orders of magnitude higher compared to S. aureus. Such significant therapeutic window makes LSp222 a microbiota-friendly antibacterial agent with a potential application in the treatment of S. aureus-driven skin infections.
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João J, Lampreia J, Prazeres DMF, Azevedo AM. Manufacturing of bacteriophages for therapeutic applications. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 49:107758. [PMID: 33895333 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Bacteriophages, or simply phages, are the most abundant biological entities on Earth. One of the most interesting characteristics of these viruses, which infect and use bacteria as their host organisms, is their high level of specificity. Since their discovery, phages became a tool for the comprehension of basic molecular biology and originated applications in a variety of areas such as agriculture, biotechnology, food safety, veterinary, pollution remediation and wastewater treatment. In particular, phages offer a solution to one of the major problems in public health nowadays, i.e. the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. In these situations, the use of virulent phages as therapeutic agents offers an alternative to the classic, antibiotic-based strategies. The development of phage therapies should be accompanied by the improvement of phage biomanufacturing processes, both at laboratory and industrial scales. In this review, we first present some historical and general aspects related with the discovery, usage and biology of phages and provide a brief overview of the most relevant phage therapy applications. Then, we showcase current processes used for the production and purification of phages and future alternatives in development. On the production side, key factors such as the bacterial physiological state, the conditions of phage infection and the operation parameters are described alongside with the different operation modes, from batch to semi-continuous and continuous. Traditional purification methods used in the initial phage isolation steps are then described followed by the presentation of current state-of-the-art purification approaches. Continuous purification of phages is finally presented as a future biomanufacturing trend.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge João
- iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - João Lampreia
- iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Duarte Miguel F Prazeres
- iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Ana M Azevedo
- iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal.
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Lu Y, Wang Y, Wang J, Zhao Y, Zhong Q, Li G, Fu Z, Lu S. Phage Endolysin LysP108 Showed Promising Antibacterial Potential Against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:668430. [PMID: 33937105 PMCID: PMC8082462 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.668430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
As a potential antibacterial agent, endolysin can directly lyse Gram-positive bacteria from the outside and does not lead to drug resistance. Considering that XN108 is the first reported methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain in mainland China with a vancomycin MIC that exceeds 8 µg mL-1, we conducted a systematic study on its phage-encoded endolysin LysP108. Standard plate counting method revealed that LysP108 could lyse S. aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with damaged outer membrane, resulting in a significant reduction in the number of live bacteria. Scanning electron microscopy results showed that S. aureus cells could be lysed directly from the outside by LysP108. Live/dead bacteria staining results indicated that LysP108 possessed strong bactericidal ability, with an anti-bacterial rate of approximately 90%. Crystal violet staining results implied that LysP108 could also inhibit and destroy bacterial biofilms. In vivo animal experiments suggested that the area of subcutaneous abscess of mice infected with MRSA was significantly reduced after the combined injection of LysP108 and vancomycin in comparison with monotherapy. The synergistic antibacterial effects of LysP108 and vancomycin were confirmed. Therefore, the present data strongly support the idea that endolysin LysP108 exhibits promising antibacterial potential to be used as a candidate for the treatment of infections caused by MRSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Lu
- Institute of Burn Research, Southwest Hospital, State Key Lab of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yingran Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiu Zhong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhifeng Fu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shuguang Lu
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Ni P, Wang L, Deng B, Jiu S, Ma C, Zhang C, Almeida A, Wang D, Xu W, Wang S. Characterization of a Lytic Bacteriophage against Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae and Its Endolysin. Viruses 2021; 13:631. [PMID: 33917076 PMCID: PMC8067700 DOI: 10.3390/v13040631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa) is a phytopathogen that causes canker in kiwifruit. Few conventional control methods are effective against this bacterium. Therefore, alternative approaches, such as phage therapy are warranted. In this study, a lytic bacteriophage (PN09) of Psa was isolated from surface water collected from a river in Hangzhou, China in 2019. Morphologically, PN09 was classified into the Myoviridae family, and could lyse all 29 Psa biovar 3 strains. The optimal temperature and pH ranges for PN09 activity were determined as 25 to 35 ∘C and 6.0 to 9.0, respectively. The complete genome of PN09 was found to be composed of a linear 99,229 bp double-stranded DNA genome with a GC content of 48.16%. The PN09 endolysin (LysPN09) was expressed in vitro and characterized. LysPN09 was predicted to belong to the Muraidase superfamily domain and showed lytic activity against the outer-membrane-permeabilized Psa strains. The lytic activity of LysPN09 was optimal over temperature and pH ranges of 25 to 40 ∘C and 6.0 to 8.0, respectively. When recombinant endolysin LysPN09 was combined with EDTA, Psa strains were effectively damaged. All these characteristics demonstrate that the phage PN09 and its endolysin, LysPN09, are potential candidates for biocontrol of Psa in the kiwifruit industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peien Ni
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (P.N.); (L.W.); (B.D.); (S.J.); (C.M.); (C.Z.); (D.W.); (S.W.)
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (P.N.); (L.W.); (B.D.); (S.J.); (C.M.); (C.Z.); (D.W.); (S.W.)
| | - Bohan Deng
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (P.N.); (L.W.); (B.D.); (S.J.); (C.M.); (C.Z.); (D.W.); (S.W.)
| | - Songtao Jiu
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (P.N.); (L.W.); (B.D.); (S.J.); (C.M.); (C.Z.); (D.W.); (S.W.)
| | - Chao Ma
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (P.N.); (L.W.); (B.D.); (S.J.); (C.M.); (C.Z.); (D.W.); (S.W.)
| | - Caixi Zhang
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (P.N.); (L.W.); (B.D.); (S.J.); (C.M.); (C.Z.); (D.W.); (S.W.)
| | - Adelaide Almeida
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Dapeng Wang
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (P.N.); (L.W.); (B.D.); (S.J.); (C.M.); (C.Z.); (D.W.); (S.W.)
| | - Wenping Xu
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (P.N.); (L.W.); (B.D.); (S.J.); (C.M.); (C.Z.); (D.W.); (S.W.)
| | - Shiping Wang
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (P.N.); (L.W.); (B.D.); (S.J.); (C.M.); (C.Z.); (D.W.); (S.W.)
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Vrancianu CO, Dobre EG, Gheorghe I, Barbu I, Cristian RE, Chifiriuc MC. Present and Future Perspectives on Therapeutic Options for Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacterales Infections. Microorganisms 2021; 9:730. [PMID: 33807464 PMCID: PMC8065494 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9040730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) are included in the list of the most threatening antibiotic resistance microorganisms, being responsible for often insurmountable therapeutic issues, especially in hospitalized patients and immunocompromised individuals and patients in intensive care units. The enzymatic resistance to carbapenems is encoded by different β-lactamases belonging to A, B or D Ambler class. Besides compromising the activity of last-resort antibiotics, CRE have spread from the clinical to the environmental sectors, in all geographic regions. The purpose of this review is to present present and future perspectives on CRE-associated infections treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corneliu Ovidiu Vrancianu
- Microbiology Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (C.O.V.); (E.G.D.); (I.B.); (M.C.C.)
- The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Elena Georgiana Dobre
- Microbiology Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (C.O.V.); (E.G.D.); (I.B.); (M.C.C.)
| | - Irina Gheorghe
- Microbiology Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (C.O.V.); (E.G.D.); (I.B.); (M.C.C.)
- The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ilda Barbu
- Microbiology Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (C.O.V.); (E.G.D.); (I.B.); (M.C.C.)
- The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Roxana Elena Cristian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc
- Microbiology Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (C.O.V.); (E.G.D.); (I.B.); (M.C.C.)
- The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
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Yang H, Wang Y, Liu S, Ouyang H, Lu S, Li H, Fu Z. Lateral flow assay of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus using bacteriophage cellular wall-binding domain as recognition agent. Biosens Bioelectron 2021; 182:113189. [PMID: 33799025 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2021.113189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
As one of the most common and noticeable superbugs, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has long been a major threat to public health. To meet the demand for effective diagnosis of MRSA-induced infection, it is urgent to establish rapid assay method for this type of pathogen. In this study, an aqueous soluble cellular wall-binding domain (CWBD) protein from bacteriophage P108 was obtained with a recombinant expression technique. It can act as a wide-spectrum binding agent for all MRSA strains and exclude the interference from methicillin-susceptible strains of Staphylococcus aureus and other species of bacteria. To establish a lateral flow assay (LFA) method for MRSA, CWBD-coupled time-resolved fluorescent microspheres (FMs) were used as signal probes for tracing MRSA, and a nitrocellulose membrane immobilized with porcine IgG was used to capture MRSA. With the LFA based on sandwich format, MRSA can be assayed within 10 min with a broad linear range of 6.6 × 102-6.6 × 107 CFU/mL. Its application potential has been demonstrated by assaying different types of bacteria-contaminated real samples. The results suggest that the LFA strip using recombinant CWBD as the recognition agent provides a rapid, portable, cost-effective approach for point-of-care testing of MRSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honglin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Yingran Wang
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Shengyin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, College of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Hui Ouyang
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Shuguang Lu
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Hongtao Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, College of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Zhifeng Fu
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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63
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Zha J, Liu Z, Sun R, Gong G, Dordick JS, Wu X. Endolysin-Based Autolytic E. coli System for Facile Recovery of Recombinant Proteins. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2021; 69:3134-3143. [PMID: 33656890 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c00059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Recovery of recombinant proteins from the Escherichia coli cytoplasm depends on cell disruption by mechanical, chemical, and/or enzymatic methods, which usually cause incomplete cell breakage or protein denaturation. Controllable autolytic E. coli strains have been designed to facilitate the purification of recombinant proteins; however, these strains suffer from low recovery yield, slow cell lysis, or extensive strain engineering. Herein, we report an improved, highly efficient programmable autolytic E. coli platform, in which cell lysis is initiated upon the induced expression of T4 lysozyme with N-terminal fusion of a cell-penetrating peptide. Through the engineering of the peptide sequence and copy number, and by incorporating the fusion lytic gene into the E. coli genome, more than 99.97% of cells could be lysed within 30 min of induction regardless of cell age. We further tested the expression and release of a recombinant enzyme lysostaphin (Lst) and demonstrated that 4 h induction of the lytic gene after 3 h of Lst expression resulted in 98.97% cell lysis. Lst obtained from this system had the same yield, yet 1.63-fold higher activity, compared with that obtained from cells lysed by freeze-thawing and sonication. This autolytic platform shows potential for use in large-scale microbial production of proteins and other biopolymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zha
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710021, China
| | - Zhiqiang Liu
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710021, China
| | - Runcong Sun
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710021, China
| | - Guoli Gong
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710021, China
| | - Jonathan S Dordick
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180, United States
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180, United States
| | - Xia Wu
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710021, China
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Rapid and High-Throughput Evaluation of Diverse Configurations of Engineered Lysins Using the VersaTile Technique. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10030293. [PMID: 33799561 PMCID: PMC7998686 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10030293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophage-encoded lysins are an emerging class of antibacterial enzymes based on peptidoglycan degradation. The modular composition of lysins is a hallmark feature enabling optimization of antibacterial and pharmacological properties by engineering of lysin candidates based on lysin and non-lysin modules. In this regard, the recent introduction of the VersaTile technique allows the rapid construction of large modular lysin libraries based on a premade repository of building blocks. In this study, we perform a high-throughput construction and screening of five combinatorial lysin libraries with different configurations, targeting Klebsiella pneumoniae. An elaborate analysis of the activity distribution of 940 variants and sequencing data of 74 top hits inhibiting the growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae could be associated with specific design rules. Specific outer membrane permeabilizing peptides (OMPs) and enzymatically active domains (EADs) are significantly overrepresented among the top hits, while cell wall binding domains (CBDs) are equally represented. Especially libraries with the configuration (OMP-linker-CBD-EAD) and the inverse configuration (CBD-EAD-linker-OMP) yield the most active variants, with discernible clusters of variants that emerge above the remaining variants. The approach implemented here provides a blueprint for discovery campaigns of engineered lysins starting from libraries with different configurations and compositions.
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65
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Internal cell-penetrating peptide-mediated internalization enables a chimeric lysin to target intracellular pathogens. Int J Pharm 2021; 599:120449. [PMID: 33711472 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120449] [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: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Intracellular pathogens pose serious challenges to the public health worldwide. Lysin, peptidoglycan hydrolase from phage, is promising alternative to conventional antibiotics because of its high bactericidal activity and low risk of resistance. However, most proteinaceous lysins cannot penetrate the mammalian cell membrane because of size exclusion. Previously, we reported a broad-spectrum chimeric lysin, ClyR, with a cysteine, histidine-dependent amidohydrolase/peptidase catalytic domain from PlyC lysin and an SH-3b cell-wall binding domain from PlySs2 lysin. Herein, we further report that a novel internal cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) is predicted in the junction region of the two constitutive domains of ClyR, mediated by which ClyR can be internalized by epithelial cells through caveolin-dependent endocytosis to target intracellular pathogens. Residues K153, P154, R169, and R188 of the internal CPP were found to be essential for ClyR-mediated internalization and intracellular killing. RNA-seq analysis further showed that there are minor differences in transcript and metabolic profiles from epithelial cells exposed to 100 μg/ml ClyR for 24 h. Taken together, our findings demonstrate a novel mechanism of internalization by ClyR, providing new insights into the rational designing of the next-generation lysins to target both extracellular and intracellular pathogens.
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66
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Bhagwat A, Zhang F, Collins CH, Dordick JS. Influence of bacterial culture medium on peptidoglycan binding of cell wall lytic enzymes. J Biotechnol 2021; 330:27-34. [PMID: 33652073 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2021.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The bacteriolysin lysostaphin (Lst) and endolysin PlyPH are potent modular lytic enzymes with activity against clinically-relevant Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus, respectively. Both enzymes possess an N-terminal catalytic domain and C-terminal binding domain, with the latter conferring significant enzyme specificity. Lst and PlyPH show reduced activity in the presence of bacterial growth-supporting conditions, such as complex media. Here, we hypothesize that Lst and PlyPH bind poorly to their targets in growth media, which may influence their use in antimicrobial applications in the food industry, as therapeutics, and for control of microbial communities. To this end, binding of isolated Lst and PlyPH binding domains to target bacteria was quantified in the presence of three increasingly complex media - phosphate buffered saline (PBS), defined growth medium (AAM) and undefined complex medium (TSB) by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and flow cytometry. Evaluation of binding kinetics by SPR demonstrated that PlyPH binding was particularly sensitive to medium composition, with 8-fold lower association and 3.4-fold lower dissociation rate constants to B. cereus in TSB compared to PBS. Flow cytometry studies indicated a decrease in the binding-dependent fluorescent populations of S. aureus and B. cereus, for lysostaphin binding domain and PlyPH binding domain, respectively, in TSB compared to PBS. Enzyme binding behavior was consistent with the enzymes' catalytic activity in the three media, thereby suggesting that compromised enzyme binding could be responsible for poor activity in more complex growth media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amala Bhagwat
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and Center for Biotechnology & Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, 12180, United States
| | - Fuming Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and Center for Biotechnology & Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, 12180, United States
| | - Cynthia H Collins
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and Center for Biotechnology & Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, 12180, United States.
| | - Jonathan S Dordick
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and Center for Biotechnology & Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, 12180, United States.
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67
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Linden SB, Alreja AB, Nelson DC. Application of bacteriophage-derived endolysins to combat streptococcal disease: current state and perspectives. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2021; 68:213-220. [PMID: 33529969 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2021.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The decline in new antibiotic candidates combined with an increase in antibiotic-resistance necessitates development of alternative antimicrobials. Bacteriophage-encoded endolysins (lysins) are a class of peptidoglycan hydrolases that have been proposed to fill this antimicrobial void. The past 20 years has seen a dramatic expansion of studies on endolysin discovery, structure/function, engineering, immunogenicity, toxicity/safety, and efficacy in animal models. These collective efforts have led to current human clinical trials on at least three different endolysins that are antimicrobial toward staphylococcal species. It can be anticipated that endolysins targeting streptococcal species may be next in line for translational development. Notably, streptococcal diseases largely manifest at accessible mucous membranes, which should be beneficial for protein therapeutics. Additionally, there are a number of well-identified streptococcal diseases in both humans and animals that are associated with a single species, further favoring a targeted endolysin therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara B Linden
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Adit B Alreja
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Daniel C Nelson
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850, USA; Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
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68
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Abdelrahman F, Easwaran M, Daramola OI, Ragab S, Lynch S, Oduselu TJ, Khan FM, Ayobami A, Adnan F, Torrents E, Sanmukh S, El-Shibiny A. Phage-Encoded Endolysins. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:124. [PMID: 33525684 PMCID: PMC7912344 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10020124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the global emergence of antibiotic resistance, there has been an increase in research surrounding endolysins as an alternative therapeutic. Endolysins are phage-encoded enzymes, utilized by mature phage virions to hydrolyze the cell wall from within. There is significant evidence that proves the ability of endolysins to degrade the peptidoglycan externally without the assistance of phage. Thus, their incorporation in therapeutic strategies has opened new options for therapeutic application against bacterial infections in the human and veterinary sectors, as well as within the agricultural and biotechnology sectors. While endolysins show promising results within the laboratory, it is important to document their resistance, safety, and immunogenicity for in-vivo application. This review aims to provide new insights into the synergy between endolysins and antibiotics, as well as the formulation of endolysins. Thus, it provides crucial information for clinical trials involving endolysins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Abdelrahman
- Center for Microbiology and Phage Therapy, Biomedical Sciences, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza 12578, Egypt
| | - Maheswaran Easwaran
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sethu Institute of Technology, Tamil Nadu 626115, India
| | - Oluwasegun I Daramola
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200284, Nigeria
| | - Samar Ragab
- Center for Microbiology and Phage Therapy, Biomedical Sciences, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza 12578, Egypt
| | - Stephanie Lynch
- School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Tolulope J Oduselu
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200284, Nigeria
| | - Fazal Mehmood Khan
- Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
- International College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Akomolafe Ayobami
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200284, Nigeria
| | - Fazal Adnan
- Atta ur Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad 24090, Pakistan
| | - Eduard Torrents
- Bacterial Infections: Antimicrobial Therapies Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Microbiology Section, Department of Genetics, Microbiology, and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Swapnil Sanmukh
- Bacterial Infections: Antimicrobial Therapies Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ayman El-Shibiny
- Center for Microbiology and Phage Therapy, Biomedical Sciences, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza 12578, Egypt
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69
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Zhang Z, Lahti M, Douillard FP, Korkeala H, Lindström M. Phage lysin that specifically eliminates Clostridium botulinum Group I cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21571. [PMID: 33299101 PMCID: PMC7725837 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78622-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridium botulinum poses a serious threat to food safety and public health by producing potent neurotoxin during its vegetative growth and causing life-threatening neuroparalysis, botulism. While high temperature can be utilized to eliminate C. botulinum spores and the neurotoxin, non-thermal elimination of newly germinated C. botulinum cells before onset of toxin production could provide an alternative or additional factor controlling the risk of botulism in some applications. Here we introduce a putative phage lysin that specifically lyses vegetative C. botulinum Group I cells. This lysin, called CBO1751, efficiently kills cells of C. botulinum Group I strains at the concentration of 5 µM, but shows little or no lytic activity against C. botulinum Group II or III or other Firmicutes strains. CBO1751 is active at pH from 6.5 to 10.5. The lytic activity of CBO1751 is tolerant to NaCl (200 mM), but highly susceptible to divalent cations Ca2+ and Mg2+ (50 mM). CBO1751 readily and effectively eliminates C. botulinum during spore germination, an early stage preceding vegetative growth and neurotoxin production. This is the first report of an antimicrobial lysin against C. botulinum, presenting high potential for developing a novel antibotulinal agent for non-thermal applications in food and agricultural industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zhang
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P. O. Box 66, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Meeri Lahti
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P. O. Box 66, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - François P Douillard
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P. O. Box 66, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hannu Korkeala
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P. O. Box 66, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Miia Lindström
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P. O. Box 66, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
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70
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Design, Overproduction and Purification of the Chimeric Phage Lysin MLTphg Fighting against Staphylococcus aureus. Processes (Basel) 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/pr8121587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
With the increasing spread of multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens, it is of great importance to develop alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Here, we report the generation of a chimeric phage lysin, MLTphg, which was assembled by joining the lysins derived from Meiothermus bacteriophage MMP7 and Thermus bacteriophage TSP4 with a flexible linker via chimeolysin engineering. As a potential antimicrobial agent, MLTphg can be obtained by overproduction in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) cells and the following Ni-affinity chromatography. Finally, we recovered about 40 ± 1.9 mg of MLTphg from 1 L of the host E. coli BL21(DE3) culture. The purified MLTphg showed peak activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC6538 between 35 and 40 °C, and maintained approximately 44.5 ± 2.1% activity at room temperature (25 °C). Moreover, as a produced chimera, it exhibited considerably improved bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus (2.9 ± 0.1 log10 reduction was observed upon 40 nM MLTphg treatment at 37 °C for 30 min) and also a group of antibiotic-resistant bacteria compared to its parental lysins, TSPphg and MMPphg. In the current age of growing antibiotic resistance, our results provide an engineering basis for developing phage lysins as novel antimicrobial agents and shed light on bacteriophage-based strategies to tackle bacterial infections.
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71
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Abstract
The diversity of advanced genetic engineering techniques that have become available in recent years has enabled a more precise manipulation of genes and genomes. Among these, bacteriophage genomes stand out as an interesting target due to their dependence on a host for replication, which previously complicated their manipulation, and due as well to the many possible fields in which they can be used. In this review, we highlight recent applications for which genetically modified bacteriophages are being employed: as phage therapy in medicine, animal industries and agricultural settings; as a source of new antimicrobials; as biosensors for research, health and environmental purposes; and as genetic engineering tools themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hiroki Ando
- Department of Microbiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University
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72
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Shadrin VS, Machulin AV, Dorofeeva LV, Chernyshov SV, Mikoulinskaia GV. Lysis of cells of diverse bacteria by l,d-peptidases of Escherichia coli bacteriophages RB43, RB49 and T5. J Appl Microbiol 2020; 130:1902-1912. [PMID: 33107183 DOI: 10.1111/jam.14910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The objective of this work was to study the antibacterial specificity and antibacterial effect of endolysins isolated from colibacteriophages RB43, RB49 and T5-as manifested on the exponential and stationary cell cultures of diverse bacteria depending on the growth stage, structure of peptidoglycan (PG) and antibiotic resistance. METHODS AND RESULTS Enzyme activity was assayed by the spectrophotometric method. Antimicrobial activity was estimated by the number of colony forming units (CFUs), with the results represented as logarithmic units. Morphological examination of bacterial cells was conducted using phase-contrast and scanning electron microscopy. The enzymes EndoT5, endolysin of bacteriophage T5, EndoRB43, endolysin of bacteriophage RB43 and EndoRB49, endolysin of bacteriophage RB49 turned out to be much less bacteriospecific than the corresponding Escherichia coli phages; they lysed bacteria of the genera Bacillus, Cellulomonas and Sporosarcina, whose PGs had different structures (A1γ, A4α and A4β) and chemical modifications (amidation). The specific lytic activity of phage enzymes was independent of the antibiotic resistance of bacterial cells and was higher when the cells were in the exponential, rather than stationary, growth phase. The analysis of morphological changes showed that the intermediate stage of the endolysin-induced lysis of bacterial cells was the formation of spheroplasts and protoplasts. CONCLUSIONS Endolysins of colibacteriophages RB49, RB43 and T5 have a wide spectrum of antibacterial action, which includes a number of diverse micro-organisms with different PG structures. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY This is a study of the bacterial selectivity of enzymes degrading bacterial cell wall in relation to the chemical structure of PG. It is shown that endolysins of bacteriophages RB49 and RB43 efficiently lyse cell wall of Gram-positive bacteria of the genus Bacillus and Gram-negative bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas (including an antibiotic-resistant strain). The number of bacterial cells is reduced by 3-6 orders of magnitude, which indicates good prospects for using these enzymes in biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- V S Shadrin
- Branch of Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov's Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, Pushchino, Russia
| | - A V Machulin
- Skryabin's Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, Russian Academy of Sciences, Federal Research Center 'Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the, Russian Academy of Sciences', Pushchino, Russia
| | - L V Dorofeeva
- Skryabin's Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, Russian Academy of Sciences, Federal Research Center 'Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the, Russian Academy of Sciences', Pushchino, Russia
| | - S V Chernyshov
- Branch of Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov's Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, Pushchino, Russia
| | - G V Mikoulinskaia
- Branch of Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov's Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, Pushchino, Russia
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73
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Mondal SI, Draper LA, Ross RP, Hill C. Bacteriophage endolysins as a potential weapon to combat Clostridioides difficile infection. Gut Microbes 2020; 12:1813533. [PMID: 32985336 PMCID: PMC7524323 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2020.1813533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile is the leading cause of health-care-associated infection throughout the developed world and contributes significantly to patient morbidity and mortality. Typically, antibiotics are used for the primary treatment of C. difficile infections (CDIs), but they are not universally effective for all ribotypes and can result in antibiotic resistance and recurrent infection, while also disrupting the microbiota. Novel targeted therapeutics are urgently needed to combat CDI. Bacteriophage-derived endolysins are required to disrupt the bacterial cell wall of their target bacteria and are possible alternatives to antibiotics. These lytic proteins could potentially replace or augment antibiotics in CDI treatment. We discuss candidate therapeutic lysins derived from phages/prophages of C. difficile and their potential as antimicrobials against CDI. Additionally, we review the antibacterial potential of some recently identified homologues of C. difficile endolysins. Finally, the challenges of endolysins are considered with respect to the development of novel lysin-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakhinur Islam Mondal
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland,Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Department, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
| | - Lorraine A. Draper
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland,School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - R Paul Ross
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland,School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland,Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Cork, Ireland
| | - Colin Hill
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland,School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland,CONTACT Colin Hill APC Microbiome Ireland & School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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74
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Schmelcher M, Loessner MJ. Bacteriophage endolysins - extending their application to tissues and the bloodstream. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2020; 68:51-59. [PMID: 33126104 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2020.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The rapid emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the lack of novel antibacterial agents pose a serious threat for patients and healthcare systems. Bacteriophage-encoded peptidoglycan hydrolases (endolysins) represent a promising new class of antimicrobials. Over the past two decades, research on these enzymes has evolved from basic in vitro characterization to sophisticated protein engineering approaches, including advanced preclinical and clinical testing. In recent years, increasingly specific animal models have shown efficacy of endolysins against bacterial infections of various different organs and tissues of the body. Despite these advances, some challenges with regard to systemic application of endolysins remain to be addressed. These include immunogenicity, circulation half-life, and cell and tissue-specific targeting and penetration properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Schmelcher
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Martin J Loessner
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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75
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Grishin AV, Karyagina AS, Vasina DV, Vasina IV, Gushchin VA, Lunin VG. Resistance to peptidoglycan-degrading enzymes. Crit Rev Microbiol 2020; 46:703-726. [PMID: 32985279 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2020.1825333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The spread of bacterial strains resistant to commonly used antibiotics urges the development of novel antibacterial compounds. Ideally, these novel antimicrobials should be less prone to the development of resistance. Peptidoglycan-degrading enzymes are a promising class of compounds with a fundamentally different mode of action compared to traditionally used antibiotics. The difference in the mechanism of action implies differences both in the mechanisms of resistance and the chances of its emergence. To critically assess the potential of resistance development to peptidoglycan-degrading enzymes, we review the available evidence for the development of resistance to these enzymes in vitro, along with the known mechanisms of resistance to lysozyme, bacteriocins, autolysins, and phage endolysins. We conclude that genetic determinants of resistance to peptidoglycan-degrading enzymes are unlikely to readily emerge de novo. However, resistance to these enzymes would probably spread by the horizontal transfer between intrinsically resistant and susceptible species. Finally, we speculate that the higher cost of the therapeutics based on peptidoglycan degrading enzymes compared to classical antibiotics might result in less misuse, which in turn would lead to lower selective pressure, making these antibacterials less prone to resistance development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander V Grishin
- N.F. Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia.,All-Russia Research Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna S Karyagina
- N.F. Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia.,All-Russia Research Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physical and Chemical Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Daria V Vasina
- N.F. Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia.,A.N. Bach Institute of Biochemistry, Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina V Vasina
- N.F. Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir A Gushchin
- N.F. Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia.,Faculty of Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir G Lunin
- N.F. Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia.,All-Russia Research Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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76
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Engineering of Long-Circulating Peptidoglycan Hydrolases Enables Efficient Treatment of Systemic Staphylococcus aureus Infection. mBio 2020; 11:mBio.01781-20. [PMID: 32963004 PMCID: PMC7512550 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01781-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a human pathogen causing life-threatening diseases. The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant S. aureus infections is a global health concern, requiring development of novel therapeutic options. Peptidoglycan-degrading enzymes (peptidoglycan hydrolases, PGHs) have emerged as a highly effective class of antimicrobial proteins against S. aureus and other pathogens. When applied to Gram-positive bacteria, PGHs hydrolyze bonds within the peptidoglycan layer, leading to rapid bacterial death by lysis. This activity is highly specific and independent of the metabolic activity of the cell or its antibiotic resistance patterns. However, systemic application of PGHs is limited by their often low activity in vivo and by an insufficient serum circulation half-life. To address this problem, we aimed to extend the half-life of PGHs selected for high activity against S. aureus in human serum. Half-life extension and increased serum circulation were achieved through fusion of PGHs to an albumin-binding domain (ABD), resulting in high-affinity recruitment of human serum albumin and formation of large protein complexes. Importantly, the ABD-fused PGHs maintained high killing activity against multiple drug-resistant S. aureus strains, as determined by ex vivo testing in human blood. The top candidate, termed ABD_M23, was tested in vivo to treat S. aureus-induced murine bacteremia. Our findings demonstrate a significantly higher efficacy of ABD_M23 than of the parental M23 enzyme. We conclude that fusion with ABD represents a powerful approach for half-life extension of PGHs, expanding the therapeutic potential of these enzybiotics for treatment of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.IMPORTANCE Life-threatening infections with Staphylococcus aureus are often difficult to treat due to the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and their ability to persist in protected niches in the body. Bacteriolytic enzymes are promising new antimicrobials because they rapidly kill bacteria, including drug-resistant and persisting cells, by destroying their cell wall. However, when injected into the bloodstream, these enzymes are not retained long enough to clear an infection. Here, we describe a modification to increase blood circulation time of the enzymes and enhance treatment efficacy against S. aureus-induced bloodstream infections. This was achieved by preselecting enzyme candidates for high activity in human blood and coupling them to serum albumin, thereby preventing their elimination by kidney filtration and blood vessel cells.
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77
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Characterization of PlyB221 and PlyP32, Two Novel Endolysins Encoded by Phages Preying on the Bacillus cereus Group. Viruses 2020; 12:v12091052. [PMID: 32967292 PMCID: PMC7551664 DOI: 10.3390/v12091052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Endolysins are phage-encoded enzymes implicated in the breaching of the bacterial cell wall at the end of the viral cycle. This study focuses on the endolysins of Deep-Blue (PlyB221) and Deep-Purple (PlyP32), two phages preying on the Bacillus cereus group. Both enzymes exhibit a typical modular organization with an enzymatically active domain (EAD) located in the N-terminal and a cell wall binding domain (CBD) in the C-terminal part of the protein. In silico analysis indicated that the EAD domains of PlyB221 and PlyP32 are endowed with peptidase and muramidase activities, respectively, whereas in both proteins SH3 domains are involved in the CBD. To evaluate their antimicrobial properties and binding specificity, both endolysins were expressed and purified. PlyB221 and PlyP32 efficiently recognized and lysed all the tested strains from the B. cereus group. Biochemical characterization showed that PlyB221 activity was stable under a wide range of pHs (5–9), NaCl concentrations (up to 200 mM), and temperature treatments (up to 50 °C). Although PlyP32 activity was less stable than that of PlyB221, the endolysin displayed high activity at pH 6–7, NaCl concentration up to 100 mM and the temperature treatment up to 45 °C. Overall, PlyB221 and PlyP32 display suitable characteristics for the development of biocontrol and detection tools.
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78
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Opportunities for broadening the application of cell wall lytic enzymes. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:9019-9040. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10862-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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79
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Lysin LysMK34 of Acinetobacter baumannii Bacteriophage PMK34 Has a Turgor Pressure-Dependent Intrinsic Antibacterial Activity and Reverts Colistin Resistance. Appl Environ Microbiol 2020; 86:AEM.01311-20. [PMID: 32709718 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01311-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of extensively and pandrug-resistant strains of Acinetobacter baumannii leaves little or no therapeutic options for treatment for this bacterial pathogen. Bacteriophages and their lysins represent attractive alternative antibacterial strategies in this regard. We used the extensively drug-resistant A. baumannii strain MK34 to isolate the bacteriophage PMK34 (vB_AbaP_PMK34). This phage shows fast adsorption and lacks virulence genes; nonetheless, its narrow host spectrum based on capsule recognition limits broad application. PMK34 is a Fri1virus member of the Autographiviridae and has a 41.8-kb genome (50 open reading frames), encoding an endolysin (LysMK34) with potent muralytic activity (1,499.9 ± 131 U/μM), a typical mesophilic thermal stability up to 55°C, and a broad pH activity range (4 to 10). LysMK34 has an intrinsic antibacterial activity up to 4.8 and 2.4 log units for A. baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains, respectively, but only when a high turgor pressure is present. The addition of 0.5 mM EDTA or application of an osmotic shock after treatment can compensate for the lack of a high turgor pressure. The combination of LysMK34 and colistin results in up to 32-fold reduction of the MIC of colistin, and colistin-resistant strains are resensitized in both Mueller-Hinton broth and 50% human serum. As such, LysMK34 may be used to safeguard the applicability of colistin as a last-resort antibiotic.IMPORTANCE A. baumannii is one of the most challenging pathogens for which development of new and effective antimicrobials is urgently needed. Colistin is a last-resort antibiotic, and even colistin-resistant A. baumannii strains exist. Here, we present a lysin that sensitizes A. baumannii for colistin and can revert colistin resistance to colistin susceptibility. The lysin also shows a strong, turgor pressure-dependent intrinsic antibacterial activity, providing new insights in the mode of action of lysins with intrinsic activity against Gram-negative bacteria.
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80
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De Maesschalck V, Gutiérrez D, Paeshuyse J, Lavigne R, Briers Y. Advanced engineering of third-generation lysins and formulation strategies for clinical applications. Crit Rev Microbiol 2020; 46:548-564. [PMID: 32886565 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2020.1809346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
One of the possible solutions for the current antibiotic resistance crisis may be found in (often bacteriophage-derived) peptidoglycan hydrolases. The first clinical trials of these natural enzymes, coined here as first-generation lysins, are currently ongoing. Moving beyond natural endolysins with protein engineering established the second generation of lysins. In second-generation lysins, the focus lies on improving antibacterial and biochemical properties such as antimicrobial activity and stability, as well as expanding their activities towards Gram-negative pathogens. However, solutions to particular key challenges regarding clinical applications are only beginning to emerge in the third generation of lysins, in which protein and biochemical engineering efforts focus on improving properties relevant under clinical conditions. In addition, increasingly advanced formulation strategies are developed to increase the bioavailability, antibacterial activity, and half-life, and to reduce pro-inflammatory responses. This review focuses on third-generation and advanced formulation strategies that are developed to treat infections, ranging from topical to systemic applications. Together, these efforts may fully unlock the potential of lysin therapy and will propel it as a true antibiotic alternative or supplement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent De Maesschalck
- Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Diana Gutiérrez
- Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Jan Paeshuyse
- Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rob Lavigne
- Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yves Briers
- Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
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81
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Bacteriophage-derived endolysins to target gram-negative bacteria. Int J Pharm 2020; 589:119833. [PMID: 32877733 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.119833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Bacteriophage-encoded endolysins (lysins) have emerged as a novel class of antibacterial agents to combat the surging antibiotic resistance. Lysins have specific structures and mechanisms to exert antibacterial effect against both Gram-positive (G+ve) and Gram-negative (G-ve) bacteria. However, its use against G-ve bacteria is limited because the outer membrane (OM) of G-ve bacteria hinders the permeation of exogenously applied lysins. Besides identifying lysins with intrinsic OM permeability, several other approaches including combining lysins with outer membrane permeabilizers (OMPs), protein engineering and formulating with nanocarriers have been proposed to enhance the permeability and activity of lysins. In the present review, we summarize strategies that have been developed to enable lysins to target G-ve bacteria in the past decade. While lysins demonstrates clear potential in managing bacterial infections caused by the drug-resistant G-ve bacteria, there are still challenges hindering their translation into clinical settings, including safety issues with OMP use, low efficiency against stationary phase bacteria and problems in stability. The applicability of protein engineering and formulation sciences to improve enzyme stability, and combination therapy with other classes of antibacterial agents to maximize the therapeutic potential have also been reviewed.
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82
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Exploiting phage receptor binding proteins to enable endolysins to kill Gram-negative bacteria. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12087. [PMID: 32694655 PMCID: PMC7374709 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68983-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophage-encoded endolysins degrading the bacterial peptidoglycan are promising antibacterials for combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria. However, endolysins have limited use against Gram-negative bacteria, since the outer membrane prevents access to the peptidoglycan. Here, we present Innolysins, an innovative concept for engineering endolysins to exert antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria. Innolysins combine the enzymatic activity of endolysins with the binding capacity of phage receptor binding proteins (RBPs). As proof-of-concept, we constructed 12 Innolysins by fusing phage T5 endolysin and RBP Pb5 in different configurations. One of these, Innolysin Ec6 displayed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli only in the presence of Pb5 receptor FhuA, leading to 1.22 ± 0.12 log reduction in cell counts. Accordingly, other bacterial species carrying FhuA homologs such as Shigella sonnei and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were sensitive to Innolysin Ec6. To enhance the antibacterial activity, we further constructed 228 novel Innolysins by fusing 23 endolysins with Pb5. High-throughput screening allowed to select Innolysin Ec21 as the best antibacterial candidate, leading to 2.20 ± 0.09 log reduction in E. coli counts. Interestingly, Innolysin Ec21 also displayed bactericidal activity against E. coli resistant to third-generation cephalosporins, reaching a 3.31 ± 0.53 log reduction in cell counts. Overall, the Innolysin approach expands previous endolysin-engineering strategies, allowing customization of endolysins by exploiting phage RBPs to specifically target Gram-negative bacteria.
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83
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Gerstmans H, Grimon D, Gutiérrez D, Lood C, Rodríguez A, van Noort V, Lammertyn J, Lavigne R, Briers Y. A VersaTile-driven platform for rapid hit-to-lead development of engineered lysins. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaaz1136. [PMID: 32537492 PMCID: PMC7269649 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aaz1136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Health care authorities are calling for new antibacterial therapies to cope with the global emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Bacteriophage-encoded lysins are a unique class of antibacterials with promising (pre)clinical progress. Custom engineering of lysins allows for the creation of variants against potentially any bacterial pathogen. We here present a high-throughput hit-to-lead development platform for engineered lysins. The platform is driven by VersaTile, a new DNA assembly method for the rapid construction of combinatorial libraries of engineered lysins. We constructed approximately 10,000 lysin variants. Using an iterative screening procedure, we identified a lead variant with high antibacterial activity against Acinetobacter baumannii in human serum and an ex vivo pig burn wound model. This generic platform could offer new opportunities to populate the preclinical pipeline with engineered lysins for diverse (therapeutic) applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. Gerstmans
- Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Valentin Vaerwyckweg 1, 9000 Gent, Belgium
- Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 21, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 42, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - D. Grimon
- Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Valentin Vaerwyckweg 1, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - D. Gutiérrez
- Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Valentin Vaerwyckweg 1, 9000 Gent, Belgium
- Dairy Research Institute of Asturias, Spanish National Research Council (IPLA-CSIC), Paseo Río Linares, s/n, 33300 Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain
| | - C. Lood
- Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 21, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 23, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - A. Rodríguez
- Dairy Research Institute of Asturias, Spanish National Research Council (IPLA-CSIC), Paseo Río Linares, s/n, 33300 Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain
| | - V. van Noort
- Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 23, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 Leiden, Netherlands
| | - J. Lammertyn
- Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 42, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - R. Lavigne
- Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 21, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Y. Briers
- Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Valentin Vaerwyckweg 1, 9000 Gent, Belgium
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84
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Röhrig C, Huemer M, Lorgé D, Luterbacher S, Phothaworn P, Schefer C, Sobieraj AM, Zinsli LV, Mairpady Shambat S, Leimer N, Keller AP, Eichenseher F, Shen Y, Korbsrisate S, Zinkernagel AS, Loessner MJ, Schmelcher M. Targeting Hidden Pathogens: Cell-Penetrating Enzybiotics Eradicate Intracellular Drug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. mBio 2020; 11:e00209-20. [PMID: 32291298 PMCID: PMC7157818 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00209-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a major concern in human health care, mostly due to the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance. Intracellular localization of S. aureus plays a key role in recurrent infections by protecting the pathogens from antibiotics and immune responses. Peptidoglycan hydrolases (PGHs) are highly specific bactericidal enzymes active against both drug-sensitive and -resistant bacteria. However, PGHs able to effectively target intracellular S. aureus are not yet available. To overcome this limitation, we first screened 322 recombineered PGHs for staphylolytic activity under conditions found inside eukaryotic intracellular compartments. The most active constructs were modified by fusion to different cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), resulting in increased uptake and enhanced intracellular killing (reduction by up to 4.5 log units) of various S. aureus strains (including methicillin-resistant S. aureus [MRSA]) in different tissue culture infection models. The combined application of synergistic PGH-CPP constructs further enhanced their intracellular efficacy. Finally, synergistically active PGH-CPP cocktails reduced the total S. aureus by more than 2.2 log units in a murine abscess model after peripheral injection. Significantly more intracellular bacteria were killed by the PGH-CPPs than by the PGHs alone. Collectively, our findings show that CPP-fused PGHs are effective novel protein therapeutics against both intracellular and drug-resistant S. aureusIMPORTANCE The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is one of the most urgent problems of our time. Staphylococcus aureus is an important human pathogen that has acquired several mechanisms to evade antibiotic treatment. In addition, S. aureus is able to invade and persist within human cells, hiding from the immune response and antibiotic therapies. For these reasons, novel antibacterial strategies against these pathogens are needed. Here, we developed lytic enzymes which are able to effectively target drug-resistant and intracellular S. aureus Fusion of these so-called enzybiotics to cell-penetrating peptides enhanced their uptake and intracellular bactericidal activity in cell culture and in an abscess mouse model. Our results suggest that cell-penetrating enzybiotics are a promising new class of therapeutics against staphylococcal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Röhrig
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus Huemer
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dominique Lorgé
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Samuel Luterbacher
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Preeda Phothaworn
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Anna M Sobieraj
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Léa V Zinsli
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Srikanth Mairpady Shambat
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nadja Leimer
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anja P Keller
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fritz Eichenseher
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Yang Shen
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sunee Korbsrisate
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Annelies S Zinkernagel
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin J Loessner
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mathias Schmelcher
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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85
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Muharram MM, Abulhamd AT, Aldawsari MF, Alqarni MH, Labrou NE. Development of Staphylococcus Enzybiotics: The Ph28 Gene of Staphylococcus epidermidis Phage PH15 Is a Two-Domain Endolysin. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9040148. [PMID: 32235599 PMCID: PMC7235722 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9040148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the worldwide increase in antibiotic resistant bacteria, bacteriophage derived endolysins represent a very promising new alternative class of antibacterials in the fight against infectious diseases. Endolysins are able to degrade the prokaryotic cell wall, and therefore have potential to be exploited for biotechnological and medical purposes. Staphylococcus epidermidis is a Gram-positive multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterium of human skin. It is a health concern as it is involved in nosocomial infections. Genome-based screening approach of the complete genome of Staphylococcus virus PH15 allowed the identification of an endolysin gene (Ph28; NCBI accession number: YP_950690). Bioinformatics analysis of the Ph28 protein predicted that it is a two-domain enzyme composed by a CHAP (22-112) and MurNAc-LAA (171-349) domain. Phylogenetic analysis and molecular modelling studies revealed the structural and evolutionary features of both domains. The MurNAc-LAA domain was cloned, and expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3). In turbidity reduction assays, the recombinant enzyme can lyse more efficiently untreated S. epidermidis cells, compared to other Staphylococcus strains, suggesting enhanced specificity for S. epidermidis. These results suggest that the MurNAc-LAA domain from Ph28 endolysin may represent a promising new enzybiotic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdy Mohamed Muharram
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj 11942, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Microbiology, College of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt;
- Correspondence:
| | - Ashraf Tawfik Abulhamd
- Department of Microbiology, College of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt;
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam Bin AbdulAziz University, P.O. Box 173, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed F. Aldawsari
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj 11942, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mohamed Hamed Alqarni
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj 11942, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Nikolaos E. Labrou
- Laboratory of Enzyme Technology, Department of Biotechnology, School of Food, Biotechnology and Development, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos Street, 11855 Athens, Greece;
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86
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Linker Editing of Pneumococcal Lysin ClyJ Conveys Improved Bactericidal Activity. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:AAC.01610-19. [PMID: 31767724 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01610-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading human pathogen uniquely characterized by choline moieties on the bacterial surface. Our previous work reported a pneumococcus-specific chimeric lysin, ClyJ, which combines the CHAP (cysteine, histidine-dependent amidohydrolase/peptidase) enzymatically active domain (EAD) from the PlyC lysin and the cell wall binding domain (CBD) from the phage SPSL1 lysin, which imparts choline binding specificity. Here, we demonstrate that the lytic activity of ClyJ can be further improved by editing the linker sequence adjoining the EAD and CBD. Keeping the net charge of the linker constant, we constructed three ClyJ variants containing different lengths of linker sequence. Circular dichroism showed that linker editing has only minor effects on the folding of the EAD and CBD. However, thermodynamic examination combined with biochemical analysis demonstrated that one variant, ClyJ-3, with the shortest linker, displayed improved thermal stability and bactericidal activity, as well as reduced cytotoxicity. In a pneumococcal mouse infection model, ClyJ-3 showed significant protective efficacy compared to that of the ClyJ parental lysin or the Cpl-1 lysin, with 100% survival at a single ClyJ-3 intraperitoneal dose of 100 μg/mouse. Moreover, a ClyJ-3 dose of 2 μg/mouse had the same efficacy as a ClyJ dose of 40 μg/mouse, suggesting a 20-fold improvement in vivo Taking these results together, the present study not only describes a promising pneumococcal lysin with improved potency, i.e., ClyJ-3, but also implies for the first time that the linker sequence plays an important role in determining the activity of a chimeric lysin, providing insight for future lysin engineering studies.
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87
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Construction and characterization of a chimeric lysin ClyV with improved bactericidal activity against Streptococcus agalactiae in vitro and in vivo. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:1609-1619. [PMID: 31900556 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-019-10325-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of antibiotic-resistant beta-hemolytic Streptococcus agalactiae strains poses increasing threat to human beings globally. As an attempt to create a novel lysin with improved activity against S. agalactiae, a chimeric lysin, ClyV, was constructed by fusing the enzymatically active domain (EAD) from PlyGBS lysin (GBS180) and the cell wall binding domain (CBD) from PlyV12 lysin (V12CBD). Plate lysis assay combined with lytic kinetic analysis demonstrated that ClyV has improved activity than its parental enzymatic domain GBS180 against multiple streptococci. Biochemical characterization showed that ClyV is active from pH 7 to 10, with the optimum pH of 9, and is stable under NaCl concentration of < 500 mM. In a S. agalactiae infection model, a single intraperitoneally administration of 0.1 mg/mouse of ClyV protected 100% mice, while it was observed that ~ 29% survive in group that received a single dose of 0.1 mg/mouse of GBS180. Moreover, a high dose of 0.8 mg/mouse ClyV did not show any adverse effects to the health or survival rate of the mice. Considering the robust bactericidal activity and good safety profile of ClyV, it represents a potential candidate for the treatment of S. agalactiae infections.
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88
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Love MJ, Abeysekera GS, Muscroft-Taylor AC, Billington C, Dobson RC. On the catalytic mechanism of bacteriophage endolysins: Opportunities for engineering. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2020; 1868:140302. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2019.140302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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89
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Wu X, Zha J, Koffas MAG, Dordick JS. ReducingStaphylococcus aureusresistance to lysostaphin using CRISPR‐dCas9. Biotechnol Bioeng 2019; 116:3149-3159. [DOI: 10.1002/bit.27143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Revised: 08/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xia Wu
- School of Food and Biological EngineeringShaanxi University of Science and Technology Xi'an Shaanxi China
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary StudiesRensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy New York
| | - Jian Zha
- School of Food and Biological EngineeringShaanxi University of Science and Technology Xi'an Shaanxi China
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary StudiesRensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy New York
| | - Mattheos A. G. Koffas
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary StudiesRensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy New York
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringRensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy New York
| | - Jonathan S. Dordick
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary StudiesRensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy New York
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringRensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy New York
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringRensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy New York
- Department of Biological SciencesRensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy New York
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90
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Structural Basis for Cell-Wall Recognition by Bacteriophage PBC5 Endolysin. Structure 2019; 27:1355-1365.e4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2019.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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91
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Fusion of Lysostaphin to an Albumin Binding Domain Prolongs Its Half-Life and Bactericidal Activity in the Systemic Circulation. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24162892. [PMID: 31395814 PMCID: PMC6719061 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24162892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibacterial lysins are promising proteins that are active against both antibiotic-susceptible and antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. However, a major limitation of antibacterial lysins is their fast elimination from systemic circulation. PEGylation increases the plasma half-life of lysins but renders them inactive. Here we report the construction of a fusion protein of lysostaphin, a potent anti-staphylococcal lysin, and an albumin-binding domain from streptococcal protein G. The resulting fusion protein was less active than the parent enzyme lysostaphin, but it still retained significant antibacterial activity even when bound to serum albumin. The terminal half-life of the fusion protein in rats was five-fold greater than that of lysostaphin (7.4 vs. 1.5 h), and the area under the curve increased more than 115 times. Most importantly, this increase in systemic circulation time compensated for the decrease in activity. The plasma from rats that received an injection of the fusion protein retained bactericidal activity for up to 7 h, while plasma from rats that received plain lysostaphin lacked any detectable activity after 4 h. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an antibacterial lysin with both improved pharmacokinetic parameters and prolonged bactericidal activity in the systemic circulation.
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92
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Pennone V, Sanz-Gaitero M, O'Connor P, Coffey A, Jordan K, van Raaij MJ, McAuliffe O. Inhibition of L. monocytogenes Biofilm Formation by the Amidase Domain of the Phage vB_LmoS_293 Endolysin. Viruses 2019; 11:v11080722. [PMID: 31390848 PMCID: PMC6723838 DOI: 10.3390/v11080722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is a ubiquitous Gram-positive bacterium that is a major concern for food business operators because of its pathogenicity and ability to form biofilms in food production environments. Bacteriophages (phages) have been evaluated as biocontrol agents for L. monocytogenes in a number of studies and, indeed, certain phages have been approved for use as anti-listerial agents in food processing environments (ListShield and PhageGuard Listex). Endolysins are proteins produced by phages in the host cell. They cleave the peptidoglycan cell wall, thus allowing release of progeny phage into the environment. In this study, the amidase domain of the phage vB_LmoS_293 endolysin (293-amidase) was cloned and expressed in Escherichia. coli (E. coli). Muralytic activity at different concentrations, pH and temperature values, lytic spectrum and activity against biofilms was determined for the purified 293-amidase protein. The results showed activity on autoclaved cells at three different temperatures (20 °C, 37 °C and 50 °C), with a wider specificity (L. monocytogenes 473 and 3099, a serotype 4b and serogroup 1/2b-3b-7, respectively) compared to the phage itself, which targets only L. monocytogenes serotypes 4b and 4e. The protein also inhibits biofilm formation on abiotic surfaces. These results show the potential of using recombinant antimicrobial proteins against pathogens in the food production environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Pennone
- Teagasc Food Research Center, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, P61 C996, Ireland
- Cork Institute of Technology, Bishopstown, Cork, T12 P928, Ireland
| | - Marta Sanz-Gaitero
- Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Cork Institute of Technology, Bishopstown, Cork, T12 P928, Ireland
| | - Paula O'Connor
- Teagasc Food Research Center, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, P61 C996, Ireland
| | - Aidan Coffey
- Cork Institute of Technology, Bishopstown, Cork, T12 P928, Ireland.
| | - Kieran Jordan
- Teagasc Food Research Center, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, P61 C996, Ireland
| | - Mark J van Raaij
- Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Olivia McAuliffe
- Teagasc Food Research Center, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, P61 C996, Ireland
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93
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Application of the Phage Lysin Ply5218 in the Treatment of Streptococcus suis Infection in Piglets. Viruses 2019; 11:v11080715. [PMID: 31387285 PMCID: PMC6723582 DOI: 10.3390/v11080715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is a gram-positive bacterium and zoonotic pathogen. Currently it poses a serious problem in the swine industry due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Thus, novel antimicrobials against S. suis infections are urgently needed. In the previous study, a cell wall hydrolase or lysin derived from Streptococcus prophage phi5218, termed Ply5218, was identified. This lysin showed strong bacteriolytic activity against S. suis. In the current study, the in vitro data showed that after incubation with pig serum, the bacteriolytic efficacy of Ply5218 declined in a time-dependent manner. The in vivo assays indicated that a Ply5218 triple treatment (6, 24, and 48 h post infection) was effective against various serotypes of S. suis in a murine infection model. This regimen also alleviated streptococcal-induced clinical symptoms in piglets and significantly reduced the bacterial burden and levels of interleukin 6, a proinflammatory cytokine. This study indicates that Ply5218 shows strong antibacterial activity in pigs and has the potential to be used as a treatment for infectious diseases caused by S. suis.
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ClyJ Is a Novel Pneumococcal Chimeric Lysin with a Cysteine- and Histidine-Dependent Amidohydrolase/Peptidase Catalytic Domain. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2019; 63:AAC.02043-18. [PMID: 30642930 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02043-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumoniae is one of the leading pathogens that cause a variety of mucosal and invasive infections. With the increased emergence of multidrug-resistant S. pneumoniae, new antimicrobials with mechanisms of action different from conventional antibiotics are urgently needed. In this study, we identified a putative lysin (gp20) encoded by the Streptococcus phage SPSL1 using the LytA autolysin as a template. Molecular dissection of gp20 revealed a binding domain (GPB) containing choline-binding repeats (CBRs) that are high specificity for S. pneumoniae By fusing GPB to the CHAP (cysteine, histidine-dependent amidohydrolase/peptidase) catalytic domain of the PlyC lysin, we constructed a novel chimeric lysin, ClyJ, with improved activity to the pneumococcal Cpl-1 lysin. No resistance was observed in S. pneumoniae strains after exposure to incrementally doubling concentrations of ClyJ for 8 continuous days in vitro In a mouse bacteremia model using penicillin G as a control, a single intraperitoneal injection of ClyJ improved the survival rate of lethal S. pneumoniae-infected mice in a dose-dependent manner. Given its high lytic activity and safety profile, ClyJ may represent a promising alternative to combat pneumococcal infections.
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95
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LysPBC2, a Novel Endolysin Harboring a Bacillus cereus Spore Binding Domain. Appl Environ Microbiol 2019; 85:AEM.02462-18. [PMID: 30552194 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02462-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
To control the spore-forming human pathogen Bacillus cereus, we isolated and characterized a novel endolysin, LysPBC2, from a newly isolated B. cereus phage, PBC2. Compared to the narrow host range of phage PBC2, LysPBC2 showed very broad lytic activity against all Bacillus, Listeria, and Clostridium species tested. In addition to a catalytic domain and a cell wall binding domain, LysPBC2 has a spore binding domain (SBD) partially overlapping its catalytic domain, which specifically binds to B. cereus spores but not to vegetative cells of B. cereus Both immunogold electron microscopy and a binding assay indicated that the SBD binds the external region of the spore cortex layer. Several amino acid residues required for catalytic or spore binding activity of LysPBC2 were determined by mutagenesis studies. Interestingly, LysPBC2 derivatives with impaired spore binding activity showed an increased lytic activity against vegetative cells of B. cereus compared with that of wild-type LysPBC2. Further biochemical studies revealed that these LysPBC2 derivatives have lower thermal stability, suggesting a stabilizing role of SBD in LysPBC2 structure.IMPORTANCE Bacteriophages produce highly evolved lytic enzymes, called endolysins, to lyse peptidoglycan and release their progeny from bacterial cells. Due to their potent lytic activity and specificity, the use of endolysins has gained increasing attention as a natural alternative to antibiotics. Since most endolysins from Gram-positive-bacterium-infecting phages have a modular structure, understanding the function of each domain is crucial to make effective endolysin-based therapeutics. Here, we report the functional and biochemical characterization of a Bacillus cereus phage endolysin, LysPBC2, which has an unusual spore binding domain and a cell wall binding domain. A single point mutation in the spore binding domain greatly enhanced the lytic activity of endolysin at the cost of reduced thermostability. This work contributes to the understanding of the role of each domain in LysPBC2 and will provide insight for the rational design of efficient antimicrobials or diagnostic tools for controlling B. cereus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yves Briers
- Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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97
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Abdelkader K, Gerstmans H, Saafan A, Dishisha T, Briers Y. The Preclinical and Clinical Progress of Bacteriophages and Their Lytic Enzymes: The Parts are Easier than the Whole. Viruses 2019; 11:v11020096. [PMID: 30678377 PMCID: PMC6409994 DOI: 10.3390/v11020096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic potential of phages has been considered since their first identification more than a century ago. The evident concept of using a natural predator to treat bacterial infections has, however, since then been challenged considerably. Initially, the vast success of antibiotics almost eliminated the study of phages for therapy. Upon the renaissance of phage therapy research, the most provocative and unique properties of phages such as high specificity, self-replication and co-evolution prohibited a rapid preclinical and clinical development. On the one hand, the typical trajectory followed by small molecule antibiotics could not be simply translated into the preclinical analysis of phages, exemplified by the need for complex broad spectrum or personalized phage cocktails of high purity and the more complex pharmacokinetics. On the other hand, there was no fitting regulatory framework to deal with flexible and sustainable phage therapy approaches, including the setup and approval of adequate clinical trials. While significant advances are incrementally made to eliminate these hurdles, phage-inspired antibacterials have progressed in the slipstream of phage therapy, benefiting from the lack of hurdles that are typically associated with phage therapy. Most advanced are phage lytic enzymes that kill bacteria through peptidoglycan degradation and osmotic lysis. Both phages and their lytic enzymes are now widely considered as safe and have now progressed to clinical phase II to show clinical efficacy as pharmaceutical. Yet, more initiatives are needed to fill the clinical pipeline to beat the typical attrition rates of clinical evaluation and to come to a true evaluation of phages and phage lytic enzymes in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Abdelkader
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Valentin Vaerwijckweg 1, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62511, Egypt.
| | - Hans Gerstmans
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Valentin Vaerwijckweg 1, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
- MeBioS-Biosensors group, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 42, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium.
- Laboratory of Gene Technology, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 21, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Amal Saafan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62511, Egypt.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Menoufia University, Shebin ElKoum 51132, Egypt.
| | - Tarek Dishisha
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62511, Egypt.
| | - Yves Briers
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Valentin Vaerwijckweg 1, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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98
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Dams D, Briers Y. Enzybiotics: Enzyme-Based Antibacterials as Therapeutics. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1148:233-253. [PMID: 31482502 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-7709-9_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Antibiotics have saved millions of lives. However, the overuse and misuse of antibiotics have contributed to a rapid emergence of antibiotic resistance worldwide. In addition, there is an unprecedented void in the development of new antibiotic classes by the pharmaceutical industry since the first introduction of antibiotics. This antibiotic crisis underscores the urgent and increasing necessity of new, innovative antibiotics. Enzybiotics are such a promising class of antibiotics. They are derived from endolysins, bacteriophage-encoded enzymes that degrade the bacterial cell wall of the infected cell at the end of the lytic replication cycle. Enzybiotics are featured by a rapid and unique mode-of-action, a high specificity to kill pathogens, a low probability for bacterial resistance development and a proteinaceous nature. (Engineered) endolysins have been demonstrated to be effective in a variety of animal models to combat both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and have entered different phases of preclinical and clinical trials. In addition, mycobacteriophage-encoded endolysins have been successfully used to inhibit mycobacteria in vitro. In this chapter we focus on the (pre)clinical progress of enzybiotics as potent therapeutic agent against human pathogenic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorien Dams
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Yves Briers
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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Broendum SS, Buckle AM, McGowan S. Catalytic diversity and cell wall binding repeats in the phage-encoded endolysins. Mol Microbiol 2018; 110:879-896. [DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian S. Broendum
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Monash University; Victoria 3800 Australia
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Microbiology; Monash University; Victoria 3800 Australia
| | - Ashley M. Buckle
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Monash University; Victoria 3800 Australia
| | - Sheena McGowan
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Microbiology; Monash University; Victoria 3800 Australia
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100
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Wu X, Fraser K, Zha J, Dordick JS. Flexible Peptide Linkers Enhance the Antimicrobial Activity of Surface-Immobilized Bacteriolytic Enzymes. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2018; 10:36746-36756. [PMID: 30281274 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b14411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Chemical linkers are frequently used in enzyme immobilization to improve enzyme flexibility and activity, whereas peptide linkers, although ubiquitous in protein engineering, are much less explored in enzyme immobilization. Here, we report peptide-linker-assisted noncovalent immobilization of the bacteriolytic enzyme lysostaphin (Lst) to generate anti- Staphylococcus aureus surfaces. Lst was immobilized through affinity tags onto a silica surface (glass slides) and nickel nitrilotriacetic acid (NiNTA) agarose beads via silica-binding peptides (SiBPs) or a hexahistidine tag (His-tag) fused at the C-terminus of Lst, respectively. By inserting specific peptide linkers upstream of the SiBP or His-tag, the immobilized enzymes killed >99.5% of S. aureus ATCC 6538 cells (108 CFU/mL) within 3 h in buffer and could be reused multiple times without significant loss of activity. In contrast, immobilized Lst without a peptide linker was less active/stable. Molecular modeling of Lst-linker-affinity tag constructs illustrated that the presence of the peptide linkers enhanced the molecular flexibility of the proximal Lst binding domain, which interacts with the bacterial substrate, and such increased flexibility correlated with increased antimicrobial activity. We further show that Lst immobilized onto NiNTA beads retained the ability to kill ∼99% of a 108 CFU/mL microbial challenge even in the presence of 1% of a commercial anionic surfactant, C12-14 alcohol EO 3:1 sodium sulfate, when the Lst construct contained a decapeptide linker containing glycine, serine, and alanine residues. This linker-assisted immobilization strategy could be extended to an unrelated lytic enzyme, the endolysin PlyPH, to target Bacillus anthracis Sterne cells either in buffer or in the presence of anionic surfactants. Our approach, therefore, provides a facile route to the use of antimicrobial enzymes on surfaces.
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