1
|
John CM, Otala SA, Jarvis GA. Cyclization increases bactericidal activity of arginine-rich cationic cell-penetrating peptide for Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0099724. [PMID: 39105587 PMCID: PMC11370255 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00997-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
We previously reported that a linear cationic 12-amino acid cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) was bactericidal for Neisseria gonorrhoeae. In this study, our objectives were to determine the effect of cyclization of the linear CPP on its antibacterial activity for N. gonorrhoeae and cytotoxicity for human cells. We compared the bactericidal effect of 4-hour treatment with the linear CPP to that of CPPs cyclized by a thioether or a disulfide bond on human challenge and multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains of N. gonorrhoeae grown in cell culture media with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). The effect of lipooligosaccharide (LOS) sialylation on bactericidal activity was analyzed. We determined the ability of the CPPs to treat human cells infected in vitro with N. gonorrhoeae, to reduce the inflammatory response of human monocytic cells to gonococci, to kill strains of three commensal Neisseria species, and to inhibit gonococcal biofilms. The cyclized CPPs killed 100% of gonococci from all strains at 100 µM and >90% at 20 µM and were more potent than the linear form. The thioether-linked but not the disulfide-linked CPP was less cytotoxic for human cervical cells compared to the linear CPP. LOS sialylation had minimal effect on bactericidal activity. In treating infected human cells, the thioether-linked CPP at 20 µM killed >60% of extra- and intracellular bacteria and reduced TNF-α expression by THP-1 cells. The potency of the CPPs for the pathogenic and the commensal Neisseria was similar. The thioether-linked CPP partially eradicated gonococcal biofilms. Future studies will focus on determining efficacy in the female mouse model of gonorrhea.IMPORTANCENeisseria gonorrhoeae remains a major cause of sexually transmitted infections with 82 million cases worldwide in 2020, and 710,151 confirmed cases in the US in 2021, up 25% from 2017. N. gonorrhoeae can infect multiple tissues including the urethra, cervix, rectum, pharynx, and conjunctiva. The most serious sequelae are suffered by infected women as gonococci ascend to the upper reproductive tract and cause pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic pelvic pain, and infertility in 10%-20% of women. Control of gonococcal infection is widely recognized as increasingly challenging due to the lack of any vaccine. N. gonorrhoeae has quickly developed resistance to all but one class of antibiotics and the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains could result in untreatable infections. As such, gonorrhea is classified by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) as an urgent public health threat. The research presented herein on new therapeutics for gonorrhea has identified a cyclic cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) as a potent molecule targeting N. gonorrhoeae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Constance M. John
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Gary A. Jarvis
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li Y, Zhou Y, Du Y, Gao P, Yang L, Wang W. In vivo Labeling and Intravital Imaging of Bacterial Infection using a Near-infrared Fluorescent D-Amino Acid Probe. Chembiochem 2024; 25:e202400283. [PMID: 38715148 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202400283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Bacterial infections still pose a severe threat to public health, necessitating novel tools for real-time analysis of microbial behaviors in living organisms. While genetically engineered strains with fluorescent or luminescent reporters are commonly used in tracking bacteria, their in vivo uses are often limited. Here, we report a near-infrared fluorescent D-amino acid (FDAA) probe, Cy7ADA, for in situ labeling and intravital imaging of bacterial infections in mice. Cy7ADA probe effectively labels various bacteria in vitro and pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus in mice after intraperitoneal injection. Because of Cy7's high tissue penetration and the quick excretion of free probes via urine, real-time visualization of the pathogens in a liver abscess model via intravital confocal microscopy is achieved. The biodistributions, including their intracellular localization within Kupffer cells, are revealed. Monitoring bacterial responses to antibiotics also demonstrates Cy7ADA's capability to reflect the bacterial load dynamics within the host. Furthermore, Cy7ADA facilitates three-dimensional pathogen imaging in tissue-cleared liver samples, showcasing its potential for studying the biogeography of microbes in different organs. Integrating near-infrared FDAA probes with intravital microscopy holds promise for wide applications in studying bacterial infections in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China, Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Ministry of Education, China
| | - Yingjun Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Department of Microbiology, Microbiome Center, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yahui Du
- Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Po Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China, Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Ministry of Education, China
| | - Liqun Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China, Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Ministry of Education, China
| | - Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Department of Microbiology, Microbiome Center, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cresti L, Cappello G, Pini A. Antimicrobial Peptides towards Clinical Application-A Long History to Be Concluded. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4870. [PMID: 38732089 PMCID: PMC11084544 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are molecules with an amphipathic structure that enables them to interact with bacterial membranes. This interaction can lead to membrane crossing and disruption with pore formation, culminating in cell death. They are produced naturally in various organisms, including humans, animals, plants and microorganisms. In higher animals, they are part of the innate immune system, where they counteract infection by bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites. AMPs can also be designed de novo by bioinformatic approaches or selected from combinatorial libraries, and then produced by chemical or recombinant procedures. Since their discovery, AMPs have aroused interest as potential antibiotics, although few have reached the market due to stability limits or toxicity. Here, we describe the development phase and a number of clinical trials of antimicrobial peptides. We also provide an update on AMPs in the pharmaceutical industry and an overall view of their therapeutic market. Modifications to peptide structures to improve stability in vivo and bioavailability are also described.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cresti
- Medical Biotechnology Department, University of Siena, Via A Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (G.C.); (A.P.)
| | - Giovanni Cappello
- Medical Biotechnology Department, University of Siena, Via A Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (G.C.); (A.P.)
| | - Alessandro Pini
- Medical Biotechnology Department, University of Siena, Via A Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (G.C.); (A.P.)
- SetLance srl, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, Santa Maria alle Scotte University Hospital, 53100 Siena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gill CP, Phan C, Platt V, Worrell D, Andl T, Roy H. The MprF homolog LysX synthesizes lysyl-diacylglycerol contributing to antibiotic resistance and virulence. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0142923. [PMID: 37768052 PMCID: PMC10580965 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01429-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Lysyl-diacylglycerol (Lys-DAG) was identified three decades ago in Mycobacterium phlei, but the biosynthetic pathway and function of this aminoacylated lipid have since remained uncharacterized. Combining genetic methods, mass spectrometry, and biochemical approaches, we show that the multiple peptide resistance factor (MprF) homolog LysX from Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis and two mycobacterial species is responsible for Lys-DAG synthesis. LysX is conserved in most Actinobacteria and was previously implicated in the synthesis of another modified lipid, lysyl-phosphatidylglycerol (Lys-PG), in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Although we detected low levels of Lys-PG in the membrane of C. pseudotuberculosis, our data suggest that Lys-PG is not directly synthesized by LysX and may require an additional downstream pathway, which is as yet undefined. Our results show that LysX in C. pseudotuberculosis is a major factor of resistance against a variety of positively charged antibacterial agents, including cationic antimicrobial peptides (e.g., human peptide LL-37 and polymyxin B) and aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamycin and apramycin). Deletion of lysX caused an increase in cellular membrane permeability without dissipation of the membrane potential, suggesting that loss of the protein does not result in mechanical damage to the cell membrane. Furthermore, lysX-deficient cells exhibited an attenuated virulence phenotype in a Galleria mellonella infection model, supporting a role for LysX during infection. Altogether, Lys-DAG represents a novel molecular determinant for antimicrobial resistance and virulence that may be widespread in Actinobacteria and points to a richer landscape than previously realized of lipid components contributing to overall membrane physiology in this important bacterial phylum. IMPORTANCE In the past two decades, tRNA-dependent modification of membrane phosphatidylglycerol has been implicated in altering the biochemical properties of the cell surface, thereby enhancing the antimicrobial resistance and virulence of various bacterial pathogens. Here, we show that in several Actinobacteria, the multifunctional protein LysX attaches lysine to diacylglycerol instead of phosphatidylglycerol. We found that lysyl-diacylglycerol (Lys-DAG) confers high levels of resistance against various cationic antimicrobial peptides and aminoglycosides and also enhances virulence. Our data show that Lys-DAG is a lipid commonly found in important actinobacterial pathogens, including Mycobacterium and Corynebacterium species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cameron P. Gill
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Christopher Phan
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Vivien Platt
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Danielle Worrell
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Thomas Andl
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Hervé Roy
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mhlongo JT, Waddad AY, Albericio F, de la Torre BG. Antimicrobial Peptide Synergies for Fighting Infectious Diseases. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2300472. [PMID: 37407512 PMCID: PMC10502873 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202300472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are essential elements of thehost defense system. Characterized by heterogenous structures and broad-spectrumaction, they are promising candidates for combating multidrug resistance. Thecombined use of AMPs with other antimicrobial agents provides a new arsenal ofdrugs with synergistic action, thereby overcoming the drawback of monotherapiesduring infections. AMPs kill microbes via pore formation, thus inhibitingintracellular functions. This mechanism of action by AMPs is an advantage overantibiotics as it hinders the development of drug resistance. The synergisticeffect of AMPs will allow the repurposing of conventional antimicrobials andenhance their clinical outcomes, reduce toxicity, and, most significantly,prevent the development of resistance. In this review, various synergies ofAMPs with antimicrobials and miscellaneous agents are discussed. The effect ofstructural diversity and chemical modification on AMP properties is firstaddressed and then different combinations that can lead to synergistic action,whether this combination is between AMPs and antimicrobials, or AMPs andmiscellaneous compounds, are attended. This review can serve as guidance whenredesigning and repurposing the use of AMPs in combination with other antimicrobialagents for enhanced clinical outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica T. Mhlongo
- KwaZulu‐Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP)School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical SciencesCollege of Health SciencesUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurban4041South Africa
- Peptide Science LaboratorySchool of Chemistry and PhysicsUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalWestvilleDurban4000South Africa
| | - Ayman Y. Waddad
- Peptide Science LaboratorySchool of Chemistry and PhysicsUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalWestvilleDurban4000South Africa
| | - Fernando Albericio
- Peptide Science LaboratorySchool of Chemistry and PhysicsUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalWestvilleDurban4000South Africa
- CIBER‐BBNNetworking Centre on BioengineeringBiomaterials and Nanomedicineand Department of Organic ChemistryUniversity of BarcelonaBarcelona08028Spain
| | - Beatriz G. de la Torre
- KwaZulu‐Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP)School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical SciencesCollege of Health SciencesUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurban4041South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hampton MB, Dickerhof N. Inside the phagosome: A bacterial perspective. Immunol Rev 2023; 314:197-209. [PMID: 36625601 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The neutrophil phagosome is one of the most hostile environments that bacteria must face and overcome if they are to succeed as pathogens. Targeting bacterial defense mechanisms should lead to new therapies that assist neutrophils to kill pathogens, but this has not yet come to fruition. One of the limiting factors in this effort has been our incomplete knowledge of the complex biochemistry that occurs within the rapidly changing environment of the phagosome. The same compartmentalization that protects host tissue also limits our ability to measure events within the phagosome. In this review, we highlight the limitations in our knowledge, and how the contribution of bacteria to the phagosomal environment is often ignored. There appears to be significant heterogeneity among phagosomes, and it is important to determine whether survivors have more efficient defenses or whether they are ingested into less threatening environments than other bacteria. As part of these efforts, we discuss how monitoring or recovering bacteria from phagosomes can provide insight into the conditions they have faced. We also encourage the use of unbiased screening approaches to identify bacterial genes that are essential for survival inside neutrophil phagosomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark B Hampton
- Centre for Free Radical Research, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Nina Dickerhof
- Centre for Free Radical Research, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
The EnvZ/OmpR Two-Component System Regulates the Antimicrobial Activity of TAT-RasGAP 317-326 and the Collateral Sensitivity to Other Antibacterial Agents. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0200921. [PMID: 35579440 PMCID: PMC9241736 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02009-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria poses a serious threat to public health worldwide. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising antibiotic alternatives; however, little is known about bacterial mechanisms of AMP resistance and the interplay between AMP resistance and the bacterial response to other antimicrobials. In this study, we identified Escherichia coli mutants resistant to the TAT-RasGAP317-326 antimicrobial peptide and found that resistant bacteria show collateral sensitivity to other AMPs and antibacterial agents. We determined that resistance to TAT-RasGAP317-326 peptide arises through mutations in the histidine kinase EnvZ, a member of the EnvZ/OmpR two-component system responsible for osmoregulation in E. coli. In particular, we found that TAT-RasGAP317-326 binding and entry is compromised in E. coli peptide-resistant mutants. We showed that peptide resistance is associated with transcriptional regulation of a number of pathways and EnvZ-mediated resistance is dependent on the OmpR response regulator but is independent of the OmpC and OmpF outer membrane porins. Our findings provide insight into the bacterial mechanisms of TAT-RasGAP317-326 resistance and demonstrate that resistance to this AMP is associated with collateral sensitivity to other antibacterial agents. IMPORTANCE Antimicrobial peptides (AMP) are promising alternatives to classical antibiotics in the fight against antibiotic resistance. Resistance toward antimicrobial peptides can occur, but little is known about the mechanisms driving this phenomenon. Moreover, there is limited knowledge on how AMP resistance relates to the bacterial response to other antimicrobial agents. Here, we address these questions in the context of the antimicrobial peptide TAT-RasGAP317-326. We show that resistant Escherichia coli strains can be selected and do not show resistance to other antimicrobial agents. Resistance is caused by a mutation in a regulatory pathway, which lowers binding and entry of the peptide in E. coli. Our results highlight a mechanism of resistance that is specific to TAT-RasGAP317-326. Further research is required to characterize these mechanisms and to evaluate the potential of antimicrobial combinations to curb the development of antimicrobial resistance.
Collapse
|
8
|
Blair JMA, Zeth K, Bavro VN, Sancho-Vaello E. The role of bacterial transport systems in the removal of host antimicrobial peptides in Gram-negative bacteria. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2022; 46:6617596. [PMID: 35749576 PMCID: PMC9629497 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuac032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a global issue that threatens our progress in healthcare and life expectancy. In recent years, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been considered as promising alternatives to the classic antibiotics. AMPs are potentially superior due to their lower rate of resistance development, since they primarily target the bacterial membrane ('Achilles' heel' of the bacteria). However, bacteria have developed mechanisms of AMP resistance, including the removal of AMPs to the extracellular space by efflux pumps such as the MtrCDE or AcrAB-TolC systems, and the internalization of AMPs to the cytoplasm by the Sap transporter, followed by proteolytic digestion. In this review, we focus on AMP transport as a resistance mechanism compiling all the experimental evidence for the involvement of efflux in AMP resistance in Gram-negative bacteria and combine this information with the analysis of the structures of the efflux systems involved. Finally, we expose some open questions with the aim of arousing the interest of the scientific community towards the AMPs-efflux pumps interactions. All the collected information broadens our understanding of AMP removal by efflux pumps and gives some clues to assist the rational design of AMP-derivatives as inhibitors of the efflux pumps.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M A Blair
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Kornelius Zeth
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Universitetsvej 1, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Vassiliy N Bavro
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom
| | - Enea Sancho-Vaello
- Corresponding author. College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rivera-Sanchez SP, Ocampo-Ibáñez ID, Liscano Y, Martínez N, Muñoz I, Manrique-Moreno M, Martinez-Martinez L, Oñate-Garzon J. Integrating In Vitro and In Silico Analysis of a Cationic Antimicrobial Peptide Interaction with Model Membranes of Colistin-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strains. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14061248. [PMID: 35745820 PMCID: PMC9230736 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial antibiotic resistance is a serious global public health concern. Infections caused by colistin-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPa) strains represent a serious threat due to their considerable morbidity and mortality rates, since most of the current empirical antibiotic therapies are ineffective against these strains. Accordingly, cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) have emerged as promising alternatives to control resistant bacteria. In this study, the interaction of a CAMP derived from cecropin D-like (∆M2) with model membranes mimicking bacterial biomembranes of wild-type (WTPa) strains of P. aeruginosa and CRPa was evaluated through in vitro and in silico approaches. In vitro interaction was determined by infrared spectroscopy, whereas in silico molecular dynamics was performed to predict specific interactions between amino acids of ∆M2 and lipids of model membrane systems. Experimental analysis showed this peptide interacted with the lipids of bacterial-like model membranes of WTPa and CRPa. In both cases, an increase in the concentration of peptides induced an increase in the phase transition temperature of the lipid systems. On the other hand, the peptides in solution underwent a transition from a random to a helical secondary structure after interacting with the membranes mostly favored in the CRPa system. The α-helix structure percentage for ΔM2 interacting with WTPa and CRPa lipid systems was 6.4 and 33.2%, respectively. Finally, molecular dynamics showed ∆M2 to have the most affinities toward the phospholipids palmitoyl-oleyl-phosphatidylglycerol (POPG) and palmitoyl-oleoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine (POPE) that mimic membranes of WTPa and CRPa, respectively. This work provides clues for elucidating the membrane-associated mechanism of action of ∆M2 against colistin-susceptible and -resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Patricia Rivera-Sanchez
- Research Group of Microbiology, Industry and Environment, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Universidad Santiago of Cali, Cali 760035, Colombia; (I.D.O.-I.); (N.M.); (I.M.)
- Transnational Research Group on Infectious Diseases, PhD School of Biomedicine, University of Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
- Correspondence: (S.P.R.-S.); (J.O.-G.)
| | - Iván Darío Ocampo-Ibáñez
- Research Group of Microbiology, Industry and Environment, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Universidad Santiago of Cali, Cali 760035, Colombia; (I.D.O.-I.); (N.M.); (I.M.)
| | - Yamil Liscano
- Research Group of Comprehensive Health (GISI), Department Faculty of Health, Universidad Santiago de Cali, Cali 760035, Colombia;
| | - Natalia Martínez
- Research Group of Microbiology, Industry and Environment, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Universidad Santiago of Cali, Cali 760035, Colombia; (I.D.O.-I.); (N.M.); (I.M.)
| | - Isamar Muñoz
- Research Group of Microbiology, Industry and Environment, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Universidad Santiago of Cali, Cali 760035, Colombia; (I.D.O.-I.); (N.M.); (I.M.)
| | - Marcela Manrique-Moreno
- Chemistry Institute, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Antioquia, Medellin 050010, Colombia;
| | - Luis Martinez-Martinez
- Microbiology Unit, Reina Sofía University Hospital, 14008 Córdoba, Spain;
- Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research of Córdoba, 14008 Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Soil Sciencies and Microbiology, University of Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - José Oñate-Garzon
- Research Group of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Universidad Santiago of Cali, Cali 760035, Colombia
- Correspondence: (S.P.R.-S.); (J.O.-G.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Duong L, Gross SP, Siryaporn A. Developing Antimicrobial Synergy With AMPs. FRONTIERS IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 2022; 3:640981. [PMID: 35047912 PMCID: PMC8757689 DOI: 10.3389/fmedt.2021.640981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been extensively studied due to their vast natural abundance and ability to kill microbes. In an era critically lacking in new antibiotics, manipulating AMPs for therapeutic application is a promising option. However, bacterial pathogens resistant to AMPs remain problematic. To improve AMPs antimicrobial efficacy, their use in conjunction with other antimicrobials has been proposed. How might this work? AMPs kill bacteria by forming pores in bacterial membranes or by inhibiting bacterial macromolecular functions. What remains unknown is the duration for which AMPs keep bacterial pores open, and the extent to which bacteria can recover by repairing these pores. In this mini-review, we discuss various antimicrobial synergies with AMPs. Such synergies might arise if the antimicrobial agents helped to keep bacterial pores open for longer periods of time, prevented pore repair, perturbed bacterial intracellular functions at greater levels, or performed other independent bacterial killing mechanisms. We first discuss combinations of AMPs, and then focus on histones, which have antimicrobial activity and co-localize with AMPs on lipid droplets and in neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Recent work has demonstrated that histones can enhance AMP-induced membrane permeation. It is possible that histones, histone fragments, and histone-like peptides could amplify the antimicrobial effects of AMPs, giving rise to antimicrobial synergy. If so, clarifying these mechanisms will thus improve our overall understanding of the antimicrobial processes and potentially contribute to improved drug design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leora Duong
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Steven P Gross
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States.,Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Albert Siryaporn
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States.,Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sinorhizobium meliloti Functions Required for Resistance to Antimicrobial NCR Peptides and Bacteroid Differentiation. mBio 2021; 12:e0089521. [PMID: 34311575 PMCID: PMC8406287 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00895-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Legumes of the Medicago genus have a symbiotic relationship with the bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti and develop root nodules housing large numbers of intracellular symbionts. Members of the nodule-specific cysteine-rich peptide (NCR) family induce the endosymbionts into a terminal differentiated state. Individual cationic NCRs are antimicrobial peptides that have the capacity to kill the symbiont, but the nodule cell environment prevents killing. Moreover, the bacterial broad-specificity peptide uptake transporter BacA and exopolysaccharides contribute to protect the endosymbionts against the toxic activity of NCRs. Here, we show that other S. meliloti functions participate in the protection of the endosymbionts; these include an additional broad-specificity peptide uptake transporter encoded by the yejABEF genes and lipopolysaccharide modifications mediated by lpsB and lpxXL, as well as rpoH1, encoding a stress sigma factor. Strains with mutations in these genes show a strain-specific increased sensitivity profile against a panel of NCRs and form nodules in which bacteroid differentiation is affected. The lpsB mutant nodule bacteria do not differentiate, the lpxXL and rpoH1 mutants form some seemingly fully differentiated bacteroids, although most of the nodule bacteria are undifferentiated, while the yejABEF mutants form hypertrophied but nitrogen-fixing bacteroids. The nodule bacteria of all the mutants have a strongly enhanced membrane permeability, which is dependent on the transport of NCRs to the endosymbionts. Our results suggest that S. meliloti relies on a suite of functions, including peptide transporters, the bacterial envelope structures, and stress response regulators, to resist the aggressive assault of NCR peptides in the nodule cells. IMPORTANCE The nitrogen-fixing symbiosis of legumes with rhizobium bacteria has a predominant ecological role in the nitrogen cycle and has the potential to provide the nitrogen required for plant growth in agriculture. The host plants allow the rhizobia to colonize specific symbiotic organs, the nodules, in large numbers in order to produce sufficient reduced nitrogen for the plants' needs. Some legumes, including Medicago spp., produce massively antimicrobial peptides to keep this large bacterial population in check. These peptides, known as NCRs, have the potential to kill the rhizobia, but in nodules, they rather inhibit the division of the bacteria, which maintain a high nitrogen-fixing activity. In this study, we show that the tempering of the antimicrobial activity of the NCR peptides in the Medicago symbiont Sinorhizobium meliloti is multifactorial and requires the YejABEF peptide transporter, the lipopolysaccharide outer membrane, and the stress response regulator RpoH1.
Collapse
|
12
|
Lin H, Lin L, Du Y, Gao J, Yang C, Wang W. Biodistributions of l,d-Transpeptidases in Gut Microbiota Revealed by In Vivo Labeling with Peptidoglycan Analogs. ACS Chem Biol 2021; 16:1164-1171. [PMID: 34185512 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
By catalyzing a 3-3 cross-link in peptidoglycan, l,d-transpeptidases (Ldts) can cause resistance to β-lactams in some pathogens in vitro. However, the prevalence of Ldt and Ldt-mediated responses to different β-lactams in vivo have never been explored. Here, we apply an in vivo metabolic labeling strategy to study their biodistributions and Ldt-induced bacterial responses to β-lactams in the mouse gut microbiota. A tetrapeptide-based fluorescent probe that functions as a substrate for Ldts in Gram-positive bacteria efficiently labels ∼18% of total gut bacteria after gavage, suggesting Ldts' high prevalence in gut microbiota. The cellular distributions of 3-3 cross-links on three gut bacterial species were then identified with the aid of fluorescence in situ hybridization to identify the bacterial taxa. After oral administration of two β-lactams, ampicillin and meropenem, only the latter efficiently inhibits the tetrapeptide labeling, suggesting that Ldts may be able to cause resistance to some β-lactams in the mammalian gut.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huibin Lin
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Liyuan Lin
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Yahui Du
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Juan Gao
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Chaoyong Yang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Antibiofilm activity of host defence peptides: complexity provides opportunities. Nat Rev Microbiol 2021; 19:786-797. [PMID: 34183822 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-021-00585-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Host defence peptides (HDPs) are integral components of innate immunity across all living organisms. These peptides can exert direct antibacterial effects, targeting planktonic cells (referred to as antimicrobial peptides), and exhibit antibiofilm (referred to as antibiofilm peptides), antiviral, antifungal and host-directed immunomodulatory activities. In this Review, we discuss how the complex functional attributes of HDPs provide many opportunities for the development of antimicrobial therapeutics, focusing particularly on their emerging antibiofilm properties. The mechanisms of action of antibiofilm peptides are compared and contrasted with those of antimicrobial peptides. Furthermore, obstacles for the practical translation of candidate peptides into therapeutics and the potential solutions are discussed. Critically, HDPs have the value-added assets of complex functional attributes, particularly antibiofilm and anti-inflammatory activities and their synergy with conventional antibiotics.
Collapse
|
14
|
Fasina YO, Obanla T, Dosu G, Muzquiz S. Significance of Endogenous Antimicrobial Peptides on the Health of Food Animals. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:585266. [PMID: 34262957 PMCID: PMC8273337 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.585266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Acquired resistance to in-feed antibiotic growth promoters continues to be an imperative problem in the livestock industries, thereby necessitating continuous pursuit for alternatives. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent a critical part of the host's innate immune system and have been documented to have immunomodulatory activity. Increasing research evidence suggests that in contrast to antibiotics, AMPs exert broad-spectrum antibacterial activity in a manner that reduces bacterial acquisition of resistance genes. This review summarizes current knowledge on the protective effects of endogenous (natural) AMPs in the gastrointestinal tract of food animals. Factors limiting the efficacy of these AMPs were also discussed and mitigating strategies were proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yewande O Fasina
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC, United States
| | - Temitayo Obanla
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC, United States
| | - George Dosu
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC, United States
| | - Sierra Muzquiz
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Gadishaw-Lue C, Banaag A, Birstonas S, Francis AS, Barnett Foster D. Bile Salts Differentially Enhance Resistance of Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 to Host Defense Peptides. Infect Immun 2021; 89:e00719-20. [PMID: 33229368 PMCID: PMC7822141 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00719-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
During passage through the human gastrointestinal tract, enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) is exposed to membrane-damaging bile in the small intestine. We previously reported that EHEC treatment with a physiological bile salt mixture upregulates basRS, encoding a two-component system, and arnBCADTEF, encoding the aminoarabinose lipid A modification pathway (J. V. Kus, A. Gebremedhin, V. Dang, S. L. Tran, A. Serbanescu, and D. Barnett Foster, J Bacteriol 193: 4509-4515, 2011, https://doi.org/10.1128/JB.00200-11). The present study examined the effect of bile salt mix (BSM) treatment on EHEC resistance to three human gastrointestinal defense peptides-HD-5, HNP-1, and LL-37-as well as the role of basRS and arnT in the respective responses. After BSM treatment, EHEC resistance to HD-5 and HNP-1 was significantly increased in a BSM-, defensin dose-dependent manner. The resistance phenotype was dependent on both basRS and arnT However, the BSM treatment did not alter EHEC resistance to LL-37, even when the ompT gene, encoding an LL-37 cleavage protease, was disrupted. Interestingly, enteropathogenic E. coli, a related pathogen that infects the small intestine, showed a similar BSM-induced resistance phenotype. Using a model of EHEC infection in Galleria mellonella, we found significantly lower survival rates in wax moth larvae infected with BSM-treated wild-type EHEC than in those infected with a BSM-treated basS mutant, suggesting that treatment with a physiological BSM enhances virulence through a basS-mediated pathway. The results of this investigation provide persuasive evidence that bile salts typically encountered during transit through the small intestine can serve as an environmental cue for EHEC, enhancing resistance to several key host defense peptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Crystal Gadishaw-Lue
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alyssa Banaag
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah Birstonas
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aju-Sue Francis
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Debora Barnett Foster
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Attieh Z, Mouawad C, Rejasse A, Jehanno I, Perchat S, Hegna IK, Økstad OA, Kallassy Awad M, Sanchis-Borja V, El Chamy L. The fliK Gene Is Required for the Resistance of Bacillus thuringiensis to Antimicrobial Peptides and Virulence in Drosophila melanogaster. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:611220. [PMID: 33391240 PMCID: PMC7775485 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.611220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are essential effectors of the host innate immune system and they represent promising molecules for the treatment of multidrug resistant microbes. A better understanding of microbial resistance to these defense peptides is thus prerequisite for the control of infectious diseases. Here, using a random mutagenesis approach, we identify the fliK gene, encoding an internal molecular ruler that controls flagella hook length, as an essential element for Bacillus thuringiensis resistance to AMPs in Drosophila. Unlike its parental strain, that is highly virulent to both wild-type and AMPs deficient mutant flies, the fliK deletion mutant is only lethal to the latter's. In agreement with its conserved function, the fliK mutant is non-flagellated and exhibits highly compromised motility. However, comparative analysis of the fliK mutant phenotype to that of a fla mutant, in which the genes encoding flagella proteins are interrupted, indicate that B. thuringiensis FliK-dependent resistance to AMPs is independent of flagella assembly. As a whole, our results identify FliK as an essential determinant for B. thuringiensis virulence in Drosophila and provide new insights on the mechanisms underlying bacteria resistance to AMPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zaynoun Attieh
- UR-EGP, Faculté des Sciences, Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth, Beirut, Lebanon
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Carine Mouawad
- UR-EGP, Faculté des Sciences, Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Agnès Rejasse
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Isabelle Jehanno
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Stéphane Perchat
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Ida K. Hegna
- Department of Pharmacy, Centre for Integrative Microbial Evolution (CIME), Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ole A. Økstad
- Department of Pharmacy, Centre for Integrative Microbial Evolution (CIME), Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Vincent Sanchis-Borja
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Laure El Chamy
- UR-EGP, Faculté des Sciences, Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth, Beirut, Lebanon
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Patrulea V, Borchard G, Jordan O. An Update on Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) and Their Delivery Strategies for Wound Infections. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:E840. [PMID: 32887353 PMCID: PMC7560145 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12090840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial infections occur when wound healing fails to reach the final stage of healing, which is usually hindered by the presence of different pathogens. Different topical antimicrobial agents are used to inhibit bacterial growth due to antibiotic failure in reaching the infected site, which is accompanied very often by increased drug resistance and other side effects. In this review, we focus on antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), especially those with a high potential of efficacy against multidrug-resistant and biofilm-forming bacteria and fungi present in wound infections. Currently, different AMPs undergo preclinical and clinical phase to combat infection-related diseases. AMP dendrimers (AMPDs) have been mentioned as potent microbial agents. Various AMP delivery strategies that are used to combat infection and modulate the healing rate-such as polymers, scaffolds, films and wound dressings, and organic and inorganic nanoparticles-have been discussed as well. New technologies such as Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR)-associated protein (CRISPR-Cas) are taken into consideration as potential future tools for AMP delivery in skin therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viorica Patrulea
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland;
- Section of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gerrit Borchard
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland;
- Section of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Jordan
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland;
- Section of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Cryo-EM Structures of a Gonococcal Multidrug Efflux Pump Illuminate a Mechanism of Drug Recognition and Resistance. mBio 2020; 11:mBio.00996-20. [PMID: 32457251 PMCID: PMC7251214 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00996-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae has become a highly antimicrobial-resistant Gram-negative pathogen. Multidrug efflux is a major mechanism that N. gonorrhoeae uses to counteract the action of multiple classes of antibiotics. It appears that gonococci bearing mosaic-like sequences within the gene mtrD, encoding the most predominant and clinically important transporter of any gonococcal multidrug efflux pump, significantly elevate drug resistance and enhance transport function. Here, we report cryo-electron microscopy (EM) structures of N. gonorrhoeae MtrD carrying a mosaic-like sequence that allow us to understand the mechanism of drug recognition. Our work will ultimately inform structure-guided drug design for inhibiting these critical multidrug efflux pumps. Neisseria gonorrhoeae is an obligate human pathogen and causative agent of the sexually transmitted infection (STI) gonorrhea. The most predominant and clinically important multidrug efflux system in N. gonorrhoeae is the multiple transferrable resistance (Mtr) pump, which mediates resistance to a number of different classes of structurally diverse antimicrobial agents, including clinically used antibiotics (e.g., β-lactams and macrolides), dyes, detergents and host-derived antimicrobials (e.g., cationic antimicrobial peptides and bile salts). Recently, it has been found that gonococci bearing mosaic-like sequences within the mtrD gene can result in amino acid changes that increase the MtrD multidrug efflux pump activity, probably by influencing antimicrobial recognition and/or extrusion to elevate the level of antibiotic resistance. Here, we report drug-bound solution structures of the MtrD multidrug efflux pump carrying a mosaic-like sequence using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy, with the antibiotics bound deeply inside the periplasmic domain of the pump. Through this structural approach coupled with genetic studies, we identify critical amino acids that are important for drug resistance and propose a mechanism for proton translocation.
Collapse
|
19
|
Liu Y, Sun Y, Li S, Liu M, Qin X, Chen X, Lin Y. Tetrahedral Framework Nucleic Acids Deliver Antimicrobial Peptides with Improved Effects and Less Susceptibility to Bacterial Degradation. NANO LETTERS 2020; 20:3602-3610. [PMID: 32272018 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.0c00529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yue Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Songhang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mengting Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xingyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunfeng Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Beggs GA, Zalucki YM, Brown NG, Rastegari S, Phillips RK, Palzkill T, Shafer WM, Kumaraswami M, Brennan RG. Structural, Biochemical, and In Vivo Characterization of MtrR-Mediated Resistance to Innate Antimicrobials by the Human Pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae. J Bacteriol 2019; 201:e00401-19. [PMID: 31331979 PMCID: PMC6755732 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00401-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae responds to host-derived antimicrobials by inducing the expression of the mtrCDE-encoded multidrug efflux pump, which expels microbicides, such as bile salts, fatty acids, and multiple extrinsically administered drugs, from the cell. In the absence of these cytotoxins, the TetR family member MtrR represses the mtrCDE genes. Although antimicrobial-dependent derepression of mtrCDE is clear, the physiological inducers of MtrR are unknown. Here, we report the crystal structure of an induced form of MtrR. In the binding pocket of MtrR, we observed electron density that we hypothesized was N-cyclohexyl-3-aminopropanesulfonic acid (CAPS), a component of the crystallization reagent. Using the MtrR-CAPS structure as an inducer-bound template, we hypothesized that bile salts, which bear significant chemical resemblance to CAPS, are physiologically relevant inducers. Indeed, characterization of MtrR-chenodeoxycholate and MtrR-taurodeoxycholate interactions, both in vitro and in vivo, revealed that these bile salts, but not glyocholate or taurocholate, bind MtrR tightly and can act as bona fide inducers. Furthermore, two residues, W136 and R176, were shown to be important in binding chenodeoxycholate but not taurodeoxycholate, suggesting different binding modes of the bile salts. These data provide insight into a crucial mechanism utilized by the pathogen to overcome innate human defenses.IMPORTANCENeisseria gonorrhoeae causes a significant disease burden worldwide, and a meteoric rise in its multidrug resistance has reduced the efficacy of antibiotics previously or currently approved for therapy of gonorrheal infections. The multidrug efflux pump MtrCDE transports multiple drugs and host-derived antimicrobials from the bacterial cell and confers survival advantage on the pathogen within the host. Transcription of the pump is repressed by MtrR but relieved by the cytosolic influx of antimicrobials. Here, we describe the structure of induced MtrR and use this structure to identify bile salts as physiological inducers of MtrR. These findings provide a mechanistic basis for antimicrobial sensing and gonococcal protection by MtrR through the derepression of mtrCDE expression after exposure to intrinsic and clinically applied antimicrobials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grace A Beggs
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Yaramah M Zalucki
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Emory Antibiotic Resistance Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Nicholas Gene Brown
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sheila Rastegari
- Center for Molecular and Translational Human Infectious Diseases Research, Houston Methodist Hospital Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital System, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Rebecca K Phillips
- Center for Molecular and Translational Human Infectious Diseases Research, Houston Methodist Hospital Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital System, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Timothy Palzkill
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - William M Shafer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Laboratories of Microbial Pathogenesis, VA Medical Research Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia, USA
- Emory Antibiotic Resistance Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Muthiah Kumaraswami
- Center for Molecular and Translational Human Infectious Diseases Research, Houston Methodist Hospital Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital System, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Richard G Brennan
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Wang J, Dou X, Song J, Lyu Y, Zhu X, Xu L, Li W, Shan A. Antimicrobial peptides: Promising alternatives in the post feeding antibiotic era. Med Res Rev 2018; 39:831-859. [PMID: 30353555 DOI: 10.1002/med.21542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 312] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), critical components of the innate immune system, are widely distributed throughout the animal and plant kingdoms. They can protect against a broad array of infection-causing agents, such as bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses, and tumor cells, and also exhibit immunomodulatory activity. AMPs exert antimicrobial activities primarily through mechanisms involving membrane disruption, so they have a lower likelihood of inducing drug resistance. Extensive studies on the structure-activity relationship have revealed that net charge, hydrophobicity, and amphipathicity are the most important physicochemical and structural determinants endowing AMPs with antimicrobial potency and cell selectivity. This review summarizes the recent advances in AMPs development with respect to characteristics, structure-activity relationships, functions, antimicrobial mechanisms, expression regulation, and applications in food, medicine, and animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiajun Wang
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Department of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiujing Dou
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Department of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Jing Song
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Department of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Yinfeng Lyu
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Department of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Xin Zhu
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Department of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Lin Xu
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Department of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Weizhong Li
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Department of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Anshan Shan
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Department of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Ptaszyńska N, Gucwa K, Łęgowska A, Dębowski D, Gitlin-Domagalska A, Lica J, Heldt M, Martynow D, Olszewski M, Milewski S, Ng TB, Rolka K. Antimicrobial Activity of Chimera Peptides Composed of Human Neutrophil Peptide 1 (HNP-1) Truncated Analogues and Bovine Lactoferrampin. Bioconjug Chem 2018; 29:3060-3071. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.8b00440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Ptaszyńska
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Gucwa
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Anna Łęgowska
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Dawid Dębowski
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Agata Gitlin-Domagalska
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Jan Lica
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Mateusz Heldt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Dorota Martynow
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Mateusz Olszewski
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Sławomir Milewski
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Tzi Bun Ng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Krzysztof Rolka
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kobayashi SD, Malachowa N, DeLeo FR. Neutrophils and Bacterial Immune Evasion. J Innate Immun 2018; 10:432-441. [PMID: 29642066 DOI: 10.1159/000487756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Neutrophils are an important component of the innate immune system and provide a front line of defense against bacterial infection. Although most bacteria are killed readily by neutrophils, some bacterial pathogens have the capacity to circumvent destruction by these host leukocytes. The ability of bacterial pathogens to avoid killing by neutrophils often involves multiple attributes or characteristics, including the production of virulence molecules. These molecules are diverse in composition and function, and collectively have the potential to alter or inhibit neutrophil recruitment, phagocytosis, bactericidal activity, and/or apoptosis. Here, we review the ability of bacteria to target these processes.
Collapse
|
24
|
Pfalzgraff A, Brandenburg K, Weindl G. Antimicrobial Peptides and Their Therapeutic Potential for Bacterial Skin Infections and Wounds. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:281. [PMID: 29643807 PMCID: PMC5882822 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 260] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Alarming data about increasing resistance to conventional antibiotics are reported, while at the same time the development of new antibiotics is stagnating. Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are mainly caused by the so called ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species) which belong to the most recalcitrant bacteria and are resistant to almost all common antibiotics. S. aureus and P. aeruginosa are the most frequent pathogens isolated from chronic wounds and increasing resistance to topical antibiotics has become a major issue. Therefore, new treatment options are urgently needed. In recent years, research focused on the development of synthetic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with lower toxicity and improved activity compared to their endogenous counterparts. AMPs appear to be promising therapeutic options for the treatment of SSTIs and wounds as they show a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity, low resistance rates and display pivotal immunomodulatory as well as wound healing promoting activities such as induction of cell migration and proliferation and angiogenesis. In this review, we evaluate the potential of AMPs for the treatment of bacterial SSTIs and wounds and provide an overview of the mechanisms of actions of AMPs that contribute to combat skin infections and to improve wound healing. Bacteria growing in biofilms are more resistant to conventional antibiotics than their planktonic counterparts due to limited biofilm penetration and distinct metabolic and physiological functions, and often result in chronification of infections and wounds. Thus, we further discuss the feasibility of AMPs as anti-biofilm agents. Finally, we highlight perspectives for future therapies and which issues remain to bring AMPs successfully to the market.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anja Pfalzgraff
- Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Günther Weindl
- Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Hirt H, Hall JW, Larson E, Gorr SU. A D-enantiomer of the antimicrobial peptide GL13K evades antimicrobial resistance in the Gram positive bacteria Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus gordonii. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0194900. [PMID: 29566082 PMCID: PMC5864073 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides represent an alternative to traditional antibiotics that may be less susceptible to bacterial resistance mechanisms by directly attacking the bacterial cell membrane. However, bacteria have a variety of defense mechanisms that can prevent cationic antimicrobial peptides from reaching the cell membrane. The L- and D-enantiomers of the antimicrobial peptide GL13K were tested against the Gram-positive bacteria Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus gordonii to understand the role of bacterial proteases and cell wall modifications in bacterial resistance. GL13K was derived from the human salivary protein BPIFA2. Minimal inhibitory concentrations were determined by broth dilution and a serial assay used to determine bacterial resistance. Peptide degradation was determined in a bioassay utilizing a luminescent strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to detect peptide activity. Autolysis and D-alanylation-deficient strains of E. faecalis and S. gordonii were tested in autolysis assays and peptide activity assays. E. faecalis protease inactivated L-GL13K but not D-GL13K, whereas autolysis did not affect peptide activity. Indeed, the D-enantiomer appeared to kill the bacteria prior to initiation of autolysis. D-alanylation mutants were killed by L-GL13K whereas this modification did not affect killing by D-GL13K. The mutants regained resistance to L-GL13K whereas bacteria did not gain resistance to D-GL13K after repeated treatment with the peptides. D-alanylation affected the hydrophobicity of bacterial cells but hydrophobicity alone did not affect GL13K activity. D-GL13K evades two resistance mechanisms in Gram-positive bacteria without giving rise to substantial new resistance. D-GL13K exhibits attractive properties for further antibiotic development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helmut Hirt
- Department of Diagnostic and Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey W. Hall
- Department of Diagnostic and Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Elliot Larson
- Department of Diagnostic and Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Sven-Ulrik Gorr
- Department of Diagnostic and Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Hughes D, Andersson DI. Environmental and genetic modulation of the phenotypic expression of antibiotic resistance. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2018; 41:374-391. [PMID: 28333270 PMCID: PMC5435765 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fux004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance can be acquired by mutation or horizontal transfer of a resistance gene, and generally an acquired mechanism results in a predictable increase in phenotypic resistance. However, recent findings suggest that the environment and/or the genetic context can modify the phenotypic expression of specific resistance genes/mutations. An important implication from these findings is that a given genotype does not always result in the expected phenotype. This dissociation of genotype and phenotype has important consequences for clinical bacteriology and for our ability to predict resistance phenotypes from genetics and DNA sequences. A related problem concerns the degree to which the genes/mutations currently identified in vitro can fully explain the in vivo resistance phenotype, or whether there is a significant additional amount of presently unknown mutations/genes (genetic ‘dark matter’) that could contribute to resistance in clinical isolates. Finally, a very important question is whether/how we can identify the genetic features that contribute to making a successful pathogen, and predict why some resistant clones are very successful and spread globally? In this review, we describe different environmental and genetic factors that influence phenotypic expression of antibiotic resistance genes/mutations and how this information is needed to understand why particular resistant clones spread worldwide and to what extent we can use DNA sequences to predict evolutionary success.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diarmaid Hughes
- Corresponding author: Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Biomedical Center (Box 582), Uppsala University, S-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden. Tel: +46 18 4714507; E-mail:
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Bell G, MacLean C. The Search for 'Evolution-Proof' Antibiotics. Trends Microbiol 2017; 26:471-483. [PMID: 29191398 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The effectiveness of antibiotics has been widely compromised by the evolution of resistance among pathogenic bacteria. It would be restored by the development of antibiotics to which bacteria cannot evolve resistance. We first discuss two kinds of 'evolution-proof' antibiotic. The first comprises literally evolution-proof antibiotics to which bacteria cannot become resistant by mutation or horizontal gene transfer. The second category comprises agents to which resistance may arise, but so rarely that it does not become epidemic. The likelihood that resistance to a novel agent will spread is evaluated here by a simple model that includes biological and therapeutic parameters governing the evolution of resistance within hosts and the transmission of resistant strains between hosts. This model leads to the conclusion that epidemic spread is unlikely if the frequency of mutations that confer resistance falls below a defined minimum value, and it identifies potential targets for intervention to prevent the evolution of resistance. Whether or not evolution-proof antibiotics are ever found, searching for them is likely to improve the deployment of new and existing agents by advancing our understanding of how resistance evolves.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Graham Bell
- Biology Department, McGill University, Avenue Docteur Penfield, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1B1, Canada; Zoology Department, Oxford University, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK.
| | - Craig MacLean
- Zoology Department, Oxford University, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Arranz-Trullén J, Lu L, Pulido D, Bhakta S, Boix E. Host Antimicrobial Peptides: The Promise of New Treatment Strategies against Tuberculosis. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1499. [PMID: 29163551 PMCID: PMC5681943 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a devastating infectious disease and remerges as a global health emergency due to an alarming rise of antimicrobial resistance to its treatment. Despite of the serious effort that has been applied to develop effective antitubercular chemotherapies, the potential of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) remains underexploited. A large amount of literature is now accessible on the AMP mechanisms of action against a diversity of pathogens; nevertheless, research on their activity on mycobacteria is still scarce. In particular, there is an urgent need to integrate all available interdisciplinary strategies to eradicate extensively drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains. In this context, we should not underestimate our endogenous antimicrobial proteins and peptides as ancient players of the human host defense system. We are confident that novel antibiotics based on human AMPs displaying a rapid and multifaceted mechanism, with reduced toxicity, should significantly contribute to reverse the tide of antimycobacterial drug resistance. In this review, we have provided an up to date perspective of the current research on AMPs to be applied in the fight against TB. A better understanding on the mechanisms of action of human endogenous peptides should ensure the basis for the best guided design of novel antitubercular chemotherapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Arranz-Trullén
- Faculty of Biosciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.,Mycobacteria Research Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lu Lu
- Faculty of Biosciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - David Pulido
- Faculty of Biosciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Sanjib Bhakta
- Mycobacteria Research Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ester Boix
- Faculty of Biosciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Gangaiah D, Raterman EL, Wu H, Fortney KR, Gao H, Liu Y, Jerse AE, Spinola SM. Both MisR (CpxR) and MisS (CpxA) Are Required for Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infection in a Murine Model of Lower Genital Tract Infection. Infect Immun 2017; 85:e00307-17. [PMID: 28652307 PMCID: PMC5563589 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00307-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
During infection, Neisseria gonorrhoeae senses and responds to stress; such responses may be modulated by MisRS (NGO0177 and NGO0176), a two-component system that is a homolog of CpxRA. In Escherichia coli, CpxRA senses and responds to envelope stress; CpxA is a sensor kinase/phosphatase for CpxR, a response regulator. When a cpxA mutant is grown in medium containing glucose, CpxR is phosphorylated by acetyl phosphate but cannot be dephosphorylated, resulting in constitutive activation. Kandler and coworkers (J. L. Kandler, C. L. Holley, J. L. Reimche, V. Dhulipala, J. T. Balthazar, A. Muszyński, R. W. Carlson, and W. M. Shafer, Antimicrob Agents Chemother 60:4690-4700, 2016, https://doi.org/10.1128/AAC.00823-16) showed that MisR (CpxR) is required for the maintenance of membrane integrity and resistance to antimicrobial peptides, suggesting a role in gonococcal survival in vivo Here, we evaluated the contributions of MisR and MisS (CpxA) to gonococcal infection in a murine model of cervicovaginal colonization and identified MisR-regulated genes using RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). The deletion of misR or misS severely reduced the capacity of N. gonorrhoeae to colonize mice or maintain infection over a 7-day period and reduced microbial fitness after exposure to heat shock. Compared to the wild type (WT), the inactivation of misR identified 157 differentially regulated genes, most of which encoded putative envelope proteins. The inactivation of misS identified 17 differentially regulated genes compared to the WT and 139 differentially regulated genes compared to the misR mutant, 111 of which overlapped those differentially expressed in the comparison of the WT versus the misR mutant. These data indicate that an intact MisRS system is required for gonococcal infection of mice. Provided the MisR is constitutively phosphorylated in the misS mutant, the data suggest that controlled but not constitutive activation is required for gonococcal infection in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dharanesh Gangaiah
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Erica L Raterman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, F. Edward Herbert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Hong Wu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, F. Edward Herbert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kate R Fortney
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Hongyu Gao
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Yunlong Liu
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Ann E Jerse
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, F. Edward Herbert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Stanley M Spinola
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Mai S, Mauger MT, Niu LN, Barnes JB, Kao S, Bergeron BE, Ling JQ, Tay FR. Potential applications of antimicrobial peptides and their mimics in combating caries and pulpal infections. Acta Biomater 2017; 49:16-35. [PMID: 27845274 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2016.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are short cationic host-defense molecules that provide the early stage of protection against invading microbes. They also have important modulatory roles and act as a bridge between innate and acquired immunity. The types and functions of oral AMPs were reviewed and experimental reports on the use of natural AMPs and their synthetic mimics in caries and pulpal infections were discussed. Natural AMPs in the oral cavity, predominantly defensins, cathelicidins and histatins, possess antimicrobial activities against oral pathogens and biofilms. Incomplete debridement of microorganisms in root canal space may precipitate an exacerbated immune response that results in periradicular bone resorption. Because of their immunomodulatory and wound healing potentials, AMPs stimulate pro-inflammatory cytokine production, recruit host defense cells and regulate immuno-inflammatory responses in the vicinity of the pulp and periapex. Recent rapid advances in the development of synthetic AMP mimics offer exciting opportunities for new therapeutic initiatives in root canal treatment and regenerative endodontics. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Identification of new therapeutic strategies to combat antibiotic-resistant pathogens and biofilm-associated infections continues to be one of the major challenges in modern medicine. Despite the presence of commercialization hurdles and scientific challenges, interests in using antimicrobial peptides as therapeutic alternatives and adjuvants to combat pathogenic biofilms have never been foreshortened. Not only do these cationic peptides possess rapid killing ability, their multi-modal mechanisms of action render them advantageous in targeting different biofilm sub-populations. These factors, together with adjunctive bioactive functions such as immunomodulation and wound healing enhancement, render AMPs or their synthetic mimics exciting candidates to be considered as adjuncts in the treatment of caries, infected pulps and root canals.
Collapse
|
31
|
Balandin SV, Ovchinnikova TV. Antimicrobial peptides of invertebrates. Part 2. biological functions and mechanisms of action. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2016. [DOI: 10.1134/s106816201604004x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
32
|
Shafer WM. Does the Cervicovaginal Microbiome Facilitate Transmission of Neisseria gonorrhoeae From Women to Men? Implications for Understanding Transmission of Gonorrhea and Advancing Vaccine Development. J Infect Dis 2016; 214:1615-1617. [PMID: 27471316 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiw331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- William M Shafer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology.,Emory Antibiotic Resistance Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta.,Medical Research Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
The MisR Response Regulator Is Necessary for Intrinsic Cationic Antimicrobial Peptide and Aminoglycoside Resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2016; 60:4690-700. [PMID: 27216061 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00823-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
During infection, the sexually transmitted pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae (the gonococcus) encounters numerous host-derived antimicrobials, including cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) produced by epithelial and phagocytic cells. CAMPs have both direct and indirect killing mechanisms and help link the innate and adaptive immune responses during infection. Gonococcal CAMP resistance is likely important for avoidance of host nonoxidative killing systems expressed by polymorphonuclear granulocytes (e.g., neutrophils) and intracellular survival. Previously studied gonococcal CAMP resistance mechanisms include modification of lipid A with phosphoethanolamine by LptA and export of CAMPs by the MtrCDE efflux pump. In the related pathogen Neisseria meningitidis, a two-component regulatory system (2CRS) termed MisR-MisS has been shown to contribute to the capacity of the meningococcus to resist CAMP killing. We report that the gonococcal MisR response regulator but not the MisS sensor kinase is involved in constitutive and inducible CAMP resistance and is also required for intrinsic low-level resistance to aminoglycosides. The 4- to 8-fold increased susceptibility of misR-deficient gonococci to CAMPs and aminoglycosides was independent of phosphoethanolamine decoration of lipid A and the levels of the MtrCDE efflux pump and seemed to correlate with a general increase in membrane permeability. Transcriptional profiling and biochemical studies confirmed that expression of lptA and mtrCDE was not impacted by the loss of MisR. However, several genes encoding proteins involved in membrane integrity and redox control gave evidence of being MisR regulated. We propose that MisR modulates the levels of gonococcal susceptibility to antimicrobials by influencing the expression of genes involved in determining membrane integrity.
Collapse
|
34
|
Findlay F, Proudfoot L, Stevens C, Barlow PG. Cationic host defense peptides; novel antimicrobial therapeutics against Category A pathogens and emerging infections. Pathog Glob Health 2016; 110:137-47. [PMID: 27315342 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2016.1195036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cationic Host Defense Peptides (HDP, also known as antimicrobial peptides) are crucial components of the innate immune system and possess broad-spectrum antibacterial, antiviral, and immunomodulatory activities. They can contribute to the rapid clearance of biological agents through direct killing of the organisms, inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators such as lipopolysaccharide, and by modulating the inflammatory response to infection. Category A biological agents and materials, as classified by the United States National Institutes for Health, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the US Department of Homeland Security, carry the most severe threat in terms of human health, transmissibility, and preparedness. As such, there is a pressing need for novel frontline approaches for prevention and treatment of diseases caused by these organisms, and exploiting the broad antimicrobial activity exhibited by cationic host defense peptides represents an exciting priority area for clinical research. This review will summarize what is known about the antimicrobial and antiviral effects of the two main families of cationic host defense peptides, cathelicidins, and defensins in the context of Category A biological agents which include, but are not limited to; anthrax (Bacillus anthracis), plague (Yersinia pestis), smallpox (Variola major), tularemia (Francisella tularensis). In addition, we highlight priority areas, particularly emerging viral infections, where more extensive research is urgently required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fern Findlay
- a School of Life, Sport and Social Sciences , Edinburgh Napier University , Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh EH11 4BN , UK
| | - Lorna Proudfoot
- a School of Life, Sport and Social Sciences , Edinburgh Napier University , Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh EH11 4BN , UK
| | - Craig Stevens
- a School of Life, Sport and Social Sciences , Edinburgh Napier University , Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh EH11 4BN , UK
| | - Peter G Barlow
- a School of Life, Sport and Social Sciences , Edinburgh Napier University , Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh EH11 4BN , UK
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Abstract
Defense peptides are small amphipathic molecules that exhibit antimicrobial, antitumor, antiviral, and immunomodulatory properties. This review summarizes current knowledge on the mechanisms of antimicrobial activity of cationic and anionic defense peptides, indicating peptide-based as well as microbial cell-based factors affecting this activity. The peptide-based factors include charge, hydrophibicity, and amphipathicity, whereas the pathogen-based factors are membrane lipid composition, presence of sterols, membrane fluidity, cell wall components, and secreted factors such as extracellular proteinases. Since defense peptides have been considered very promising molecules that could replace conventional antibiotics in the era of drug-resistant pathogens, the issue of microbial resistance to antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) is addressed. Furthermore, selected approaches employed for optimization and de novo design of effective AMPs based on the properties recognized as important for the function of natural defense peptides are presented.
Collapse
|
36
|
Silva JP, Appelberg R, Gama FM. Antimicrobial peptides as novel anti-tuberculosis therapeutics. Biotechnol Adv 2016; 34:924-940. [PMID: 27235189 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2016.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Revised: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB), a disease caused by the human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis, has recently joined HIV/AIDS as the world's deadliest infectious disease, affecting around 9.6 million people worldwide in 2014. Of those, about 1.2 million died from the disease. Resistance acquisition to existing antibiotics, with the subsequent emergence of Multi-Drug Resistant mycobacteria strains, together with an increasing economic burden, has urged the development of new anti-TB drugs. In this scope, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are small, cationic and amphipathic peptides that make part of the innate immune system, now arise as promising candidates for TB treatment. In this review, we analyze the potential of AMPs for this application. We address the mechanisms of action, advantages and disadvantages over conventional antibiotics and how problems associated with its use may be overcome to boost their therapeutic potential. Additionally, we address the challenges of translational development from benchside to bedside, evaluate the current development pipeline and analyze the expected global impact from a socio-economic standpoint. The quest for more efficient and more compliant anti-TB drugs, associated with the great therapeutic potential of emerging AMPs and the rising peptide market, provide an optimal environment for the emergence of AMPs as promising therapies. Still, their pharmacological properties need to be enhanced and manufacturing-associated issues need to be addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- João P Silva
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga 4710-057, Portugal.
| | - Rui Appelberg
- Department of Immunophysiology, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Francisco Miguel Gama
- CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga 4710-057, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Andersson D, Hughes D, Kubicek-Sutherland J. Mechanisms and consequences of bacterial resistance to antimicrobial peptides. Drug Resist Updat 2016; 26:43-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2016.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 319] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Revised: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
38
|
Peptaibolin analogues by incorporation of α,α-dialkylglycines: synthesis and study of their membrane permeating ability. Tetrahedron 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tet.2015.12.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
|
39
|
Schmitt P, Rosa RD, Destoumieux-Garzón D. An intimate link between antimicrobial peptide sequence diversity and binding to essential components of bacterial membranes. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2015; 1858:958-70. [PMID: 26498397 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2015.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Revised: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides and proteins (AMPs) are widespread in the living kingdom. They are key effectors of defense reactions and mediators of competitions between organisms. They are often cationic and amphiphilic, which favors their interactions with the anionic membranes of microorganisms. Several AMP families do not directly alter membrane integrity but rather target conserved components of the bacterial membranes in a process that provides them with potent and specific antimicrobial activities. Thus, lipopolysaccharides (LPS), lipoteichoic acids (LTA) and the peptidoglycan precursor Lipid II are targeted by a broad series of AMPs. Studying the functional diversity of immune effectors tells us about the essential residues involved in AMP mechanism of action. Marine invertebrates have been found to produce a remarkable diversity of AMPs. Molluscan defensins and crustacean anti-LPS factors (ALF) are diverse in terms of amino acid sequence and show contrasted phenotypes in terms of antimicrobial activity. Their activity is directed essentially against Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria due to their specific interactions with Lipid II or Lipid A, respectively. Through those interesting examples, we discuss here how sequence diversity generated throughout evolution informs us on residues required for essential molecular interaction at the bacterial membranes and subsequent antibacterial activity. Through the analysis of molecular variants having lost antibacterial activity or shaped novel functions, we also discuss the molecular bases of functional divergence in AMPs. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Antimicrobial peptides edited by Karl Lohner and Kai Hilpert.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Schmitt
- Laboratorio de Genética e Inmunología Molecular, Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Avenida Universidad 330, 2373223 Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Rafael D Rosa
- Laboratory of Immunology Applied to Aquaculture, Department of Cell Biology, Embryology and Genetics, Federal University of Santa Catarina, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Delphine Destoumieux-Garzón
- CNRS, Ifremer, UPVD, Université de Montpellier. Interactions Hôtes-Pathogènes-Environnements (IHPE), UMR5244, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34090 Montpellier cedex, France.
| |
Collapse
|