1
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Li Q, Jansen H, Hansen G, Nurjadi D, Herrmann J, Stadler M, Brönstrup M, Müller R, He C, Graspeuntner S, Rupp J, Shima K. Inhibitory effect of sorangicin A against mutant DNA-dependent RNA polymerase in the obligate intracellular bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2024; 63:107132. [PMID: 38432602 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2024.107132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany; College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Hendrik Jansen
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Guido Hansen
- Institute of Biochemistry, Center for Structural and Cell Biology in Medicine, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Dennis Nurjadi
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jennifer Herrmann
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, and Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Saarbruecken, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Marc Stadler
- German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany; Department of Microbial Drugs, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Mark Brönstrup
- German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany; Department of Chemical Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Rolf Müller
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, and Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Saarbruecken, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Cheng He
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Simon Graspeuntner
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jan Rupp
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Kensuke Shima
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
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2
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Graspeuntner S, Koethke K, Scholz C, Semmler L, Lupatsii M, Kirchhoff L, Herrmann J, Rox K, Wittstein K, Käding N, Hanker LC, Stadler M, Brönstrup M, Müller R, Shima K, Rupp J. Sorangicin A Is Active against Chlamydia in Cell Culture, Explanted Fallopian Tubes, and Topical In Vivo Treatment. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12050795. [PMID: 37237698 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12050795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Current treatment of Chlamydia trachomatis using doxycycline and azithromycin introduces detrimental side effects on the host's microbiota. As a potential alternative treatment, the myxobacterial natural product sorangicin A (SorA) blocks the bacterial RNA polymerase. In this study we analyzed the effectiveness of SorA against C. trachomatis in cell culture, and explanted fallopian tubes and systemic and local treatment in mice, providing also pharmacokinetic data on SorA. Potential side effects of SorA on the vaginal and gut microbiome were assessed in mice and against human-derived Lactobacillus species. SorA showed minimal inhibitory concentrations of 80 ng/mL (normoxia) to 120 ng/mL (hypoxia) against C. trachomatis in vitro and was eradicating C. trachomatis at a concentration of 1 µg/mL from fallopian tubes. In vivo, SorA reduced chlamydial shedding by more than 100-fold within the first days of infection by topical application corresponding with vaginal detection of SorA only upon topical treatment, but not after systemic application. SorA changed gut microbial composition during intraperitoneal application only and did neither alter the vaginal microbiota in mice nor affect growth of human-derived lactobacilli. Additional dose escalations and/or pharmaceutical modifications will be needed to optimize application of SorA and to reach sufficient anti-chlamydial activity in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Graspeuntner
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Luebeck, 23538 Luebeck, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Katharina Koethke
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Luebeck, 23538 Luebeck, Germany
| | - Celeste Scholz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Luebeck, 23538 Luebeck, Germany
| | - Lea Semmler
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Luebeck, 23538 Luebeck, Germany
| | - Mariia Lupatsii
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Luebeck, 23538 Luebeck, Germany
| | - Laura Kirchhoff
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Luebeck, 23538 Luebeck, Germany
| | - Jennifer Herrmann
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), and Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Katharina Rox
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
- Department of Chemical Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Kathrin Wittstein
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
- Department of Microbial Drugs, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Nadja Käding
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Luebeck, 23538 Luebeck, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Lars C Hanker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Schleswig Holstein, 23538 Luebeck, Germany
| | - Marc Stadler
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
- Department of Microbial Drugs, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Mark Brönstrup
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
- Department of Chemical Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Rolf Müller
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), and Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Kensuke Shima
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Luebeck, 23538 Luebeck, Germany
| | - Jan Rupp
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Luebeck, 23538 Luebeck, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
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3
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Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) of Corallopyronin A against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Pharmaceutics 2022; 15:pharmaceutics15010131. [PMID: 36678760 PMCID: PMC9860980 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a World Health Organization’s high priority pathogen organism, with an estimated > 100,000 deaths worldwide in 2019. Thus, there is an unmet medical need for novel and resistance-breaking anti-infectives. The natural product Co-rallopyronin A (CorA), currently in preclinical development for filariasis, is efficacious against MRSA in vitro. In this study, we evaluated the pharmacokinetics of CorA after dosing in mice. Furthermore, we determined compound concentrations in target compartments, such as lung, kidney and thigh tissue, using LC-MS/MS. Based on the pharmacokinetic results, we evaluated the pharmacodynamic profile of CorA using the standard neutropenic thigh and lung infection models. We demonstrate that CorA is effective in both standard pharmacodynamic models. In addition to reaching effective levels in the lung and muscle, CorA was detected at high levels in the thigh bone. The data presented herein encourage the further exploration of the additional CorA indications treatment of MRSA- and methicillin-sensitive S. aureus- (MSSA) related infections.
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4
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Rodrigues R, Marques L, Vieira-Baptista P, Sousa C, Vale N. Therapeutic Options for Chlamydia trachomatis Infection: Present and Future. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:1634. [PMID: 36421278 PMCID: PMC9686482 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11111634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) infection, have serious consequences for sexual and reproductive health worldwide. Ct is one of the most common sexually transmitted bacterial infections in the world, with approximately 129 million new cases per year. C. trachomatis is an obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacterium. The infection is usually asymptomatic, notwithstanding, it could also be associated with severe sequels and complications, such as chronic pain, infertility, and gynecologic cancers, and thus there is an urgent need to adequately treat these cases in a timely manner. Consequently, beyond its individual effects, the infection also impacts the economy of the countries where it is prevalent, generating a need to consider the hypothesis of implementing Chlamydia Screening Programs, a decision that, although it is expensive to execute, is a necessary investment that unequivocally will bring financial and social long-term advantages worldwide. To detect Ct infection, there are different methodologies available. Nucleic acid amplification tests, with their high sensitivity and specificity, are currently the first-line tests for the detection of Ct. When replaced by other detection methods, there are more false negative tests, leading to underreported cases and a subsequent underestimation of Ct infection's prevalence. Ct treatment is based on antibiotic prescription, which is highly associated with drug resistance. Therefore, currently, there have been efforts in line with the development of alternative strategies to effectively treat this infection, using a drug repurposing method, as well as a natural treatment approach. In addition, researchers have also made some progress in the Ct vaccine development over the years, despite the fact that it also necessitates more studies in order to finally establish a vaccination plan. In this review, we have focused on the therapeutic options for treating Ct infection, expert recommendations, and major difficulties, while also exploring the possible avenues through which to face this issue, with novel approaches beyond those proposed by the guidelines of Health Organizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Rodrigues
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Unilabs Portugal, Centro Empresarial Lionesa Porto, Rua Lionesa, 446 C24, 4465-671 Leça do Balio, Portugal
| | - Lara Marques
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro Vieira-Baptista
- Hospital Lusíadas Porto, Avenida da Boavista, 171, 4050-115 Porto, Portugal
- Lower Genital Tract Unit, Centro Hospitalar de São João, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carlos Sousa
- Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Unilabs Portugal, Centro Empresarial Lionesa Porto, Rua Lionesa, 446 C24, 4465-671 Leça do Balio, Portugal
| | - Nuno Vale
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Community Medicine, Health Information and Decision (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
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5
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Abstract
Gonorrhea remains a major global public health problem because of the high incidence of infection (estimated 82 million cases in 2020) and the emergence and spread of Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains resistant to previous and current antibiotics used to treat infections. Given the dearth of new antibiotics that are likely to enter clinical practice in the near future, there is concern that cases of untreatable gonorrhea might emerge. In response to this crisis, the World Health Organization (WHO), in partnership with the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP), has made the search for and development of new antibiotics against N. gonorrhoeae a priority. Ideally, these antibiotics should also be active against other sexually transmitted organisms, such as Chlamydia trachomatis and/or Mycoplasma genitalium, which are often found with N. gonorrhoeae as co-infections. Corallopyronin A is a potent antimicrobial that exhibits activity against Chlamydia spp. and inhibits transcription by binding to the RpoB switch region. Accordingly, we tested the effectiveness of corallopyronin A against N. gonorrhoeae. We also examined the mutation frequency and modes of potential resistance against corallopyronin A. We report that corallopyronin A has potent antimicrobial action against antibiotic-susceptible and antibiotic-resistant N. gonorrhoeae strains and could eradicate gonococcal infection of cultured, primary human cervical epithelial cells. Critically, we found that spontaneous corallopyronin A-resistant mutants of N. gonorrhoeae are exceedingly rare (≤10-10) when selected at 4× the MIC. Our results support pre-clinical studies aimed at developing corallopyronin A for gonorrheal treatment regimens. IMPORTANCE The high global incidence of gonorrhea, the lack of a protective vaccine, and the emergence of N. gonorrhoeae strains expressing resistance to currently used antibiotics demand that new treatment options be developed. Accordingly, we investigated whether corallopyronin A, an antibiotic which is effective against other pathogens, including C. trachomatis, which together with gonococci frequently cause co-infections in humans, could exert anti-gonococcal action in vitro and ex vivo, and potential resistance emergence. We propose that corallopyronin A be considered a potential future treatment option for gonorrhea because of its potent activity, low resistance development, and recent advances in scalable production.
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Ehrens A, Schiefer A, Krome AK, Becker T, Rox K, Neufeld H, Aden T, Wagner KG, Müller R, Grosse M, Stadler M, König GM, Kehraus S, Alt S, Hesterkamp T, Hübner MP, Pfarr K, Hoerauf A. Pharmacology and early ADMET data of corallopyronin A, a natural product with macrofilaricidal anti-wolbachial activity in filarial nematodes. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2022.983107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Corallopyronin A (CorA), a natural product antibiotic of Corallococcus coralloides, inhibits the bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase. It is active against the essential Wolbachia endobacteria of filarial nematodes, preventing development, causing sterility and killing adult worms. CorA is being developed to treat the neglected tropical diseases onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis caused by Wolbachia-containing filariae. For this, we have completed standard Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion and Toxicity (ADMET) studies. In Caco-2 assays, CorA had good adsorption values, predicting good transport from the intestines, but may be subject to active efflux. In fed-state simulated human intestinal fluid (pH 5.0), CorA half-life was >139 minutes, equivalent to the stability in buffer (pH 7.4). CorA plasma-stability was >240 minutes, with plasma protein binding >98% in human, mouse, rat, dog, mini-pig and monkey plasma. Clearance in human and dog liver microsomes was low (35.2 and 42 µl/min/mg, respectively). CorA was mainly metabolized via phase I reactions, i.e., oxidation, and to a minimal extent via phase II reactions. In contrast to rifampicin, CorA does not induce CYP3A4 resulting in a lower drug-drug-interaction potential. Apart from inhibition of CYP2C9, no impact of CorA on enzymes of the CYP450 system was detected. Off-target profiling resulted in three hits (inhibition/activation) for the A3 and PPARγ receptors and COX1 enzyme; thus, potential drug-drug interactions could occur with antidiabetic medications, COX2 inhibitors, angiotensin AT1 receptor antagonists, vitamin K-antagonists, and antidepressants. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies in Mongolian gerbils and rats demonstrated excellent intraperitoneal and oral bioavailability (100%) with fast absorption and high distribution in plasma. No significant hERG inhibition was detected and no phototoxicity was seen. CorA did not induce gene mutations in bacteria (Ames test) nor chromosomal damage in human lymphocytes (micronucleus test). Thus, CorA possesses an acceptable in vitro early ADMET profile; supported by previous in vivo experiments in mice, rats and Mongolian gerbils in which all animals tolerated CorA daily administration for 7-28 days. The non-GLP package will guide selection and planning of regulatory-conform GLP models prior to a first-into-human study.
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7
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Kirsch SH, Haeckl FPJ, Müller R. Beyond the approved: target sites and inhibitors of bacterial RNA polymerase from bacteria and fungi. Nat Prod Rep 2022; 39:1226-1263. [PMID: 35507039 DOI: 10.1039/d1np00067e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Covering: 2016 to 2022RNA polymerase (RNAP) is the central enzyme in bacterial gene expression representing an attractive and validated target for antibiotics. Two well-known and clinically approved classes of natural product RNAP inhibitors are the rifamycins and the fidaxomycins. Rifampicin (Rif), a semi-synthetic derivative of rifamycin, plays a crucial role as a first line antibiotic in the treatment of tuberculosis and a broad range of bacterial infections. However, more and more pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis develop resistance, not only against Rif and other RNAP inhibitors. To overcome this problem, novel RNAP inhibitors exhibiting different target sites are urgently needed. This review includes recent developments published between 2016 and today. Particular focus is placed on novel findings concerning already known bacterial RNAP inhibitors, the characterization and development of new compounds isolated from bacteria and fungi, and providing brief insights into promising new synthetic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne H Kirsch
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Saarland University Campus, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany. .,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - F P Jake Haeckl
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Saarland University Campus, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany. .,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Rolf Müller
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Saarland University Campus, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany. .,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany.,Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
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8
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Scurtu LG, Jinga V, Simionescu O. Fascinating Molecular and Immune Escape Mechanisms in the Treatment of STIs (Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and Herpes Simplex). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073550. [PMID: 35408911 PMCID: PMC8998805 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and herpes simplex has increased over the last decade, despite the numerous prevention strategies. Worldwide scientists report a surge in drug-resistant infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Antigenic variations in syphilis enable long-term infection, but benzathine penicillin G maintains its efficiency, whereas macrolides should be recommended with caution. Mupirocin and zoliflodacin were recently introduced as therapies against ceftriaxone-resistant gonococcus, which poses a larger global threat. The gastrointestinal and prostatic potential reservoirs of Chlamydia trachomatis may represent the key towards complete eradication. Similar to syphilis, macrolides resistance has to be considered in genital chlamydiosis. Acyclovir-resistant HSV may respond to the novel helicase-primase inhibitors and topical imiquimod, particularly in HIV-positive patients. Novel drugs can overcome these challenges while nanocarriers enhance their potency, particularly in mucosal areas. This review summarizes the most recent and valuable discoveries regarding the immunopathogenic mechanisms of these sexually transmitted infections and discusses the challenges and opportunities of the novel molecules and nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucian G. Scurtu
- Department of Dermatology I, Colentina Clinical Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020125 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Viorel Jinga
- Department of Urology, Clinical Hospital Prof. Dr. Th. Burghele, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 030167 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Olga Simionescu
- Department of Dermatology I, Colentina Clinical Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020125 Bucharest, Romania;
- Correspondence:
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9
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Miethke M, Pieroni M, Weber T, Brönstrup M, Hammann P, Halby L, Arimondo PB, Glaser P, Aigle B, Bode HB, Moreira R, Li Y, Luzhetskyy A, Medema MH, Pernodet JL, Stadler M, Tormo JR, Genilloud O, Truman AW, Weissman KJ, Takano E, Sabatini S, Stegmann E, Brötz-Oesterhelt H, Wohlleben W, Seemann M, Empting M, Hirsch AKH, Loretz B, Lehr CM, Titz A, Herrmann J, Jaeger T, Alt S, Hesterkamp T, Winterhalter M, Schiefer A, Pfarr K, Hoerauf A, Graz H, Graz M, Lindvall M, Ramurthy S, Karlén A, van Dongen M, Petkovic H, Keller A, Peyrane F, Donadio S, Fraisse L, Piddock LJV, Gilbert IH, Moser HE, Müller R. Towards the sustainable discovery and development of new antibiotics. Nat Rev Chem 2021; 5:726-749. [PMID: 37118182 PMCID: PMC8374425 DOI: 10.1038/s41570-021-00313-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 369] [Impact Index Per Article: 123.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
An ever-increasing demand for novel antimicrobials to treat life-threatening infections caused by the global spread of multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens stands in stark contrast to the current level of investment in their development, particularly in the fields of natural-product-derived and synthetic small molecules. New agents displaying innovative chemistry and modes of action are desperately needed worldwide to tackle the public health menace posed by antimicrobial resistance. Here, our consortium presents a strategic blueprint to substantially improve our ability to discover and develop new antibiotics. We propose both short-term and long-term solutions to overcome the most urgent limitations in the various sectors of research and funding, aiming to bridge the gap between academic, industrial and political stakeholders, and to unite interdisciplinary expertise in order to efficiently fuel the translational pipeline for the benefit of future generations. ![]()
Antimicrobial resistance is an increasing threat to public health and encouraging the development of new antimicrobials is one of the most important ways to address the problem. This Roadmap article aims to bring together industrial, academic and political partners, and proposes both short-term and long-term solutions to this challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Miethke
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), and Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University Campus E8.1, Saarbrücken, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Marco Pieroni
- Food and Drug Department, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Tilmann Weber
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Mark Brönstrup
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany.,Department of Chemical Biology (CBIO), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Peter Hammann
- Infectious Diseases & Natural Product Research at EVOTEC, and Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Ludovic Halby
- Epigenetic Chemical Biology, Department of Structural Biology and Chemistry, Institut Pasteur, UMR n°3523, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Paola B Arimondo
- Epigenetic Chemical Biology, Department of Structural Biology and Chemistry, Institut Pasteur, UMR n°3523, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Glaser
- Ecology and Evolution of Antibiotic Resistance Unit, Microbiology Department, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR3525, Paris, France
| | | | - Helge B Bode
- Department of Biosciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Department of Natural Products in Organismic Interactions, Marburg, Germany
| | - Rui Moreira
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Yanyan Li
- Unit MCAM, CNRS, National Museum of Natural History (MNHN), Paris, France
| | - Andriy Luzhetskyy
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Marnix H Medema
- Bioinformatics Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Jean-Luc Pernodet
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC) & Microbiology Department, University of Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Marc Stadler
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany.,Microbial Drugs (MWIS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany
| | | | | | - Andrew W Truman
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, John Innes Centre, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Kira J Weissman
- Molecular and Structural Enzymology Group, Université de Lorraine, CNRS, IMoPA, Nancy, France
| | - Eriko Takano
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Stefano Sabatini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Evi Stegmann
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany.,Department of Microbial Bioactive Compounds, Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Heike Brötz-Oesterhelt
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany.,Department of Microbial Bioactive Compounds, Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wohlleben
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany.,Department of Microbiology/Biotechnology, Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Myriam Seemann
- Institute for Chemistry UMR 7177, University of Strasbourg/CNRS, ITI InnoVec, Strasbourg, France
| | - Martin Empting
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), and Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University Campus E8.1, Saarbrücken, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Anna K H Hirsch
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), and Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University Campus E8.1, Saarbrücken, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Brigitta Loretz
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), and Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University Campus E8.1, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Claus-Michael Lehr
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), and Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University Campus E8.1, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Alexander Titz
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), and Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University Campus E8.1, Saarbrücken, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Jennifer Herrmann
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), and Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University Campus E8.1, Saarbrücken, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Timo Jaeger
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Silke Alt
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany
| | | | | | - Andrea Schiefer
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany.,Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Kenneth Pfarr
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany.,Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Achim Hoerauf
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany.,Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Heather Graz
- Biophys Ltd., Usk, Monmouthshire, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Graz
- School of Law, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Anders Karlén
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Hrvoje Petkovic
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Andreas Keller
- Chair for Clinical Bioinformatics, Saarland University, University Hospital, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | | | | | - Laurent Fraisse
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Laura J V Piddock
- The Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ian H Gilbert
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Heinz E Moser
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR), Emeryville, CA USA
| | - Rolf Müller
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), and Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University Campus E8.1, Saarbrücken, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany
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10
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Schiefer A, Hübner MP, Krome A, Lämmer C, Ehrens A, Aden T, Koschel M, Neufeld H, Chaverra-Muñoz L, Jansen R, Kehraus S, König GM, Pogorevc D, Müller R, Stadler M, Hüttel S, Hesterkamp T, Wagner K, Pfarr K, Hoerauf A. Corallopyronin A for short-course anti-wolbachial, macrofilaricidal treatment of filarial infections. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008930. [PMID: 33284808 PMCID: PMC7746275 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Current efforts to eliminate the neglected tropical diseases onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis, caused by the filarial nematodes Onchocerca volvulus and Wuchereria bancrofti or Brugia spp., respectively, are hampered by lack of a short-course macrofilaricidal–adult-worm killing–treatment. Anti-wolbachial antibiotics, e.g. doxycycline, target the essential Wolbachia endosymbionts of filariae and are a safe prototype adult-worm-sterilizing and macrofilaricidal regimen, in contrast to standard treatments with ivermectin or diethylcarbamazine, which mainly target the microfilariae. However, treatment regimens of 4–5 weeks necessary for doxycycline and contraindications limit its use. Therefore, we tested the preclinical anti-Wolbachia drug candidate Corallopyronin A (CorA) for in vivo efficacy during initial and chronic filarial infections in the Litomosoides sigmodontis rodent model. CorA treatment for 14 days beginning immediately after infection cleared >90% of Wolbachia endosymbionts from filariae and prevented development into adult worms. CorA treatment of patently infected microfilaremic gerbils for 14 days with 30 mg/kg twice a day (BID) achieved a sustained reduction of >99% of Wolbachia endosymbionts from adult filariae and microfilariae, followed by complete inhibition of filarial embryogenesis resulting in clearance of microfilariae. Combined treatment of CorA and albendazole, a drug currently co-administered during mass drug administrations and previously shown to enhance efficacy of anti-Wolbachia drugs, achieved microfilarial clearance after 7 days of treatment at a lower BID dose of 10 mg/kg CorA, a Human Equivalent Dose of 1.4 mg/kg. Importantly, this combination led to a significant reduction in the adult worm burden, which has not yet been published with other anti-Wolbachia candidates tested in this model. In summary, CorA is a preclinical candidate for filariasis, which significantly reduces treatment times required to achieve sustained Wolbachia depletion, clearance of microfilariae, and inhibition of embryogenesis. In combination with albendazole, CorA is robustly macrofilaricidal after 7 days of treatment and fulfills the Target Product Profile for a macrofilaricidal drug. Infections with filarial roundworms can cause the disfiguring human neglected tropical diseases onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis. Treatment of these diseases is limited, as there is no well-tolerated treatment available that kills the adult worms after a short-term regimen. Thus, mass drug administrations (MDA) are performed with drugs that temporarily clear the microfilariae, the filarial offspring, to inhibit the transmission of the disease. As these MDA treatments have to be given 1–2 times per year for many years, the goal to eliminate onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis is hampered. In the present study we investigated a novel preclinical candidate for the treatment of filariasis. Corallopyronin A (CorA) is a natural compound that clears the essential Wolbachia endobacteria of filariae. Using the Litomosoides sigmodontis rodent model of filariasis we demonstrated that 2 weeks of CorA treatment clears Wolbachia endosymbionts in vivo, leading to a maintained clearance of microfilariae by inhibition of filarial embryogenesis. Combination therapy of CorA with the MDA drug albendazole allowed lower CorA doses and shortened treatment to 7 days. More importantly, it also led to the death of the adult filariae. Portfolios (Target Product Profiles) of new drugs against filariae should show adult killing efficacy like CorA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Schiefer
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Bonn-Cologne, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marc P. Hübner
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Bonn-Cologne, Bonn, Germany
| | - Anna Krome
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Bonn-Cologne, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Christine Lämmer
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexandra Ehrens
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Tilman Aden
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marianne Koschel
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Helene Neufeld
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Rolf Jansen
- Department Microbial Drugs, Helmholtz Center for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Stefan Kehraus
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gabriele M. König
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Bonn-Cologne, Bonn, Germany
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Domen Pogorevc
- Department Microbial Natural Products, Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Rolf Müller
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
- Department Microbial Natural Products, Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Marc Stadler
- Department Microbial Drugs, Helmholtz Center for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Stephan Hüttel
- Department Microbial Drugs, Helmholtz Center for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Thomas Hesterkamp
- Translational Project Management Office (TPMO), German Center for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Karl Wagner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Kenneth Pfarr
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Bonn-Cologne, Bonn, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Achim Hoerauf
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Bonn-Cologne, Bonn, Germany
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11
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Loeper N, Graspeuntner S, Ledig S, Kaufhold I, Hoellen F, Schiefer A, Henrichfreise B, Pfarr K, Hoerauf A, Shima K, Rupp J. Elaborations on Corallopyronin A as a Novel Treatment Strategy Against Genital Chlamydial Infections. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:943. [PMID: 31134007 PMCID: PMC6514060 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ascending Chlamydia trachomatis infection causes functional damage to the fallopian tubes, which may lead to ectopic pregnancy and infertility in women. Treatment failures using the standard regimens of doxycycline and azithromycin have been observed. We tested the polyketide-derived α-pyrone antibiotic Corallopyronin A (CorA) that inhibits the bacterial DNA dependent RNA polymerase and has strong activity against various extracellular and some intracellular bacteria. Extensive testing in cell culture infection models and in an ex vivo human fallopian tube model under different oxygen concentrations was performed to assess the anti-chlamydial efficacy of CorA at physiological conditions. CorA showed high efficacy against C. trachomatis (MICN/H: 0.5 μg/mL for serovar D and L2), C. muridarum (MICN/H: 0.5 μg/mL), and C. pneumoniae (MICN/H: 1 μg/mL) under normoxic (N) and hypoxic (H) conditions. Recoverable inclusion forming units were significantly lower already at 0.25 μg/mL for all tested chlamydiae. CorA at a concentration of 1 μg/mL was also effective against already established C. trachomatis and C. pneumoniae infections (up to 24 h.p.i.) in epithelial cells, while efficacy against C. muridarum was limited to earlier time points. A preliminary study using a C. muridarum genital infection model revealed corresponding limitations in the efficacy. Importantly, in an ex vivo human fallopian tube model, the growth of C. trachomatis was significantly inhibited by CorA at concentrations of 1–2 μg/mL under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. The overall high efficacies of CorA against C. trachomatis in cell culture and an ex vivo human fallopian tube model under physiological oxygen concentrations qualifies this drug as a candidate that should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Loeper
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Simon Graspeuntner
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Svea Ledig
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Inga Kaufhold
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Friederike Hoellen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Andrea Schiefer
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Sites Bonn-Cologne/Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Beate Henrichfreise
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Kenneth Pfarr
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Sites Bonn-Cologne/Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Achim Hoerauf
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Sites Bonn-Cologne/Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Kensuke Shima
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jan Rupp
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Sites Bonn-Cologne/Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Lübeck, Germany
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