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Otto M. Critical Assessment of the Prospects of Quorum-Quenching Therapy for Staphylococcus aureus Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044025. [PMID: 36835436 PMCID: PMC9958572 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is an important pathogen that causes a high number of infections and is one of the leading causes of death in hospitalized patients. Widespread antibiotic resistance such as in methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) has prompted research into potential anti-virulence-targeted approaches. Targeting the S. aureus accessory gene regulator (Agr) quorum-sensing system, a master regulator of virulence, is the most frequently proposed anti-virulence strategy for S. aureus. While much effort has been put into the discovery and screening for Agr inhibitory compounds, in vivo analysis of their efficacy in animal infection models is still rare and reveals various shortcomings and problems. These include (i) an almost exclusive focus on topical skin infection models, (ii) technical problems that leave doubt as to whether observed in vivo effects are due to quorum-quenching, and (iii) the discovery of counterproductive biofilm-increasing effects. Furthermore, potentially because of the latter, invasive S. aureus infection is associated with Agr dysfunctionality. Altogether, the potential of Agr inhibitory drugs is nowadays seen with low enthusiasm given the failure to provide sufficient in vivo evidence for their potential after more than two decades since the initiation of such efforts. However, current Agr inhibition-based probiotic approaches may lead to a new application of Agr inhibition strategies in preventing S. aureus infections by targeting colonization or for otherwise difficult-to-treat skin infections such as atopic dermatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Otto
- Pathogen Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
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2
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McFall-Boegeman H, Huang X. Mechanisms of cellular and humoral immunity through the lens of VLP-based vaccines. Expert Rev Vaccines 2022; 21:453-469. [PMID: 35023430 PMCID: PMC8960355 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2022.2029415] [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: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vaccination can be effective defense against many infectious agents and the corresponding diseases. Discoveries elucidating the mechanisms of the immune system have given hopes to developing vaccines against diseases recalcitrant to current treatment/prevention strategies. One such finding is the ability of immunogenic biological nanoparticles to powerfully boost the immunogenicity of poorer antigens conjugated to them with virus-like particle (VLP)-based vaccines as a key example. VLPs take advantage of the well-defined molecular structures associated with sub-unit vaccines and the immunostimulatory nature of conjugate vaccines. AREAS COVERED In this review, we will discuss how advances in understanding the immune system can inform VLP-based vaccine design and how VLP-based vaccines have uncovered underlying mechanisms in the immune system. EXPERT OPINION As our understanding of mechanisms underlying the immune system increases, that knowledge should inform our vaccine design. Testing of proof-of-concept vaccines in the lab should seek to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of immune responses. The integration of these approaches will allow for VLP-based vaccines to live up to their promise as a powerful plug-and-play platform for next generation vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hunter McFall-Boegeman
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA.,Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
| | - Xuefei Huang
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA.,Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
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Mirzaei B, Babaei R, Zeighami H, Dadar M, Soltani A. Staphylococcus aureus Putative Vaccines Based on the Virulence Factors: A Mini-Review. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:704247. [PMID: 34539603 PMCID: PMC8447878 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.704247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the 1960s, the frequency of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus as a recurrent cause of nosocomial infections has increased. Since multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus has overcome antimicrobial treatment, the development of putative vaccines based on virulence factors could be a great help in controlling the infections caused by bacteria and are actively being pursued in healthcare settings. This mini-review provides an overview of the recent progress in vaccine development, immunogenicity, and therapeutic features of some S. aureus macromolecules as putative vaccine candidates and their implications against human S. aureus-related infections. Based on the reviewed experiments, multivalent vaccines could prevent the promotion of the diseases caused by this bacterium and enhance the prevention chance of S. aureus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahman Mirzaei
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Virology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Ryhaneh Babaei
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Virology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Habib Zeighami
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Virology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Maryam Dadar
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran
| | - Ali Soltani
- Department of English Language, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
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Pan C, Yue H, Zhu L, Ma GH, Wang HL. Prophylactic vaccine delivery systems against epidemic infectious diseases. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 176:113867. [PMID: 34280513 PMCID: PMC8285224 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Prophylactic vaccines have evolved from traditional whole-cell vaccines to safer subunit vaccines. However, subunit vaccines still face problems, such as poor immunogenicity and low efficiency, while traditional adjuvants are usually unable to meet specific response needs. Advanced delivery vectors are important to overcome these barriers; they have favorable safety and effectiveness, tunable properties, precise location, and immunomodulatory capabilities. Nevertheless, there has been no systematic summary of the delivery systems to cover a wide range of infectious pathogens. We herein summarized and compared the delivery systems for major or epidemic infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. We also included the newly licensed vaccines (e.g., COVID-19 vaccines) and those close to licensure. Furthermore, we highlighted advanced delivery systems with high efficiency, cross-protection, or long-term protection against epidemic pathogens, and we put forward prospects and thoughts on the development of future prophylactic vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, PR China
| | - Hua Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Li Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, PR China
| | - Guang-Hui Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China.
| | - Heng-Liang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, PR China.
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Zhai L, Anderson D, Bruckner E, Tumban E. Novel expression of coat proteins from thermophilic bacteriophage ΦIN93 and evaluation for assembly into virus-like particles. Protein Expr Purif 2021; 187:105932. [PMID: 34214599 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2021.105932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) have the potential to be used as display platforms to develop vaccines against infectious and non-infectious agents. However, most VLPs used as vaccine display platforms are derived from viruses that infect humans; unfortunately, most humans already have pre-existing antibodies against these platforms and thus, the immunogenicity of these vaccines may be compromised. VLP platforms derived from viruses that infect bacteria (bacteriophages), especially bacteriophages that infect bacteria, which do not colonize humans are less likely to have pre-existing antibodies against the platforms in the human population. In this study, we assessed whether two putative coat proteins (ORF13 and ORF14) derived from a thermophilic bacteriophage (ΦIN93) can be expressed and purified from a mesophilic bacterium such as E. coli. We also assessed whether expressed coat proteins can assemble to form VLPs. Truncated versions of ORF13 and ORF14 were successfully co-expressed in bacteria; the co-expressed truncated proteins formed oval structures that look like VLPs, but their sizes were less than those of an authentic ΦIN93 virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukai Zhai
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, 49931, USA
| | - Dana Anderson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, 49931, USA
| | - Elizabeth Bruckner
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, 49931, USA
| | - Ebenezer Tumban
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, 49931, USA.
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Vaccination with VLPs Presenting a Linear Neutralizing Domain of S. aureus Hla Elicits Protective Immunity. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12070450. [PMID: 32664481 PMCID: PMC7404987 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12070450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The pore-forming cytotoxin α-hemolysin, or Hla, is a critical Staphylococcus aureus virulence factor that promotes infection by causing tissue damage, excessive inflammation, and lysis of both innate and adaptive immune cells, among other cellular targets. In this study, we asked whether a virus-like particle (VLP)-based vaccine targeting Hla could attenuate S. aureus Hla-mediated pathogenesis. VLPs are versatile vaccine platforms that can be used to display target antigens in a multivalent array, typically resulting in the induction of high titer, long-lasting antibody responses. In the present study, we describe the first VLP-based vaccines that target Hla. Vaccination with either of two VLPs displaying a 21 amino-acid linear neutralizing domain (LND) of Hla protected both male and female mice from subcutaneous Hla challenge, evident by reduction in lesion size and neutrophil influx to the site of intoxication. Antibodies elicited by VLP-LND vaccination bound both the LND peptide and the native toxin, effectively neutralizing Hla and preventing toxin-mediated lysis of target cells. We anticipate these novel and promising vaccines being part of a multi-component S. aureus vaccine to reduce severity of S. aureus infection.
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Yadav R, Zhai L, Tumban E. Virus-like Particle-Based L2 Vaccines against HPVs: Where Are We Today? Viruses 2019; 12:v12010018. [PMID: 31877975 PMCID: PMC7019592 DOI: 10.3390/v12010018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. Ninety percent of infected individuals clear the infection within two years; however, in the remaining 10% of infected individuals, the infection(s) persists and ultimately leads to cancers (anogenital cancers and head and neck cancers) and genital warts. Fortunately, three prophylactic vaccines have been approved to protect against HPV infections. The most recent HPV vaccine, Gardasil-9 (a nonavalent vaccine), protects against seven HPV types associated with ~90% of cervical cancer and against two HPV types associated with ~90% genital warts with little cross-protection against non-vaccine HPV types. The current vaccines are based on virus-like particles (VLPs) derived from the major capsid protein, L1. The L1 protein is not conserved among HPV types. The minor capsid protein, L2, on the other hand, is highly conserved among HPV types and has been an alternative target antigen, for over two decades, to develop a broadly protective HPV vaccine. The L2 protein, unlike the L1, cannot form VLPs and as such, it is less immunogenic. This review summarizes current studies aimed at developing HPV L2 vaccines by multivalently displaying L2 peptides on VLPs derived from bacteriophages and eukaryotic viruses. Recent data show that a monovalent HPV L1 VLP as well as bivalent MS2 VLPs displaying HPV L2 peptides (representing amino acids 17–36 and/or consensus amino acids 69–86) elicit robust broadly protective antibodies against diverse HPV types (6/11/16/18/26/31/33/34/35/39/43/44/45/51/52/53/56/58/59/66/68/73) associated with cancers and genital warts. Thus, VLP-based L2 vaccines look promising and may be favorable, in the near future, over current L1-based HPV vaccines and should be explored further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashi Yadav
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA; (R.Y.); (L.Z.)
| | - Lukai Zhai
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA; (R.Y.); (L.Z.)
- Current address: Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Ebenezer Tumban
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA; (R.Y.); (L.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-906-487-2256; Fax: +1-906-487-3167
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Fleitas Martínez O, Cardoso MH, Ribeiro SM, Franco OL. Recent Advances in Anti-virulence Therapeutic Strategies With a Focus on Dismantling Bacterial Membrane Microdomains, Toxin Neutralization, Quorum-Sensing Interference and Biofilm Inhibition. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:74. [PMID: 31001485 PMCID: PMC6454102 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance constitutes one of the major challenges facing humanity in the Twenty-First century. The spread of resistant pathogens has been such that the possibility of returning to a pre-antibiotic era is real. In this scenario, innovative therapeutic strategies must be employed to restrict resistance. Among the innovative proposed strategies, anti-virulence therapy has been envisioned as a promising alternative for effective control of the emergence and spread of resistant pathogens. This review presents some of the anti-virulence strategies that are currently being developed, it will cover strategies focused on quench pathogen quorum sensing (QS) systems, disassemble of bacterial functional membrane microdomains (FMMs), disruption of biofilm formation and bacterial toxin neutralization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osmel Fleitas Martínez
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Marlon Henrique Cardoso
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,S-inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Suzana Meira Ribeiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, Brazil
| | - Octavio Luiz Franco
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,S-inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
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Fleitas Martínez O, Rigueiras PO, Pires ÁDS, Porto WF, Silva ON, de la Fuente-Nunez C, Franco OL. Interference With Quorum-Sensing Signal Biosynthesis as a Promising Therapeutic Strategy Against Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 8:444. [PMID: 30805311 PMCID: PMC6371041 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Faced with the global health threat of increasing resistance to antibiotics, researchers are exploring interventions that target bacterial virulence factors. Quorum sensing is a particularly attractive target because several bacterial virulence factors are controlled by this mechanism. Furthermore, attacking the quorum-sensing signaling network is less likely to select for resistant strains than using conventional antibiotics. Strategies that focus on the inhibition of quorum-sensing signal production are especially attractive because the enzymes involved are expressed in bacterial cells but are not present in their mammalian counterparts. We review here various approaches that are being taken to interfere with quorum-sensing signal production via the inhibition of autoinducer-2 synthesis, PQS synthesis, peptide autoinducer synthesis, and N-acyl-homoserine lactone synthesis. We expect these approaches will lead to the discovery of new quorum-sensing inhibitors that can help to stem the tide of antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osmel Fleitas Martínez
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Molecular, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Pietra Orlandi Rigueiras
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Állan da Silva Pires
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - William Farias Porto
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil.,Porto Reports, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Osmar Nascimento Silva
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Cesar de la Fuente-Nunez
- Synthetic Biology Group, MIT Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Department of Biological Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States.,The Center for Microbiome Informatics and Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Octavio Luiz Franco
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Molecular, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
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