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Kajsikova M, Kajsik M, Bocanova L, Papayova K, Drahovska H, Bukovska G. Endolysin EN572-5 as an alternative to treat urinary tract infection caused by Streptococcus agalactiae. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:79. [PMID: 38189950 PMCID: PMC10774192 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12949-8] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus, GBS) is an opportunistic pathogen causing urinary tract infection (UTI). Endolysin EN572-5 was identified in prophage KMB-572-E of the human isolate Streptococcus agalactiae KMB-572. The entire EN572-5 gene was cloned into an expression vector and the corresponding recombinant protein EN572-5 was expressed in Escherichia coli in a soluble form, isolated by affinity chromatography, and characterized. The isolated protein was highly active after 30 min incubation in a temperature range of - 20 °C to 37 °C and in a pH range of 5.5-8.0. The endolysin EN572-5 lytic activity was tested on different Streptococcus spp. and Lactobacillus spp. The enzyme lysed clinical GBS (n = 31/31) and different streptococci (n = 6/8), and also exhibited moderate lytic activity against UPEC (n = 4/4), but no lysis of beneficial vaginal lactobacilli (n = 4) was observed. The ability of EN572-5 to eliminate GBS during UTI was investigated using an in vitro model of UPSA. After the administration of 3 μM EN572-5, a nearly 3-log decrease of urine bacterial burden was detected within 3 h. To date, no studies have been published on the use of endolysins against S. agalactiae during UTI. KEY POINTS: • A lytic protein, EN572-5, from a prophage of a human GBS isolate has been identified. • This protein is easily produced, simple to prepare, and stable after lyophilization. • The bacteriolytic activity of EN572-5 was demonstrated for the first time in human urine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kajsikova
- Department of Genomics and Biotechnology, Institute of Molecular Biology SAS, Dubravska cesta 21, 845 51, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Michal Kajsik
- Comenius University Science Park, Ilkovicova 8, 841 04, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lucia Bocanova
- Department of Genomics and Biotechnology, Institute of Molecular Biology SAS, Dubravska cesta 21, 845 51, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Kristina Papayova
- Department of Genomics and Biotechnology, Institute of Molecular Biology SAS, Dubravska cesta 21, 845 51, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Hana Drahovska
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Ilkovicova 6, 841 15, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Gabriela Bukovska
- Department of Genomics and Biotechnology, Institute of Molecular Biology SAS, Dubravska cesta 21, 845 51, Bratislava, Slovakia.
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2
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Shein AMS, Hongsing P, Smith OK, Phattharapornjaroen P, Miyanaga K, Cui L, Ishikawa H, Amarasiri M, Monk PN, Kicic A, Chatsuwan T, Pletzer D, Higgins PG, Abe S, Wannigama DL. Current and novel therapies for management of Acinetobacter baumannii-associated pneumonia. Crit Rev Microbiol 2024:1-22. [PMID: 38949254 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2024.2369948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is a common pathogen associated with hospital-acquired pneumonia showing increased resistance to carbapenem and colistin antibiotics nowadays. Infections with A. baumannii cause high patient fatalities due to their capability to evade current antimicrobial therapies, emphasizing the urgency of developing viable therapeutics to treat A. baumannii-associated pneumonia. In this review, we explore current and novel therapeutic options for overcoming therapeutic failure when dealing with A. baumannii-associated pneumonia. Among them, antibiotic combination therapy administering several drugs simultaneously or alternately, is one promising approach for optimizing therapeutic success. However, it has been associated with inconsistent and inconclusive therapeutic outcomes across different studies. Therefore, it is critical to undertake additional clinical trials to ascertain the clinical effectiveness of different antibiotic combinations. We also discuss the prospective roles of novel antimicrobial therapies including antimicrobial peptides, bacteriophage-based therapy, repurposed drugs, naturally-occurring compounds, nanoparticle-based therapy, anti-virulence strategies, immunotherapy, photodynamic and sonodynamic therapy, for utilizing them as additional alternative therapy while tackling A. baumannii-associated pneumonia. Importantly, these innovative therapies further require pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluation for safety, stability, immunogenicity, toxicity, and tolerability before they can be clinically approved as an alternative rescue therapy for A. baumannii-associated pulmonary infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aye Mya Sithu Shein
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in, Antimicrobial Resistance and Stewardship Research, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Parichart Hongsing
- Mae Fah Luang University Hospital, Chiang Rai, Thailand
- School of Integrative Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | - O'Rorke Kevin Smith
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Phatthranit Phattharapornjaroen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Center of Excellence, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kazuhiko Miyanaga
- Division of Bacteriology, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Longzhu Cui
- Division of Bacteriology, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Ishikawa
- Yamagata Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Kamiyanagi, Japan
| | - Mohan Amarasiri
- Laboratory of Environmental Hygiene, Department of Health Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, Kitasato, Sagamihara-Minami, Japan
| | - Peter N Monk
- Department of Infection, Immunity & Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield Medical School, UK
| | - Anthony Kicic
- Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Tanittha Chatsuwan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in, Antimicrobial Resistance and Stewardship Research, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Daniel Pletzer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Paul G Higgins
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research, Partner site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Shuichi Abe
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Yamagata Prefectural Central Hospital, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Dhammika Leshan Wannigama
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in, Antimicrobial Resistance and Stewardship Research, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Yamagata Prefectural Central Hospital, Yamagata, Japan
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Biofilms and Antimicrobial Resistance Consortium of ODA receiving countries, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Pathogen Hunter's Research Team, Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Yamagata Prefectural Central Hospital, Yamagata, Japan
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3
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Soontarach R, Srimanote P, Arechanajan B, Nakkaew A, Voravuthikunchai SP, Chusri S. Characterization of a novel bacteriophage endolysin (LysAB1245) with extended lytic activity against distinct capsular types associated with Acinetobacter baumannii resistance. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296453. [PMID: 38165983 PMCID: PMC10760713 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Capsular polysaccharides are considered as major virulence factors associated with the ability of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii to cause severe infections. In this study, LysAB1245, a novel bacteriophage-encoded endolysin consisting of a lysozyme-like domain from phage T1245 was successfully expressed, purified, and evaluated for its antibacterial activity against distinct capsular types associated with A. baumannii resistance. The results revealed a broad spectrum activity of LysAB1245 against all clinical MDR A. baumannii isolates belonging to capsular type (KL) 2, 3, 6, 10, 47, 49, and 52 and A. baumannii ATCC 19606. At 2 h following the treatment with 1.7 unit/reaction of LysAB1245, more than 3 log reduction in the numbers of bacterial survival was observed. In addition, LysAB1245 displayed rapid bactericidal activity within 30 min (nearly 3 log CFU/mL of bacterial reduction). Thermostability assay indicated that LysAB1245 was stable over a broad range of temperature from 4 to 70°C, while pH sensitivity assay demonstrated a wide range of pH from 4.5 to 10.5. Furthermore, both minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of LysAB1245 against all MDR A. baumannii isolates and A. baumannii ATCC 19606 were 4.21 μg/mL (0.1 unit/reaction). Conclusively, these results suggest that LysAB1245 possesses potential application for the treatment of nosocomial MDR A. baumannii infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosesathorn Soontarach
- Faculty of Science, Center of Antimicrobial Biomaterial Innovation-Southeast Asia, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Potjanee Srimanote
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Graduate in Biomedical Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Buppa Arechanajan
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Graduate in Biomedical Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Alisa Nakkaew
- Faculty of Science, Division of Biological Science, Program in Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | | | - Sarunyou Chusri
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
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4
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Alreja AB, Linden SB, Lee HR, Chao KL, Herzberg O, Nelson DC. Understanding the Molecular Basis for Homodimer Formation of the Pneumococcal Endolysin Cpl-1. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:1092-1104. [PMID: 37126660 PMCID: PMC10577085 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00627] [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] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The rise of multi-drug-resistant bacteria that cannot be treated with traditional antibiotics has prompted the search for alternatives to combat bacterial infections. Endolysins, which are bacteriophage-derived peptidoglycan hydrolases, are attractive tools in this fight. Several studies have already demonstrated the efficacy of endolysins in targeting bacterial infections. Endolysins encoded by bacteriophages that infect Gram-positive bacteria typically possess an N-terminal catalytic domain and a C-terminal cell-wall binding domain (CWBD). In this study, we have uncovered the molecular mechanisms that underlie formation of a homodimer of Cpl-1, an endolysin that targets Streptococcus pneumoniae. Here, we use site-directed mutagenesis, analytical size exclusion chromatography, and analytical ultracentrifugation to disprove a previous suggestion that three residues at the N-terminus of the CWBD are involved in the formation of a Cpl-1 dimer in the presence of choline in solution. We conclusively show that the C-terminal tail region of Cpl-1 is involved in formation of the dimer. Alanine scanning mutagenesis generated various tail mutant constructs that allowed identification of key residues that mediate Cpl-1 dimer formation. Finally, our results allowed identification of a consensus sequence (FxxEPDGLIT) required for choline-dependent dimer formation─a sequence that occurs frequently in pneumococcal autolysins and endolysins. These findings shed light on the mechanisms of Cpl-1 and related enzymes and can be used to inform future engineering efforts for their therapeutic development against S. pneumoniae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adit B Alreja
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, Maryland 20850, USA
- Biological Sciences Graduate Program - Molecular and Cellular Biology Concentration, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - Sara B Linden
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, Maryland 20850, USA
| | - Harrison R Lee
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, Maryland 20850, USA
| | - Kinlin L Chao
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, Maryland 20850, USA
| | - Osnat Herzberg
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, Maryland 20850, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - Daniel C Nelson
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, Maryland 20850, USA
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
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5
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Liu H, Hu Z, Li M, Yang Y, Lu S, Rao X. Therapeutic potential of bacteriophage endolysins for infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria. J Biomed Sci 2023; 30:29. [PMID: 37101261 PMCID: PMC10131408 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-023-00919-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Gram-positive (G+) bacterial infection is a great burden to both healthcare and community medical resources. As a result of the increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant G+ bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), novel antimicrobial agents must urgently be developed for the treatment of infections caused by G+ bacteria. Endolysins are bacteriophage (phage)-encoded enzymes that can specifically hydrolyze the bacterial cell wall and quickly kill bacteria. Bacterial resistance to endolysins is low. Therefore, endolysins are considered promising alternatives for solving the mounting resistance problem. In this review, endolysins derived from phages targeting G+ bacteria were classified based on their structural characteristics. The active mechanisms, efficacy, and advantages of endolysins as antibacterial drug candidates were summarized. Moreover, the remarkable potential of phage endolysins in the treatment of G+ bacterial infections was described. In addition, the safety of endolysins, challenges, and possible solutions were addressed. Notwithstanding the limitations of endolysins, the trends in development indicate that endolysin-based drugs will be approved in the near future. Overall, this review presents crucial information of the current progress involving endolysins as potential therapeutic agents, and it provides a guideline for biomaterial researchers who are devoting themselves to fighting against bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Liu
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering Under the Educational Committee in Chongqing, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Zhen Hu
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering Under the Educational Committee in Chongqing, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Mengyang Li
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering Under the Educational Committee in Chongqing, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Shuguang Lu
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering Under the Educational Committee in Chongqing, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Xiancai Rao
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering Under the Educational Committee in Chongqing, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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6
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Wang Y, Khanal D, Alreja AB, Yang H, Yk Chang R, Tai W, Li M, Nelson DC, Britton WJ, Chan HK. Bacteriophage endolysin powders for inhaled delivery against pulmonary infections. Int J Pharm 2023; 635:122679. [PMID: 36738804 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.122679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Endolysins are bacteriophage-encoded enzymatic proteins that have great potential to treat multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. Bacteriophage endolysins Cpl-1 and ClyJ-3 have shown promising antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae, which causes pneumonia in humans. This is the first study to investigate the feasibility of spray-dried endolysins Cpl-1 and ClyJ-3 with excipients to produce inhalable powders. The two endolysins were individually tested with leucine and sugar (lactose or trehalose) for spray drying method followed by characterization of biological and physico-chemical properties. A complete loss of ClyJ-3 bioactivity was observed after atomization of the liquid feed solution(before the drying process), while Cpl-1 maintained its bioactivity in the spray-dried powders. Cpl-1 formulations containing leucine with lactose or trehalose showed promising physico-chemical properties (particle size, crystallinity, hygroscopicity, etc.) and aerosol performances (fine particle fraction values above 65%). The results indicated that endolysin Cpl-1 can be formulated as spray dried powders suitable for inhaled delivery to the lungs for the potential treatment of pulmonary infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuncheng Wang
- Advanced Drug Delivery Group, School of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Dipesh Khanal
- Advanced Drug Delivery Group, School of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Adit B Alreja
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Hang Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Rachel Yk Chang
- Advanced Drug Delivery Group, School of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Waiting Tai
- Advanced Drug Delivery Group, School of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mengyu Li
- Advanced Drug Delivery Group, School of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Daniel C Nelson
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Warwick J Britton
- Centenary Institute and Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Hak-Kim Chan
- Advanced Drug Delivery Group, School of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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7
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Wong KY, Megat Mazhar Khair MH, Song AAL, Masarudin MJ, Chong CM, In LLA, Teo MYM. Endolysins against Streptococci as an antibiotic alternative. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:935145. [PMID: 35983327 PMCID: PMC9378833 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.935145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Multi-drug resistance has called for a race to uncover alternatives to existing antibiotics. Phage therapy is one of the explored alternatives, including the use of endolysins, which are phage-encoded peptidoglycan hydrolases responsible for bacterial lysis. Endolysins have been extensively researched in different fields, including medicine, food, and agricultural applications. While the target specificity of various endolysins varies greatly between species, this current review focuses specifically on streptococcal endolysins. Streptococcus spp. causes numerous infections, from the common strep throat to much more serious life-threatening infections such as pneumonia and meningitis. It is reported as a major crisis in various industries, causing systemic infections associated with high mortality and morbidity, as well as economic losses, especially in the agricultural industry. This review highlights the types of catalytic and cell wall-binding domains found in streptococcal endolysins and gives a comprehensive account of the lytic ability of both native and engineered streptococcal endolysins studied thus far, as well as its potential application across different industries. Finally, it gives an overview of the advantages and limitations of these enzyme-based antibiotics, which has caused the term enzybiotics to be conferred to it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuan Yee Wong
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Megat Hamzah Megat Mazhar Khair
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Adelene Ai-Lian Song
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mas Jaffri Masarudin
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chou Min Chong
- Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Lionel Lian Aun In
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Lionel Lian Aun In,
| | - Michelle Yee Mun Teo
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- *Correspondence: Michelle Yee Mun Teo,
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Valente LG, Le ND, Pitton M, Chiffi G, Grandgirard D, Jakob SM, Cameron DR, Resch G, Que YA, Leib SL. Efficacy assessment of a novel endolysin PlyAZ3aT for the treatment of ceftriaxone-resistant pneumococcal meningitis in an infant rat model. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266928. [PMID: 35472061 PMCID: PMC9041855 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Treatment failure in pneumococcal meningitis due to antibiotic resistance is an increasing clinical challenge and alternatives to antibiotics warrant investigation. Phage-derived endolysins efficiently kill gram-positive bacteria including multi-drug resistant strains, making them attractive therapeutic candidates. The current study assessed the therapeutic potential of the novel endolysin PlyAZ3aT in an infant rat model of ceftriaxone-resistant pneumococcal meningitis. Methods Efficacy of PlyAZ3aT was assessed in a randomized, blinded and controlled experimental study in infant Wistar rats. Meningitis was induced by intracisternal infection with 5 x 107 CFU/ml of a ceftriaxone-resistant clinical strain of S. pneumoniae, serotype 19A. Seventeen hours post infection (hpi), animals were randomized into 3 treatment groups and received either (i) placebo (phosphate buffered saline [PBS], n = 8), (ii) 50 mg/kg vancomycin (n = 10) or (iii) 400 mg/kg PlyAZ3aT (n = 8) via intraperitoneal injection. Treatments were repeated after 12 h. Survival at 42 hpi was the primary outcome; bacterial loads in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood were secondary outcomes. Additionally, pharmacokinetics of PlyAZ3aT in serum and CSF was assessed. Results PlyAZ3aT did not improve survival compared to PBS, while survival for vancomycin treated animals was 70% which is a significant improvement when compared to PBS or PlyAZ3aT (p<0.05 each). PlyAZ3aT was not able to control the infection, reflected by the inability to reduce bacterial loads in the CSF, whereas Vancomycin sterilized the CSF and within 25 h. Pharmacokinetic studies indicated that PlyAZ3aT did not cross the blood brain barrier (BBB). In support, PlyAZ3aT showed a peak concentration of 785 μg/ml in serum 2 h after intraperitoneal injection but could not be detected in CSF. Conclusion In experimental pneumococcal meningitis, PlyAZ3aT failed to cure the infection due to an inability to reach the CSF. Optimization of the galenic formulation e.g. using liposomes might enable crossing of the BBB and improve treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca G. Valente
- Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ngoc Dung Le
- Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Melissa Pitton
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gabriele Chiffi
- Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Denis Grandgirard
- Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stephan M. Jakob
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - David R. Cameron
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Grégory Resch
- Centre for Research and Innovation in Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yok-Ai Que
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stephen L. Leib
- Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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9
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Wang Y, Chang RYK, Britton WJ, Chan HK. Advances in the development of antimicrobial peptides and proteins for inhaled therapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 180:114066. [PMID: 34813794 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides and proteins (APPs) are becoming increasingly important in targeting multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. APPs is a rapidly emerging area with novel molecules being produced and further optimised to enhance antimicrobial efficacy, while overcoming issues associated with biologics such as potential toxicity and low bioavailability resulting from short half-life. Inhalation delivery of these agents can be an effective treatment of respiratory infections owing to the high local drug concentration in the lungs with lower exposure to systemic circulation hence reducing systemic toxicity. This review describes the recent studies on inhaled APPs, including in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activities, toxicity assessments, and formulation strategies whenever available. The review also includes studies on combination of APPs with other antimicrobial agents to achieve enhanced synergistic antimicrobial effect. Since different APPs have different biological and chemical stabilities, a targeted formulation strategy should be considered for developing stable and inhalable antimicrobial peptides and proteins. These strategies include the use of sodium chloride to reduce electrostatic interaction between APP and extracellular DNA in sputum, the use of D-enantiomers or dendrimers to minimise protease-mediated degradation and or the use of prodrugs to reduce toxicity. Although great effort has been put towards optimising the biological functions of APPs, studies assessing biological stability in inhalable aerosols are scarce, particularly for novel molecules. As such, formulation and manufacture of inhalable liquid and powder formulations of APPs are underexplored, yet they are crucial areas of research for clinical translation.
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Wienhold SM, Brack MC, Nouailles G, Krishnamoorthy G, Korf IHE, Seitz C, Wienecke S, Dietert K, Gurtner C, Kershaw O, Gruber AD, Ross A, Ziehr H, Rohde M, Neudecker J, Lienau J, Suttorp N, Hippenstiel S, Hocke AC, Rohde C, Witzenrath M. Preclinical Assessment of Bacteriophage Therapy against Experimental Acinetobacter baumannii Lung Infection. Viruses 2021; 14:33. [PMID: 35062236 PMCID: PMC8778864 DOI: 10.3390/v14010033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory infections caused by multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii are difficult to treat and associated with high mortality among critically ill hospitalized patients. Bacteriophages (phages) eliminate pathogens with high host specificity and efficacy. However, the lack of appropriate preclinical experimental models hampers the progress of clinical development of phages as therapeutic agents. Therefore, we tested the efficacy of a purified lytic phage, vB_AbaM_Acibel004, against multidrug-resistant A. baumannii clinical isolate RUH 2037 infection in immunocompetent mice and a human lung tissue model. Sham- and A. baumannii-infected mice received a single-dose of phage or buffer via intratracheal aerosolization. Group-specific differences in bacterial burden, immune and clinical responses were compared. Phage-treated mice not only recovered faster from infection-associated hypothermia but also had lower pulmonary bacterial burden, lower lung permeability, and cytokine release. Histopathological examination revealed less inflammation with unaffected inflammatory cellular recruitment. No phage-specific adverse events were noted. Additionally, the bactericidal effect of the purified phage on A. baumannii was confirmed after single-dose treatment in an ex vivo human lung infection model. Taken together, our data suggest that the investigated phage has significant potential to treat multidrug-resistant A. baumannii infections and further support the development of appropriate methods for preclinical evaluation of antibacterial efficacy of phages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra-Maria Wienhold
- Division of Pulmonary Inflammation, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany; (S.-M.W.); (M.C.B.); (G.N.); (G.K.); (J.L.); (A.C.H.)
| | - Markus C. Brack
- Division of Pulmonary Inflammation, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany; (S.-M.W.); (M.C.B.); (G.N.); (G.K.); (J.L.); (A.C.H.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany; (N.S.); (S.H.)
| | - Geraldine Nouailles
- Division of Pulmonary Inflammation, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany; (S.-M.W.); (M.C.B.); (G.N.); (G.K.); (J.L.); (A.C.H.)
| | - Gopinath Krishnamoorthy
- Division of Pulmonary Inflammation, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany; (S.-M.W.); (M.C.B.); (G.N.); (G.K.); (J.L.); (A.C.H.)
| | - Imke H. E. Korf
- Department of Microorganisms, Leibniz Institute DSMZGerman Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; (I.H.E.K.); (C.R.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; (C.S.); (S.W.); (A.R.); (H.Z.)
| | - Claudius Seitz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; (C.S.); (S.W.); (A.R.); (H.Z.)
| | - Sarah Wienecke
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; (C.S.); (S.W.); (A.R.); (H.Z.)
| | - Kristina Dietert
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (K.D.); (C.G.); (O.K.); (A.D.G.)
- Veterinary Centre for Resistance Research, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Corinne Gurtner
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (K.D.); (C.G.); (O.K.); (A.D.G.)
| | - Olivia Kershaw
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (K.D.); (C.G.); (O.K.); (A.D.G.)
| | - Achim D. Gruber
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (K.D.); (C.G.); (O.K.); (A.D.G.)
| | - Anton Ross
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; (C.S.); (S.W.); (A.R.); (H.Z.)
| | - Holger Ziehr
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; (C.S.); (S.W.); (A.R.); (H.Z.)
| | - Manfred Rohde
- Central Facility for Microscopy, Helmholtz-Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany;
| | - Jens Neudecker
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular and Thoracic Surgery, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Jasmin Lienau
- Division of Pulmonary Inflammation, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany; (S.-M.W.); (M.C.B.); (G.N.); (G.K.); (J.L.); (A.C.H.)
| | - Norbert Suttorp
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany; (N.S.); (S.H.)
| | - Stefan Hippenstiel
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany; (N.S.); (S.H.)
| | - Andreas C. Hocke
- Division of Pulmonary Inflammation, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany; (S.-M.W.); (M.C.B.); (G.N.); (G.K.); (J.L.); (A.C.H.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany; (N.S.); (S.H.)
| | - Christine Rohde
- Department of Microorganisms, Leibniz Institute DSMZGerman Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; (I.H.E.K.); (C.R.)
| | - Martin Witzenrath
- Division of Pulmonary Inflammation, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany; (S.-M.W.); (M.C.B.); (G.N.); (G.K.); (J.L.); (A.C.H.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany; (N.S.); (S.H.)
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Partner Site Charité, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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11
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Ho MKY, Zhang P, Chen X, Xia J, Leung SSY. Bacteriophage endolysins against gram-positive bacteria, an overview on the clinical development and recent advances on the delivery and formulation strategies. Crit Rev Microbiol 2021; 48:303-326. [PMID: 34478359 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2021.1962803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Facing the increasing threat of multi-drug antimicrobial resistance (AMR), humans strive to search for antibiotic drug candidates and antibacterial alternatives from all possible places, from soils in remote areas to deep in the sea. In this "gold rush for antibacterials," researchers turn to the natural enemy of bacterial cells, bacteriophage (phages), and find them a rich source of weapons for AMR bacteria. Endolysins (lysins), the enzymes phages use to break the bacterial cells from within, have been shown to be highly selective and efficient in killing their target bacteria from outside while maintaining a low occurrence of bacterial resistance. In this review, we start with the structures and mechanisms of action of lysins against Gram-positive (GM+) bacteria. The developmental history of lysins is also outlined. Then, we detail the latest preclinical and clinical research on their safety and efficacy against GM+ bacteria, focusing on the formulation strategies of these enzymes. Finally, the challenges and potential hurdles are discussed. Notwithstanding these limitations, the trends in development indicate that the first, approved lysin drugs will be available soon in the near future. Overall, this review presents a timely summary of the current progress on lysins as antibacterial enzymes for AMR GM+ bacteria, and provides a guidebook for biomaterial researchers who are dedicating themselves to the battle against bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Kai Yuen Ho
- School of Pharmacy, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jiang Xia
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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12
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Fernández L, Cima-Cabal MD, Duarte AC, Rodríguez A, García-Suárez MDM, García P. Gram-Positive Pneumonia: Possibilities Offered by Phage Therapy. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10081000. [PMID: 34439050 PMCID: PMC8388979 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10081000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pneumonia is an acute pulmonary infection whose high hospitalization and mortality rates can, on occasion, bring healthcare systems to the brink of collapse. Both viral and bacterial pneumonia are uncovering many gaps in our understanding of host–pathogen interactions, and are testing the effectiveness of the currently available antimicrobial strategies. In the case of bacterial pneumonia, the main challenge is antibiotic resistance, which is only expected to increase during the current pandemic due to the widespread use of antibiotics to prevent secondary infections in COVID-19 patients. As a result, alternative therapeutics will be necessary to keep this disease under control. This review evaluates the advantages of phage therapy to treat lung bacterial infections, in particular those caused by the Gram-positive bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus, while also highlighting the regulatory impediments that hamper its clinical use and the difficulties associated with phage research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Fernández
- Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias (IPLA-CSIC), Paseo Río Linares s/n, 33300 Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain; (L.F.); (A.C.D.); (A.R.)
- DairySafe Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - María Dolores Cima-Cabal
- Escuela Superior de Ingeniería y Tecnología (ESIT), Universidad Internacional de la Rioja (UNIR), Av. de la Paz, 137, 26006 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain;
| | - Ana Catarina Duarte
- Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias (IPLA-CSIC), Paseo Río Linares s/n, 33300 Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain; (L.F.); (A.C.D.); (A.R.)
- DairySafe Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Ana Rodríguez
- Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias (IPLA-CSIC), Paseo Río Linares s/n, 33300 Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain; (L.F.); (A.C.D.); (A.R.)
- DairySafe Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - María del Mar García-Suárez
- Escuela Superior de Ingeniería y Tecnología (ESIT), Universidad Internacional de la Rioja (UNIR), Av. de la Paz, 137, 26006 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain;
- Correspondence: (M.d.M.G.-S.); (P.G.)
| | - Pilar García
- Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias (IPLA-CSIC), Paseo Río Linares s/n, 33300 Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain; (L.F.); (A.C.D.); (A.R.)
- DairySafe Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.d.M.G.-S.); (P.G.)
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13
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Pinto AM, Silva MD, Pastrana LM, Bañobre-López M, Sillankorva S. The clinical path to deliver encapsulated phages and lysins. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2021; 45:6204673. [PMID: 33784387 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuab019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The global emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens is shaping the current dogma regarding the use of antibiotherapy. Many bacteria have evolved to become resistant to conventional antibiotherapy, representing a health and economic burden for those afflicted. The search for alternative and complementary therapeutic approaches has intensified and revived phage therapy. In recent decades, the exogenous use of lysins, encoded in phage genomes, has shown encouraging effectiveness. These two antimicrobial agents reduce bacterial populations; however, many barriers challenge their prompt delivery at the infection site. Encapsulation in delivery vehicles provides targeted therapy with a controlled compound delivery, surpassing chemical, physical and immunological barriers that can inactivate and eliminate them. This review explores phages and lysins' current use to resolve bacterial infections in the respiratory, digestive, and integumentary systems. We also highlight the different challenges they face in each of the three systems and discuss the advances towards a more expansive use of delivery vehicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Mafalda Pinto
- Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.,INL - International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Avenida Mestre José Veiga, Braga 4715-330, Portugal
| | - Maria Daniela Silva
- Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO - Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.,INL - International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Avenida Mestre José Veiga, Braga 4715-330, Portugal
| | - Lorenzo M Pastrana
- INL - International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Avenida Mestre José Veiga, Braga 4715-330, Portugal
| | - Manuel Bañobre-López
- INL - International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Avenida Mestre José Veiga, Braga 4715-330, Portugal
| | - Sanna Sillankorva
- INL - International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Avenida Mestre José Veiga, Braga 4715-330, Portugal
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14
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A Putative Amidase Endolysin Encoded by Clostridium perfringens St13 Exhibits Specific Lytic Activity and Synergizes with the Muramidase Endolysin Psm. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10030245. [PMID: 33804492 PMCID: PMC7999503 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10030245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens is an often-harmful intestinal bacterium that causes various diseases ranging from food poisoning to life-threatening fulminant disease. Potential treatments include phage-derived endolysins, a promising family of alternative antimicrobial agents. We surveyed the genome of the C. perfringens st13 strain and identified an endolysin gene, psa, in the phage remnant region. Psa has an N-terminal catalytic domain that is homologous to the amidase_2 domain, and a C-terminal domain of unknown function. psa and gene derivatives encoding various Psa subdomains were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli as N-terminal histidine-tagged proteins. Purified His-tagged full-length Psa protein (Psa-his) showed C. perfringens-specific lytic activity in turbidity reduction assays. In addition, we demonstrated that the uncharacterized C-terminal domain has cell wall-binding activity. Furthermore, cell wall-binding measurements showed that Psa binding was highly specific to C. perfringens. These results indicated that Psa is an amidase endolysin that specifically lyses C. perfringens; the enzyme’s specificity is highly dependent on the binding of the C-terminal domain. Moreover, Psa was shown to have a synergistic effect with another C. perfringens-specific endolysin, Psm, which is a muramidase that cleaves peptidoglycan at a site distinct from that targeted by Psa. The combination of Psa and Psm may be effective in the treatment and prevention of C. perfringens infections.
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15
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Investigating the potential of endolysin loaded chitosan nanoparticles in the treatment of pneumococcal pneumonia. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2020.102142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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16
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Linden SB, Alreja AB, Nelson DC. Application of bacteriophage-derived endolysins to combat streptococcal disease: current state and perspectives. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2021; 68:213-220. [PMID: 33529969 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2021.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The decline in new antibiotic candidates combined with an increase in antibiotic-resistance necessitates development of alternative antimicrobials. Bacteriophage-encoded endolysins (lysins) are a class of peptidoglycan hydrolases that have been proposed to fill this antimicrobial void. The past 20 years has seen a dramatic expansion of studies on endolysin discovery, structure/function, engineering, immunogenicity, toxicity/safety, and efficacy in animal models. These collective efforts have led to current human clinical trials on at least three different endolysins that are antimicrobial toward staphylococcal species. It can be anticipated that endolysins targeting streptococcal species may be next in line for translational development. Notably, streptococcal diseases largely manifest at accessible mucous membranes, which should be beneficial for protein therapeutics. Additionally, there are a number of well-identified streptococcal diseases in both humans and animals that are associated with a single species, further favoring a targeted endolysin therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara B Linden
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Adit B Alreja
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Daniel C Nelson
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850, USA; Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
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17
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Abdelrahman F, Easwaran M, Daramola OI, Ragab S, Lynch S, Oduselu TJ, Khan FM, Ayobami A, Adnan F, Torrents E, Sanmukh S, El-Shibiny A. Phage-Encoded Endolysins. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:124. [PMID: 33525684 PMCID: PMC7912344 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10020124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the global emergence of antibiotic resistance, there has been an increase in research surrounding endolysins as an alternative therapeutic. Endolysins are phage-encoded enzymes, utilized by mature phage virions to hydrolyze the cell wall from within. There is significant evidence that proves the ability of endolysins to degrade the peptidoglycan externally without the assistance of phage. Thus, their incorporation in therapeutic strategies has opened new options for therapeutic application against bacterial infections in the human and veterinary sectors, as well as within the agricultural and biotechnology sectors. While endolysins show promising results within the laboratory, it is important to document their resistance, safety, and immunogenicity for in-vivo application. This review aims to provide new insights into the synergy between endolysins and antibiotics, as well as the formulation of endolysins. Thus, it provides crucial information for clinical trials involving endolysins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Abdelrahman
- Center for Microbiology and Phage Therapy, Biomedical Sciences, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza 12578, Egypt
| | - Maheswaran Easwaran
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sethu Institute of Technology, Tamil Nadu 626115, India
| | - Oluwasegun I Daramola
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200284, Nigeria
| | - Samar Ragab
- Center for Microbiology and Phage Therapy, Biomedical Sciences, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza 12578, Egypt
| | - Stephanie Lynch
- School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Tolulope J Oduselu
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200284, Nigeria
| | - Fazal Mehmood Khan
- Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
- International College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Akomolafe Ayobami
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200284, Nigeria
| | - Fazal Adnan
- Atta ur Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad 24090, Pakistan
| | - Eduard Torrents
- Bacterial Infections: Antimicrobial Therapies Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Microbiology Section, Department of Genetics, Microbiology, and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Swapnil Sanmukh
- Bacterial Infections: Antimicrobial Therapies Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ayman El-Shibiny
- Center for Microbiology and Phage Therapy, Biomedical Sciences, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza 12578, Egypt
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18
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Can bacteriophage endolysins be nebulised for inhalation delivery against Streptococcus pneumoniae? Int J Pharm 2020; 591:119982. [PMID: 33068693 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.119982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Endolysins are bacteriophage-derived protein molecules highly effective for bacterial killing. Cpl-1 and ClyJ-3 are native and chimeric endolysins, respectively, having antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae which causes lung infections. We conducted the first feasibility study on nebulisation of Cpl-1 and ClyJ-3, with a focus on the antimicrobial activity, structural changes of the proteins and aerosol performance. Bacterial colony counts, live cell imaging and Fourier-transform infrared(FTIR) spectroscopy were used to evaluate the proteins before and after jet or vibrating mesh nebulisation. These nebulised aerosols were inhalable with a volume median size of 3.8-4.2 µm (span 1.1-2.3) measured by laser diffraction. How-ever, neb-u-li-sa-tion caused al-most com-plete loss in bioac-tiv-ity of ClyJ-3, which were corroborated with the live cell imaging observation and protein structural damage with a large intensity reduction in the amide absorption bands between 1300 and 1700 cm-1. In contrast, the bactericidal activity of Cpl-1 showed no significant difference (p ≥ 0.05) before and after mesh nebulisation with 4.9 and 4.6-log10 bacterial count reduction, respectively. However, jet nebulisation reduced the bioactivity of Cpl-1 and the effect was time-dependent showing 1.7, 1.0-log10 bacterial count reduction at 7 and 14 min with complete loss of antimicrobial activity at 21 min after nebulisation, respectively. The results were consistent with time-dependent changes in live cell images and FTIR amide band changes at 1655, 1640, 1632 and 1548 cm-1. In conclusion, it is feasible to nebulise endolysins for inhalation delivery but it depends on both the protein and the nebuliser, with the mesh nebuliser being the preferred choice.
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19
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De Maesschalck V, Gutiérrez D, Paeshuyse J, Lavigne R, Briers Y. Advanced engineering of third-generation lysins and formulation strategies for clinical applications. Crit Rev Microbiol 2020; 46:548-564. [PMID: 32886565 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2020.1809346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
One of the possible solutions for the current antibiotic resistance crisis may be found in (often bacteriophage-derived) peptidoglycan hydrolases. The first clinical trials of these natural enzymes, coined here as first-generation lysins, are currently ongoing. Moving beyond natural endolysins with protein engineering established the second generation of lysins. In second-generation lysins, the focus lies on improving antibacterial and biochemical properties such as antimicrobial activity and stability, as well as expanding their activities towards Gram-negative pathogens. However, solutions to particular key challenges regarding clinical applications are only beginning to emerge in the third generation of lysins, in which protein and biochemical engineering efforts focus on improving properties relevant under clinical conditions. In addition, increasingly advanced formulation strategies are developed to increase the bioavailability, antibacterial activity, and half-life, and to reduce pro-inflammatory responses. This review focuses on third-generation and advanced formulation strategies that are developed to treat infections, ranging from topical to systemic applications. Together, these efforts may fully unlock the potential of lysin therapy and will propel it as a true antibiotic alternative or supplement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent De Maesschalck
- Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Diana Gutiérrez
- Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Jan Paeshuyse
- Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rob Lavigne
- Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yves Briers
- Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
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20
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Marqus S, Lee L, Istivan T, Kyung Chang RY, Dekiwadia C, Chan HK, Yeo LY. High frequency acoustic nebulization for pulmonary delivery of antibiotic alternatives against Staphylococcus aureus. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2020; 151:181-188. [PMID: 32315699 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2020.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of multidrug resistant bacteria has warranted the search for new antimicrobial agents as existing antibiotics lose their potency. Among these, bacteriophage therapy, as well as the administration of specific bacteriolysis agents, i.e., lytic enzymes, have emerged as attractive alternatives. Nebulizers offer the possibility for delivering these therapeutics directly to the lung, which is particularly advantageous as a non-invasive and direct route to treat bacterial lung infections. Nevertheless, nebulizers can often result in significant degradation of the bacteriophage or protein, both structurally and functionally, due to the large stresses the aerosolization process imposes on these entities. In this work, we assess the capability of a novel low-cost and portable hybrid surface and bulk acoustic wave platform (HYDRA) to nebulize a Myoviridae bacteriophage (phage K) and lytic enzyme (lysostaphin) that specifically targets Staphylococcus aureus. Besides its efficiency in producing phage or protein-laden aerosols within the 1-5 μm respirable range for optimum delivery to the lower respiratory tract where lung infections commonly take place, we observe that the HYDRA platform-owing to the efficiency of driving the aerosolization process at relatively low powers and high frequencies (approximately 10 MHz)-does not result in appreciable denaturation of the phages or proteins, such that the loss of antimicrobial activity following nebulization is minimized. Specifically, a low (0.1 log10 (pfu/ml)) titer loss was obtained with the phages, resulting in a high viable respirable fraction of approximately 90%. Similarly, minimal loss of antimicrobial activity was obtained with lysostaphin upon nebulization wherein its minimum inhibitory concentration (0.5 μg/ml) remained unaltered as compared with the non-nebulized control. These results therefore demonstrate the potential of the HYDRA nebulization platform as a promising strategy for pulmonary administration of alternative antimicrobial agents to antibiotics for the treatment of lung diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Marqus
- Micro/Nanophysics Research Laboratory, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Lillian Lee
- Micro/Nanophysics Research Laboratory, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Taghrid Istivan
- School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Rachel Yoon Kyung Chang
- Advanced Drug Delivery Group, School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Chaitali Dekiwadia
- RMIT Microscopy and Microanalysis Facility, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Hak-Kim Chan
- Advanced Drug Delivery Group, School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Leslie Y Yeo
- Micro/Nanophysics Research Laboratory, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.
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21
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Comprehensive evaluation of chitosan nanoparticle based phage lysin delivery system; a novel approach to counter S. pneumoniae infections. Int J Pharm 2019; 573:118850. [PMID: 31759993 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2019.118850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cpl-1, an endolysin derived from Cp-1 phage has been found to be effective in a number of in-vitro and in-vivo pneumococcal infection models. However its lower bioavailability under in-vivo conditions limits its applicability as therapeutic agent. In this study, Cpl-1 loaded chitosan nanoparticles were set up in order to develop a novel therapeutic delivery system to counter antibiotic resistant S. pneumoniae infections. Interactions of chitosan and Cpl-1 were studied by in-silico docking analysis. Chitosan nanoparticles and Cpl-1 loaded chitosan nanoparticles were prepared by using ionic gelation method and the process was optimized by varying chitosan:TPP ratio, pH, stirring time, stirring rate and Cpl-1 concentration. Chitosan nanoparticles and Cpl-1 loaded chitosan nanoparticles were characterized to ascertain successful formation of nanoparticles and entrapment of Cpl-1 into nanoparticles. Chitosan nanoparticles and Cpl-1 loaded nanoparticles were also evaluated for nanoparticle yield, entrapment efficiency, in-vitro release, stability, structural integrity of Cpl-1, in-vitro bioassay, swelling studies, in-vitro biodegradation and heamolysis studies. Mucoadhesion behavior of chitosan nanoparticles and Cpl-1 loaded nanoparticles was explored using mucous glycoprotein assay and ex-vivo mucoadhesion assay, both preparations exhibited their mucoadhesive nature. Cellular cytotoxicity and immune stimulation studies revealed biocompatible nature of nanoparticles. The results of this study confirm that chitosan nanoparticles are a promising biocompatible candidate for Cpl-1 delivery with a significant potential to increase bioavailability of enzyme that in turn can increase its in-vivo half life to treat S. pneumoniae infections.
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22
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Alves DR, Nzakizwanayo J, Dedi C, Olympiou C, Hanin A, Kot W, Hansen L, Lametsch R, Gahan CGM, Schellenberger P, Ogilvie LA, Jones BV. Genomic and Ecogenomic Characterization of Proteus mirabilis Bacteriophages. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1783. [PMID: 31447809 PMCID: PMC6691071 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteus mirabilis often complicates the care of catheterized patients through the formation of crystalline biofilms which block urine flow. Bacteriophage therapy has been highlighted as a promising approach to control this problem, but relatively few phages infecting P. mirabilis have been characterized. Here we characterize five phages capable of infecting P. mirabilis, including those shown to reduce biofilm formation, and provide insights regarding the wider ecological and evolutionary relationships of these phages. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging of phages vB_PmiP_RS1pmA, vB_PmiP_RS1pmB, vB_PmiP_RS3pmA, and vB_PmiP_RS8pmA showed that all share morphologies characteristic of the Podoviridae family. The genome sequences of vB_PmiP_RS1pmA, vB_PmiP_RS1pmB, and vB_PmiP_RS3pmA showed these are species of the same phage differing only by point mutations, and are closely related to vB_PmiP_RS8pmA. Podophages characterized in this study were also found to share similarity in genome architecture and composition to other previously described P. mirabilis podophages (PM16 and PM75). In contrast, vB_PimP_RS51pmB showed morphology characteristic of the Myoviridae family, with no notable similarity to other phage genomes examined. Ecogenomic profiling of all phages revealed no association with human urinary tract viromes, but sequences similar to vB_PimP_RS51pmB were found within human gut, and human oral microbiomes. Investigation of wider host-phage evolutionary relationships through tetranucleotide profiling of phage genomes and bacterial chromosomes, indicated vB_PimP_RS51pmB has a relatively recent association with Morganella morganii and other non-Proteus members of the Morganellaceae family. Subsequent host range assays confirmed vB_PimP_RS51pmB can infect M. morganii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana R. Alves
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, United Kingdom
- Blond McIndoe Research Foundation, Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, United Kingdom
- Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, East Grinstead, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Nzakizwanayo
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, United Kingdom
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Cinzia Dedi
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Chara Olympiou
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, United Kingdom
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Aurélie Hanin
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Witold Kot
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Hansen
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rene Lametsch
- Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cormac G. M. Gahan
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Lesley A. Ogilvie
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Brian V. Jones
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, United Kingdom
- Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, East Grinstead, United Kingdom
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
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Efficacy of Intranasal Administration of the Recombinant Endolysin SAL200 in a Lethal Murine Staphylococcus aureus Pneumonia Model. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2019; 63:AAC.02009-18. [PMID: 30670417 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02009-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
SAL200 is derived from a phage endolysin and is a novel candidate drug for the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infection. We investigated the efficacy of the recombinant endolysin SAL200 in a lethal murine pneumonia model. Lethal pneumonia was established by intranasally administering a methicillin-susceptible (Newman) or methicillin-resistant (LAC) S. aureus strain into BALB/c mice. The mice were treated with a single intranasal administration of SAL200 or phosphate-buffered saline at 2 h after S. aureus infection. The survival rates were recorded until 60 h after the bacterial challenge. The bacterial loads in the lungs and blood, histopathology of lung tissues, and serum cytokine levels were evaluated following the S. aureus challenge. The SAL200-treated group and control group exhibited 90% to 95% and 10% to 40% survival rates, respectively. The bacterial loads in the lungs of the SAL200-treated group were significantly lower by ∼10-fold than those of the control group as early as 1 h after treatment. Histopathologic recovery of pneumonia was observed in the SAL200-treated mice. The cytokine levels were comparable between groups. These results suggest that direct administration of SAL200 into the lungs could be a potential adjunct treatment against severe pneumonia caused by S. aureus.
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Wienhold SM, Lienau J, Witzenrath M. Towards Inhaled Phage Therapy in Western Europe. Viruses 2019; 11:v11030295. [PMID: 30909579 PMCID: PMC6466303 DOI: 10.3390/v11030295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria constitutes a great challenge for modern medicine, recognized by leading medical experts and politicians worldwide. Rediscovery and implementation of bacteriophage therapy by Western medicine might be one solution to the problem of increasing antibiotic failure. In some Eastern European countries phage therapy is used for treating infectious diseases. However, while the European Medicines Agency (EMA) advised that the development of bacteriophage-based therapies should be expedited due to its significant potential, EMA emphasized that phages cannot be recommended for approval before efficacy and safety have been proven by appropriately designed preclinical and clinical trials. More evidence-based data is required, particularly in the areas of pharmacokinetics, repeat applications, immunological reactions to the application of phages as well as the interactions and effects on bacterial biofilms and organ-specific environments. In this brief review we summarize advantages and disadvantages of phage therapy and discuss challenges to the establishment of phage therapy as approved treatment for multidrug-resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra-Maria Wienhold
- Division of Pulmonary Inflammation, Charité⁻Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Jasmin Lienau
- Division of Pulmonary Inflammation, Charité⁻Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Martin Witzenrath
- Division of Pulmonary Inflammation, Charité⁻Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Charité⁻Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
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25
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Vermassen A, Leroy S, Talon R, Provot C, Popowska M, Desvaux M. Cell Wall Hydrolases in Bacteria: Insight on the Diversity of Cell Wall Amidases, Glycosidases and Peptidases Toward Peptidoglycan. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:331. [PMID: 30873139 PMCID: PMC6403190 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The cell wall (CW) of bacteria is an intricate arrangement of macromolecules, at least constituted of peptidoglycan (PG) but also of (lipo)teichoic acids, various polysaccharides, polyglutamate and/or proteins. During bacterial growth and division, there is a constant balance between CW degradation and biosynthesis. The CW is remodeled by bacterial hydrolases, whose activities are carefully regulated to maintain cell integrity or lead to bacterial death. Each cell wall hydrolase (CWH) has a specific role regarding the PG: (i) cell wall amidase (CWA) cleaves the amide bond between N-acetylmuramic acid and L-alanine residue at the N-terminal of the stem peptide, (ii) cell wall glycosidase (CWG) catalyses the hydrolysis of the glycosidic linkages, whereas (iii) cell wall peptidase (CWP) cleaves amide bonds between amino acids within the PG chain. After an exhaustive overview of all known conserved catalytic domains responsible for CWA, CWG, and CWP activities, this review stresses that the CWHs frequently display a modular architecture combining multiple and/or different catalytic domains, including some lytic transglycosylases as well as CW binding domains. From there, direct physiological and collateral roles of CWHs in bacterial cells are further discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurore Vermassen
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRA, MEDiS, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Sabine Leroy
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRA, MEDiS, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Régine Talon
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRA, MEDiS, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Magdalena Popowska
- Department of Applied Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Microbiology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mickaël Desvaux
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRA, MEDiS, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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26
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Safety Studies of Pneumococcal Endolysins Cpl-1 and Pal. Viruses 2018; 10:v10110638. [PMID: 30445722 PMCID: PMC6266847 DOI: 10.3390/v10110638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophage-derived endolysins have gained increasing attention as potent antimicrobial agents and numerous publications document the in vivo efficacy of these enzymes in various rodent models. However, little has been documented about their safety and toxicity profiles. Here, we present preclinical safety and toxicity data for two pneumococcal endolysins, Pal and Cpl-1. Microarray, and gene profiling was performed on human macrophages and pharyngeal cells exposed to 0.5 µM of each endolysin for six hours and no change in gene expression was noted. Likewise, in mice injected with 15 mg/kg of each endolysin, no physical or behavioral changes were noted, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels remained constant, and there were no significant changes in the fecal microbiome. Neither endolysin caused complement activation via the classic pathway, the alternative pathway, or the mannose-binding lectin pathway. In cellular response assays, IgG levels in mice exposed to Pal or Cpl-1 gradually increased for the first 30 days post exposure, but IgE levels never rose above baseline, suggesting that hypersensitivity or allergic reaction is unlikely. Collectively, the safety and toxicity profiles of Pal and Cpl-1 support further preclinical studies.
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27
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Vázquez R, García E, García P. Phage Lysins for Fighting Bacterial Respiratory Infections: A New Generation of Antimicrobials. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2252. [PMID: 30459750 PMCID: PMC6232686 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Lower respiratory tract infections and tuberculosis are responsible for the death of about 4.5 million people each year and are the main causes of mortality in children under 5 years of age. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common bacterial pathogen associated with severe pneumonia, although other Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria are involved in respiratory infections as well. The ability of these pathogens to persist and produce infection under the appropriate conditions is also associated with their capacity to form biofilms in the respiratory mucous membranes. Adding to the difficulty of treating biofilm-forming bacteria with antibiotics, many of these strains are becoming multidrug resistant, and thus the alternative therapeutics available for combating this kind of infections are rapidly depleting. Given these concerns, it is urgent to consider other unconventional strategies and, in this regard, phage lysins represent an attractive resource to circumvent some of the current issues in infection treatment. When added exogenously, lysins break specific bonds of the peptidoglycan and have potent bactericidal effects against susceptible bacteria. These enzymes possess interesting features, including that they do not trigger an adverse immune response and raise of resistance is very unlikely. Although Gram-negative bacteria had been considered refractory to these compounds, strategies to overcome this drawback have been developed recently. In this review we describe the most relevant in vitro and in vivo results obtained to date with lysins against bacterial respiratory pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Vázquez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ernesto García
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro García
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
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28
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Phage-Derived Peptidoglycan Degrading Enzymes: Challenges and Future Prospects for In Vivo Therapy. Viruses 2018; 10:v10060292. [PMID: 29844287 PMCID: PMC6024856 DOI: 10.3390/v10060292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptidoglycan degrading enzymes are of increasing interest as antibacterial agents, especially against multi-drug resistant pathogens. Herein we present a review about the biological features of virion-associated lysins and endolysins, phage-derived enzymes that have naturally evolved to compromise the bacterial peptidoglycan from without and from within, respectively. These natural features may determine the adaptability of the enzymes to kill bacteria in different environments. Endolysins are by far the most studied group of peptidoglycan-degrading enzymes, with several studies showing that they can exhibit potent antibacterial activity under specific conditions. However, the lytic activity of most endolysins seems to be significantly reduced when tested against actively growing bacteria, something that may be related to fact that these enzymes are naturally designed to degrade the peptidoglycan from within dead cells. This may negatively impact the efficacy of the endolysin in treating some infections in vivo. Here, we present a critical view of the methods commonly used to evaluate in vitro and in vivo the antibacterial performance of PG-degrading enzymes, focusing on the major hurdles concerning in vitro-to-in vivo translation.
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29
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Gerstmans H, Criel B, Briers Y. Synthetic biology of modular endolysins. Biotechnol Adv 2018; 36:624-640. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2017.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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30
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Huber I, Potapova K, Kuhn A, Schmidt H, Hinrichs J, Rohde C, Beyer W. 1st German Phage Symposium-Conference Report. Viruses 2018; 10:v10040158. [PMID: 29596346 PMCID: PMC5923452 DOI: 10.3390/v10040158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In Germany, phage research and application can be traced back to the beginning of the 20th century. However, with the triumphal march of antibiotics around the world, the significance of bacteriophages faded in most countries, and respective research mainly focused on fundamental questions and niche applications. After a century, we pay tribute to the overuse of antibiotics that led to multidrug resistance and calls for new strategies to combat pathogenic microbes. Against this background, bacteriophages came into the spotlight of researchers and practitioners again resulting in a fast growing “phage community”. In October 2017, part of this community met at the 1st German Phage Symposium to share their knowledge and experiences. The participants discussed open questions and challenges related to phage therapy and the application of phages in general. This report summarizes the presentations given, highlights the main points of the round table discussion and concludes with an outlook for the different aspects of phage application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Huber
- Hohenheim Research Center for Health Sciences, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Katerina Potapova
- Hohenheim Research Center for Health Sciences, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Andreas Kuhn
- Hohenheim Research Center for Health Sciences, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Herbert Schmidt
- Hohenheim Research Center for Health Sciences, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
- Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Jörg Hinrichs
- Hohenheim Research Center for Health Sciences, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
- Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Christine Rohde
- Leibniz-Institute DSMZ—German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - Wolfgang Beyer
- Hohenheim Research Center for Health Sciences, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
- Institute of Animal Sciences, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
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31
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Maciejewska B, Olszak T, Drulis-Kawa Z. Applications of bacteriophages versus phage enzymes to combat and cure bacterial infections: an ambitious and also a realistic application? Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2018; 102:2563-2581. [PMID: 29442169 PMCID: PMC5847195 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-018-8811-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that infect bacteria. The "predator-prey" interactions are recognized as a potentially effective way to treat infections. Phages, as well as phage-derived proteins, especially enzymes, are intensively studied to become future alternative or supportive antibacterials used alone or in combination with standard antibiotic regimens treatment. There are many publications presenting phage therapy aspects, and some papers focused separately on the application of phage-derived enzymes. In this review, we discuss advantages and limitations of both agents concerning their specificity, mode of action, structural issues, resistance development, pharmacokinetics, product preparation, and interactions with the immune system. Finally, we describe the current regulations for phage-based product application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Maciejewska
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wroclaw, S. Przybyszewskiego 63/77, 51-148, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Olszak
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wroclaw, S. Przybyszewskiego 63/77, 51-148, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Drulis-Kawa
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wroclaw, S. Przybyszewskiego 63/77, 51-148, Wroclaw, Poland.
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32
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Love MJ, Bhandari D, Dobson RCJ, Billington C. Potential for Bacteriophage Endolysins to Supplement or Replace Antibiotics in Food Production and Clinical Care. Antibiotics (Basel) 2018; 7:E17. [PMID: 29495476 PMCID: PMC5872128 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics7010017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
There is growing concern about the emergence of bacterial strains showing resistance to all classes of antibiotics commonly used in human medicine. Despite the broad range of available antibiotics, bacterial resistance has been identified for every antimicrobial drug developed to date. Alarmingly, there is also an increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains, rendering some patients effectively untreatable. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop alternatives to conventional antibiotics for use in the treatment of both humans and food-producing animals. Bacteriophage-encoded lytic enzymes (endolysins), which degrade the cell wall of the bacterial host to release progeny virions, are potential alternatives to antibiotics. Preliminary studies show that endolysins can disrupt the cell wall when applied exogenously, though this has so far proven more effective in Gram-positive bacteria compared with Gram-negative bacteria. Their potential for development is furthered by the prospect of bioengineering, and aided by the modular domain structure of many endolysins, which separates the binding and catalytic activities into distinct subunits. These subunits can be rearranged to create novel, chimeric enzymes with optimized functionality. Furthermore, there is evidence that the development of resistance to these enzymes may be more difficult compared with conventional antibiotics due to their targeting of highly conserved bonds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Love
- Biomolecular Interaction Centre and School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand.
| | - Dinesh Bhandari
- Biomolecular Interaction Centre and School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand.
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand.
| | - Renwick C J Dobson
- Biomolecular Interaction Centre and School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3052, Australia.
| | - Craig Billington
- Biomolecular Interaction Centre and School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand.
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand.
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33
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Haddad Kashani H, Schmelcher M, Sabzalipoor H, Seyed Hosseini E, Moniri R. Recombinant Endolysins as Potential Therapeutics against Antibiotic-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: Current Status of Research and Novel Delivery Strategies. Clin Microbiol Rev 2018; 31:e00071-17. [PMID: 29187396 PMCID: PMC5740972 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00071-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common pathogens of humans and animals, where it frequently colonizes skin and mucosal membranes. It is of major clinical importance as a nosocomial pathogen and causative agent of a wide array of diseases. Multidrug-resistant strains have become increasingly prevalent and represent a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. For this reason, novel strategies to combat multidrug-resistant pathogens are urgently needed. Bacteriophage-derived enzymes, so-called endolysins, and other peptidoglycan hydrolases with the ability to disrupt cell walls represent possible alternatives to conventional antibiotics. These lytic enzymes confer a high degree of host specificity and could potentially replace or be utilized in combination with antibiotics, with the aim to specifically treat infections caused by Gram-positive drug-resistant bacterial pathogens such as methicillin-resistant S. aureus. LysK is one of the best-characterized endolysins with activity against multiple staphylococcal species. Various approaches to further enhance the antibacterial efficacy and applicability of endolysins have been demonstrated. These approaches include the construction of recombinant endolysin derivatives and the development of novel delivery strategies for various applications, such as the production of endolysins in lactic acid bacteria and their conjugation to nanoparticles. These novel strategies are a major focus of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Haddad Kashani
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mathias Schmelcher
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hamed Sabzalipoor
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elahe Seyed Hosseini
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Rezvan Moniri
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
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Carvalho C, Costa AR, Silva F, Oliveira A. Bacteriophages and their derivatives for the treatment and control of food-producing animal infections. Crit Rev Microbiol 2017; 43:583-601. [DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2016.1271309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carla Carvalho
- CEB-UM: Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Braga, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Costa
- CEB-UM: Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Filipe Silva
- CECAV-UTAD, Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana Oliveira
- CEB-UM: Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
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Moelling K, Broecker F. Fecal microbiota transplantation to fight Clostridium difficile infections and other intestinal diseases. BACTERIOPHAGE 2016; 6:e1251380. [PMID: 28090385 DOI: 10.1080/21597081.2016.1251380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Revised: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We have analyzed fecal bacterial and viral communities of a patient with recurrent C. difficile infection (rCDI) who was cured by fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). The "Zürich Patient" experienced immediate cure and has remained free of symptoms for now over 5 y. Donor-similar bacterial compositions after 4.5 y post-FMT demonstrated sustainable engraftment of donor microbiota predominated by Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes bacteria. Appearance of beneficial species Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Akkermansia municiphila was detected while disease-related Proteobacteria decreased. Stabilization of the microbiota took longer than expected from the rapidly improving clinical symptoms, suggesting the need for longer-lasting patient observation. The virome was mainly composed of Caudovirales bacteriophages but surprisingly also contained sequences related to a Chlorella giant virus that normally infects green algae not known to inhabitate the human intestine. FMT is highly effective against rCDI and is presently broadening its application to other conditions including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Here, we discuss the prospects and challenges of FMT against rCDI and other indications including a focus on bacteriophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Moelling
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany; Institute for Medical Microbiology, Unversity of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Felix Broecker
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany; Institute for Medical Microbiology, Unversity of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland; Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam, Germany; Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Drulis-Kawa Z, Majkowska-Skrobek G, Maciejewska B. Bacteriophages and phage-derived proteins--application approaches. Curr Med Chem 2016; 22:1757-73. [PMID: 25666799 PMCID: PMC4468916 DOI: 10.2174/0929867322666150209152851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2014] [Revised: 11/29/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Currently, the bacterial resistance, especially to most commonly used antibiotics has proved to be a severe therapeutic problem. Nosocomial and community-acquired infections are usually caused by multidrug resistant strains. Therefore, we are forced to develop an alternative or supportive treatment for successful cure of life-threatening infections. The idea of using natural bacterial pathogens such as bacteriophages is already well known. Many papers have been published proving the high antibacterial efficacy of lytic phages tested in animal models as well as in the clinic. Researchers have also investigated the application of non-lytic phages and temperate phages, with promising results. Moreover, the development of molecular biology and novel generation methods of sequencing has opened up new possibilities in the design of engineered phages and recombinant phage-derived proteins. Encouraging performances were noted especially for phage enzymes involved in the first step of viral infection responsible for bacterial envelope degradation, named depolymerases. There are at least five major groups of such enzymes – peptidoglycan hydrolases, endosialidases, endorhamnosidases, alginate lyases and hyaluronate lyases – that have application potential. There is also much interest in proteins encoded by lysis cassette genes (holins, endolysins, spanins) responsible for progeny release during the phage lytic cycle. In this review, we discuss several issues of phage and phage-derived protein application approaches in therapy, diagnostics and biotechnology in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzanna Drulis-Kawa
- Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wroclaw, Przybyszewskiego 63/77, 51-148 Wroclaw, Poland.
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Ajuebor J, McAuliffe O, O'Mahony J, Ross RP, Hill C, Coffey A. Bacteriophage endolysins and their applications. Sci Prog 2016; 99:183-199. [PMID: 28742472 PMCID: PMC10365499 DOI: 10.3184/003685016x14627913637705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Endolysins (lysins) are bacteriophage-encoded enzymes that have evolved to degrade specific bonds within the bacterial cell wall. These enzymes represent a novel class of antibacterial agents against infectious pathogens, especially in light of multidrug-resistant bacteria, which have made antibiotic therapy increasingly redundant. Lysins have been used successfully to eliminate/control bacterial pathogens in various anatomical locations in mouse and other animal models. Engineering tactics have also been successfully applied to improve lysin function. This review discusses the structure and function of lysins. It highlights protein-engineering tactics utilised to improve lysin activity. It also reviews the applications of lysins towards food biopreservation, therapeutics, biofilm elimination and diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jim O'Mahony
- Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) at the Department of Biological Sciences
| | - R. Paul Ross
- Dean of the College of Science Engineering and Food Science at University College Cork
| | - Colin Hill
- University College Cork and a Principal Investigator in the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre
| | - Aidan Coffey
- Cork Institute of Technology at the Department of Biological Sciences and Head of the BioExplore Research Centre
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Huang YC, Li RY, Chen JY, Chen JK. Biphasic release of gentamicin from chitosan/fucoidan nanoparticles for pulmonary delivery. Carbohydr Polym 2016; 138:114-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2015.11.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Revised: 11/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Leprohon P, Gingras H, Ouennane S, Moineau S, Ouellette M. A genomic approach to understand interactions between Streptococcus pneumoniae and its bacteriophages. BMC Genomics 2015; 16:972. [PMID: 26582495 PMCID: PMC4652380 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-2134-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacteriophage replication depends on bacterial proteins and inactivation of genes coding for such host factors should interfere with phage infection. To gain further insights into the interactions between S. pneumoniae and its pneumophages, we characterized S. pneumoniae mutants selected for resistance to the virulent phages SOCP or Dp-1. RESULTS S. pneumoniae R6-SOCP(R) and R6-DP1(R) were highly resistant to the phage used for their selection and no cross-resistance between the two phages was detected. Adsorption of SOCP to R6-SOCP(R) was partly reduced whereas no difference in Dp-1 adsorption was noted on R6-DP1(R). The replication of SOCP was completely inhibited in R6-SOCP(R) while Dp-1 was severely impaired in R6-DP1(R). Genome sequencing identified 8 and 2 genes mutated in R6-SOCP(R) and R6-DP1(R), respectively. Resistance reconstruction in phage-sensitive S. pneumoniae confirmed that mutations in a GntR-type regulator, in a glycerophosphoryl phosphodiesterase and in a Mur ligase were responsible for resistance to SOCP. The three mutations were additive to increase resistance to SOCP. In contrast, resistance to Dp-1 in R6-DP1(R) resulted from mutations in a unique gene coding for a type IV restriction endonuclease. CONCLUSION The characterization of mutations conferring resistance to pneumophages highlighted that diverse host genes are involved in the replication of phages from different families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Leprohon
- Centre de recherche en Infectiologie du Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, 2705 Boul. Laurier, Québec, QC, Canada, , G1V 4G2. .,Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, 1050, avenue de la Médecine, Québec, QC, Canada, , G1V 0A6.
| | - Hélène Gingras
- Centre de recherche en Infectiologie du Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, 2705 Boul. Laurier, Québec, QC, Canada, , G1V 4G2. .,Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, 1050, avenue de la Médecine, Québec, QC, Canada, , G1V 0A6.
| | - Siham Ouennane
- Département de Biochimie, Microbiologie et Bio-informatique and PROTEO, Faculté des Sciences et Génie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada. .,Félix d'Hérelle Reference Center for Bacterial Viruses and GREB, Faculté de Médecine Dentaire, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
| | - Sylvain Moineau
- Département de Biochimie, Microbiologie et Bio-informatique and PROTEO, Faculté des Sciences et Génie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada. .,Félix d'Hérelle Reference Center for Bacterial Viruses and GREB, Faculté de Médecine Dentaire, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
| | - Marc Ouellette
- Centre de recherche en Infectiologie du Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, 2705 Boul. Laurier, Québec, QC, Canada, , G1V 4G2. .,Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, 1050, avenue de la Médecine, Québec, QC, Canada, , G1V 0A6.
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Hraiech S, Brégeon F, Rolain JM. Bacteriophage-based therapy in cystic fibrosis-associated Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections: rationale and current status. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2015. [PMID: 26213462 PMCID: PMC4509528 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s53123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary infections involving Pseudomonas aeruginosa are among the leading causes of the deterioration of the respiratory status of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. The emergence of multidrug-resistant strains in such populations, favored by iterative antibiotic cures, has led to the urgent need for new therapies. Among them, bacteriophage-based therapies deserve a focus. One century of empiric use in the ex-USSR countries suggests that bacteriophages may have beneficial effects against a large range of bacterial infections. Interest in bacteriophages has recently renewed in Western countries, and the in vitro data available suggest that bacteriophage-based therapy may be of significant interest for the treatment of pulmonary infections in CF patients. Although the clinical data concerning this specific population are relatively scarce, the beginning of the first large randomized study evaluating bacteriophage-based therapy in burn infections suggests that the time has come to assess the effectiveness of this new therapy in CF P. aeruginosa pneumonia. Consequently, the aim of this review is, after a brief history, to summarize the evidence concerning bacteriophage efficacy against P. aeruginosa and, more specifically, the in vitro studies, animal models, and clinical trials targeting CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sami Hraiech
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, URMITE CNRS IRD INSERM UMR 7278, Marseille, France ; Réanimation Médicale - Détresses Respiratoires et Infections Sévères, APHM, CHU Nord, Marseille, France
| | - Fabienne Brégeon
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, URMITE CNRS IRD INSERM UMR 7278, Marseille, France ; Service d'Explorations Fonctionnelles Respiratoires, APHM, CHU Nord, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Marc Rolain
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, URMITE CNRS IRD INSERM UMR 7278, Marseille, France
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Roach DR, Donovan DM. Antimicrobial bacteriophage-derived proteins and therapeutic applications. BACTERIOPHAGE 2015; 5:e1062590. [PMID: 26442196 DOI: 10.1080/21597081.2015.1062590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Revised: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotics have the remarkable power to control bacterial infections. Unfortunately, widespread use, whether regarded as prudent or not, has favored the emergence and persistence of antibiotic resistant strains of human pathogenic bacteria, resulting in a global health threat. Bacteriophages (phages) are parasites that invade the cells of virtually all known bacteria. Phages reproduce by utilizing the host cell's machinery to replicate viral proteins and genomic material, generally damaging and killing the cell in the process. Thus, phage can be exploited therapeutically as bacteriolytic agents against bacteria. Furthermore, understanding of the molecular processes involved in the viral life cycle, particularly the entry and cell lysis steps, has led to the development of viral proteins as antibacterial agents. Here we review the current preclinical state of using phage-derived endolysins, virion-associated peptidoglycan hydrolases, polysaccharide depolymerases, and holins for the treatment of bacterial infection. The scope of this review is a focus on the viral proteins that have been assessed for protective effects against human pathogenic bacteria in animal models of infection and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dwayne R Roach
- Molecular Biology of the Genes in Extremophiles; Department of Microbiology; Institute Pasteur ; Paris, France
| | - David M Donovan
- Animal Biosciences and Biotechnology Laboratory; NEA; Agricultural Research Service; US Department of Agriculture ; Beltsville, MD USA
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Starkevič U, Bortesi L, Virgailis M, Ružauskas M, Giritch A, Ražanskienė A. High-yield production of a functional bacteriophage lysin with antipneumococcal activity using a plant virus-based expression system. J Biotechnol 2015; 200:10-6. [PMID: 25744664 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2015.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Revised: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumoniae is the causative agent of several serious infectious diseases. It is becoming increasingly antibiotic resistant worldwide, and thus new antimicrobials are needed. One alternative to antibiotics may be the use of peptidoglycan hydrolases, the bacteriophage lytic enzymes. In this study, we demonstrated high level expression of the S. pneumoniae bacteriophage lysin Pal in Nicotiana benthamiana - TMV (Tobacco Mosaic Virus) transient expression system. The protein was purified to homogeneity and tested for streptococci killing activity in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, Pal was able to lyse three tested S. pneumoniae strains: NCTC12695, NCTC12977 and NCTC11888. The treatment of BALB/c mice with 100 μg, 200 μg and 400 μg of Pal 1h post-challenge with double lethal dose of S. pneumoniae NCTC12695 strain showed a clear dose response and protected from lethal sepsis 30%, 40% and 50% of mice, respectively. The improved mice survival correlated with decreased blood bacterial titers. In conclusion, these results suggest that plant-expressed bacteriophage lysins may have potential use as antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urtė Starkevič
- Nomads UAB, Graičiūno 8, LT-02241 Vilnius, Lithuania; Institute of Biotechnology of Vilnius University, Graičiūno 8, LT-02241 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Luisa Bortesi
- Nomad Bioscience GmbH, Biozentrum Halle, Weinbergweg 22, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | | | | | - Anatoli Giritch
- Nomad Bioscience GmbH, Biozentrum Halle, Weinbergweg 22, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
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Ouennane S, Leprohon P, Moineau S. Diverse virulent pneumophages infect Streptococcus mitis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0118807. [PMID: 25692983 PMCID: PMC4334900 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0118807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 01/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus mitis has emerged as one of the leading causes of bacterial endocarditis and is related to Streptococcus pneumoniae. Antibiotic resistance has also increased among strains of S. mitis and S. pneumoniae. Phages are being reinvestigated as alternatives to antibiotics for managing infections. In this study, the two virulent phages Cp-1 (Podoviridae) and Dp-1 (Siphoviridae), previously isolated from S. pneumoniae, were found to also infect S. mitis. Microbiological assays showed that both pneumophages could not only replicate in S. mitis but also produced more visible plaques on this host. However, the burst size and phage adsorption data were lower in S. mitis as compared to S. pneumoniae. A comparison of the genomes of each phage grown on both hosts produced identical nucleotide sequences, confirming that the same phages infect both bacterial species. We also discovered that the genomic sequence of podophage Cp-1 of the Félix d'Hérelle collection is different than the previously reported sequence and thus renamed SOCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siham Ouennane
- Département de Biochimie, Microbiologie et Bio-Informatique, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie, Groupe de Recherche en Écologie Buccale, Félix d’Hérelle Reference Center for Bacterial Viruses, Faculté de Médecine Dentaire, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Philippe Leprohon
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Sylvain Moineau
- Département de Biochimie, Microbiologie et Bio-Informatique, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie, Groupe de Recherche en Écologie Buccale, Félix d’Hérelle Reference Center for Bacterial Viruses, Faculté de Médecine Dentaire, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Rodríguez-Rubio L, Gutiérrez D, Donovan DM, Martínez B, Rodríguez A, García P. Phage lytic proteins: biotechnological applications beyond clinical antimicrobials. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2015; 36:542-52. [PMID: 25603721 DOI: 10.3109/07388551.2014.993587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Most bacteriophages encode two types of cell wall lytic proteins: endolysins (lysins) and virion-associated peptidoglycan hydrolases. Both enzymes have the ability to degrade the peptidoglycan of Gram-positive bacteria resulting in cell lysis when they are applied externally. Bacteriophage lytic proteins have a demonstrated potential in treating animal models of infectious diseases. There has also been an increase in the study of these lytic proteins for their application in areas such as food safety, pathogen detection/diagnosis, surfaces disinfection, vaccine development and nanotechnology. This review summarizes the more recent developments, outlines the full potential of these proteins to develop new biotechnological tools and discusses the feasibility of these proposals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Rodríguez-Rubio
- a DairySafe Group, Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Dairy Products , Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias (IPLA-CSIC) , Villaviciosa , Asturias , Spain and
| | - Diana Gutiérrez
- a DairySafe Group, Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Dairy Products , Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias (IPLA-CSIC) , Villaviciosa , Asturias , Spain and
| | - David M Donovan
- b Animal Biosciences and Biotechnology Laboratory , BARC, ARS, USDA , Beltsville , MD , USA
| | - Beatriz Martínez
- a DairySafe Group, Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Dairy Products , Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias (IPLA-CSIC) , Villaviciosa , Asturias , Spain and
| | - Ana Rodríguez
- a DairySafe Group, Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Dairy Products , Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias (IPLA-CSIC) , Villaviciosa , Asturias , Spain and
| | - Pilar García
- a DairySafe Group, Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Dairy Products , Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias (IPLA-CSIC) , Villaviciosa , Asturias , Spain and
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Huang G, Shen X, Gong Y, Dong Z, Zhao X, Shen W, Wang J, Hu F, Peng Y. Antibacterial properties of Acinetobacter baumannii phage Abp1 endolysin (PlyAB1). BMC Infect Dis 2014; 14:681. [PMID: 25495514 PMCID: PMC4274762 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-014-0681-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged as one of the most important hospital-acquired pathogens in the world, because of its resistance to almost all available antibiotic drugs. Endolysins from phages are attracting increasing interest as potential antimicrobial agents, especially for drug-resistant bacteria. We previously isolated and characterized Abp1, a virulent phage targeting the multidrug-resistant A. baumannii strain, AB1. METHODS To evaluate the antimicrobial potential of endolysin from the Abp1 phage, the endolysin gene plyAB1 was cloned and over-expressed in Escherichia coli, and the lytic activity of the recombinant protein (PlyAB1) was tested by turbidity assessment and bacteria counting assays. RESULTS PlyAB1 exhibits a marked lytic activity against A. baumannii AB1, as shown by a decrease in the number of live bacteria following treatment with the enzyme. Moreover, PlyAB1 displayed a highly specific lytic effect against all of the 48 hospital-derived pandrug-resistant A. baumannii isolates that were tested. These isolates were shown to belong to different ST clones by multilocus sequence typing. CONCLUSIONS The results presented here show that PlyAB1 has potential as an antibiotic against drug-resistant A. baumannii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangtao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Burn Research, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China. .,Department of Microbiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Xiaodong Shen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Yali Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Burn Research, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Zhiwei Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Burn Research, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Xia Zhao
- Department of Microbiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Wei Shen
- Department of Microbiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Fuquan Hu
- Department of Microbiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Yizhi Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Burn Research, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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Endersen L, Guinane CM, Johnston C, Neve H, Coffey A, Ross RP, McAuliffe O, O'Mahony J. Genome analysis of Cronobacter phage vB_CsaP_Ss1 reveals an endolysin with potential for biocontrol of Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. J Gen Virol 2014; 96:463-477. [PMID: 25371517 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.068494-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages and their derivatives are continuously gaining impetus as viable alternative therapeutic agents to control harmful multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens, particularly in the food industry. The reduced efficacy of conventional antibiotics has resulted in a quest to find novel alternatives in the war against infectious disease. This study describes the full-genome sequence of Cronobacter phage vB_CsaP_Ss1, with subsequent cloning and expression of its endolysin, capable of hydrolysing Gram-negative peptidoglycan. Cronobacter phage vB_CsaP_Ss1 is composed of 42 205 bp of dsDNA with a G+C content of 46.1 mol%. A total of 57 ORFs were identified of which 18 could be assigned a putative function based on similarity to characterized proteins. The genome of Cronobacter phage vB_CsaP_Ss1 showed little similarity to any other bacteriophage genomes available in the database and thus was considered unique. In addition, functional analysis of the predicted endolysin (LysSs1) was also investigated. Zymographic experiments demonstrated the hydrolytic activity of LysSs1 against Gram-negative peptidoglycan, and this endolysin thus represents a novel candidate with potential for use against Gram-negative pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine Endersen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Cork Institute of Technology, Cork, Ireland
| | - Caitriona M Guinane
- Biotechnology Department, Teagasc, Moorepark Food Research Centre, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Horst Neve
- Department of Microbiology, Max Rubner-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Hermann-Weigmann-Strasse 1, Kiel, Germany
| | - Aidan Coffey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Cork Institute of Technology, Cork, Ireland
| | - R Paul Ross
- Biotechnology Department, Teagasc, Moorepark Food Research Centre, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland
| | - Olivia McAuliffe
- Biotechnology Department, Teagasc, Moorepark Food Research Centre, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland
| | - Jim O'Mahony
- Department of Biological Sciences, Cork Institute of Technology, Cork, Ireland
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Intravitreal injection of the chimeric phage endolysin Ply187 protects mice from Staphylococcus aureus endophthalmitis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2014; 58:4621-9. [PMID: 24890598 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00126-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The treatment of endophthalmitis is becoming very challenging due to the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Hence, the development of novel therapeutic alternatives for ocular use is essential. Here, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of Ply187AN-KSH3b, a chimeric phage endolysin derived from the Ply187 prophage, in a mouse model of Staphylococcus aureus endophthalmitis. Our data showed that the chimeric Ply187 endolysin exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against both methicillin-sensitive S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains, as evidenced by MIC determinations, reductions in turbidity, and disruption of biofilms. Moreover, exposure of S. aureus to Ply187 for up to 10 generations did not lead to resistance development. The intravitreal injection of chimeric Ply187 (at 6 or 12 h postinfection) significantly improved the outcome of endophthalmitis, preserved retinal structural integrity, and maintained visual function as assessed by electroretinogram analysis. Furthermore, phage lysin treatment significantly reduced the bacterial burden and the levels of inflammatory cytokines and neutrophil infiltration in the eyes. These results indicate that the intravitreal administration of a phage lytic enzyme attenuates the development of bacterial endophthalmitis in mice. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating the therapeutic use of phage-based antimicrobials in ocular infections.
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