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Murtha AN, Kazi MI, Kim EY, Torres FV, Rosch KM, Dörr T. Multiple resistance factors collectively promote inoculum-dependent dynamic survival during antimicrobial peptide exposure in Enterobacter cloacae. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012488. [PMID: 39186812 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a promising tool with which to fight rising antibiotic resistance. However, pathogenic bacteria are equipped with several AMP defense mechanisms, whose contributions to AMP resistance are often poorly defined. Here, we evaluate the genetic determinants of resistance to an insect AMP, cecropin B, in the opportunistic pathogen Enterobacter cloacae. Single-cell analysis of E. cloacae's response to cecropin revealed marked heterogeneity in cell survival, phenotypically reminiscent of heteroresistance (the ability of a subpopulation to grow in the presence of supra-MIC concentration of antimicrobial). The magnitude of this response was highly dependent on initial E. cloacae inoculum. We identified 3 genetic factors which collectively contribute to E. cloacae resistance in response to the AMP cecropin: The PhoPQ-two-component system, OmpT-mediated proteolytic cleavage of cecropin, and Rcs-mediated membrane stress response. Altogether, our data suggest that multiple, independent mechanisms contribute to AMP resistance in E. cloacae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew N Murtha
- Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Misha I Kazi
- Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Eileen Y Kim
- Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Facundo V Torres
- Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Kelly M Rosch
- Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Tobias Dörr
- Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
- Cornell Institute of Host-Microbe Interactions and Disease, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
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2
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Kline SN, Saito Y, Archer NK. Staphylococcus aureus Proteases: Orchestrators of Skin Inflammation. DNA Cell Biol 2024. [PMID: 38957987 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2024.0134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Skin homeostasis relies on a delicate balance between host proteases and protease inhibitors along with those secreted from microbial communities, as disruption to this harmony contributes to the pathogenesis of inflammatory skin disorders, including atopic dermatitis and Netherton's syndrome. In addition to being a prominent cause of skin and soft tissue infections, the gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus is a key player in inflammatory skin conditions due to its array of 10 secreted proteases. Herein we review how S. aureus proteases augment the development of inflammation in skin disorders. These mechanisms include degradation of skin barrier integrity, immune dysregulation and pruritis, and impairment of host defenses. Delineating the diverse roles of S. aureus proteases has the potential to reveal novel therapeutic strategies, such as inhibitors of proteases or their cognate target, as well as neutralizing vaccines to alleviate the burden of inflammatory skin disorders in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina N Kline
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yoshine Saito
- School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nathan K Archer
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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3
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Tajer L, Paillart JC, Dib H, Sabatier JM, Fajloun Z, Abi Khattar Z. Molecular Mechanisms of Bacterial Resistance to Antimicrobial Peptides in the Modern Era: An Updated Review. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1259. [PMID: 39065030 PMCID: PMC11279074 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12071259] [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: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a serious global health concern, resulting in a significant number of deaths annually due to infections that are resistant to treatment. Amidst this crisis, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics (ATBs). These cationic peptides, naturally produced by all kingdoms of life, play a crucial role in the innate immune system of multicellular organisms and in bacterial interspecies competition by exhibiting broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. AMPs target bacterial pathogens through multiple mechanisms, most importantly by disrupting their membranes, leading to cell lysis. However, bacterial resistance to host AMPs has emerged due to a slow co-evolutionary process between microorganisms and their hosts. Alarmingly, the development of resistance to last-resort AMPs in the treatment of MDR infections, such as colistin, is attributed to the misuse of this peptide and the high rate of horizontal genetic transfer of the corresponding resistance genes. AMP-resistant bacteria employ diverse mechanisms, including but not limited to proteolytic degradation, extracellular trapping and inactivation, active efflux, as well as complex modifications in bacterial cell wall and membrane structures. This review comprehensively examines all constitutive and inducible molecular resistance mechanisms to AMPs supported by experimental evidence described to date in bacterial pathogens. We also explore the specificity of these mechanisms toward structurally diverse AMPs to broaden and enhance their potential in developing and applying them as therapeutics for MDR bacteria. Additionally, we provide insights into the significance of AMP resistance within the context of host-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layla Tajer
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology (LBA3B), Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and Its Applications, Department of Cell Culture, EDST, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon; (L.T.); (Z.F.)
| | - Jean-Christophe Paillart
- CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l’ARN, UPR 9002, Université de Strasbourg, 2 Allée Konrad Roentgen, F-67000 Strasbourg, France;
| | - Hanna Dib
- College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Egaila 54200, Kuwait;
| | - Jean-Marc Sabatier
- CNRS, INP, Inst Neurophysiopathol, Aix-Marseille Université, 13385 Marseille, France
| | - Ziad Fajloun
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology (LBA3B), Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and Its Applications, Department of Cell Culture, EDST, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon; (L.T.); (Z.F.)
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences 3, Lebanese University, Campus Michel Slayman Ras Maska, Tripoli 1352, Lebanon
| | - Ziad Abi Khattar
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Kalhat, P.O. Box 100, Tripoli, Lebanon
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4
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Chen M, Hu Z, Shi J, Xie Z. Human β-defensins and their synthetic analogs: Natural defenders and prospective new drugs of oral health. Life Sci 2024; 346:122591. [PMID: 38548013 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
As a family of cationic host defense peptides, human β-defensins (HBDs) are ubiquitous in the oral cavity and are mainly synthesized primarily by epithelial cells, serving as the primary barrier and aiming to prevent microbial invasion, inflammation, and disease while maintaining physiological homeostasis. In recent decades, there has been great interest in their biological functions, structure-activity relationships, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic potential in oral diseases. Meanwhile, researchers are dedicated to improving the properties of HBDs for clinical application. In this review, we first describe the classification, structural characteristics, functions, and mechanisms of HBDs. Next, we cover the role of HBDs and their synthetic analogs in oral diseases, including dental caries and pulp infections, periodontitis, peri-implantitis, fungal/viral infections and oral mucosal diseases, and oral squamous cell carcinoma. Finally, we discuss the limitations and challenges of clinical translation of HBDs and their synthetic analogs, including, but not limited to, stability, bioavailability, antimicrobial activity, resistance, and toxicity. Above all, this review summarizes the biological functions, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic potential of both natural HBDs and their synthetic analogs in oral diseases, as well as the challenges associated with clinical translation, thus providing substantial insights into the laboratory development and clinical application of HBDs in oral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mumian Chen
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, China.
| | - Zihe Hu
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, China.
| | - Jue Shi
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, China.
| | - Zhijian Xie
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, China.
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5
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Lee J, Mannan AA, Miyano T, Irvine AD, Tanaka RJ. In Silico Elucidation of Key Drivers of Staphyloccocus aureus- Staphyloccocus epidermidis-Induced Skin Damage in Atopic Dermatitis Lesions. JID INNOVATIONS 2024; 4:100269. [PMID: 38766490 PMCID: PMC11101946 DOI: 10.1016/j.xjidi.2024.100269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus (SA) colonizes and can damage skin in atopic dermatitis lesions, despite being commonly found with Staphylococcus epidermidis (SE), a commensal that can inhibit SA's virulence and kill SA. In this study, we developed an in silico model, termed a virtual skin site, describing the dynamic interplay between SA, SE, and the skin barrier in atopic dermatitis lesions to investigate the mechanisms driving skin damage by SA and SE. We generated 106 virtual skin sites by varying model parameters to represent different skin physiologies and bacterial properties. In silico analysis revealed that virtual skin sites with no skin damage in the model were characterized by parameters representing stronger SA and SE growth attenuation than those with skin damage. This inspired an in silico treatment strategy combining SA-killing with an enhanced SA-SE growth attenuation, which was found through simulations to recover many more damaged virtual skin sites to a non-damaged state, compared with SA-killing alone. This study demonstrates that in silico modelling can help elucidate the key factors driving skin damage caused by SA-SE colonization in atopic dermatitis lesions and help propose strategies to control it, which we envision will contribute to the design of promising treatments for clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Lee
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ahmad A. Mannan
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Takuya Miyano
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alan D. Irvine
- Clinical Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Reiko J. Tanaka
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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6
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Wang C, Ren YY, Han LM, Yi PC, Wang WX, Zhang CY, Chen XZ, Chi MZ, Wang A, Chen W, Hu CM. ApoE Mimetic Peptide COG1410 Kills Mycobacterium smegmatis via Directly Interfering ClpC's ATPase Activity. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:278. [PMID: 38534713 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13030278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) hold promise as alternatives to combat bacterial infections, addressing the urgent global threat of antibiotic resistance. COG1410, a synthetic peptide derived from apolipoprotein E, has exhibited potent antimicrobial properties against various bacterial strains, including Mycobacterium smegmatis. However, our study reveals a previously unknown resistance mechanism developed by M. smegmatis against COG1410 involving ClpC. Upon subjecting M. smegmatis to serial passages in the presence of sub-MIC COG1410, resistance emerged. The comparative genomic analysis identified a point mutation in ClpC (S437P), situated within its middle domain, which led to high resistance to COG1410 without compromising bacterial fitness. Complementation of ClpC in mutant restored bacterial sensitivity. In-depth analyses, including transcriptomic profiling and in vitro assays, uncovered that COG1410 interferes with ClpC at both transcriptional and functional levels. COG1410 not only stimulated the ATPase activity of ClpC but also enhanced the proteolytic activity of Clp protease. SPR analysis confirmed that COG1410 directly binds with ClpC. Surprisingly, the identified S437P mutation did not impact their binding affinity. This study sheds light on a unique resistance mechanism against AMPs in mycobacteria, highlighting the pivotal role of ClpC in this process. Unraveling the interplay between COG1410 and ClpC enriches our understanding of AMP-bacterial interactions, offering potential insights for developing innovative strategies to combat antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Wang
- Department of Tuberculosis, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210003, China
| | - Yun-Yao Ren
- Clinical Research Center, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210003, China
| | - Li-Mei Han
- Department of Tuberculosis, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210003, China
| | - Peng-Cheng Yi
- Department of Tuberculosis, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210003, China
| | - Wei-Xiao Wang
- Clinical Research Center, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210003, China
| | - Cai-Yun Zhang
- Clinical Research Center, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210003, China
| | - Xiu-Zhen Chen
- Clinical Research Center, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210003, China
| | - Ming-Zhe Chi
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Apeng Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Clinical Research Center, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210003, China
| | - Chun-Mei Hu
- Department of Tuberculosis, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210003, China
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7
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Zheng X, Yang N, Mao R, Hao Y, Teng D, Wang J. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of antibacterial peptide NZX in Staphylococcus aureus mastitis mouse model. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:260. [PMID: 38472422 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13101-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is associated with dairy mastitis, which causes serious economic losses to dairy farming industry. Antibacterial peptide NZX showed good antibacterial activity against S. aureus. This study aimed to evaluate pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of NZX against S. aureus-induced mouse mastitis. NZX exhibited potent in vitro antibacterial activity against the test S. aureus strains (minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC): 0.23-0.46 μM), low mutant prevention concentration (MPC: 1.18-3.68 μM), and a long post antibiotic effect (PAE: 2.20-8.84 h), which was superior to those of lincomycin and ceftiofur. Antibacterial mechanisms showed that NZX could penetrate the cell membrane, resulting in obvious cell membrane perforation and morphological changes, and bind to intracellular DNA. Furthermore, NZX had a good stability in milk environment (retention rate: 85.36%, 24 h) than that in mammary homogenate (47.90%, 24 h). In mouse mastitis model, NZX (25-400 μg/gland) could significantly reduce the bacterial load of mammary tissue in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, NZX (100 μg/gland) could relieve the inflammatory symptoms of mammary tissue, and significantly decreased its pathological scores. The concentration-time curve of NZX (100 μg/gland) in the mammary tissue was plotted and the corresponding pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained by non-compartment model calculation. Those parameters of Tmax, T1/2, Cmax and AUC were 0.5 h, 35.11 h, 32.49 μg/g and 391 μg·h/g, respectively. Therefore, these results suggest that NZX could act as a promising candidate for treating dairy mastitis disease caused by S. aureus. KEY POINTS: • NZX could kill S. aureus by dual mechanism involved in membrane and DNA disruption • NZX could relieve S. aureus-induced mouse mastitis • Pharmacokinetic parameters of NZX in mouse mammary gland were obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueling Zheng
- Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 12 Zhongguancun Nandajie St., Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
- Innovative Team of Antimicrobial Peptides and Alternatives to Antibiotics, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Yang
- Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 12 Zhongguancun Nandajie St., Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
- Innovative Team of Antimicrobial Peptides and Alternatives to Antibiotics, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruoyu Mao
- Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 12 Zhongguancun Nandajie St., Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
- Innovative Team of Antimicrobial Peptides and Alternatives to Antibiotics, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya Hao
- Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 12 Zhongguancun Nandajie St., Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
- Innovative Team of Antimicrobial Peptides and Alternatives to Antibiotics, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
| | - Da Teng
- Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 12 Zhongguancun Nandajie St., Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China.
- Innovative Team of Antimicrobial Peptides and Alternatives to Antibiotics, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 12 Zhongguancun Nandajie St., Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China.
- Innovative Team of Antimicrobial Peptides and Alternatives to Antibiotics, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China.
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8
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Murtha AN, Kazi M, Kim E, Rosch KM, Torres F, Dörr T. Multiple resistance factors collectively promote inoculum-dependent dynamic survival during antimicrobial peptide exposure in Enterobacter cloacae. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.03.583169. [PMID: 38463991 PMCID: PMC10925329 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.03.583169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a promising tool with which to fight rising antibiotic resistance. However, pathogenic bacteria are equipped with several AMP defense mechanisms, whose contributions to AMP resistance are often poorly defined. Here, we evaluate the genetic determinants of resistance to an insect AMP, cecropin B, in the opportunistic pathogen Enterobacter cloacae. Single-cell analysis of E. cloacae's response to cecropin revealed marked heterogeneity in cell survival, phenotypically reminiscent of heteroresistance (the ability of a subpopulation to grow in the presence of supra-MIC concentration of antimicrobial). The magnitude of this response was highly dependent on initial E. cloacae inoculum. We identified 3 genetic factors which collectively contribute to E. cloacae resistance in response to the AMP cecropin: The PhoPQ-two-component system, OmpT-mediated proteolytic cleavage of cecropin, and Rcs-mediated membrane stress response. Altogether, this evidence suggests that multiple, independent mechanisms contribute to AMP resistance in E. cloacae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew N. Murtha
- Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Misha Kazi
- Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Eileen Kim
- Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Kelly M. Rosch
- Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Facundo Torres
- Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Tobias Dörr
- Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Cornell Institute of Host-Microbe Interactions and Disease, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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9
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Goormaghtigh F, Van Bambeke F. Understanding Staphylococcus aureus internalisation and induction of antimicrobial tolerance. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2024; 22:87-101. [PMID: 38180805 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2024.2303018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Staphylococcus aureus, a human commensal, is also one of the most common and serious pathogens for humans. In recent years, its capacity to survive and replicate in phagocytic and non-phagocytic cells has been largely demonstrated. In these intracellular niches, bacteria are shielded from the immune response and antibiotics, turning host cells into long-term infectious reservoirs. Moreover, neutrophils carry intracellular bacteria in the bloodstream, leading to systemic spreading of the disease. Despite the serious threat posed by intracellular S. aureus to human health, the molecular mechanisms behind its intracellular survival and subsequent antibiotic treatment failure remain elusive. AREA COVERED We give an overview of the killing mechanisms of phagocytes and of the impressive arsenal of virulence factors, toxins and stress responses deployed by S. aureus as a response. We then discuss the different barriers to antibiotic activity in this intracellular niche and finally describe innovative strategies to target intracellular persisting reservoirs. EXPERT OPINION Intracellular niches represent a challenge in terms of diagnostic and treatment. Further research using ad-hoc in-vivo models and single cell approaches are needed to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying intracellular survival and tolerance to antibiotics in order to identify strategies to eliminate these persistent bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Goormaghtigh
- Pharmacologie cellulaire et moléculaire, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Françoise Van Bambeke
- Pharmacologie cellulaire et moléculaire, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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10
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Memariani M, Memariani H. Antifungal properties of cathelicidin LL-37: current knowledge and future research directions. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 40:34. [PMID: 38057654 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-023-03852-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The threat of fungal diseases is substantially underestimated worldwide, but they have serious consequences for humans, animals, and plants. Given the limited number of existing antifungal drugs together with the emergence of drug-resistant strains, many researchers have actively sought alternatives or adjuvants to antimycotics. The best way to tackle these issues is to unearth potential antifungal agents with new modes of action. Antimicrobial peptides are being hailed as a promising source of novel antimicrobials since they exhibit rapid and broad-spectrum microbicidal activities with a reduced likelihood of developing drug resistance. Recent years have witnessed an explosion in knowledge on microbicidal activity of LL-37, the sole human cathelicidin. Herein, we provide a summary of the current understanding about antifungal properties of LL-37, with particular emphasis on its molecular mechanisms. We further illustrate fruitful areas for future research. LL-37 is able to inhibit the growth of clinically and agronomically relevant fungi including Aspergillus, Candida, Colletotrichum, Fusarium, Malassezia, Pythium, and Trichophyton. Destruction of the cell wall integrity, membrane permeabilization, induction of oxidative stress, disruption of endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis, formation of autophagy-like structures, alterations in expression of numerous fungal genes, and inhibition of cell cycle progression are the key mechanisms underlying antifungal effects of LL-37. Burgeoning evidence also suggests that LL-37 may act as a potential anti-virulence peptide. It is hoped that this review will not only motivate researchers to conduct more detailed studies in this field, but also inspire further innovations in the design of LL-37-based drugs for the treatment of fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojtaba Memariani
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Memariani
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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11
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Jin M, Liang S, Wang J, Zhang H, Zhang Y, Zhang W, Liu S, Xie F. Endopeptidase O promotes Streptococcus suis immune evasion by cleaving the host- defence peptide cathelicidins. Virulence 2023; 14:2283896. [PMID: 38010345 PMCID: PMC10732652 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2283896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus suis is a zoonotic Gram-positive bacterium that causes invasive infections such as sepsis and meningitis, threatening public health worldwide. For successful establishment of infection, the bacterium should subvert the innate effectors of immune defence, including the cathelicidin family of host-defence peptides that combat pathogenic bacteria by directly disrupting cell membranes and coordinating immune responses. Here, our study shows that an extracellular endopeptidase O (PepO) of S. suis contributes to assisting the bacterium to resist cathelicidin-mediated killing, as the deletion of the pepO gene makes S. suis more sensitive to the human cathelicidin LL-37, as well as its mouse equivalent, mCRAMP. This protease targets and cleaves both LL-37 and mCRAMP, degrading them into shorter peptides with only a few amino acids, thereby abrogating their ability to kill S. suis. By cleaving LL-37 and mCRAMP, PepO impairs their chemotactic properties for neutrophil migration and undermines their anti-apoptosis activity, which is required for prolonging neutrophil lifespan. Also, PepO inhibits the ability of LL-37 and mCRAMP to promote lysosome development in macrophages. Moreover, the loss of PepO attenuates organ injury and decreases bacterial burdens in a murine model of S. suis bacteraemia. Taken together, these data provide novel insights into the role of the intrinsic proteolytic characteristics of PepO in S. suis-host interaction. Our findings demonstrate that S. suis utilizes the PepO protease to cleave cathelicidins, which is an immunosuppressive strategy adopted by this bacterium to facilitate pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjie Jin
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Siyu Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Huihui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Yueling Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Wanjiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Siguo Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Fang Xie
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
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Mwangi J, Kamau PM, Thuku RC, Lai R. Design methods for antimicrobial peptides with improved performance. Zool Res 2023; 44:1095-1114. [PMID: 37914524 PMCID: PMC10802102 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2023.246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The recalcitrance of pathogens to traditional antibiotics has made treating and eradicating bacterial infections more difficult. In this regard, developing new antimicrobial agents to combat antibiotic-resistant strains has become a top priority. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), a ubiquitous class of naturally occurring compounds with broad-spectrum antipathogenic activity, hold significant promise as an effective solution to the current antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis. Several AMPs have been identified and evaluated for their therapeutic application, with many already in the drug development pipeline. Their distinct properties, such as high target specificity, potency, and ability to bypass microbial resistance mechanisms, make AMPs a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics. Nonetheless, several challenges, such as high toxicity, lability to proteolytic degradation, low stability, poor pharmacokinetics, and high production costs, continue to hamper their clinical applicability. Therefore, recent research has focused on optimizing the properties of AMPs to improve their performance. By understanding the physicochemical properties of AMPs that correspond to their activity, such as amphipathicity, hydrophobicity, structural conformation, amino acid distribution, and composition, researchers can design AMPs with desired and improved performance. In this review, we highlight some of the key strategies used to optimize the performance of AMPs, including rational design and de novo synthesis. We also discuss the growing role of predictive computational tools, utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning, in the design and synthesis of highly efficacious lead drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Mwangi
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of Chinese Academy of Sciences, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Centre for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Centre, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Sino-African Joint Research Centre, New Cornerstone Science Institute, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650107, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
| | - Peter Muiruri Kamau
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of Chinese Academy of Sciences, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Centre for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Centre, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Sino-African Joint Research Centre, New Cornerstone Science Institute, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650107, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
| | - Rebecca Caroline Thuku
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of Chinese Academy of Sciences, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Centre for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Centre, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Sino-African Joint Research Centre, New Cornerstone Science Institute, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650107, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
| | - Ren Lai
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of Chinese Academy of Sciences, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Centre for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Centre, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Sino-African Joint Research Centre, New Cornerstone Science Institute, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650107, China
- Centre for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511458, China. E-mail:
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Savitskaya A, Masso-Silva J, Haddaoui I, Enany S. Exploring the arsenal of antimicrobial peptides: Mechanisms, diversity, and applications. Biochimie 2023; 214:216-227. [PMID: 37499896 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are essential for defence against pathogens in all living organisms and possessed activities against bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites and even cancer cells. AMPs are short peptides containing 12-100 amino acids conferring a net positive charge and an amphiphilic property in most cases. Although, anionic AMPs also exist. AMPs can be classified based on the types of secondary structures, charge, hydrophobicity, amino acid composition, length, etc. Their mechanism of action usually includes a membrane disruption process through pore formation (three different models have been described, barrel-stave, toroidal or carpet model) but AMPs can also penetrate and impair intracellular functions. Besides their activity against pathogens, they have also shown immunomodulatory properties in complex scenarios through many different interactions. The aim of this review to summarize knowledge about AMP's and discuss the potential application of AMPs as therapeutics, the challenges due to their limitations, including their susceptibility to degradation, the potential generation of AMP resistance, cost, etc. We also discuss the current FDA-approved drugs based on AMPs and strategies to circumvent natural AMPs' limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Savitskaya
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Jorge Masso-Silva
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep Medicine and Physiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Imen Haddaoui
- National Research Institute of Rural Engineering, Water and Forestry, University of Carthage, LR Valorization of Unconventional Waters, Ariana, Tunisia
| | - Shymaa Enany
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt; Biomedical Research Department, Armed Force College of Medicine, Cairo, Egypt.
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Lennard PR, Hiemstra PS, Nibbering PH. Complementary Activities of Host Defence Peptides and Antibiotics in Combating Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1518. [PMID: 37887219 PMCID: PMC10604037 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12101518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to their ability to eliminate antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria and to modulate the immune response, host defence peptides (HDPs) hold great promise for the clinical treatment of bacterial infections. Whereas monotherapy with HDPs is not likely to become an effective first-line treatment, combinations of such peptides with antibiotics can potentially provide a path to future therapies for AMR infections. Therefore, we critically reviewed the recent literature regarding the antibacterial activity of combinations of HDPs and antibiotics against AMR bacteria and the approaches taken in these studies. Of the 86 studies compiled, 56 featured a formal assessment of synergy between agents. Of the combinations assessed, synergistic and additive interactions between HDPs and antibiotics amounted to 84.9% of the records, while indifferent and antagonistic interactions accounted for 15.1%. Penicillin, aminoglycoside, fluoro/quinolone, and glycopeptide antibiotic classes were the most frequently documented as interacting with HDPs, and Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus faecium were the most reported bacterial species. Few studies formally evaluated the effects of combinations of HDPs and antibiotics on bacteria, and even fewer assessed such combinations against bacteria within biofilms, in animal models, or in advanced tissue infection models. Despite the biases of the current literature, the studies suggest that effective combinations of HDPs and antibiotics hold promise for the future treatment of infections caused by AMR bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick R. Lennard
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
- Institute of Immunology and Infection, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FE, UK
- PulmoScience Lab, Department of Pulmonology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden 2333, The Netherlands
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden 2333, The Netherlands;
| | - Pieter S. Hiemstra
- PulmoScience Lab, Department of Pulmonology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden 2333, The Netherlands
| | - Peter H. Nibbering
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden 2333, The Netherlands;
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Francis D, Veeramanickathadathil Hari G, Koonthanmala Subash A, Bhairaddy A, Joy A. The biofilm proteome of Staphylococcus aureus and its implications for therapeutic interventions to biofilm-associated infections. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2023; 138:327-400. [PMID: 38220430 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2023.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a major healthcare concern due to its ability to inflict life-threatening infections and evolve antibiotic resistance at an alarming pace. It is frequently associated with hospital-acquired infections, especially device-associated infections. Systemic infections due to S. aureus are difficult to treat and are associated with significant mortality and morbidity. The situation is worsened by the ability of S. aureus to form social associations called biofilms. Biofilms embed a community of cells with the ability to communicate with each other and share resources within a polysaccharide or protein matrix. S. aureus establish biofilms on tissues and conditioned abiotic surfaces. Biofilms are hyper-tolerant to antibiotics and help evade host immune responses. Biofilms exacerbate the severity and recalcitrance of device-associated infections. The development of a biofilm involves various biomolecules, such as polysaccharides, proteins and nucleic acids, contributing to different structural and functional roles. Interconnected signaling pathways and regulatory molecules modulate the expression of these molecules. A comprehensive understanding of the molecular biology of biofilm development would help to devise effective anti-biofilm therapeutics. Although bactericidal agents, antimicrobial peptides, bacteriophages and nano-conjugated anti-biofilm agents have been employed with varying levels of success, there is still a requirement for effective and clinically viable anti-biofilm therapeutics. Proteins that are expressed and utilized during biofilm formation, constituting the biofilm proteome, are a particularly attractive target for anti-biofilm strategies. The proteome can be explored to identify potential anti-biofilm drug targets and utilized for rational drug discovery. With the aim of uncovering the biofilm proteome, this chapter explores the mechanism of biofilm formation and its regulation. Furthermore, it explores the antibiofilm therapeutics targeted against the biofilm proteome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dileep Francis
- Department of Life Sciences, Kristu Jayanti College (Autonomous), Bengaluru, India.
| | | | | | - Anusha Bhairaddy
- Department of Life Sciences, Kristu Jayanti College (Autonomous), Bengaluru, India
| | - Atheene Joy
- Department of Life Sciences, Kristu Jayanti College (Autonomous), Bengaluru, India
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16
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Amarh MA, Laryea MK, Borquaye LS. De novo peptides as potential antimicrobial agents. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19641. [PMID: 37809653 PMCID: PMC10558864 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The phenomenon of antimicrobial resistance threatens our ability to treat common infections. The clinical pipeline for new antimicrobials is pretty much dry and hence, there is a need for the development of new antimicrobial agents with low toxicities to help fight resistant microorganisms. This work aimed to design antimicrobial peptides with low toxicities using a database filtering technology and evaluate their bioactivities. The physicochemical properties of the designed peptides were explored with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Microbroth dilution and hemolytic assays were used to assess the peptides' antimicrobial activity and toxicity. The activity of combinations of the peptides and some standard antibiotics was tested by the checkerboard method. In general, the designed peptides had a charge of +2, chain length of 13, and hydrophobicity of 61%. The predicted secondary structures of the peptides were either extended conformations or alpha-helices, and these structures were found to fluctuate during the MD simulations, where coils, bends, and helices dominated. , of the peptides, BRG003, BRG004 and BRG002 had the greatest aggregation propensities, whereas BRG001, BRG005, and BRG006 exhibited lower aggregation propensities. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the peptides ranged from 0.015 to >1.879 μM, with BRGP-001 exhibiting high activity against MRSA with an MIC of 15 nM. BRGP-005 and BRGP-006 exhibited synergistic effects against Escherichia coliR when used in combination with erythromycin. At the minimum hemolytic concentration, the percentage of lysed erythrocytes was lower for all the peptides in comparison to the reference peptide, indicating low hemolytic activity. The study revealed the importance of peptide self-association in the antimicrobial activity of the peptides. These peptides provide a basis for the design of potent antimicrobial peptides that can further be developed for use in antimicrobial therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Amerley Amarh
- Department of Chemistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Michael Konney Laryea
- Department of Chemistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Lawrence Sheringham Borquaye
- Department of Chemistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Central Laboratory, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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Cavallazzi Sebold B, Li J, Ni G, Fu Q, Li H, Liu X, Wang T. Going Beyond Host Defence Peptides: Horizons of Chemically Engineered Peptides for Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria. BioDrugs 2023; 37:607-623. [PMID: 37300748 PMCID: PMC10432368 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-023-00608-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria are considered a health threat worldwide, and this problem is set to increase over the decades. The ESKAPE, a group of six pathogens including Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter spp. is the major source of concern due to their high death incidence and nosocomial acquired infection. Host defence peptides (HDPs) are a class of ribosomally synthesised peptides that have shown promising results in combating MDR, including the ESKAPE group, in- and outside bacterial biofilms. However, their poor pharmacokinetics in physiological mediums may impede HDPs from becoming viable clinical candidates. To circumvent this problem, chemical engineering of HDPs has been seen as an emergent approach to not only improve their pharmacokinetics but also their efficacy against pathogens. In this review, we explore several chemical modifications of HDPs that have shown promising results, especially against ESKAPE pathogens, and provide an overview of the current findings with respect to each modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernardo Cavallazzi Sebold
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore BC, QLD, 4558, Australia
- School of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore BC, QLD, 4558, Australia
| | - Junjie Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital/Clinical Medical School, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Guoying Ni
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore BC, QLD, 4558, Australia
- The First Affiliated Hospital/Clinical Medical School, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
- Cancer Research Institute, First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China
| | - Quanlan Fu
- The First Affiliated Hospital/Clinical Medical School, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Hejie Li
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore BC, QLD, 4558, Australia
- School of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore BC, QLD, 4558, Australia
| | - Xiaosong Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital/Clinical Medical School, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China.
- Cancer Research Institute, First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China.
| | - Tianfang Wang
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore BC, QLD, 4558, Australia.
- School of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore BC, QLD, 4558, Australia.
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18
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Lander AJ, Mercado LD, Li X, Taily IM, Findlay BL, Jin Y, Luk LYP. Roles of inter- and intramolecular tryptophan interactions in membrane-active proteins revealed by racemic protein crystallography. Commun Chem 2023; 6:154. [PMID: 37464011 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-023-00953-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Tryptophan is frequently found on the surface of membrane-associated proteins that interact with the lipid membrane. However, because of their multifaceted interactions, it is difficult to pinpoint the structure-activity relationship of each tryptophan residue. Here, we describe the use of racemic protein crystallography to probe dedicated tryptophan interactions of a model tryptophan-rich bacteriocin aureocin A53 (AucA) by inclusion and/or exclusion of potential ligands. In the presence of tetrahedral anions that are isosteric to the head group of phospholipids, distinct tryptophan H-bond networks were revealed. H-bond donation by W40 was critical for antibacterial activity, as its substitution by 1-methyltryptophan resulted in substantial loss of activity against bacterial clinical isolates. Meanwhile, exclusion of tetrahedral ions revealed that W3 partakes in formation of a dimeric interface, thus suggesting that AucA is dimeric in solution and dissociated to interact with the phosphate head group in the presence of the lipid membrane. Based on these findings, we could predict the tryptophan residue responsible for activity as well as the oligomeric state of a distant homologue lacticin Q (48%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J Lander
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Laura Domínguez Mercado
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Richard J. Renaud Science Complex, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec, H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Xuefei Li
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Irshad Maajid Taily
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Brandon L Findlay
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Richard J. Renaud Science Complex, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec, H4B 1R6, Canada.
| | - Yi Jin
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK.
| | - Louis Y P Luk
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK.
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Lin C, Ma Z, Gao Y, Le M, Shi Z, Qi D, Ma JC, Cui ZK, Wang L, Jia YG. Main-Chain Cationic Bile Acid Polymers Mimicking Facially Amphiphilic Antimicrobial Peptides. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023. [PMID: 37400427 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c06424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections have led to an increased demand for antibacterial agents that do not contribute to antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with the facially amphiphilic structures have demonstrated remarkable effectiveness, including the ability to suppress antibiotic resistance during bacterial treatment. Herein, inspired by the facially amphiphilic structure of AMPs, the facially amphiphilic skeletons of bile acids (BAs) are utilized as building blocks to create a main-chain cationic bile acid polymer (MCBAP) with macromolecular facial amphiphilicity via polycondensation and a subsequent quaternization. The optimal MCBAP displays an effective activity against Gram-positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Gram-negative Escherichia coli, fast killing efficacy, superior bactericidal stability in vitro, and potent anti-infectious performance in vivo using the MRSA-infected wound model. MCBAP shows the low possibility to develop drug-resistant bacteria after repeated exposure, which may ascribe to the macromolecular facial amphiphilicity promoting bacterial membrane disruption and the generation of reactive oxygen species. The easy synthesis and low cost of MCBAP, the superior antimicrobial performance, and the therapeutic potential in treating MRSA infection altogether demonstrate that BAs are a promising group of building blocks to mimic the facially amphiphilic structure of AMPs in treating MRSA infection and alleviating antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caihong Lin
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zunwei Ma
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yunpeng Gao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Mengqi Le
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhifeng Shi
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Dawei Qi
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Turku 20520, Finland
| | - Jian-Chao Ma
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zhong-Kai Cui
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Lin Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Guangdong Province; Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education; Innovation Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yong-Guang Jia
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Guangdong Province; Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education; Innovation Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
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Hsieh RC, Liu R, Burgin DJ, Otto M. Understanding mechanisms of virulence in MRSA: implications for antivirulence treatment strategies. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2023; 21:911-928. [PMID: 37501364 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2023.2242585] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a widespread pathogen, often causing recurrent and deadly infections in the hospital and community. Many S. aureus virulence factors have been suggested as potential targets for antivirulence therapy to decrease the threat of diminishing antibiotic availability. Antivirulence methods hold promise due to their adjunctive and prophylactic potential and decreased risk for selective pressure. AREAS COVERED This review describes the dominant virulence mechanisms exerted by MRSA and antivirulence therapeutics that are currently undergoing testing in clinical or preclinical stages. We also discuss the advantages and downsides of several investigational antivirulence approaches, including the targeting of bacterial transporters, host-directed therapy, and quorum-sensing inhibitors. For this review, a systematic search of literature on PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science for relevant search terms was performed in April and May 2023. EXPERT OPINION Vaccine and antibody strategies have failed in clinical trials and could benefit from more basic science-informed approaches. Antivirulence-targeting approaches need to be set up better to meet the requirements of drug development, rather than only providing limited results to provide 'proof-of-principle' translational value of pathogenesis research. Nevertheless, there is great potential of such strategies and potential particular promise for novel probiotic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger C Hsieh
- Pathogen Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ryan Liu
- Pathogen Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Dylan J Burgin
- Pathogen Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael Otto
- Pathogen Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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21
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Ganesan N, Mishra B, Felix L, Mylonakis E. Antimicrobial Peptides and Small Molecules Targeting the Cell Membrane of Staphylococcus aureus. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2023; 87:e0003722. [PMID: 37129495 PMCID: PMC10304793 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00037-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical management of Staphylococcus aureus infections presents a challenge due to the high incidence, considerable virulence, and emergence of drug resistance mechanisms. The treatment of drug-resistant strains, such as methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), is further complicated by the development of tolerance and persistence to antimicrobial agents in clinical use. To address these challenges, membrane disruptors, that are not generally considered during drug discovery for agents against S. aureus, should be explored. The cell membrane protects S. aureus from external stresses and antimicrobial agents, but membrane-targeting antimicrobial agents are probably less likely to promote bacterial resistance. Nontypical linear cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), highly modified AMPs such as daptomycin (lipopeptide), bacitracin (cyclic peptide), and gramicidin S (cyclic peptide), are currently in clinical use. Recent studies have demonstrated that AMPs and small molecules can penetrate the cell membrane of S. aureus, inhibit phospholipid biosynthesis, or block the passage of solutes between the periplasm and the exterior of the cell. In addition to their primary mechanism of action (MOA) that targets the bacterial membrane, AMPs and small molecules may also impact bacteria through secondary mechanisms such as targeting the biofilm, and downregulating virulence genes of S. aureus. In this review, we discuss the current state of research into cell membrane-targeting AMPs and small molecules and their potential mechanisms of action against drug-resistant physiological forms of S. aureus, including persister cells and biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narchonai Ganesan
- Infectious Diseases Division, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Biswajit Mishra
- Infectious Diseases Division, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - LewisOscar Felix
- Infectious Diseases Division, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Eleftherios Mylonakis
- Infectious Diseases Division, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
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22
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Shen X, Rao Y, Wang J, Niu X, Wang Y, Chen W, Liu F, Guo L, Chen H. Biocompatible cationic polypeptoids with antibacterial selectivity depending on hydrophobic carbon chain length. J Mater Chem B 2023. [PMID: 37326556 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb00643c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The overuse of antibiotics has triggered a new infection crisis and natural antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been extensively studied as an alternative to fight microorganisms. Polypeptoids, or polypeptide-biomimetics, offer similar properties to polypeptides and a highly tunable structure that has been synthesized by various methods such as ring opening polymerization (ROP) using N-carboxyanhydride monomers. Simultaneous high antibacterial activity and biocompatibility of a structure by efficient synthesis is desired in the application of those materials. Herein, a series of cationic polypeptoids (PNBs) with variable side chain lengths was obtained by introducing positive charges to the main chain in one step and preserving the backbone structure, namely polypeptoids (PNBM, PNBE, PNBB) with different end groups (methyl (M), ethyl (E), butyl (B)). To address the issue of infection in interventional biomedical implants, we report cost-effective modified polyurethane (PU) films (PU-PNBM, PU-PNBE, PU-PNBB) as physical-biological synergistic antibacterial surfaces that overcome problems such as steric hindrance and the solubility of the materials. Antibacterial selectivity was achieved by regulating the different side chain lengths. When methyl and ethyl were used as hydrophobic side chains, they can only selectively kill Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. PNBB, the most hydrophobic and with a butyl side chain can kill both Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and inhibit the growth of bacterial biofilms. Effective in both solution and modified substrate, its biocompatibility is not compromised while the antibacterial properties are substantially improved. Furthermore, PU-PNBB films demonstrated their potential in vivo antimicrobial efficiency in a model of S. aureus infection established on mouse skin. The synthesis route and the surface modification strategies are convenient, providing a solution to the problem of poor biocompatibility in antimicrobial surface applications and a strategy for the use of peptide polymers for targeted therapy after specific infections in the biomedical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiran Shen
- Research School of Polymeric Materials, School of Material Science & Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 202113, P. R. China.
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Yu Rao
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Jinghong Wang
- Jiangsu Biosurf Biotech Co., Ltd, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
- The SIP Biointerface Engineering Research Institute, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Xiaomeng Niu
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Yichen Wang
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Wentao Chen
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Fan Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China.
| | - Li Guo
- Research School of Polymeric Materials, School of Material Science & Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 202113, P. R. China.
| | - Hong Chen
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
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23
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Zhu Y, Yu X, Cheng G. Human skin bacterial microbiota homeostasis: A delicate balance between health and disease. MLIFE 2023; 2:107-120. [PMID: 38817619 PMCID: PMC10989898 DOI: 10.1002/mlf2.12064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
As the largest organ of the body, the skin acts as a barrier to prevent diseases and harbors a variety of beneficial bacteria. Furthermore, the skin bacterial microbiota plays a vital role in health and disease. Disruption of the barrier or an imbalance between symbionts and pathogens can lead to skin disorders or even systemic diseases. In this review, we first provide an overview of research on skin bacterial microbiota and human health, including the composition of skin bacteria in a healthy state, as well as skin bacterial microbiota educating the immune system and preventing the invasion of pathogens. We then discuss the diseases that result from skin microbial dysbiosis, including atopic dermatitis, common acne, chronic wounds, psoriasis, viral transmission, cutaneous lupus, cutaneous lymphoma, and hidradenitis suppurativa. Finally, we highlight the progress that utilizes skin microorganisms for disease therapeutics, such as bacteriotherapy and skin microbiome transplantation. A deeper knowledge of the interaction between human health and disease and the homeostasis of the skin bacterial microbiota will lead to new insights and strategies for exploiting skin bacteria as a novel therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibin Zhu
- Tsinghua University‐Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- Shenzhen Bay LaboratoryInstitute of Infectious DiseasesShenzhenChina
| | - Xi Yu
- Tsinghua University‐Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- Shenzhen Bay LaboratoryInstitute of Infectious DiseasesShenzhenChina
| | - Gong Cheng
- Tsinghua University‐Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- Shenzhen Bay LaboratoryInstitute of Infectious DiseasesShenzhenChina
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24
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Sowers A, Wang G, Xing M, Li B. Advances in Antimicrobial Peptide Discovery via Machine Learning and Delivery via Nanotechnology. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1129. [PMID: 37317103 PMCID: PMC10223199 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051129] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been investigated for their potential use as an alternative to antibiotics due to the increased demand for new antimicrobial agents. AMPs, widely found in nature and obtained from microorganisms, have a broad range of antimicrobial protection, allowing them to be applied in the treatment of infections caused by various pathogenic microorganisms. Since these peptides are primarily cationic, they prefer anionic bacterial membranes due to electrostatic interactions. However, the applications of AMPs are currently limited owing to their hemolytic activity, poor bioavailability, degradation from proteolytic enzymes, and high-cost production. To overcome these limitations, nanotechnology has been used to improve AMP bioavailability, permeation across barriers, and/or protection against degradation. In addition, machine learning has been investigated due to its time-saving and cost-effective algorithms to predict AMPs. There are numerous databases available to train machine learning models. In this review, we focus on nanotechnology approaches for AMP delivery and advances in AMP design via machine learning. The AMP sources, classification, structures, antimicrobial mechanisms, their role in diseases, peptide engineering technologies, currently available databases, and machine learning techniques used to predict AMPs with minimal toxicity are discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa Sowers
- Department of Orthopaedics, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
- School of Pharmacy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Guangshun Wang
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Malcolm Xing
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Bingyun Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
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25
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Souche A, Vandenesch F, Doléans-Jordheim A, Moreau K. How Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Hijack the Host Immune Response in the Context of Cystic Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076609. [PMID: 37047579 PMCID: PMC10094765 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a serious genetic disease that leads to premature death, mainly due to impaired lung function. CF lungs are characterized by ongoing inflammation, impaired immune response, and chronic bacterial colonization. Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) are the two most predominant bacterial agents of these chronic infections. Both can colonize the lungs for years by developing host adaptation strategies. In this review, we examined the mechanisms by which SA and PA adapt to the host immune response. They are able to bypass the physical integrity of airway epithelia, evade recognition, and then modulate host immune cell proliferation. They also modulate the immune response by regulating cytokine production and by counteracting the activity of neutrophils and other immune cells. Inhibition of the immune response benefits not only the species that implements them but also other species present, and we therefore discuss how these mechanisms can promote the establishment of coinfections in CF lungs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubin Souche
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France
- Institut des Agents Infectieux, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69002 Lyon, France
| | - François Vandenesch
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France
- Institut des Agents Infectieux, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69002 Lyon, France
| | - Anne Doléans-Jordheim
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France
- Institut des Agents Infectieux, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69002 Lyon, France
| | - Karen Moreau
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France
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26
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Chaudhary S, Ali Z, Tehseen M, Haney EF, Pantoja-Angles A, Alshehri S, Wang T, Clancy GJ, Ayach M, Hauser C, Hong PY, Hamdan SM, Hancock REW, Mahfouz M. Efficient in planta production of amidated antimicrobial peptides that are active against drug-resistant ESKAPE pathogens. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1464. [PMID: 36928189 PMCID: PMC10020429 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37003-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising next-generation antibiotics that can be used to combat drug-resistant pathogens. However, the high cost involved in AMP synthesis and their short plasma half-life render their clinical translation a challenge. To address these shortcomings, we report efficient production of bioactive amidated AMPs by transient expression of glycine-extended AMPs in Nicotiana benthamiana line expressing the mammalian enzyme peptidylglycine α-amidating mono-oxygenase (PAM). Cationic AMPs accumulate to substantial levels in PAM transgenic plants compare to nontransgenic N. benthamiana. Moreover, AMPs purified from plants exhibit robust killing activity against six highly virulent and antibiotic resistant ESKAPE pathogens, prevent their biofilm formation, analogous to their synthetic counterparts and synergize with antibiotics. We also perform a base case techno-economic analysis of our platform, demonstrating the potential economic advantages and scalability for industrial use. Taken together, our experimental data and techno-economic analysis demonstrate the potential use of plant chassis for large-scale production of clinical-grade AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahid Chaudhary
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering and Synthetic Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zahir Ali
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering and Synthetic Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Tehseen
- Laboratory of DNA Replication and Recombination, Division of Biological Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Evan F Haney
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Aarón Pantoja-Angles
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering and Synthetic Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salwa Alshehri
- Laboratory for Nanomedicine, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, 21577, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tiannyu Wang
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center, Division of Biological Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gerard J Clancy
- Analytical Chemistry Core Laboratory, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Maya Ayach
- Imaging & Characterization Core Laboratory, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Charlotte Hauser
- Laboratory for Nanomedicine, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Pei-Ying Hong
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center, Division of Biological Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Samir M Hamdan
- Laboratory of DNA Replication and Recombination, Division of Biological Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Robert E W Hancock
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Magdy Mahfouz
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering and Synthetic Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
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27
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França A. The Role of Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci Biofilms on Late-Onset Sepsis: Current Challenges and Emerging Diagnostics and Therapies. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12030554. [PMID: 36978421 PMCID: PMC10044083 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12030554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Infections are one of the most significant complications of neonates, especially those born preterm, with sepsis as one of the principal causes of mortality. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), a group of staphylococcal species that naturally inhabit healthy human skin and mucosa, are the most common cause of late-onset sepsis, especially in preterms. One of the risk factors for the development of CoNS infections is the presence of implanted biomedical devices, which are frequently used for medications and/or nutrient delivery, as they serve as a scaffold for biofilm formation. The major concerns related to CoNS infections have to do with the increasing resistance to multiple antibiotics observed among this bacterial group and biofilm cells’ increased tolerance to antibiotics. As such, the treatment of CoNS biofilm-associated infections with antibiotics is increasingly challenging and considering that antibiotics remain the primary form of treatment, this issue will likely persist in upcoming years. For that reason, the development of innovative and efficient therapeutic measures is of utmost importance. This narrative review assesses the current challenges and emerging diagnostic tools and therapies for the treatment of CoNS biofilm-associated infections, with a special focus on late-onset sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela França
- Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO—Laboratório de Investigação em Biofilmes Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal;
- LABBELS—Associate Laboratory in Biotechnology and Bioengineering and Microelectromechanical Systems, Braga and Guimarães, Portugal
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28
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Antimicrobial peptides for combating drug-resistant bacterial infections. Drug Resist Updat 2023; 68:100954. [PMID: 36905712 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2023.100954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 92.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
The problem of drug resistance due to long-term use of antibiotics has been a concern for years. As this problem grows worse, infections caused by multiple bacteria are expanding rapidly and are extremely detrimental to human health. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a good alternative to current antimicrobials with potent antimicrobial activity and unique antimicrobial mechanisms, which have advantages over traditional antibiotics in fighting against drug-resistant bacterial infections. Currently, researchers have conducted clinical investigations on AMPs for drug-resistant bacterial infections while integrating new technologies in the development of AMPs, such as changing amino acid structure of AMPs and using different delivery methods for AMPs. This article introduces the basic properties of AMPs, deliberates the mechanism of drug resistance in bacteria and the therapeutic mechanism of AMPs. The current disadvantages and advances of AMPs in combating drug-resistant bacterial infections are also discussed. This article provides important insights into the research and clinical application of new AMPs for drug-resistant bacterial infections.
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29
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Memariani H, Memariani M. Antibiofilm properties of cathelicidin LL-37: an in-depth review. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 39:99. [PMID: 36781570 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-023-03545-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Notwithstanding ceaseless endeavors toward developing effective antibiofilm chemotherapeutics, biofilm-associated infections continue to be one of the most perplexing challenges confronting medicine today. Endogenous host defense peptides, such as the human cathelicidin LL-37, are being propounded as promising options for treating such infectious diseases. Over the past decennium, LL-37 has duly received tremendous research attention by virtue of its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and immunomodulatory properties. No attempt has hitherto been made, as far as we are aware, to comprehensively review the antibiofilm effects of LL-37. Accordingly, the intent in this paper is to provide a fairly all-embracing review of the literature available on the subject. Accumulating evidence suggests that LL-37 is able to prevent biofilm establishment by different bacterial pathogens such as Acinetobacter baumannii, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Bacteroides fragilis, Burkholderia thailandensis, Cutibacterium acnes, Escherichia coli, Francisella tularensis, Helicobacter pylori, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes. Inhibition of bacterial adhesion, downregulation of biofilm-associated genes, suppression of quorum-sensing pathways, degradation of biofilm matrix, and eradication of biofilm-residing cells are the major mechanisms responsible for antibiofilm properties of LL-37. In terms of its efficacy and safety in vivo, there are still many questions to be answered. Undoubtedly, LL-37 can open up new windows of opportunity to prevent and treat obstinate biofilm-mediated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Memariani
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Memariani
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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30
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Muhammad T, Strömstedt AA, Gunasekera S, Göransson U. Transforming Cross-Linked Cyclic Dimers of KR-12 into Stable and Potent Antimicrobial Drug Leads. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020504. [PMID: 36831040 PMCID: PMC9953701 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Is it possible to enhance structural stability and biological activity of KR-12, a truncated antimicrobial peptide derived from the human host defense peptide LL-37? Based on the mapping of essential residues in KR-12, we have designed backbone-cyclized dimers, cross-linked via a disulfide bond to improve peptide stability, while at the same time improving on-target activity. Circular dichroism showed that each of the dimers adopts a primarily alpha-helical conformation (55% helical content) when bound to lyso-phosphatidylglycerol micelles, indicating that the helical propensity of the parent peptide is maintained in the new cross-linked cyclic form. Compared to KR-12, one of the cross-linked dimers showed 16-fold more potent antimicrobial activity against human pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans and 8-fold increased activity against Escherichia coli. Furthermore, these peptides retained antimicrobial activity at physiologically relevant conditions, including in the presence of salts and in human serum, and with selective Gram-negative antibacterial activity in rich growth media. In addition to giving further insight into the structure-activity relationship of KR-12, the current work demonstrates that by combining peptide stabilization strategies (dimerization, backbone cyclization, and cross-linking via a disulfide bond), KR-12 can be engineered into a potent antimicrobial peptide drug lead with potential utility in a therapeutic context.
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31
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Francis D, Bhairaddy A, Joy A, Hari GV, Francis A. Secretory proteins in the orchestration of microbial virulence: The curious case of Staphylococcus aureus. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2023; 133:271-350. [PMID: 36707204 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2022.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Microbial virulence showcases an excellent model for adaptive changes that enable an organism to survive and proliferate in a hostile environment and exploit host resources to its own benefit. In Staphylococcus aureus, an opportunistic pathogen of the human host, known for the diversity of the disease conditions it inflicts and the rapid evolution of antibiotic resistance, virulence is a consequence of having a highly plastic genome that is amenable to quick reprogramming and the ability to express a diverse arsenal of virulence factors. Virulence factors that are secreted to the host milieu effectively manipulate the host conditions to favor bacterial survival and growth. They assist in colonization, nutrient acquisition, immune evasion, and systemic spread. The structural and functional characteristics of the secreted virulence proteins have been shaped to assist S. aureus in thriving and disseminating effectively within the host environment and exploiting the host resources to its best benefit. With the aim of highlighting the importance of secreted virulence proteins in bacterial virulence, the present chapter provides a comprehensive account of the role of the major secreted proteins of S. aureus in orchestrating its virulence in the human host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dileep Francis
- Department of Life Sciences, Kristu Jayanti College, Autonomous, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
| | - Anusha Bhairaddy
- Department of Life Sciences, Kristu Jayanti College, Autonomous, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Atheene Joy
- Department of Life Sciences, Kristu Jayanti College, Autonomous, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Ashik Francis
- Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
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32
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Zhang H, Chen Q, Xie J, Cong Z, Cao C, Zhang W, Zhang D, Chen S, Gu J, Deng S, Qiao Z, Zhang X, Li M, Lu Z, Liu R. Switching from membrane disrupting to membrane crossing, an effective strategy in designing antibacterial polypeptide. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eabn0771. [PMID: 36696494 PMCID: PMC9876554 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn0771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Drug-resistant bacterial infections have caused serious threats to human health and call for effective antibacterial agents that have low propensity to induce antimicrobial resistance. Host defense peptide-mimicking peptides are actively explored, among which poly-β-l-lysine displays potent antibacterial activity but high cytotoxicity due to the helical structure and strong membrane disruption effect. Here, we report an effective strategy to optimize antimicrobial peptides by switching membrane disrupting to membrane penetrating and intracellular targeting by breaking the helical structure using racemic residues. Introducing β-homo-glycine into poly-β-lysine effectively reduces the toxicity of resulting poly-β-peptides and affords the optimal poly-β-peptide, βLys50HG50, which shows potent antibacterial activity against clinically isolated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and MRSA persister cells, excellent biosafety, no antimicrobial resistance, and strong therapeutic potential in both local and systemic MRSA infections. The optimal poly-β-peptide demonstrates strong therapeutic potential and implies the success of our approach as a generalizable strategy in designing promising antibacterial polypeptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haodong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Qi Chen
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Jiayang Xie
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Zihao Cong
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Chuntao Cao
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Donghui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Sheng Chen
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Jiawei Gu
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Shuai Deng
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Zhongqian Qiao
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xinyue Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Maoquan Li
- Department of Interventional and Vascular Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Ziyi Lu
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Runhui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
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Decker AP, Su Y, Mishra B, Verma A, Lushnikova T, Xie J, Wang G. Peptide Stability Is Important but Not a General Requirement for Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activity In Vitro and In Vivo. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:738-749. [PMID: 36485036 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Peptide stability to proteases has been a major requirement for developing peptide therapeutics. This study investigates the effects of peptide stability on antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity under various conditions. For this purpose, two human cathelicidin-derived peptides differing in stability to proteases were utilized. While GF-17, a peptide derived from the major antimicrobial region of human LL-37, can be rapidly cleaved by proteases, the engineered peptide 17BIPHE2 is resistant to multiple proteases. In the standard antimicrobial susceptibility, killing kinetics, and membrane permeabilization assays conducted in vitro using planktonic bacteria, these two peptides displayed similar potency. The two peptides were also similarly active against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) USA300 prior to biofilm formation. However, 17BIPHE2 was superior to GF-17 in disrupting preformed biofilms probably due to both enhanced stability and slightly higher DNA binding capacity. In a wax moth model, 17BIPHE2 better protected insects from MRSA infection-caused death than GF-17, consistent with the slower degradation of 17BIPHE2 than GF-17. Here, peptide antimicrobial activity was found to be critical for in vivo efficacy. When incorporated in the nanofiber/microneedle delivery device, GF-17 and 17BIPHE2 displayed a similar effect in eliminating MRSA in murine chronic wounds, underscoring the advantage of nanofibers in protecting the peptide from degradation. Since nanoformulation can ease the requirement of peptide stability, it opens the door to a direct use of natural peptides or their cocktails for antimicrobial treatment, accelerating the search of effective antibiofilm peptides to treat chronic wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron P Decker
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5900, United States
| | - Yajuan Su
- Department of Surgery-Transplant and Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
| | - Biswajit Mishra
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5900, United States
| | - Atul Verma
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5900, United States
| | - Tamara Lushnikova
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5900, United States
| | - Jingwei Xie
- Department of Surgery-Transplant and Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
| | - Guangshun Wang
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5900, United States
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Liu Y, Zhang X, Meng C, Ji S, Guo K. Antimicrobial activity of the recombinant peptide Melittin-Thanatin with three glycine to tryptophan mutations. Prep Biochem Biotechnol 2022:1-11. [PMID: 36508334 DOI: 10.1080/10826068.2022.2151016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The antimicrobial peptide was considered an important target for developing novel antibacterial drugs. However, the unstable biological activity and the low antibacterial activity are challenges for the application of recombinant proteins. In this study, the fusion peptide of Melittin-Thanatin (MT) was designed and produced, and its derivative sequence (MT-W) was obtained by replacing three glycines (Gly, G) with tryptophan (Trp, W). The MT-W peptide were synthesized in Bacillus subtilis WB700 by EDDIE self-cleavage protein fusion. Compared with MT, MT-W exhibited 2-4 times higher antibacterial rate against Escherichia coli K88. In addition, MT-W showed lower cytotoxicity (IC50 > 300 mg·L-1) to the red blood cell, and more stable biological activities under the conditions of different temperatures (20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90 °C), pH values (2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, and 9.0) and different proteases. Especially, MT-W showed a broader antibacterial effect on three drug-resistant strains than florfenicol and oxytetracycline calcium. In conclusion, compared with MT, the MT-W showed increased antibacterial activity, stability, lower cytotoxicity, and broader antimicrobial effect. Therefore, it would become a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Xiuping Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Tarim University, Alar, China
| | - Chunyan Meng
- Beijing Sinogene High-Tech Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Shengyue Ji
- Beijing Sinogene High-Tech Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kangkang Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
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35
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Wei R, Wang X, Wang Q, Qiang G, Zhang L, Hu HY. Hyperglycemia in Diabetic Skin Infections Promotes Staphylococcus aureus Virulence Factor Aureolysin: Visualization by Molecular Imaging. ACS Sens 2022; 7:3416-3421. [PMID: 36351204 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.2c01565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial skin infections are common in diabetic patients, with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) being the most commonly isolated, causing comorbidities such as increased mortality and long-term hospitalization. While precise mechanisms remain to be determined, hyperglycemia represents an important pathogenetic factor responsible for the increased risk of S. aureus infection. Herein, we constructed a series of ratiometric fluorescent molecular probes for aureolysin (Aur), a major virulence factor in S. aureus. Using probe 1, we were able to determine specific Aur activity in both cells and tissues. We also observed that elevated glucose levels led to 2-fold higher Aur expression in S. aureus cultures. In a diabetic mouse model, we used molecular imaging to demonstrate that hyperglycemia tripled S. aureus Aur virulence compared to nondiabetic mice, resulting in more severe infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rao Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substance Discovery and Drug Ability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substance Discovery and Drug Ability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Qinghua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substance Discovery and Drug Ability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Guifen Qiang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target and Screening Research, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Leilei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substance Discovery and Drug Ability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Hai-Yu Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substance Discovery and Drug Ability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
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36
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Cadau S, Gault M, Berthelemy N, Hsu CY, Danoux L, Pelletier N, Goudounèche D, Pons C, Leprince C, André-Frei V, Simon M, Pain S. An Inflamed and Infected Reconstructed Human Epidermis to Study Atopic Dermatitis and Skin Care Ingredients. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12880. [PMID: 36361668 PMCID: PMC9656979 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD), the most common inflammatory skin disorder, is a multifactorial disease characterized by a genetic predisposition, epidermal barrier disruption, a strong T helper (Th) type 2 immune reaction to environmental antigens and an altered cutaneous microbiome. Microbial dysbiosis characterized by the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) has been shown to exacerbate AD. In recent years, in vitro models of AD have been developed, but none of them reproduce all of the pathophysiological features. To better mimic AD, we developed reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) exposed to a Th2 pro-inflammatory cytokine cocktail and S. aureus. This model well reproduced some of the vicious loops involved in AD, with alterations at the physical, microbial and immune levels. Our results strongly suggest that S. aureus acquired a higher virulence potential when the epidermis was challenged with inflammatory cytokines, thus later contributing to the chronic inflammatory status. Furthermore, a topical application of a Castanea sativa extract was shown to prevent the apparition of the AD-like phenotype. It increased filaggrin, claudin-1 and loricrin expressions and controlled S. aureus by impairing its biofilm formation, enzymatic activities and inflammatory potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Cadau
- BASF Beauty Care Solutions France, 32 Rue Saint Jean de Dieu, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Manon Gault
- BASF Beauty Care Solutions France, 32 Rue Saint Jean de Dieu, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Nicolas Berthelemy
- BASF Beauty Care Solutions France, 32 Rue Saint Jean de Dieu, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Chiung-Yueh Hsu
- BASF Beauty Care Solutions France, 32 Rue Saint Jean de Dieu, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Louis Danoux
- BASF Beauty Care Solutions France, 32 Rue Saint Jean de Dieu, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Nicolas Pelletier
- BASF Beauty Care Solutions France, 32 Rue Saint Jean de Dieu, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Dominique Goudounèche
- Centre de Microscopie Electronique Appliquée à la Biologie, Paul Sabatier University, 133, Route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Carole Pons
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), CNRS UMR5051and Inserm UMR1291, CHU Purpan BP 3028, CEDEX 3, 31024 Toulouse, France
| | - Corinne Leprince
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), CNRS UMR5051and Inserm UMR1291, CHU Purpan BP 3028, CEDEX 3, 31024 Toulouse, France
| | - Valérie André-Frei
- BASF Beauty Care Solutions France, 32 Rue Saint Jean de Dieu, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Michel Simon
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), CNRS UMR5051and Inserm UMR1291, CHU Purpan BP 3028, CEDEX 3, 31024 Toulouse, France
| | - Sabine Pain
- BASF Beauty Care Solutions France, 32 Rue Saint Jean de Dieu, 69007 Lyon, France
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37
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Deo S, Turton KL, Kainth T, Kumar A, Wieden HJ. Strategies for improving antimicrobial peptide production. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 59:107968. [PMID: 35489657 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.107968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) found in a wide range of animal, insect, and plant species are host defense peptides forming an integral part of their innate immunity. Although the exact mode of action of some AMPs is yet to be deciphered, many exhibit membrane lytic activity or interact with intracellular targets. The ever-growing threat of antibiotic resistance has brought attention to research on AMPs to enhance their clinical use as a therapeutic alternative. AMPs have several advantages over antibiotics such as broad range of antimicrobial activities including anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial, and have not reported to contribute to resistance development. Despite the numerous studies to develop efficient production methods for AMPs, limitations including low yield, degradation, and loss of activity persists in many recombinant approaches. In this review, we outline available approaches for AMP production and various expression systems used to achieve higher yield and quality. In addition, recent advances in recombinant strategies, suitable fusion protein partners, and other molecular engineering strategies for improved AMP production are surveyed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumya Deo
- Department of Microbiology, Buller building, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Kristi L Turton
- Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Dr. W., Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Tajinder Kainth
- Department of Microbiology, Buller building, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Ayush Kumar
- Department of Microbiology, Buller building, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Hans-Joachim Wieden
- Department of Microbiology, Buller building, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada.
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38
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Bhat RAH, Thakuria D, Tandel RS, Khangembam VC, Dash P, Tripathi G, Sarma D. Tools and techniques for rational designing of antimicrobial peptides for aquaculture. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 127:1033-1050. [PMID: 35872334 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2022.07.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Fisheries and aquaculture industries remain essential sources of food and nutrition for millions of people worldwide. Indiscriminate use of antibiotics has led to the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and posed a severe threat to public health. Researchers have opined that antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) can be the best possible alternative to curb the rising tide of antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture. AMPs may also help to achieve the objectives of one health approach. The natural AMPs are associated with several shortcomings, like less in vivo stability, toxicity to host cell, high cost of production and low potency in a biological system. In this review, we have provided a comprehensive outline about the strategies for designing synthetic mimics of natural AMPs with high potency. Moreover, the freely available AMP databases and the information about the molecular docking tools are enlisted. We also provided in silico template for rationally designing the AMPs from fish piscidins or other peptides. The rationally designed piscidin (rP1 and rp2) may be used to tackle microbial infections in aquaculture. Further, the protocol can be used to develop the truncated mimics of natural AMPs having more potency and protease stability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dimpal Thakuria
- ICAR-Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research, Bhimtal, 263136, Uttarakhand, India
| | | | - Victoria C Khangembam
- ICAR-Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research, Bhimtal, 263136, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Pragyan Dash
- ICAR-Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research, Bhimtal, 263136, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Gayatri Tripathi
- ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, 400061, Maharashtra, India
| | - Debajit Sarma
- ICAR-Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research, Bhimtal, 263136, Uttarakhand, India
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39
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Host–Bacterial Interactions: Outcomes of Antimicrobial Peptide Applications. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12070715. [PMID: 35877918 PMCID: PMC9317001 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12070715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The bacterial membrane is part of a secretion system which plays an integral role to secrete proteins responsible for cell viability and pathogenicity; pathogenic bacteria, for example, secrete virulence factors and other membrane-associated proteins to invade the host cells through various types of secretion systems (Type I to Type IX). The bacterial membrane can also mediate microbial communities’ communication through quorum sensing (QS), by secreting auto-stimulants to coordinate gene expression. QS plays an important role in regulating various physiological processes, including bacterial biofilm formation while providing increased virulence, subsequently leading to antimicrobial resistance. Multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria have emerged as a threat to global health, and various strategies targeting QS and biofilm formation have been explored by researchers worldwide. Since the bacterial secretion systems play such a crucial role in host–bacterial interactions, this review intends to outline current understanding of bacterial membrane systems, which may provide new insights for designing approaches aimed at antimicrobials discovery. Various mechanisms pertaining interaction of the bacterial membrane with host cells and antimicrobial agents will be highlighted, as well as the evolution of bacterial membranes in evasion of antimicrobial agents. Finally, the use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as a cellular device for bacterial secretion systems will be discussed as emerging potential candidates for the treatment of multidrug resistance infections.
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40
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White JK, Muhammad T, Alsheim E, Mohanty S, Blasi-Romero A, Gunasekera S, Strömstedt AA, Ferraz N, Göransson U, Brauner A. A stable cyclized antimicrobial peptide derived from LL-37 with host immunomodulatory effects and activity against uropathogens. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:411. [PMID: 35821354 PMCID: PMC9276586 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04440-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The increasing antibiotic resistance among uropathogenic bacteria warrants alternative therapeutic strategies. We demonstrate the potential of the synthetic peptide CD4-PP, designed by dimerization and backbone cyclization of the shortest antimicrobial region of human cathelicidin, LL-37. CD4-PP is active against clinical and type strains of common uropathogens Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at concentrations substantially below cellular cytotoxic levels and induced membrane deformation and leakage in E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Furthermore, CD4-PP treatment prevented the formation of new biofilm and dissolved mature biofilm created by E. coli and P. aeruginosa and targeted curli amyloid in E. coli biofilms. In addition, CD4-PP also induced production of LL-37 by uroepithelial cells and increased the expression of tight junction proteins claudin-14 and occludin. During uroepithelial cell infection, CD4-PP significantly reduced uropathogen survival when treatment was given at the start of infection. Low micromolar of CD4-PP treatment initiated after 2 h was successful with all tested species, except P. aeruginosa where CD4-PP was unable to reduce survival, which could be attributed by early biofilm formation. Finally, we demonstrated that urinary catheter pieces coated with saline fluid supplemented with CD4-PP reduced the attachment of E. coli, giving it a potential clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Kerr White
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 17176, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Taj Muhammad
- Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, Box 591, 75124, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Emelie Alsheim
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 17176, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Soumitra Mohanty
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 17176, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Blasi-Romero
- Nanotechnology and Functional Materials, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Uppsala University, Box 35, 75103, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sunithi Gunasekera
- Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, Box 591, 75124, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Adam A Strömstedt
- Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, Box 591, 75124, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Natalia Ferraz
- Nanotechnology and Functional Materials, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Uppsala University, Box 35, 75103, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ulf Göransson
- Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, Box 591, 75124, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Annelie Brauner
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 17176, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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41
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Le MNT, Kawada-Matsuo M, Komatsuzawa H. Efficiency of Antimicrobial Peptides Against Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcal Pathogens. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:930629. [PMID: 35756032 PMCID: PMC9218695 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.930629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotics play a vital role in saving millions of lives from fatal infections; however, the inappropriate use of antibiotics has led to the emergence and propagation of drug resistance worldwide. Multidrug-resistant bacteria represent a significant challenge to treating infections due to the limitation of available antibiotics, necessitating the investigation of alternative treatments for combating these superbugs. Under such circumstances, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), including human-derived AMPs and bacteria-derived AMPs (so-called bacteriocins), are considered potential therapeutic drugs owing to their high efficacy against infectious bacteria and the poor ability of these microorganisms to develop resistance to them. Several staphylococcal species including Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus are commensal bacteria and known to cause many opportunistic infectious diseases. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococci, especially methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), are of particular concern among the critical multidrug-resistant infectious Gram-positive pathogens. Within the past decade, studies have reported promising AMPs that are effective against MRSA and other methicillin-resistant Staphylococci. This review discusses the sources and mechanisms of AMPs against staphylococcal species, as well as their potential to become chemotherapies for clinical infections caused by multidrug-resistant staphylococci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Nguyen-Tra Le
- Department of Bacteriology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Miki Kawada-Matsuo
- Department of Bacteriology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Komatsuzawa
- Department of Bacteriology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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42
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Manipulating Microbiota to Treat Atopic Dermatitis: Functions and Therapies. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11060642. [PMID: 35745496 PMCID: PMC9228373 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11060642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a globally prevalent skin inflammation with a particular impact on children. Current therapies for AD are challenged by the limited armamentarium and the high heterogeneity of the disease. A novel promising therapeutic target for AD is the microbiota. Numerous studies have highlighted the involvement of the skin and gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of AD. The resident microbiota at these two epithelial tissues can modulate skin barrier functions and host immune responses, thus regulating AD progression. For example, the pathogenic roles of Staphylococcus aureus in the skin are well-established, making this bacterium an attractive target for AD treatment. Targeting the gut microbiota is another therapeutic strategy for AD. Multiple oral supplements with prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, and synbiotics have demonstrated promising efficacy in both AD prevention and treatment. In this review, we summarize the association of microbiota dysbiosis in both the skin and gut with AD, and the current knowledge of the functions of commensal microbiota in AD pathogenesis. Furthermore, we discuss the existing therapies in manipulating both the skin and gut commensal microbiota to prevent or treat AD. We also propose potential novel therapies based on the cutting-edge progress in this area.
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Lopes BS, Hanafiah A, Nachimuthu R, Muthupandian S, Md Nesran ZN, Patil S. The Role of Antimicrobial Peptides as Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Agents in Tackling the Silent Pandemic of Antimicrobial Resistance. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27092995. [PMID: 35566343 PMCID: PMC9105241 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27092995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Just over a million people died globally in 2019 due to antibiotic resistance caused by ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species). The World Health Organization (WHO) also lists antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter and Helicobacter as bacteria that pose the greatest threat to human health. As it is becoming increasingly difficult to discover new antibiotics, new alternatives are needed to solve the crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Bacteria commonly found in complex communities enclosed within self-produced matrices called biofilms are difficult to eradicate and develop increased stress and antimicrobial tolerance. This review summarises the role of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in combating the silent pandemic of AMR and their application in clinical medicine, focusing on both the advantages and disadvantages of AMPs as antibiofilm agents. It is known that many AMPs display broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities, but in a variety of organisms AMPs are not stable (short half-life) or have some toxic side effects. Hence, it is also important to develop new AMP analogues for their potential use as drug candidates. The use of one health approach along with developing novel therapies using phages and breakthroughs in novel antimicrobial peptide synthesis can help us in tackling the problem of AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno S. Lopes
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
- Correspondence: (B.S.L.); (A.H.)
| | - Alfizah Hanafiah
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia;
- Correspondence: (B.S.L.); (A.H.)
| | - Ramesh Nachimuthu
- Antibiotic Resistance and Phage Therapy Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vellore Institute of Technology, School of Bioscience and Technology, Vellore 632014, India;
| | - Saravanan Muthupandian
- AMR and Nanotherapeutics Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha Dental College, Chennai 600077, India;
| | - Zarith Nameyrra Md Nesran
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia;
| | - Sandip Patil
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen 518038, China;
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44
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Investigations into the membrane activity of arenicin antimicrobial peptide AA139. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2022; 1866:130156. [PMID: 35523364 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2022.130156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Arenicin-3 is an amphipathic β-hairpin antimicrobial peptide that is produced by the lugworm Arenicola marina. In this study, we have investigated the mechanism of action of arenicin-3 and an optimized synthetic analogue, AA139, by studying their effects on lipid bilayer model membranes and Escherichia coli bacterial cells. The results show that simple amino acid changes can lead to subtle variations in their interaction with membranes and therefore alter their pre-clinical potency, selectivity and toxicity. While the mechanism of action of arenicin-3 is primarily dependent on universal membrane permeabilization, our data suggest that the analogue AA139 relies on more specific binding and insertion properties to elicit its improved antibacterial activity and lower toxicity, as exemplified by greater selectivity between lipid composition when inserting into model membranes i.e. the N-terminus of AA139 seems to insert deeper into lipid bilayers than arenicin-3 does, with a clear distinction between zwitterionic and negatively charged lipid bilayer vesicles, and AA139 demonstrates a cytoplasmic permeabilization dose response profile that is consistent with its greater antibacterial potency against E. coli cells compared to arenicin-3.
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Humeau M, Boniface K, Bodet C. Cytokine-Mediated Crosstalk Between Keratinocytes and T Cells in Atopic Dermatitis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:801579. [PMID: 35464457 PMCID: PMC9022745 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.801579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by barrier dysfunction, dysregulated immune response, and dysbiosis with increased Staphylococcus aureus colonization. Infiltration of various T helper cell subsets into lesional skin and subsequent cytokine release are a hallmark of AD. Release of cytokines by both T cells and keratinocytes plays a key role in skin inflammation and drives many AD features. This review aims to discuss cytokine-mediated crosstalk between T cells and keratinocytes in AD pathogenesis and the potential impact of virulence factors produced by Staphylococcus aureus on these interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Humeau
- Laboratoire Inflammation Tissus Epithéliaux et Cytokines LITEC UR 15560, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Katia Boniface
- ImmunoConcEpT, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 5164, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Charles Bodet
- Laboratoire Inflammation Tissus Epithéliaux et Cytokines LITEC UR 15560, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
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Ledger EVK, Mesnage S, Edwards AM. Human serum triggers antibiotic tolerance in Staphylococcus aureus. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2041. [PMID: 35440121 PMCID: PMC9018823 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29717-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus frequently causes infections that are challenging to treat, leading to high rates of persistent and relapsing infection. Here, to understand how the host environment influences treatment outcomes, we study the impact of human serum on staphylococcal antibiotic susceptibility. We show that serum triggers a high degree of tolerance to the lipopeptide antibiotic daptomycin and several other classes of antibiotic. Serum-induced daptomycin tolerance is due to two independent mechanisms. Firstly, the host defence peptide LL-37 induces tolerance by triggering the staphylococcal GraRS two-component system, leading to increased peptidoglycan accumulation. Secondly, GraRS-independent increases in membrane cardiolipin abundance are required for full tolerance. When both mechanisms are blocked, S. aureus incubated in serum is as susceptible to daptomycin as when grown in laboratory media. Our work demonstrates that host factors can significantly modulate antibiotic susceptibility via diverse mechanisms, and combination therapy may provide a way to mitigate this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth V K Ledger
- MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Imperial College London, Armstrong Rd, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Stéphane Mesnage
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Andrew M Edwards
- MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Imperial College London, Armstrong Rd, London, SW7 2AZ, UK.
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Jiang W, Zhou M, Cong Z, Xie J, Zhang W, Chen S, Zou J, Ji Z, Shao N, Chen X, Li M, Liu R. Short Guanidinium-Functionalized Poly(2-oxazoline)s Displaying Potent Therapeutic Efficacy on Drug-Resistant Fungal Infections. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202200778. [PMID: 35182092 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202200778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
New antifungals are urgently needed to combat invasive fungal infections, due to limited types of available antifungal drugs and frequently encountered side effects, as well as the quick emergence of drug-resistance. We previously developed amine-pendent poly(2-oxazoline)s (POXs) as synthetic mimics of host defense peptides (HDPs) to have antibacterial properties, but with poor antifungal activity. Hereby, we report the finding of short guanidinium-pendent POXs, inspired by cell-penetrating peptides, as synthetic mimics of HDPs to display potent antifungal activity, superior mammalian cells versus fungi selectivity, and strong therapeutic efficacy in treating local and systemic fungal infections. Moreover, the unique antifungal mechanism of fungal cell membrane penetration and organelle disruption explains the insusceptibility of POXs to antifungal resistance. The easy synthesis and structural diversity of POXs imply their potential as a class of promising antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weinan Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Min Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Zihao Cong
- Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Shanghai Frontier Science Research Base of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.,Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Jiayang Xie
- Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Shanghai Frontier Science Research Base of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.,Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Shanghai Frontier Science Research Base of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.,Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Sheng Chen
- Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Shanghai Frontier Science Research Base of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.,Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Jingcheng Zou
- Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Shanghai Frontier Science Research Base of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.,Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Zhemin Ji
- Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Shanghai Frontier Science Research Base of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.,Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Ning Shao
- Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Shanghai Frontier Science Research Base of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.,Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Maoquan Li
- Department of Interventional and Vascular Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Runhui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.,Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Shanghai Frontier Science Research Base of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.,Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
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The Effect of CFTR Modulators on Airway Infection in Cystic Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073513. [PMID: 35408875 PMCID: PMC8998472 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The advent of Cystic fibrosis transmembrane receptor (CFTR) modulators in 2012 was a critical event in the history of cystic fibrosis (CF) treatment. Unlike traditional therapies that target downstream effects of CFTR dysfunction, CFTR modulators aim to correct the underlying defect at the protein level. These genotype-specific therapies are now available for an increasing number of CF patients, transforming the way we view the condition from a life-limiting disease to one that can be effectively managed. Several studies have demonstrated the vast improvement CFTR modulators have on normalization of sweat chloride, CFTR function, clinical endpoints, and frequency of pulmonary exacerbation. However, their impact on other aspects of the disease, such as pathogenic burden and airway infection, remain under explored. Frequent airway infections as a result of increased susceptibility and impaired innate immune response are a serious problem within CF, often leading to accelerated decline in lung function and disease progression. Current evidence suggests that CFTR modulators are unable to eradicate pathogenic organisms in those with already established lung disease. However, this may not be the case for those with relatively low levels of disease progression and conserved microbial diversity, such as young patients. Furthermore, it remains unknown whether the restorative effects exerted by CFTR modulators extend to immune cells, such as phagocytes, which have the potential to modulate the response of people with CF (pwCF) to infection. Throughout this review, we look at the potential impact of CFTR modulators on airway infection in CF and their ability to shape impaired pulmonary defences to pathogens.
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Immunomodulatory and Allergenic Properties of Antimicrobial Peptides. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052499. [PMID: 35269641 PMCID: PMC8910669 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
With the growing problem of the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the search for alternative ways to combat bacterial infections is extremely urgent. While analyzing the effect of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) on immunocompetent cells, their effect on all parts of the immune system, and on humoral and cellular immunity, is revealed. AMPs have direct effects on neutrophils, monocytes, dendritic cells, T-lymphocytes, and mast cells, participating in innate immunity. They act on B-lymphocytes indirectly, enhancing the induction of antigen-specific immunity, which ultimately leads to the activation of adaptive immunity. The adjuvant activity of AMPs in relation to bacterial and viral antigens was the reason for their inclusion in vaccines and made it possible to formulate the concept of a “defensin vaccine” as an innovative basis for constructing vaccines. The immunomodulatory function of AMPs involves their influence on cells in the nearest microenvironment, recruitment and activation of other cells, supporting the response to pathogenic microorganisms and completing the inflammatory process, thus exhibiting a systemic effect. For the successful use of AMPs in medical practice, it is necessary to study their immunomodulatory activity in detail, taking into account their pleiotropy. The degree of maturity of the immune system and microenvironment can contribute to the prevention of complications and increase the effectiveness of therapy, since AMPs can suppress inflammation in some circumstances, but aggravate the response and damage of organism in others. It should also be taken into account that the real functions of one or another AMP depend on the types of total regulatory effects on the target cell, and not only on properties of an individual peptide. A wide spectrum of biological activity, including direct effects on pathogens, inactivation of bacterial toxins and influence on immunocompetent cells, has attracted the attention of researchers, however, the cytostatic activity of AMPs against normal cells, as well as their allergenic properties and low stability to host proteases, are serious limitations for the medical use of AMPs. In this connection, the tasks of searching for compounds that selectively affect the target and development of an appropriate method of application become critically important. The scope of this review is to summarize the current concepts and newest advances in research of the immunomodulatory activity of natural and synthetic AMPs, and to examine the prospects and limitations of their medical use.
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Bak IG, Chae CG, Lee JS. Synthetic Control of Helical Polyisocyanates by Living Anionic Polymerization toward Peptide Mimicry. Macromolecules 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.1c02160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- In Gyu Bak
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), 123 Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Geun Chae
- Advanced Materials Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Suk Lee
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), 123 Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
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