1
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Ahmad S, Leng Q, Hou G, Liang Y, Li Y, Qu Y. Biological Traits and Comprehensive Genomic Analysis of Novel Enterococcus faecalis Bacteriophage EFP6. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1202. [PMID: 38930584 PMCID: PMC11206139 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061202] [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: 05/11/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus faecalis is a prevalent opportunistic pathogen associated with chicken embryonic and neonatal chick mortality, posing a significant challenge in poultry farming. In the current study, E. faecalis strain EF6, isolated from a recent hatchery outbreak, served as the host bacterium for the isolation of a novel phage EFP6, capable of lysing E. faecalis. Transmission electron microscopy revealed a hexagonal head and a short tail, classifying EFP6 as a member of the Autographiviridae family. EFP6 showed sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation and resistance to chloroform. The lytic cycle duration of EFP6 was determined to be 50 min, highlighting its efficacy in host eradication. With an optimal multiplicity of infection of 0.001, EFP6 exhibited a narrow lysis spectrum and strong specificity towards host strains. Additionally, EFP6 demonstrated optimal growth conditions at 40 °C and pH 8.0. Whole genome sequencing unveiled a genome length of 18,147 bp, characterized by a GC concentration of 33.21% and comprising 25 open reading frames. Comparative genomic assessment underscored its collinearity with related phages, notably devoid of lysogenic genes, thus ensuring genetic stability. This in-depth characterization forms the basis for understanding the biological attributes of EFP6 and its potential utilization in phage therapy, offering promising prospects for mitigating E. faecalis-associated poultry infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Yonggang Qu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, China; (S.A.); (Q.L.); (G.H.); (Y.L.); (Y.L.)
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2
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Li P, Guo G, Zheng X, Xu S, Zhou Y, Qin X, Hu Z, Yu Y, Tan Z, Ma J, Chen L, Zhang W. Therapeutic efficacy of a K5-specific phage and depolymerase against Klebsiella pneumoniae in a mouse model of infection. Vet Res 2024; 55:59. [PMID: 38715095 PMCID: PMC11077817 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-024-01311-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae has become one of the most intractable gram-negative pathogens infecting humans and animals due to its severe antibiotic resistance. Bacteriophages and protein products derived from them are receiving increasing amounts of attention as potential alternatives to antibiotics. In this study, we isolated and investigated the characteristics of a new lytic phage, P1011, which lyses K5 K. pneumoniae specifically among 26 serotypes. The K5-specific capsular polysaccharide-degrading depolymerase dep1011 was identified and expressed. By establishing murine infection models using bovine strain B16 (capable of supporting phage proliferation) and human strain KP181 (incapable of sustaining phage expansion), we explored the safety and efficacy of phage and dep1011 treatments against K5 K. pneumoniae. Phage P1011 resulted in a 60% survival rate of the mice challenged with K. pneumoniae supporting phage multiplication, concurrently lowering the bacterial burden in their blood, liver, and lungs. Unexpectedly, even when confronted with bacteria impervious to phage multiplication, phage therapy markedly decreased the number of viable organisms. The protective efficacy of the depolymerase was significantly better than that of the phage. The depolymerase achieved 100% survival in both treatment groups regardless of phage propagation compatibility. These findings indicated that P1011 and dep1011 might be used as potential antibacterial agents to control K5 K. pneumoniae infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Li
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, 210095, China
- The Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, Yabulun Industrial Park, Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City, Sanya, 572024, China
| | - Genglin Guo
- Shandong Institute of Sericulture, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Yantai, China
| | - Xiangkuan Zheng
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, 210095, China
- The Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, Yabulun Industrial Park, Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City, Sanya, 572024, China
| | - Sixiang Xu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, 210095, China
- The Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, Yabulun Industrial Park, Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City, Sanya, 572024, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, 210095, China
- The Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, Yabulun Industrial Park, Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City, Sanya, 572024, China
| | - Xiayan Qin
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Zimeng Hu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, 210095, China
- The Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, Yabulun Industrial Park, Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City, Sanya, 572024, China
| | - Yanfei Yu
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhongming Tan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Enteric Pathogenic Microbiology, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, 210014, China
| | - Jiale Ma
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Long Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhangjiagang Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Zhangjiagang, 215600, China.
| | - Wei Zhang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, 210095, China.
- The Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, Yabulun Industrial Park, Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City, Sanya, 572024, China.
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3
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Dicks LMT, Vermeulen W. Bacteriophage-Host Interactions and the Therapeutic Potential of Bacteriophages. Viruses 2024; 16:478. [PMID: 38543843 PMCID: PMC10975011 DOI: 10.3390/v16030478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Healthcare faces a major problem with the increased emergence of antimicrobial resistance due to over-prescribing antibiotics. Bacteriophages may provide a solution to the treatment of bacterial infections given their specificity. Enzymes such as endolysins, exolysins, endopeptidases, endosialidases, and depolymerases produced by phages interact with bacterial surfaces, cell wall components, and exopolysaccharides, and may even destroy biofilms. Enzymatic cleavage of the host cell envelope components exposes specific receptors required for phage adhesion. Gram-positive bacteria are susceptible to phage infiltration through their peptidoglycan, cell wall teichoic acid (WTA), lipoteichoic acids (LTAs), and flagella. In Gram-negative bacteria, lipopolysaccharides (LPSs), pili, and capsules serve as targets. Defense mechanisms used by bacteria differ and include physical barriers (e.g., capsules) or endogenous mechanisms such as clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-associated protein (Cas) systems. Phage proteins stimulate immune responses against specific pathogens and improve antibiotic susceptibility. This review discusses the attachment of phages to bacterial cells, the penetration of bacterial cells, the use of phages in the treatment of bacterial infections, and the limitations of phage therapy. The therapeutic potential of phage-derived proteins and the impact that genomically engineered phages may have in the treatment of infections are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon M. T. Dicks
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa;
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4
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Wang H, Liu Y, Bai C, Leung SSY. Translating bacteriophage-derived depolymerases into antibacterial therapeutics: Challenges and prospects. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:155-169. [PMID: 38239242 PMCID: PMC10792971 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.08.017] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Predatory bacteriophages have evolved a vast array of depolymerases for bacteria capture and deprotection. These depolymerases are enzymes responsible for degrading diverse bacterial surface carbohydrates. They are exploited as antibiofilm agents and antimicrobial adjuvants while rarely inducing bacterial resistance, making them an invaluable asset in the era of antibiotic resistance. Numerous depolymerases have been investigated preclinically, with evidence indicating that depolymerases with appropriate dose regimens can safely and effectively combat different multidrug-resistant pathogens in animal infection models. Additionally, some formulation approaches have been developed for improved stability and activity of depolymerases. However, depolymerase formulation is limited to liquid dosage form and remains in its infancy, posing a significant hurdle to their clinical translation, compounded by challenges in their applicability and manufacturing. Future development must address these obstacles for clinical utility. Here, after unravelling the history, diversity, and therapeutic use of depolymerases, we summarized the preclinical efficacy and existing formulation findings of recombinant depolymerases. Finally, the challenges and perspectives of depolymerases as therapeutics for humans were assessed to provide insights for their further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honglan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yannan Liu
- Emergency Medicine Clinical Research Center, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Changqing Bai
- Department of Respiratory, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy, Guangdong 518055, China
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Chen Y, Li L, Wei X, Hu M, Zhao X, Zhang Q, Luo Y, Zhao M, Liu Z, Cai Y, Liu Y. Phage Tail Fiber Protein as a Specific Probe for Recognition of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli O91, O103, and O111. Anal Chem 2023; 95:18407-18414. [PMID: 38053255 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c03370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
The ability to quickly identify specific serotypes of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) could facilitate the monitoring and control of STEC pathogens. In this study, we identified the receptors and receptor-binding proteins (RBPs) of three novel phages (pO91, pO103, and pO111) isolated from hospital wastewater. Recombinant versions of these RBPs (pO91-ORF43, pO103-ORF42, and pO111-ORF8) fused to a fluorescent reporter protein were then constructed. Both fluorescence microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed that all three recombinant RBPs were bound to the bacterial surface. Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to verify that each recombinant RBP bound specifically to E. coli O91, O103, or O111, but not to any of the 83 strains of E. coli with different O-antigens, nor to 10 other bacterial species that were tested. The recombinant RBPs adsorbed to their respective host bacteria within 10 min of incubation. The minimum concentration of bacteria required for detection by the recombinant RBPs was 33 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL (range: 3.3 × 10 to 3.3 × 108 CFU/mL). Furthermore, each recombinant RBP was also able to detect bacteria in lettuce, chicken breast meat, and infected mice, indicating that their usage will facilitate the detection of STEC and may help to reduce the spread of STEC-related infections and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibao Chen
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Lulu Li
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Xiaotian Wei
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Ming Hu
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Xiaonan Zhao
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Yanbo Luo
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Min Zhao
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Zhengjie Liu
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Yumei Cai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, China
| | - Yuqing Liu
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
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6
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Guo Z, Liu M, Zhang D. Potential of phage depolymerase for the treatment of bacterial biofilms. Virulence 2023; 14:2273567. [PMID: 37872768 PMCID: PMC10621286 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2273567] [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: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Resistance of bacteria to antibiotics is a major concern in medicine and veterinary science. The bacterial biofilm structures not only prevent the penetration of drugs into cells within the biofilm's interior but also aid in evasion of the host immune system. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop novel therapeutic approaches against bacterial biofilms. One potential strategy to counter biofilms is to use phage depolymerases that degrade the matrix structure of the bacteria and enable access to bacterial cells. This review mainly discusses the methods by which phage depolymerases enhance the efficacy of the human immune system and the therapeutic applications of some phage depolymerases, such as single phage depolymerase application, combined therapy with phage depolymerase and antibiotics, and phage depolymerase cocktails, for treating bacterial biofilms. This review also summarizes the relationship between bacterial biofilms and antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimin Guo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Mengmeng Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Department of Hepatological Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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7
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Sun X, Pu B, Qin J, Xiang J. Effect of a Depolymerase Encoded by Phage168 on a Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and Its Biofilm. Pathogens 2023; 12:1396. [PMID: 38133282 PMCID: PMC10745733 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12121396] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) are becoming increasingly common within clinical settings, requiring the development of alternative therapies. In this study, we isolated, characterized, and sequenced the genome of a CRKP phage, Phage168. The total genomic DNA of Phage168 was 40,222 bp in length, encoding 49 predicted proteins. Among these proteins, Dep40, the gene product of ORF40, is a putative tail fiber protein that exhibits depolymerase activity based on the result of bioinformatics analyses. In vitro, we confirmed that the molecular weight of the Phage168 depolymerase protein was about 110 kDa, the concentration of the produced phage 168 depolymerase protein was quantified as being 1.2 mg/mL, and the depolymerase activity was still detectable after the dilution of 1.2 µg/mL. This recombinant depolymerase exhibited enzyme activity during the depolymerization of the formed CRKP biofilms. We also found that depolymerase, when combined with polymyxin B, was able to enhance the bactericidal effect of polymyxin B on CRKP strains by disrupting their biofilm. When recombinant depolymerase was used in combination with human serum, it enhanced the sensitivity of the CRKP strain UA168 to human serum, and the synergistic bactericidal effect reached the strongest level when the ratio of depolymerase to human serum was 3:1. Our results indicated that depolymerase encoded by Phage168 may be a promising strategy for combating infections caused by drug-resistant CRKP formed within the biofilm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Sun
- Department of Burn, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China;
| | - Bingchun Pu
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; (B.P.); (J.Q.)
| | - Jinhong Qin
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; (B.P.); (J.Q.)
| | - Jun Xiang
- Department of Burn, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China;
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Geng H, Song L, Yang X, Xing S, Wang R, Xu Y, Jia X, Luan G. Resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae to Phage hvKpP3 Due to High-Molecular Weight Lipopolysaccharide Synthesis Failure. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0438422. [PMID: 37022197 PMCID: PMC10269817 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04384-22] [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: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The spread of multidrug resistant and hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae has recently increased. Phages have been considered alternatives for treating infections caused by tenacious pathogens. Our study describes a novel lytic Klebsiella phage, hvKpP3, and we obtained spontaneous mutants, hvKpP3R and hvKpP3R15, of hvKpLS8 strain that showing strong resistance to the lytic phage hvKpP3. Sequencing analysis showed that nucleotide-deletion mutations of the glycosyltransferase gene (GT) and wcaJ genes, located in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) gene cluster and the capsular polysaccharide (CPS) gene cluster, respectively, led to phage resistance. The wcaJ mutation confers the inhibition of phage adsorption by affecting the synthesis of hvKpP3R15 capsular polysaccharide, indicating that the capsule is the main adsorption receptor for bacteriophage hvKpP3. Interestingly, the phage-resistant mutant hvKpP3R has a loss-of-function mutation in GT, which is responsible for lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis. This results in the loss of high-molecular weight lipopolysaccharide (HMW-LPS), and alteration of the lipopolysaccharide structure of the bacterial cell wall confers resistance to phages. In conclusion, our study provides a detailed description of phage hvKpP3 and provides new insights into phage resistance in K. pneumoniae. IMPORTANCE Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae strains pose a particular threat to human health. Therefore, it is very important for us to isolate phage and overcome phage resistance. In this study, we isolated a novel phage belonging to the Myoviridae family, hvKpP3, that exhibited high lytic activity against K2 hypervirulent K. pneumoniae. We demonstrated the excellent stability of phage hvKpP3 through in vitro and in vivo experiments, indicating its potential as a candidate for future clinical phage therapy. Furthermore, we identified that loss of function in the glycotransferase gene (GT) caused the failure of HMW-LPS synthesis, leading to phage resistance, which provides new insights into phage resistance in K. pneumoniae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaixin Geng
- Non-coding RNA and Drug Discovery Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lingjie Song
- Non-coding RNA and Drug Discovery Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xianggui Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Medical College and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Siyu Xing
- Non-coding RNA and Drug Discovery Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Non-coding RNA and Drug Discovery Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Medical College and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xu Jia
- Non-coding RNA and Drug Discovery Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Guangxin Luan
- Non-coding RNA and Drug Discovery Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Stojowska-Swędrzyńska K, Kuczyńska-Wiśnik D, Laskowska E. New Strategies to Kill Metabolically-Dormant Cells Directly Bypassing the Need for Active Cellular Processes. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1044. [PMID: 37370363 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12061044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic therapy failure is often caused by the presence of persister cells, which are metabolically-dormant bacteria capable of surviving exposure to antimicrobials. Under favorable conditions, persisters can resume growth leading to recurrent infections. Moreover, several studies have indicated that persisters may promote the evolution of antimicrobial resistance and facilitate the selection of specific resistant mutants; therefore, in light of the increasing numbers of multidrug-resistant infections worldwide, developing efficient strategies against dormant cells is of paramount importance. In this review, we present and discuss the efficacy of various agents whose antimicrobial activity is independent of the metabolic status of the bacteria as they target cell envelope structures. Since the biofilm-environment is favorable for the formation of dormant subpopulations, anti-persister strategies should also include agents that destroy the biofilm matrix or inhibit biofilm development. This article reviews examples of selected cell wall hydrolases, polysaccharide depolymerases and antimicrobial peptides. Their combination with standard antibiotics seems to be the most promising approach in combating persistent infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Stojowska-Swędrzyńska
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Dorota Kuczyńska-Wiśnik
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Ewa Laskowska
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
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Jin X, Sun X, Wang Z, Dou J, Lin Z, Lu Q, Zhang T, Wen G, Shao H, Cheng G, Luo Q. Virulent Phage vB_EfaS_WH1 Removes Enterococcus faecalis Biofilm and Inhibits Its Growth on the Surface of Chicken Meat. Viruses 2023; 15:v15051208. [PMID: 37243294 DOI: 10.3390/v15051208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus faecalis is a potential animal and human pathogen. Improper use of antibiotics encourages resistance. Bacteriophages and their derivatives are promising for treating drug-resistant bacterial infections. In this study, phylogenetic and electron microscopy analyses of phage vB_EfaS_WH1 (WH1) isolated from chicken feces revealed it to be a novel phage in the family Siphoviridae. WH1 showed good pH stability (4-11), temperature tolerance (4-60 °C), and broad E. faecalis host range (60% of isolates). Genome sequencing revealed a 56,357 bp double-stranded DNA genome with a G+C content of 39.21%. WH1 effectively destroyed E. faecalis EF01 biofilms, even at low concentrations. When WH1 was applied at 1 × 105 to 1 × 109 PFU/g to chicken breast samples stored at 4 °C, surface growing E. faecalis were appreciably eradicated after 24 h. The phage WH1 showed good antibacterial activity, which could be used as a potential biocontrol agent to reduce the formation of E. faecalis biofilm, and could also be used as an alternative for the control of E. faecalis in chicken products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Jin
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control Agents for Animal Bacteriosis (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xiuxiu Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Zui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control Agents for Animal Bacteriosis (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Junfeng Dou
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control Agents for Animal Bacteriosis (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China
| | - Zhengdan Lin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qin Lu
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control Agents for Animal Bacteriosis (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Pathogenic Microbiology, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China
| | - Tengfei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control Agents for Animal Bacteriosis (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Pathogenic Microbiology, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China
| | - Guoyuan Wen
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control Agents for Animal Bacteriosis (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Pathogenic Microbiology, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China
| | - Huabin Shao
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control Agents for Animal Bacteriosis (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Pathogenic Microbiology, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China
| | - Guofu Cheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qingping Luo
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control Agents for Animal Bacteriosis (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Pathogenic Microbiology, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China
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11
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Beyond the Risk of Biofilms: An Up-and-Coming Battleground of Bacterial Life and Potential Antibiofilm Agents. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020503. [PMID: 36836860 PMCID: PMC9959329 DOI: 10.3390/life13020503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial pathogens and their virulence factors like biofilms are one of the major factors which influence the disease process and its outcomes. Biofilms are a complex microbial network that is produced by bacteria on any devices and/or biotic surfaces to escape harsh environmental conditions and antimicrobial effects. Due to the natural protective nature of biofilms and the associated multidrug resistance issues, researchers evaluated several natural anti-biofilm agents, including bacteriophages and their derivatives, honey, plant extracts, and surfactants for better destruction of biofilm and planktonic cells. This review discusses some of these natural agents that are being put into practice to prevent biofilm formation. In addition, we highlight bacterial biofilm formation and the mechanism of resistance to antibiotics.
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12
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Nazir A, Song J, Chen Y, Liu Y. Phage-Derived Depolymerase: Its Possible Role for Secondary Bacterial Infections in COVID-19 Patients. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020424. [PMID: 36838389 PMCID: PMC9961776 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020424] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
As of 29 July 2022, there had been a cumulative 572,239,451 confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide, including 6,390,401 fatalities. COVID-19 patients with severe symptoms are usually treated with a combination of virus- and drug-induced immuno-suppression medicines. Critical clinical complications of the respiratory system due to secondary bacterial infections (SBIs) could be the reason for the high mortality rate in COVID-19 patients. Unfortunately, antimicrobial resistance is increasing daily, and only a few options are available in our antimicrobial armory. Hence, alternative therapeutic options such as enzymes derived from bacteriophages can be considered for treating SBIs in COVID-19 patients. In particular, phage-derived depolymerases have high antivirulent potency that can efficiently degrade bacterial capsular polysaccharides, lipopolysaccharides, and exopolysaccharides. They have emerged as a promising class of new antibiotics and their therapeutic role for bacterial infections is already confirmed in animal models. This review provides an overview of the rising incidence of SBIs among COVID-19 patients. We present a practicable novel workflow for phage-derived depolymerases that can easily be adapted for treating SBIs in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yibao Chen
- Correspondence: (Y.C.); (Y.L.); Tel./Fax: +86-531-6665-5093 (Y.C. & Y.L.)
| | - Yuqing Liu
- Correspondence: (Y.C.); (Y.L.); Tel./Fax: +86-531-6665-5093 (Y.C. & Y.L.)
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13
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Disarm The Bacteria: What Temperate Phages Can Do. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:1149-1167. [PMID: 36826021 PMCID: PMC9955262 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45020076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In the field of phage applications and clinical treatment, virulent phages have been in the spotlight whereas temperate phages received, relatively speaking, less attention. The fact that temperate phages often carry virulent or drug-resistant genes is a constant concern and drawback in temperate phage applications. However, temperate phages also play a role in bacterial regulation. This review elucidates the biological properties of temperate phages based on their life cycle and introduces the latest work on temperate phage applications, such as on host virulence reduction, biofilm degradation, genetic engineering and phage display. The versatile use of temperate phages coupled with their inherent properties, such as economy, ready accessibility, wide variety and host specificity, make temperate phages a solid candidate in tackling bacterial infections.
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Song J, Liu Z, Zhang Q, Liu Y, Chen Y. Phage Engineering for Targeted Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032459. [PMID: 36768781 PMCID: PMC10004113 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032459] [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: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The lytic bacteriophages have potential application value in the treatment of bacterial infections. However, the narrow host spectrum of these phages limits their range of clinical application. Here, we demonstrate the use of scarless Cas9-assisted recombination (no-SCAR) gene-editing technology to regulate phage-host range. We used phage PHB20 as the scaffold to create agents targeting different multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli by replacing its phage tail fiber gene (ORF40). The engineered phages were polyvalent and capable of infecting both the original host bacteria and new targets. Phage-tail fiber genes can be amplified by PCR to construct a recombinant phage PHB20 library that can deal with multidrug-resistant bacteria in the future. Our results provide a better understanding of phage-host interactions, and we describe new anti-bacterial editing methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yuqing Liu
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +86-531-66655093
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15
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Bai J, Zhang F, Liang S, Chen Q, Wang W, Wang Y, Martín-Rodríguez AJ, Sjöling Å, Hu R, Zhou Y. Isolation and Characterization of vB_kpnM_17-11, a Novel Phage Efficient Against Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:897531. [PMID: 35865823 PMCID: PMC9294173 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.897531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Phages and phage-encoded proteins exhibit promising prospects in the treatment of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) infections. In this study, a novel Klebsiella pneumoniae phage vB_kpnM_17-11 was isolated and identified by using a CRKP host. vB_kpnM_17-11 has an icosahedral head and a retractable tail. The latent and exponential phases were 30 and 60 minutes, respectively; the burst size was 31.7 PFU/cell and the optimal MOI was 0.001. vB_kpnM_17-11 remained stable in a wide range of pH (4-8) and temperature (4-40°C). The genome of vB_kpnM_17-11 is 165,894 bp, double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), containing 275 Open Reading Frames (ORFs). It belongs to the family of Myoviridae, order Caudovirales, and has a close evolutionary relationship with Klebsiella phage PKO111. Sequence analysis showed that the 4530 bp orf022 of vB_kpnM_17-11 encodes a putative depolymerase. In vitro testing demonstrated that vB_kpnM_17-11 can decrease the number of K. pneumoniae by 105-fold. In a mouse model of infection, phage administration improved survival and reduced the number of K. pneumoniae in the abdominal cavity by 104-fold. In conclusion, vB_kpnM_17-11 showed excellent in vitro and in vivo performance against K. pneumoniae infection and constitutes a promising candidate for the development of phage therapy against CRKP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Bai
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Public Center Experimental Technology of Pathogen Biology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Feiyang Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Public Center Experimental Technology of Pathogen Biology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Shuang Liang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Public Center Experimental Technology of Pathogen Biology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Qiao Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Public Center Experimental Technology of Pathogen Biology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Public Center Experimental Technology of Pathogen Biology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Public Center Experimental Technology of Pathogen Biology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | | | - Åsa Sjöling
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Renjing Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Wuxi No.2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
- *Correspondence: Renjing Hu, ; Yingshun Zhou,
| | - Yingshun Zhou
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Public Center Experimental Technology of Pathogen Biology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Renjing Hu, ; Yingshun Zhou,
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16
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Venturini C, Petrovic Fabijan A, Fajardo Lubian A, Barbirz S, Iredell J. Biological foundations of successful bacteriophage therapy. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 14:e12435. [PMID: 35620963 PMCID: PMC9260219 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202012435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages (phages) are selective viral predators of bacteria. Abundant and ubiquitous in nature, phages can be used to treat bacterial infections (phage therapy), including refractory infections and those resistant to antibiotics. However, despite an abundance of anecdotal evidence of efficacy, significant hurdles remain before routine implementation of phage therapy into medical practice, including a dearth of robust clinical trial data. Phage-bacterium interactions are complex and diverse, characterized by co-evolution trajectories that are significantly influenced by the environments in which they occur (mammalian body sites, water, soil, etc.). An understanding of the molecular mechanisms underpinning these dynamics is essential for successful clinical translation. This review aims to cover key aspects of bacterium-phage interactions that affect bacterial killing by describing the most relevant published literature and detailing the current knowledge gaps most likely to influence therapeutic success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carola Venturini
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Aleksandra Petrovic Fabijan
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Medicine, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alicia Fajardo Lubian
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Medicine, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stefanie Barbirz
- Department of Medicine, Science Faculty, MSB Medical School Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jonathan Iredell
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Medicine, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Westmead Hospital, Western Sydney Local Health District, Westmead, NSW, Australia
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17
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Abdelkader K, Gutiérrez D, Latka A, Boeckaerts D, Drulis-Kawa Z, Criel B, Gerstmans H, Safaan A, Khairalla AS, Gaber Y, Dishisha T, Briers Y. The Specific Capsule Depolymerase of Phage PMK34 Sensitizes Acinetobacter baumannii to Serum Killing. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11050677. [PMID: 35625321 PMCID: PMC9137491 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11050677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The rising antimicrobial resistance is particularly alarming for Acinetobacter baumannii, calling for the discovery and evaluation of alternatives to treat A. baumannii infections. Some bacteriophages produce a structural protein that depolymerizes capsular exopolysaccharide. Such purified depolymerases are considered as novel antivirulence compounds. We identified and characterized a depolymerase (DpoMK34) from Acinetobacter phage vB_AbaP_PMK34 active against the clinical isolate A. baumannii MK34. In silico analysis reveals a modular protein displaying a conserved N-terminal domain for anchoring to the phage tail, and variable central and C-terminal domains for enzymatic activity and specificity. AlphaFold-Multimer predicts a trimeric protein adopting an elongated structure due to a long α-helix, an enzymatic β-helix domain and a hypervariable 4 amino acid hotspot in the most ultimate loop of the C-terminal domain. In contrast to the tail fiber of phage T3, this hypervariable hotspot appears unrelated with the primary receptor. The functional characterization of DpoMK34 revealed a mesophilic enzyme active up to 50 °C across a wide pH range (4 to 11) and specific for the capsule of A. baumannii MK34. Enzymatic degradation of the A. baumannii MK34 capsule causes a significant drop in phage adsorption from 95% to 9% after 5 min. Although lacking intrinsic antibacterial activity, DpoMK34 renders A. baumannii MK34 fully susceptible to serum killing in a serum concentration dependent manner. Unlike phage PMK34, DpoMK34 does not easily select for resistant mutants either against PMK34 or itself. In sum, DpoMK34 is a potential antivirulence compound that can be included in a depolymerase cocktail to control difficult to treat A. baumannii infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Abdelkader
- Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Valentin Vaerwyckweg 1, 9000 Gent, Belgium; (K.A.); (D.G.); (A.L.); (D.B.); (B.C.); (H.G.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62511, Egypt; (A.S.K.); (Y.G.); (T.D.)
| | - Diana Gutiérrez
- Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Valentin Vaerwyckweg 1, 9000 Gent, Belgium; (K.A.); (D.G.); (A.L.); (D.B.); (B.C.); (H.G.)
| | - Agnieszka Latka
- Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Valentin Vaerwyckweg 1, 9000 Gent, Belgium; (K.A.); (D.G.); (A.L.); (D.B.); (B.C.); (H.G.)
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wroclaw, Przybyszewskiego 63, 51-148 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Dimitri Boeckaerts
- Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Valentin Vaerwyckweg 1, 9000 Gent, Belgium; (K.A.); (D.G.); (A.L.); (D.B.); (B.C.); (H.G.)
- Department of Data Analysis and Mathematical Modelling, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Zuzanna Drulis-Kawa
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wroclaw, Przybyszewskiego 63, 51-148 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Bjorn Criel
- Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Valentin Vaerwyckweg 1, 9000 Gent, Belgium; (K.A.); (D.G.); (A.L.); (D.B.); (B.C.); (H.G.)
- Department of Data Analysis and Mathematical Modelling, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Hans Gerstmans
- Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Valentin Vaerwyckweg 1, 9000 Gent, Belgium; (K.A.); (D.G.); (A.L.); (D.B.); (B.C.); (H.G.)
- Laboratory of Gene Technology, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 21, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 42, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Amal Safaan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Koum 51132, Egypt;
| | - Ahmed S. Khairalla
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62511, Egypt; (A.S.K.); (Y.G.); (T.D.)
- Department of Biology, University of Regina, Regina, SK S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Yasser Gaber
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62511, Egypt; (A.S.K.); (Y.G.); (T.D.)
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mutah University, Karak 61710, Jordan
| | - Tarek Dishisha
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62511, Egypt; (A.S.K.); (Y.G.); (T.D.)
| | - Yves Briers
- Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Valentin Vaerwyckweg 1, 9000 Gent, Belgium; (K.A.); (D.G.); (A.L.); (D.B.); (B.C.); (H.G.)
- Correspondence:
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18
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Identification of a phage-derived depolymerase specific for KL47 capsule of Klebsiella pneumoniae and its therapeutic potential in mice. Virol Sin 2022; 37:538-546. [PMID: 35513275 PMCID: PMC9437526 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2022.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the major pathogens causing global multidrug-resistant infections. Therefore, strategies for preventing and controlling the infections are urgently needed. Phage depolymerase, often found in the tail fiber protein or the tail spike protein, is reported to have antibiofilm activity. In this study, phage P560 isolated from sewage showed specific for capsule locus type KL47 K. pneumoniae, and the enlarged haloes around plaques indicated that P560 encoded a depolymerase. The capsule depolymerase, ORF43, named P560dep, derived from phage P560 was expressed, purified, characterized and evaluated for enzymatic activity as well as specificity. We reported that the capsule depolymerase P560dep, can digest the capsule polysaccharides on the surface of KL47 type K. pneumoniae, and the depolymerization spectrum of P560dep matched to the host range of phage P560, KL47 K. pneumoniae. Crystal violet staining assay showed that P560dep was able to significantly inhibit biofilm formation. Further, a single dose (50 μg/mouse) of depolymerase intraperitoneal injection protected 90%–100% of mice from lethal challenge before or after infection by KL47 carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae. And pathological changes were alleviated in lung and liver of mice infected by KL47 type K. pneumoniae. It is demonstrated that depolymerase P560dep as an attractive antivirulence agent represents a promising tool for antimicrobial therapy. Phage-derived depolymerase P560dep can digest KL47 capsule polysaccharides of CRKP. Depolymerase P560dep showed antibiofilm activity, preventive and protective effects of CRKP infection in lethal mouse models. Depolymerase P560dep as an attractive anti-virulence agent represents a promising tool for antimicrobial therapy.
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Chen X, Liu M, Zhang P, Xu M, Yuan W, Bian L, Liu Y, Xia J, Leung SSY. Phage-Derived Depolymerase as an Antibiotic Adjuvant Against Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:845500. [PMID: 35401491 PMCID: PMC8990738 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.845500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophage-encoded depolymerases are responsible for degrading capsular polysaccharides (CPS), lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and exopolysaccharides (EPS) of the host bacteria during phage invasion. They have been considered as promising antivirulence agents in controlling bacterial infections, including those caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. This feature inspires hope of utilizing these enzymes to disarm the polysaccharide capsules of the bacterial cells, which then strengthens the action of antibiotics. Here we have identified, cloned, and expressed a depolymerase Dpo71 from a bacteriophage specific for the gram-negative bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii in a heterologous host Escherichia coli. Dpo71 sensitizes the MDR A. baumannii to the host immune attack, and also acts as an adjuvant to assist or boost the action of antibiotics, for example colistin. Specifically, Dpo71 at 10 μg/ml enables a complete bacterial eradication by human serum at 50% volume ratio. A mechanistic study shows that the enhanced bactericidal effect of colistin is attributed to the improved outer membrane destabilization capacity and binding rate to bacteria after stripping off the bacterial capsule by Dpo71. Dpo71 inhibits biofilm formation and disrupts the pre-formed biofilm. Combination of Dpo71 could significantly enhance the antibiofilm activity of colistin and improve the survival rate of A. baumannii infected Galleria mellonella. Dpo71 retains the strain-specificity of the parent phage from which Dpo71 is derived: the phage-sensitive A. baumannii strains respond to Dpo71 treatment, whereas the phage-insensitive strains do not. In summary, our work demonstrates the feasibility of using recombinant depolymerases as an antibiotic adjuvant to supplement the development of new antibacterials and to battle against MDR pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Miao Liu
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Miao Xu
- School of Pharmacy, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Weihao Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Liming Bian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yannan Liu
- Emergency Medicine Clinical Research Center, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiang Xia
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sharon S Y Leung
- School of Pharmacy, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR, China
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20
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Sun Z, Mandlaa, Wen H, Ma L, Chen Z. Isolation, characterization and application of bacteriophage PSDA-2 against Salmonella Typhimurium in chilled mutton. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262946. [PMID: 35073376 PMCID: PMC8786174 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Salmonella is a common foodborne pathogen, especially in meat and meat products. Lytic phages are promising alternatives to conventional methods for Salmonella biocontrol in food and food processing. In this study, a virulent bacteriophage (PSDA-2) against Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium was isolated from the sewage and it was found that PSDA-2 belongs to Cornellvirus genus of Siphoviridae family by morphological and phylogenetic analysis. Based on the one-step growth curve, PSDA-2 has a short latent period (10 min) and a high burst size (120 PFU/cell). The stability test in vitro reveals that PSDA-2 is stable at 30–70°C and pH 3–10. Bioinformatics analysis show that PSDA-2 genome consists of 40,062 bp with a GC content of 50.21% and encodes 63 open reading frames (ORFs); no tRNA genes, lysogenic genes, drug resistance genes and virulence genes were identified in the genome. Moreover, the capacity for PSDA-2 to control Salmonella Typhimurium in chilled mutton was investigated. The results show that incubation of PSDA-2 at 4°C reduced recoverable Salmonella by 1.7 log CFU/mL and 2.1 log CFU/mL at multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 100 and 10,000 respectively, as relative to the phage-excluded control. The features of phage PSDA-2 suggest that it has the potential to be an agent to control Salmonella.
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21
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AB 5 Enterotoxin-Mediated Pathogenesis: Perspectives Gleaned from Shiga Toxins. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14010062. [PMID: 35051039 PMCID: PMC8779504 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14010062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Foodborne diseases affect an estimated 600 million people worldwide annually, with the majority of these illnesses caused by Norovirus, Vibrio, Listeria, Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Escherichia coli. To elicit infections in humans, bacterial pathogens express a combination of virulence factors and toxins. AB5 toxins are an example of such toxins that can cause various clinical manifestations, including dehydration, diarrhea, kidney damage, hemorrhagic colitis, and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Treatment of most bacterial foodborne illnesses consists of fluid replacement and antibiotics. However, antibiotics are not recommended for infections caused by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) because of the increased risk of HUS development, although there are conflicting views and results in this regard. Lack of effective treatment strategies for STEC infections pose a public health threat during outbreaks; therefore, the debate on antibiotic use for STEC infections could be further explored, along with investigations into antibiotic alternatives. The overall goal of this review is to provide a succinct summary on the mechanisms of action and the pathogenesis of AB5 and related toxins, as expressed by bacterial foodborne pathogens, with a primary focus on Shiga toxins (Stx). The role of Stx in human STEC disease, detection methodologies, and available treatment options are also briefly discussed.
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Danis-Wlodarczyk KM, Wozniak DJ, Abedon ST. Treating Bacterial Infections with Bacteriophage-Based Enzybiotics: In Vitro, In Vivo and Clinical Application. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:1497. [PMID: 34943709 PMCID: PMC8698926 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10121497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past few decades, we have witnessed a surge around the world in the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This global health threat arose mainly due to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics as well as a relative lack of new drug classes in development pipelines. Innovative antibacterial therapeutics and strategies are, therefore, in grave need. For the last twenty years, antimicrobial enzymes encoded by bacteriophages, viruses that can lyse and kill bacteria, have gained tremendous interest. There are two classes of these phage-derived enzymes, referred to also as enzybiotics: peptidoglycan hydrolases (lysins), which degrade the bacterial peptidoglycan layer, and polysaccharide depolymerases, which target extracellular or surface polysaccharides, i.e., bacterial capsules, slime layers, biofilm matrix, or lipopolysaccharides. Their features include distinctive modes of action, high efficiency, pathogen specificity, diversity in structure and activity, low possibility of bacterial resistance development, and no observed cross-resistance with currently used antibiotics. Additionally, and unlike antibiotics, enzybiotics can target metabolically inactive persister cells. These phage-derived enzymes have been tested in various animal models to combat both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and in recent years peptidoglycan hydrolases have entered clinical trials. Here, we review the testing and clinical use of these enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel J. Wozniak
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
| | - Stephen T. Abedon
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
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Park DW, Park JH. Characterization and Food Application of the Novel Lytic Phage BECP10: Specifically Recognizes the O-polysaccharide of Escherichia coli O157:H7. Viruses 2021; 13:1469. [PMID: 34452334 PMCID: PMC8402813 DOI: 10.3390/v13081469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a global concern that causes serious diseases, such as hemolytic uremic syndrome and bloody diarrhea. To control E. coli O157:H7 in food, a novel siphophage, BECP10, that targets the O157 serotype was isolated and characterized. Unlike other E. coli phages, BECP10 can only infect E. coli O157 strains, and thus, did not infect other strains. The 48 kbp genome of BECP10 contained 76 open reading frames (ORFs), including 33 putative functional ORFs. The phage did not contain lysogeny-related modules or toxin-associated genes, suggesting that the phage might be strictly lytic. The tail spike protein (TSP) sequence had very low homology with the reported T1-like phages, indicating that TSP might be related to this unique host spectrum. The specific O-antigen residue of E. coli O157:H7 may be a key factor for phage infection by adsorption and receptor identification. The phage exhibited strong antibacterial activity against E. coli O157:H7 over a broad pH range and showed little development of phage-insensitive mutants. The phage sustained viability on the burger patties and reduced E. coli O157:H7 to a non-detectable level without the emergence of resistant cells at low temperatures for five days. Therefore, phage BECP10 might be a good biocontrol agent for E. coli O157:H7-contaminated food matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jong-Hyun Park
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Gachon University, Seongnam 13120, Korea;
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24
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Hwang SB, Chelliah R, Kang JE, Rubab M, Banan-MwineDaliri E, Elahi F, Oh DH. Role of Recent Therapeutic Applications and the Infection Strategies of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:614963. [PMID: 34268129 PMCID: PMC8276698 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.614963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a global foodborne bacterial pathogen that is often accountable for colon disorder or distress. STEC commonly induces severe diarrhea in hosts but can cause critical illnesses due to the Shiga toxin virulence factors. To date, there have been a significant number of STEC serotypes have been evolved. STECs vary from nausea and hemorrhoid (HC) to possible lethal hemolytic-based uremic syndrome (HUS), thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Inflammation-based STEC is usually a foodborne illness with Shiga toxins (Stx 1 and 2) thought to be pathogenesis. The STEC's pathogenicity depends significantly on developing one or more Shiga toxins, which can constrain host cell protein synthesis leading to cytotoxicity. In managing STEC infections, antimicrobial agents are generally avoided, as bacterial damage and discharge of accumulated toxins are thought the body. It has also been documented that certain antibiotics improve toxin production and the development of these species. Many different groups have attempted various therapies, including toxin-focused antibodies, toxin-based polymers, synbiotic agents, and secondary metabolites remedies. Besides, in recent years, antibiotics' efficacy in treating STEC infections has been reassessed with some encouraging methods. Nevertheless, the primary role of synbiotic effectiveness (probiotic and prebiotic) against pathogenic STEC and other enteropathogens is less recognized. Additional studies are required to understand the mechanisms of action of probiotic bacteria and yeast against STEC infection. Because of the consensus contraindication of antimicrobials for these bacterial pathogens, the examination was focused on alternative remedy strategies for STEC infections. The rise of novel STEC serotypes and approaches employed in its treatment are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-bin Hwang
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Ramachandran Chelliah
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Ji Eun Kang
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Momna Rubab
- School of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Eric Banan-MwineDaliri
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Fazle Elahi
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Deog-Hwan Oh
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, South Korea
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25
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Abraham S, Kaufman Y, Perreault F, Young R, Bar-Zeev E. Bursting out: linking changes in nanotopography and biomechanical properties of biofilm-forming Escherichia coli to the T4 lytic cycle. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2021; 7:26. [PMID: 33731698 PMCID: PMC7969764 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-021-00195-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The bacteriophage infection cycle has been extensively studied, yet little is known about the nanostructure and mechanical changes that lead to bacterial lysis. Here, atomic force microscopy was used to study in real time and in situ the impact of the canonical phage T4 on the nanotopography and biomechanics of irreversibly attached, biofilm-forming E. coli cells. The results show that in contrast to the lytic cycle in planktonic cells, which ends explosively, anchored cells that are in the process of forming a biofilm undergo a more gradual lysis, developing distinct nanoscale lesions (~300 nm in diameter) within the cell envelope. Furthermore, it is shown that the envelope rigidity and cell elasticity decrease (>50% and >40%, respectively) following T4 infection, a process likely linked to changes in the nanostructure of infected cells. These insights show that the well-established lytic pathway of planktonic cells may be significantly different from that of biofilm-forming cells. Elucidating the lysis paradigm of these cells may advance biofilm removal and phage therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiju Abraham
- Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, The Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sde Boqer Campus, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
| | - Yair Kaufman
- Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, The Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sde Boqer Campus, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel.
| | - François Perreault
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Ry Young
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Texas A&M AgriLife, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Edo Bar-Zeev
- Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, The Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sde Boqer Campus, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel.
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26
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Azeredo J, García P, Drulis-Kawa Z. Targeting biofilms using phages and their enzymes. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2021; 68:251-261. [PMID: 33714050 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2021.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The complex biofilm architecture composed of extracellular polymeric structures (EPS) provides a protective shield to physiologically diverse bacterial cells immersed in its structure. The evolutionary interplay between bacteria and their viruses (phages) forced the latter ones to develop specific strategies to overcome the biofilm defensive barriers and kill sessile cells. Phages are equipped with a wide panel of enzyme-degrading EPS macromolecules which together are powerful weapons to combat biofilms. Antibiofilm performance can be achieved by combining phages or phage-borne enzymes with other antimicrobials such as antibiotics. Nevertheless, a variety of enzymes encoded in phage genomes still need to be explored. To advance in biofilm control strategies we must deepen the understanding of the biofilm biology itself, as well as discover and better exploit the unlimited antibacterial potential of phages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Azeredo
- Centro de Engenharia Biológica, Universidade do Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Pilar García
- Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias (IPLA-CSIC), Paseo Río Linares sn. 33300, Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain.
| | - Zuzanna Drulis-Kawa
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wroclaw, Przybyszewskiego 63/77, 51-148 Wroclaw, Poland.
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27
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Topka-Bielecka G, Dydecka A, Necel A, Bloch S, Nejman-Faleńczyk B, Węgrzyn G, Węgrzyn A. Bacteriophage-Derived Depolymerases against Bacterial Biofilm. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:175. [PMID: 33578658 PMCID: PMC7916357 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10020175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to specific antibiotic resistance, the formation of bacterial biofilm causes another level of complications in attempts to eradicate pathogenic or harmful bacteria, including difficult penetration of drugs through biofilm structures to bacterial cells, impairment of immunological response of the host, and accumulation of various bioactive compounds (enzymes and others) affecting host physiology and changing local pH values, which further influence various biological functions. In this review article, we provide an overview on the formation of bacterial biofilm and its properties, and then we focus on the possible use of phage-derived depolymerases to combat bacterial cells included in this complex structure. On the basis of the literature review, we conclude that, although these bacteriophage-encoded enzymes may be effective in destroying specific compounds involved in the formation of biofilm, they are rarely sufficient to eradicate all bacterial cells. Nevertheless, a combined therapy, employing depolymerases together with antibiotics and/or other antibacterial agents or factors, may provide an effective approach to treat infections caused by bacteria able to form biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gracja Topka-Bielecka
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (G.T.-B.); (A.D.); (A.N.); (B.N.-F.); (G.W.)
| | - Aleksandra Dydecka
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (G.T.-B.); (A.D.); (A.N.); (B.N.-F.); (G.W.)
| | - Agnieszka Necel
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (G.T.-B.); (A.D.); (A.N.); (B.N.-F.); (G.W.)
| | - Sylwia Bloch
- Laboratory of Phage Therapy, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kładki 24, 80-822 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Bożena Nejman-Faleńczyk
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (G.T.-B.); (A.D.); (A.N.); (B.N.-F.); (G.W.)
| | - Grzegorz Węgrzyn
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (G.T.-B.); (A.D.); (A.N.); (B.N.-F.); (G.W.)
| | - Alicja Węgrzyn
- Laboratory of Phage Therapy, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kładki 24, 80-822 Gdańsk, Poland;
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28
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Characterization of a Lytic Bacteriophage vB_EfaS_PHB08 Harboring Endolysin Lys08 Against Enterococcus faecalis Biofilms. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8091332. [PMID: 32878334 PMCID: PMC7564645 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8091332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus faecalis is an opportunistic pathogen that causes illnesses ranging from urinary tract infections to sepsis in humans and animals. However, the overuse of antibiotics has increased rates of drug resistance among E. faecalis isolates. Bacteriophages and their derivatives have recently been identified as good candidates for the treatment of drug-resistant bacterial infections. Here, we isolated a virulent E. faecalis phage, PHB08, using the double-layer plate method. The bioactivity of the phage was determined via one-step growth curve testing and bacterial killing assays, and whole-genome sequencing was performed using the Illumina HiSeq platform. In addition, protein expression and antibiofilm assays were performed to investigate the activity of the phage lysin. Results showed that PHB08 has a 55,244-bp linear double-stranded DNA genome encoding 91 putative coding sequences. PHB08 inhibited the growth of host strain EF3964 at 37 °C in tryptic soy broth (TSB) medium, while in vegetable models, PHB08 caused a 4.69-log decrease in viable E. faecalis cells after 24 h. Both PHB08 and its endolysin lys08 showed antibiofilm activity against E. faecalis biofilms, which was enhanced by Mn2+ ions. Thus, virulent phage PHB08 and endolysin lys08 may be good candidates for reducing and/or eradicating E. faecalis infections.
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