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Khan FM, Rasheed F, Yang Y, Liu B, Zhang R. Endolysins: a new antimicrobial agent against antimicrobial resistance. Strategies and opportunities in overcoming the challenges of endolysins against Gram-negative bacteria. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1385261. [PMID: 38831886 PMCID: PMC11144922 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1385261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are rapidly emerging, and the increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii poses a severe threat to humans and healthcare organizations, due to the lack of innovative antibacterial drugs. Endolysins, which are peptidoglycan hydrolases encoded by a bacteriophage, are a promising new family of antimicrobials. Endolysins have been demonstrated as an effective therapeutic agent against bacterial infections of A. baumannii and many other Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Endolysin research has progressed from basic in vitro characterization to sophisticated protein engineering methodologies, including advanced preclinical and clinical testing. Endolysin are therapeutic agent that shows antimicrobial properties against bacterial infections caused by drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, there are still barriers to their implementation in clinical settings, such as safety concerns with outer membrane permeabilizers (OMP) use, low efficiency against stationary phase bacteria, and stability issues. The application of protein engineering and formulation techniques to improve enzyme stability, as well as combination therapy with other types of antibacterial drugs to optimize their medicinal value, have been reviewed as well. In this review, we summarize the clinical development of endolysin and its challenges and approaches for bringing endolysin therapies to the clinic. This review also discusses the different applications of endolysins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fazal Mehmood Khan
- College of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fazal Rasheed
- Institute of Microscale Optoelectronics, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yunlan Yang
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhuhai, China
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2
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Sisson HM, Jackson SA, Fagerlund RD, Warring SL, Fineran PC. Gram-negative endolysins: overcoming the outer membrane obstacle. Curr Opin Microbiol 2024; 78:102433. [PMID: 38350268 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2024.102433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Our ability to control the growth of Gram-negative bacterial pathogens is challenged by rising antimicrobial resistance and requires new approaches. Endolysins are phage-derived enzymes that degrade peptidoglycan and therefore offer potential as antimicrobial agents. However, the outer membrane (OM) of Gram-negative bacteria impedes the access of externally applied endolysins to peptidoglycan. This review highlights recent advances in the discovery and characterization of natural endolysins that can breach the OM, as well as chemical and engineering approaches that increase antimicrobial efficacy of endolysins against Gram-negative pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazel M Sisson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; Genetics Otago, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; Bioprotection Aotearoa, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Simon A Jackson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; Genetics Otago, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; Bioprotection Aotearoa, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Robert D Fagerlund
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; Genetics Otago, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; Bioprotection Aotearoa, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Suzanne L Warring
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; Genetics Otago, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Peter C Fineran
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; Genetics Otago, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; Bioprotection Aotearoa, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand.
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3
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Hassannia M, Naderifar M, Salamy S, Akbarizadeh MR, Mohebi S, Moghadam MT. Engineered phage enzymes against drug-resistant pathogens: a review on advances and applications. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng 2024; 47:301-312. [PMID: 37962644 DOI: 10.1007/s00449-023-02938-6] [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: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, the expansion of multi and extensively drug-resistant (MDR and XDR) bacteria has reached an alarming rate, causing serious health concerns. Infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria have been associated with morbidity and mortality, making tackling bacterial resistance an urgent and unmet challenge that needs to be addressed properly. Endolysins are phage-encoded enzymes that can specifically degrade the bacterial cell wall and lead to bacterial death. There is remarkable evidence that corroborates the unique ability of endolysins to rapidly digest the peptidoglycan particular bonds externally without the assistance of phage. Thus, their modulation in therapeutic approaches has opened new options for therapeutic applications in the fight against bacterial infections in the human and veterinary sectors, as well as within the agricultural and biotechnology areas. The use of genetically engineered phage enzymes (EPE) promises to generate endolysin variants with unique properties for prophylactic and therapeutic applications. These approaches have gained momentum to accelerate basic as well as translational phage research and the potential development of therapeutics in the near future. This review will focus on the novel knowledge into EPE and demonstrate that EPE has far better performance than natural endolysins and phages in dealing with antibiotic-resistant infections. Therefore, it provides essential information for clinical trials involving EPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohadeseh Hassannia
- Department of Genetic, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahin Naderifar
- School of Medicine, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
| | - Shakiba Salamy
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Samane Mohebi
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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4
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Boroujeni MB, Mohebi S, Malekian A, Shahraeini SS, Gharagheizi Z, Shahkolahi S, Sadeghi RV, Naderifar M, Akbarizadeh MR, Soltaninejad S, Moghadam ZT, Moghadam MT, Mirzadeh F. The therapeutic effect of engineered phage, derived protein and enzymes against superbug bacteria. Biotechnol Bioeng 2024; 121:82-99. [PMID: 37881139 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28581] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Defending against antibiotic-resistant infections is similar to fighting a war with limited ammunition. As the new century unfolded, antibiotic resistance became a significant concern. In spite of the fact that phage treatment has been used as an effective means of fighting infections for more than a century, researchers have had to overcome many challenges of superbug bacteria by manipulating phages and producing engineered enzymes. New enzymes and phages with enhanced properties have a significant impact on the ability to fight antibiotic-resistant infections, which is considered a window of hope for the future. This review, therefore, illustrates not only the challenges caused by antibiotic resistance and superbug bacteria but also the engineered enzymes and phages that are being developed to solve these issues. Our study found that engineered phages, phage proteins, and enzymes can be effective in treating superbug bacteria and destroying the biofilm caused by them. Combining these engineered compounds with other antimicrobial substances can increase their effectiveness against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Therefore, engineered phages, proteins, and enzymes can be used as a substitute for antibiotics or in combination with antibiotics to treat patients with superbug infections in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Samane Mohebi
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Azam Malekian
- Department of Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Sadegh Shahraeini
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Drug Design and Bioinformatics Unit, Biotechnology Research Centre, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Gharagheizi
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shaghayegh Shahkolahi
- Department of Microbiology, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rezvaneh Vahedian Sadeghi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahin Naderifar
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
| | | | | | - Zahra Taati Moghadam
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
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5
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Gerstmans H, Duyvejonck L, Vázquez R, Staes I, Borloo J, Abdelkader K, Leroy J, Cremelie E, Gutiérrez D, Tamés-Caunedo H, Ruas-Madiedo P, Rodríguez A, Aertsen A, Lammertyn J, Lavigne R, Briers Y. Distinct mode of action of a highly stable, engineered phage lysin killing Gram-negative bacteria. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0181323. [PMID: 37971248 PMCID: PMC10714810 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01813-23] [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: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Engineered lysins are considered as highly promising alternatives for antibiotics. Our previous screening study using VersaTile technology identified 1D10 as a possible lead compound with activity against Acinetobacter baumannii strains under elevated human serum concentrations. In this manuscript, we reveal an unexpected mode of action and exceptional thermoresistance for lysin 1D10. Our findings shed new light on the development of engineered lysins, providing valuable insights for future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Gerstmans
- Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lisa Duyvejonck
- Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Roberto Vázquez
- Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ines Staes
- Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Karim Abdelkader
- Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Jeroen Leroy
- Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Emma Cremelie
- Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Diana Gutiérrez
- Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Héctor Tamés-Caunedo
- Dairy Research Institute of Asturias, Spanish National Research Council (IPLA-CSIC), Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain
| | - Patricia Ruas-Madiedo
- Dairy Research Institute of Asturias, Spanish National Research Council (IPLA-CSIC), Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain
| | - Ana Rodríguez
- Dairy Research Institute of Asturias, Spanish National Research Council (IPLA-CSIC), Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain
| | - Abram Aertsen
- Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Rob Lavigne
- Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yves Briers
- Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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6
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Carratalá JV, Arís A, Garcia-Fruitós E, Ferrer-Miralles N. Design strategies for positively charged endolysins: Insights into Artilysin development. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 69:108250. [PMID: 37678419 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Endolysins are bacteriophage-encoded enzymes that can specifically degrade the peptidoglycan layer of bacterial cell wall, making them an attractive tool for the development of novel antibacterial agents. The use of genetic engineering techniques for the production and modification of endolysins offers the opportunity to customize their properties and activity against specific bacterial targets, paving the way for the development of personalized therapies for bacterial infections. Gram-negative bacteria possess an outer membrane that can hinder the action of recombinantly produced endolysins. However, certain endolysins are capable of crossing the outer membrane by virtue of segments that share properties resembling those of cationic peptides. These regions increase the affinity of the endolysin towards the bacterial surface and assist in the permeabilization of the membrane. In order to improve the bactericidal effectiveness of endolysins, approaches have been implemented to increase their net charge, including the development of Artilysins containing positively charged amino acids at one end. At present, there are no specific guidelines outlining the steps for implementing these modifications. There is an ongoing debate surrounding the optimal location of positive charge, the need for a linker region, and the specific amino acid composition of peptides for modifying endolysins. The aim of this study is to provide clarity on these topics by analyzing and comparing the most effective modifications found in previous literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Vicente Carratalá
- Department of Ruminant Production, Institute of Agriculture and Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), Caldes de Montbui, 08140 Barcelona, Spain; Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Anna Arís
- Department of Ruminant Production, Institute of Agriculture and Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), Caldes de Montbui, 08140 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Garcia-Fruitós
- Department of Ruminant Production, Institute of Agriculture and Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), Caldes de Montbui, 08140 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Neus Ferrer-Miralles
- Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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7
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Khan FM, Chen JH, Zhang R, Liu B. A comprehensive review of the applications of bacteriophage-derived endolysins for foodborne bacterial pathogens and food safety: recent advances, challenges, and future perspective. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1259210. [PMID: 37869651 PMCID: PMC10588457 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1259210] [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: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Foodborne diseases are caused by food contaminated by pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacter, and Clostridium, a critical threat to human health. As a novel antibacterial agent against foodborne pathogens, endolysins are peptidoglycan hydrolases encoded by bacteriophages that lyse bacterial cells by targeting their cell wall, notably in Gram-positive bacteria due to their naturally exposed peptidoglycan layer. These lytic enzymes have gained scientists' interest in recent years due to their selectivity, mode of action, engineering potential, and lack of resistance mechanisms. The use of endolysins for food safety has undergone significant improvements, which are summarized and discussed in this review. Endolysins can remove bacterial biofilms of foodborne pathogens and their cell wall-binding domain can be employed as a tool for quick detection of foodborne pathogens. We explained the applications of endolysin for eliminating pathogenic bacteria in livestock and various food matrices, as well as the limitations and challenges in use as a dietary supplement. We also highlight the novel techniques of the development of engineering endolysin for targeting Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. In conclusion, endolysin is safe and effective against foodborne pathogens and has no adverse effect on human cells and beneficial microbiota. As a result, endolysin could be employed as a functional bio-preservative agent to improve food stability and safety and maintain the natural taste of food quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fazal Mehmood Khan
- College of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Institute for Innovative Development of Food Industry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jie-Hua Chen
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Institute for Innovative Development of Food Industry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Institute for Innovative Development of Food Industry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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8
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Sitthisak S, Manrueang S, Khongfak S, Leungtongkam U, Thummeepak R, Thanwisai A, Burton N, Dhanoa GK, Tsapras P, Sagona AP. Antibacterial activity of vB_AbaM_PhT2 phage hydrophobic amino acid fusion endolysin, combined with colistin against Acinetobacter baumannii. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7470. [PMID: 37156803 PMCID: PMC10167329 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33822-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Phage lytic enzymes are promising antimicrobial agents. In this study, an endolysin derived from vB_AbaM_PhT2 (vPhT2), was identified. This endolysin represented the conserved lysozyme domain. Recombinant endolysin (lysAB- vT2) and hydrophobic fusion endolysin (lysAB-vT2-fusion) were expressed and purified. Both endolysins showed lytic activity against bacterial crude cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria. The MIC of lysAB-vT2-fusion was 2 mg/ml corresponding to 100 µM, while the MIC of lysAB-vT2 was more than 10 mg/ml (400 µM). Combination of lysAB-vT2-fusion with colistin, polymyxin B or copper was synergistic against A. baumannii (FICI value as 0.25). Antibacterial activity of lysAB-vT2-fusion plus colistin at the fractional inhibitory concentrations (FICs) revealed that it can inhibit Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and various strains of extremely drug-resistant A. baumannii (XDRAB) and phage resistant A. baumannii. The lysAB- vT2-fusion still retained its antibacterial activity after incubating the enzyme at 4, 20, 40 and 60 °C for 30 min. The lysAB-vT2-fusion could inhibit the mature biofilm, and incubation of lysAB-vT2-fusion with T24 human cells infected with A. baumannii led to a partial reduction of LDH release from T24 cells. In summary, our study highlights the antimicrobial ability of engineered lysAB-vT2-fusion endolysin, which can be applied for the control of A. baumannii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sutthirat Sitthisak
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Muang, Phitsanulok, 65000, Thailand.
- Centre of Excellence in Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, 65000, Thailand.
| | - Suphattra Manrueang
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Muang, Phitsanulok, 65000, Thailand
| | - Supat Khongfak
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Muang, Phitsanulok, 65000, Thailand
| | - Udomluk Leungtongkam
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Muang, Phitsanulok, 65000, Thailand
| | - Rapee Thummeepak
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Muang, Phitsanulok, 65000, Thailand
| | - Aunchalee Thanwisai
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Muang, Phitsanulok, 65000, Thailand
| | - Nathan Burton
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Gurneet K Dhanoa
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | | | - Antonia P Sagona
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.
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9
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Wang JM, Seok SH, Yoon WS, Kim JH, Seo MD. Crystal structure of the engineered endolysin mtEC340M. Acta Crystallogr F Struct Biol Commun 2023; 79:105-110. [PMID: 37132476 PMCID: PMC10167747 DOI: 10.1107/s2053230x23002583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Endolysins produced by bacteriophages play essential roles in the release of phage progeny by degrading the peptidoglycan layers of the bacterial cell wall. Bacteriophage-encoded endolysins have emerged as a new class of antibacterial agents to combat surging antibiotic resistance. The crystal structure of mtEC340M, an engineered endolysin EC340 from the PBEC131 phage that infects Escherichia coli, was determined. The crystal structure of mtEC340M at 2.4 Å resolution consists of eight α-helices and two loops. The three active residues of mtEC340M were predicted by structural comparison with peptidoglycan-degrading lysozyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jee-Min Wang
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Gyeonggi 16499, Republic of Korea
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology (RIPST), Ajou University, Suwon, Gyeonggi 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Hyeon Seok
- College of Pharmacy and Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Advanced Convergence Technology and Science, Jeju National University, Jeju, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Su Yoon
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Gyeonggi 16499, Republic of Korea
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology (RIPST), Ajou University, Suwon, Gyeonggi 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hun Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Duk Seo
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Gyeonggi 16499, Republic of Korea
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology (RIPST), Ajou University, Suwon, Gyeonggi 16499, Republic of Korea
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10
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Hussain W, Yang X, Ullah M, Wang H, Aziz A, Xu F, Asif M, Ullah MW, Wang S. Genetic engineering of bacteriophages: Key concepts, strategies, and applications. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 64:108116. [PMID: 36773707 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Bacteriophages are the most abundant biological entity in the world and hold a tremendous amount of unexplored genetic information. Since their discovery, phages have drawn a great deal of attention from researchers despite their small size. The development of advanced strategies to modify their genomes and produce engineered phages with desired traits has opened new avenues for their applications. This review presents advanced strategies for developing engineered phages and their potential antibacterial applications in phage therapy, disruption of biofilm, delivery of antimicrobials, use of endolysin as an antibacterial agent, and altering the phage host range. Similarly, engineered phages find applications in eukaryotes as a shuttle for delivering genes and drugs to the targeted cells, and are used in the development of vaccines and facilitating tissue engineering. The use of phage display-based specific peptides for vaccine development, diagnostic tools, and targeted drug delivery is also discussed in this review. The engineered phage-mediated industrial food processing and biocontrol, advanced wastewater treatment, phage-based nano-medicines, and their use as a bio-recognition element for the detection of bacterial pathogens are also part of this review. The genetic engineering approaches hold great potential to accelerate translational phages and research. Overall, this review provides a deep understanding of the ingenious knowledge of phage engineering to move them beyond their innate ability for potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wajid Hussain
- Advanced Biomaterials & Tissues Engineering Center, College of Life Sciences and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Xiaohan Yang
- Advanced Biomaterials & Tissues Engineering Center, College of Life Sciences and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Mati Ullah
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Advanced Biomaterials & Tissues Engineering Center, College of Life Sciences and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Ayesha Aziz
- Advanced Biomaterials & Tissues Engineering Center, College of Life Sciences and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Fang Xu
- Huazhong University of Science and Technology Hospital, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Muhammad Asif
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Plasma Chemistry and Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan 430205, China
| | - Muhammad Wajid Ullah
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China.
| | - Shenqi Wang
- Advanced Biomaterials & Tissues Engineering Center, College of Life Sciences and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China.
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11
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Tan Y, Su J, Fu M, Zhang H, Zeng H. Recent Advances in Phage-Based Therapeutics for Multi-Drug Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. BIOENGINEERING (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 10:bioengineering10010035. [PMID: 36671607 PMCID: PMC9855029 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10010035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is an important opportunistic pathogen common in clinical infections. Phage therapy become a hot research field worldwide again after the post-antibiotic era. This review summarizes the important progress of phage treatments for A. baumannii in the last five years, and focus on the new interesting advances including the combination of phage and other substances (like photosensitizer), and the phage encapsulation (by microparticle, hydrogel) in delivery. We also discuss the remaining challenges and promising directions for phage-based therapy of A. baumannii infection in the future, and the innovative combination of materials in this area may be one promising direction.
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Cecropin a Improves the Antibacterial Activity of Hen Egg White Lysozyme against Challenging Salmonella enterica Serovars. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14102201. [PMID: 36297635 PMCID: PMC9610619 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14102201] [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: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica among animal- and plant-derived food products threatens global healthcare and economic sectors. Hen egg white lysozyme is widely exploited as a food preservative against Gram-positive pathogens. Nevertheless, its limited penetration of the outer membrane renders it ineffective against Gram-negative bacteria. Herein, we present a safe and effective approach to facilitate HEWL access to peptidoglycan layers using cecropin A. In silico analysis of cecropin A peptide revealed an amphipathic α-helical peptide with potential outer membrane permeabilizing activity through its interaction with both hydrophobic and ionic stabilizing forces. Evaluation of HEWL/cecropin A combination showed a cecropin A dose-dependent bacterial count reduction up to 4.16 and 3.18 ± 0.26 log units against Salmonella enterica ATCC 35664 at the logarithmic and stationary growth phases, respectively. Moreover, the combination displayed antibacterial activity of 2.1 ± 0.31 and ~1 log-unit reductions against Salmonella enterica serovars Kentucky, Typhimurium, and Enteritidis, respectively, whereas Hato and Shangani were found irresponsive. The cytotoxicity assay revealed compatibility of cecropin A with oral epithelial cells. These observations suggest HEWL/cecropin A combination as an effective and safe alternative to lysozyme against Salmonella enterica.
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Islam MM, Kim D, Kim K, Park SJ, Akter S, Kim J, Bang S, Kim S, Kim J, Lee JC, Hong CW, Shin M. Engineering of lysin by fusion of antimicrobial peptide (cecropin A) enhances its antibacterial properties against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:988522. [PMID: 36225352 PMCID: PMC9549208 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.988522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Most clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii, a nosocomial pathogen, are multidrug-resistant (MDR), fueling the search for alternative therapies. Bacteriophage-derived endolysins have potent antibacterial activities and are considered as alternatives to antibiotics against A. baumannii infection. Gram-negative bacteria possess outer lipid membrane that prevents direct contact between the endolysins and the cell wall. We hypothesized that the fusion of antimicrobial peptide (AMP) with endolysin could help to reduce bacterial endolysin resistance and increase antimicrobial activity by membrane permeability action. Accordingly, we fused cecropin A, a commonly used AMP, with the N-terminus of AbEndolysin, which enhances the bactericidal activity of the chimeric endolysin. The bactericidal activity of cecropin A-fused AbEndolysin increased by at least 2–8 fold for various MDR A. baumannii clinical isolates. The in vitro bactericidal activity results also showed higher bacterial lysis by the chimeric endolysin than that by the parental lysin. The engineered AbEndolysin (eAbEndolysin) showed synergistic effects with the beta-lactam antibiotics cefotaxime, ceftazidime, and aztreonam, and an additive effect with meropenem and imipenem. eAbEndolysin had no cytotoxic effect on A549 cell line and rescued mice (40% survival rate) from systemic A. baumannii infection. Together, these findings suggest the potential of lysin therapy and may prompt its use as an alternative to antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Maidul Islam
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Dooyoung Kim
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Kyeongmin Kim
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Su-Jin Park
- Functional Bio-material Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Jeongeup, South Korea
| | - Samia Akter
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Jeongah Kim
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Seunghyeok Bang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Shukho Kim
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Jungmin Kim
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Je Chul Lee
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Chang-Won Hong
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Minsang Shin
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Minsang Shin,
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Lim J, Hong J, Jung Y, Ha J, Kim H, Myung H, Song M. Bactericidal Effect of Cecropin A Fused Endolysin on Drug-Resistant Gram-Negative Pathogens. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 32:816-823. [PMID: 35586934 PMCID: PMC9628910 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2205.05009] [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: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The rapid spread of superbugs leads to the escalation of infectious diseases, which threatens public health. Endolysins derived from bacteriophages are spotlighted as promising alternative antibiotics against multi-drug resistant bacteria. In this study, we isolated and characterized the novel Salmonella typhimurium phage PBST08. Bioinformatics analysis of the PBST08 genome revealed putative endolysin ST01 with a lysozyme-like domain. Since the lytic activity of the purified ST01 was minor, probably owing to the outer membrane, which blocks accessibility to peptidoglycan, antimicrobial peptide cecropin A (CecA) was fused to the N-terminus of ST01 to disrupt the outer membrane. The resulting CecA::ST01 has been shown to have increased bactericidal activity against gram-negative pathogens including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, and Enterobacter cloacae and the most affected target was A. baumannii. In the presence of 0.25 μM CecA::ST01, A. baumannii ATCC 17978 strain was completely killed and CCARM 12026 strain was wiped out by 0.5 μM CecA::ST01, which is a clinical isolate of A. baumannii and resistant to multiple drugs including carbapenem. Moreover, the larvae of Galleria mellonella could be rescued up to 58% or 49% by the administration of CecA::ST01 upon infection by A. baumannii 17978 or CCARM 12026 strain. Finally, the antibacterial activity of CecA::ST01 was verified using 31 strains of five gram-negative pathogens by evaluation of minimal inhibitory concentration. Thus, the results indicate that a fusion of antimicrobial peptide to endolysin can enhance antibacterial activity and the spectrum of endolysin where multi-drug resistant gram-negative pathogens can be efficiently controlled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeonghyun Lim
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Yongin 17035, Republic of Korea
| | - Juyeon Hong
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Yongin 17035, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongwon Jung
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Yongin 17035, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaewon Ha
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Yongin 17035, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwan Kim
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Yongin 17035, Republic of Korea
| | - Heejoon Myung
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Yongin 17035, Republic of Korea,LyseNTech Co., Ltd., Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13486, Republic of Korea
| | - Miryoung Song
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Yongin 17035, Republic of Korea,Corresponding author Phone: +82-31-330-4714 Fax: +82-31-330-4272 E-mail:
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Hong HW, Kim YD, Jang J, Kim MS, Song M, Myung H. Combination Effect of Engineered Endolysin EC340 With Antibiotics. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:821936. [PMID: 35242119 PMCID: PMC8886149 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.821936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophage lysins, also known as endolysins or murein hydrolases, are hydrolytic enzymes produced by bacteriophages during the final stage of the lytic cycle to enable cleavage through the host's cell wall, thus allowing the phages to burst out of their host bacteria after multiplication inside them. When applied externally to Gram-negative bacteria as recombinant proteins, lysins cannot easily reach the cell wall due to the presence of an outer membrane (OM). In this study, endolysin EC340 obtained from phage PBEC131 infecting Escherichia coli was engineered for improved OM permeability and increased activity against Gram-negative bacteria. The engineered endolysin, LNT113, was tested for potential synergistic effects with standard-of-care antibiotics. A synergistic effect was demonstrated with colistin, while an additive effect was seen with meropenem, tigecycline, chloramphenicol, azithromycin, and ciprofloxacin. Neither ceftazidime nor kanamycin showed any synergy or additive effects with the LNT113 endolysin. Moreover, synergy and additive effects could not be generalized by antibiotic class, OM traverse mechanism, molecular weight, or the bactericidal nature of each antibiotic tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Won Hong
- LyseNTech Co., Ltd., Seongnam-si, South Korea
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Yongin-si, South Korea
| | | | | | - Min Soo Kim
- LyseNTech Co., Ltd., Seongnam-si, South Korea
| | - Miryoung Song
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Yongin-si, South Korea
| | - Heejoon Myung
- LyseNTech Co., Ltd., Seongnam-si, South Korea
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Yongin-si, South Korea
- The Bacteriophage Bank of Korea, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Yongin-si, South Korea
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