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Sabra DM, Krin A, Romeral AB, Frieß JL, Jeremias G. Anthrax revisited: how assessing the unpredictable can improve biosecurity. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1215773. [PMID: 37795173 PMCID: PMC10546327 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1215773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
B. anthracis is one of the most often weaponized pathogens. States had it in their bioweapons programs and criminals and terrorists have used or attempted to use it. This study is motivated by the narrative that emerging and developing technologies today contribute to the amplification of danger through greater easiness, accessibility and affordability of steps in the making of an anthrax weapon. As states would have way better preconditions if they would decide for an offensive bioweapons program, we focus on bioterrorism. This paper analyzes and assesses the possible bioterrorism threat arising from advances in synthetic biology, genome editing, information availability, and other emerging, and converging sciences and enabling technologies. Methodologically we apply foresight methods to encourage the analysis of contemporary technological advances. We have developed a conceptual six-step foresight science framework approach. It represents a synthesis of various foresight methodologies including literature review, elements of horizon scanning, trend impact analysis, red team exercise, and free flow open-ended discussions. Our results show a significant shift in the threat landscape. Increasing affordability, widespread distribution, efficiency, as well as ease of use of DNA synthesis, and rapid advances in genome-editing and synthetic genomic technologies lead to an ever-growing number and types of actors who could potentially weaponize B. anthracis. Understanding the current and future capabilities of these technologies and their potential for misuse critically shapes the current and future threat landscape and underlines the necessary adaptation of biosecurity measures in the spheres of multi-level political decision making and in the science community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dunja Manal Sabra
- Carl Friedrich von Weizsäcker-Centre for Science and Peace Research (ZNF), University of Hamburg, Bogenallee, Hamburg, Germany
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Temrikar ZH, Golden JE, Jonsson CB, Meibohm B. Clinical and Translational Pharmacology Considerations for Anti-infectives Approved Under the FDA Animal Rule. Clin Pharmacokinet 2023; 62:943-953. [PMID: 37326917 PMCID: PMC10471120 DOI: 10.1007/s40262-023-01267-x] [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] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The US Food and Drug Administration's Animal Rule provides a pathway for approval of drugs and biologics aimed to treat serious or life-threatening conditions wherein traditional clinical trials are either not ethical or feasible. In such a scenario, determination of safety and efficacy are based on integration of data on drug disposition and drug action collected from in vitro models, infected animals, and healthy volunteer human studies. The demonstration of clinical efficacy and safety in humans based on robust, well-controlled animal studies is filled with challenges. This review elaborates on the challenges in the translation of data from in vitro and animal models to human dosing for antimicrobials. In this context, it discusses precedents of drugs approved under the Animal Rule, along with the approaches and guidance undertaken by sponsors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaid H Temrikar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 881 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Jennifer E Golden
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Colleen B Jonsson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 881 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Bernd Meibohm
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 881 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.
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Mondange L, Tessier É, Tournier JN. Pathogenic Bacilli as an Emerging Biothreat? Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11101186. [PMID: 36297243 PMCID: PMC9609551 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11101186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis, present as a very durable endospore in soil, causes zoonotic illness which is mainly associated with herbivores and domestic animals. Human cases are scarce and often involve populations close to infected livestock. If anthrax is no longer of public health concern in developed countries, B. anthracis is one of the top-tier biological weapon agents. It is classified by the CDC as a category A agent. Since 1994, emerging strains of Bacillus cereus have been associated with anthrax-like disease in mammals. Some clinical strains of B. cereus harbor anthrax-like plasmid genes (pXO1 and pXO2) associated with non-human primate and human infections, with the same clinical presentation of inhalation anthrax and mortality rates. Although currently restricted to certain limited areas of circulation, the emergence of these new strains of B. cereus extends the list of potential agents possibly usable for bioterrorism or as a biological weapon. It is therefore important to improve our knowledge of the phylogeny within the B. cereus sensu lato group to better understand the origin of these strains. We can then more efficiently monitor the emergence of new strains to better control the risk of infection and limit potentially malicious uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lou Mondange
- Bacteriology Unit, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 91220 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
- Yersinia Unit, Institut Pasteur, 75015 Paris, France
- Correspondence: (L.M.); (J.-N.T.)
| | - Émilie Tessier
- Immunopathology Unit, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 91220 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | - Jean-Nicolas Tournier
- CNR-LE Charbon, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 91220 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
- Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 91220 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
- École du Val-de-Grâce, 75015 Paris, France
- Correspondence: (L.M.); (J.-N.T.)
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Mytych JS, Pan Z, Farris AD. Efferocytosis and Anthrax: Implications for Bacterial Sepsis? JOURNAL OF CELLULAR IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 3:133-139. [PMID: 34708219 PMCID: PMC8547791 DOI: 10.33696/immunology.3.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua S Mytych
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF), 825 NE 13th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC), 940 Stanton L. Young Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Zijian Pan
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF), 825 NE 13th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - A Darise Farris
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF), 825 NE 13th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC), 940 Stanton L. Young Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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Manish M, Verma S, Kandari D, Kulshreshtha P, Singh S, Bhatnagar R. Anthrax prevention through vaccine and post-exposure therapy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2020; 20:1405-1425. [DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2020.1801626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Manish Manish
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Shashikala Verma
- Centre of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Divya Kandari
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Parul Kulshreshtha
- Department of Zoology, Shivaji College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Samer Singh
- Centre of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Rakesh Bhatnagar
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
- Centre of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
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Baldwin VM. You Can't B. cereus - A Review of Bacillus cereus Strains That Cause Anthrax-Like Disease. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1731. [PMID: 32973690 PMCID: PMC7468541 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging strains of Bacillus cereus, traditionally considered a self-limiting foodborne pathogen, have been associated with anthrax-like disease in mammals, including humans. The strains have emerged by divergent evolution and, as exchange of genetic material in the Bacillus genus occurs naturally, it is possible that further isolates will be identified in the future. The strains vary in their genotypes and phenotypes, combining traits of both B. cereus and B. anthracis species. Cases of anthrax-like disease associated with these strains result in similar symptoms and mortality rates as those caused by B. anthracis. The strains are susceptible to frontline antibiotics used in the treatment of anthrax and existing vaccines provide protection in animal models. The emergence of these strains has reignited the debate surrounding classification of the B. cereus sensu lato group and serves as a reminder that the field of medical microbiology is constantly changing and remains an important and ongoing area of research.
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Tournier JN, Rougeaux C. Anthrax Toxin Detection: From In Vivo Studies to Diagnostic Applications. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8081103. [PMID: 32717946 PMCID: PMC7464488 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8081103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthrax toxins are produced by Bacillus anthracis throughout infection and shape the physiopathogenesis of the disease. They are produced in low quantities but are highly efficient. They have thus been long ignored, but recent biochemical methods have improved our knowledge in animal models. This article reviews the various methods that have been used and how they could be applied to clinical diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Nicolas Tournier
- Unité Bactériologie Biothérapies Anti-infectieuses et Immunité, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées (IRBA), 1 place Général Valérie André, 91220 Brétigny sur Orge, France;
- Centre National de Référence-Laboratoire Expert Charbon, 1 place Général Valérie André, 91220 Brétigny sur Orge, France
- Innovative Vaccine Laboratory, Institut Pasteur, 28 rue du docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
- Ecole du Val-de-Grâce, 1 place Alphonse Laveran, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Clémence Rougeaux
- Unité Bactériologie Biothérapies Anti-infectieuses et Immunité, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées (IRBA), 1 place Général Valérie André, 91220 Brétigny sur Orge, France;
- Centre National de Référence-Laboratoire Expert Charbon, 1 place Général Valérie André, 91220 Brétigny sur Orge, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-178-651-891
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Thouret JM, Rogeaux O, Beaudouin E, Levast M, Ramisse V, Biot FV, Valade E, Thibault F, Gorgé O, Tournier JN. Case Report of an Injectional Anthrax in France, 2012. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8070985. [PMID: 32630109 PMCID: PMC7409126 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8070985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Bacillus anthracis is a spore-forming, Gram-positive bacterium causing anthrax, a zoonosis affecting mainly livestock. When occasionally infecting humans, B. anthracis provokes three different clinical forms: cutaneous, digestive and inhalational anthrax. More recently, an injectional anthrax form has been described in intravenous drug users. (2) Case presentation: We report here the clinical and microbiological features, as well as the strain phylogenetic analysis, of the only injectional anthrax case observed in France so far. A 27-year-old patient presented a massive dermohypodermatitis with an extensive edema of the right arm, and the development of drug-resistant shocks. After three weeks in an intensive care unit, the patient recovered, but the microbiological identification of B. anthracis was achieved after a long delay. (3) Conclusions: Anthrax diagnostic may be difficult clinically and microbiologically. The phylogenetic analysis of the Bacillus anthracis strain PF1 confirmed its relatedness to the injectional anthrax European outbreak group-II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Marc Thouret
- Centre Hospitalier Centre Hospitalier Métropole Savoie, rue Lucien Bizet, 73000 Chambéry, France; (J.-M.T.); (O.R.); (E.B.); (M.L.)
| | - Olivier Rogeaux
- Centre Hospitalier Centre Hospitalier Métropole Savoie, rue Lucien Bizet, 73000 Chambéry, France; (J.-M.T.); (O.R.); (E.B.); (M.L.)
| | - Emmanuel Beaudouin
- Centre Hospitalier Centre Hospitalier Métropole Savoie, rue Lucien Bizet, 73000 Chambéry, France; (J.-M.T.); (O.R.); (E.B.); (M.L.)
| | - Marion Levast
- Centre Hospitalier Centre Hospitalier Métropole Savoie, rue Lucien Bizet, 73000 Chambéry, France; (J.-M.T.); (O.R.); (E.B.); (M.L.)
| | - Vincent Ramisse
- DGA Maîtrise NRBC, 5 rue Lavoisier, 91710 Vert le Petit, France;
| | - Fabrice V. Biot
- CNR-LE Charbon (National Reference Laboratory for Anthrax), Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 1 Place Général Valérie André, 91220 Brétigny sur Orge, France; (F.V.B.); (E.V.); (F.T.); (O.G.)
- Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 1 Place Général Valérie André, 91220 Brétigny sur Orge, France
| | - Eric Valade
- CNR-LE Charbon (National Reference Laboratory for Anthrax), Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 1 Place Général Valérie André, 91220 Brétigny sur Orge, France; (F.V.B.); (E.V.); (F.T.); (O.G.)
- Direction Centrale du Service de Santé des Armées, 60 Boulevard du Général Martial Valin, 75015 Paris, France
- Ecole du Val-de-Grâce, 1 Place Alphonse Laveran, 75 005 Paris, France
| | - François Thibault
- CNR-LE Charbon (National Reference Laboratory for Anthrax), Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 1 Place Général Valérie André, 91220 Brétigny sur Orge, France; (F.V.B.); (E.V.); (F.T.); (O.G.)
| | - Olivier Gorgé
- CNR-LE Charbon (National Reference Laboratory for Anthrax), Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 1 Place Général Valérie André, 91220 Brétigny sur Orge, France; (F.V.B.); (E.V.); (F.T.); (O.G.)
- Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 1 Place Général Valérie André, 91220 Brétigny sur Orge, France
| | - Jean-Nicolas Tournier
- CNR-LE Charbon (National Reference Laboratory for Anthrax), Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 1 Place Général Valérie André, 91220 Brétigny sur Orge, France; (F.V.B.); (E.V.); (F.T.); (O.G.)
- Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 1 Place Général Valérie André, 91220 Brétigny sur Orge, France
- Ecole du Val-de-Grâce, 1 Place Alphonse Laveran, 75 005 Paris, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-178-65-1065
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Exploring the Nature of Cationic Blocker Recognition by the Anthrax Toxin Channel. Biophys J 2019; 117:1751-1763. [PMID: 31587826 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2019.08.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Obstructing conductive pathways of the channel-forming toxins with targeted blockers is a promising drug design approach. Nearly all tested positively charged ligands have been shown to reversibly block the cation-selective channel-forming protective antigen (PA63) component of the binary anthrax toxin. The cationic ligands with more hydrophobic surfaces, particularly those carrying aromatic moieties, inhibited PA63 more effectively. To understand the physical basis of PA63 selectivity for a particular ligand, detailed information is required on how the blocker structural elements (e.g., positively charged and aromatic groups) influence the molecular kinetics of the blocker/channel binding reactions. In this study, we address this problem using the high-resolution single-channel planar lipid bilayer technique. Several structurally distinct cationic blockers, namely per-6-S-(3-amino) propyl-β-cyclodextrin, per-6-S-(3-aminomethyl) benzyl-α-cyclodextrin, per-6-S-(3-aminomethyl) benzyl-β-cyclodextrin, per-6-S-(3-aminomethyl) benzyl-γ-cyclodextrin, methyltriphenylphosphonium ion, and G0 polyamidoamine dendrimer are tested for their ability to inhibit the heptameric and octameric PA63 variants and PA63F427A mutant. The F427 residues form a hydrophobic constriction region inside the channel, known as the "ϕ-clamp." We show that the cationic blockers interact with PA63 through a combination of forces. Analysis of the binding reaction kinetics suggests the involvement of cation-π, Coulomb, and salt-concentration-independent π-π or hydrophobic interactions in the cationic cyclodextrin binding. It is possible that these blockers bind to the ϕ-clamp and are also stabilized by the Coulomb interactions of their terminal amino groups with the water-exposed negatively charged channel residues. In PA63F427A, only the suggested Coulomb component of the cyclodextrin interaction remains. Methyltriphenylphosphonium ion and G0 polyamidoamine dendrimer, despite being positively charged, interact primarily with the ϕ-clamp. We also show that seven- and eightfold symmetric cyclodextrins effectively block the heptameric and octameric forms of PA63 interchangeably, adding flexibility to the earlier formulated blocker/target symmetry match requirement.
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