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Meogrossi G, Tollapi E, Rencinai A, Brunetti J, Scali S, Paccagnini E, Gentile M, Lupetti P, Pollini S, Rossolini GM, Bernini A, Pini A, Bracci L, Falciani C. Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Branched Peptides Derived from Natural Host Defense Sequences. J Med Chem 2024; 67:16145-16156. [PMID: 39260445 PMCID: PMC11440494 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 08/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a major global health threat, necessitating the development of new treatments and diverse molecules to combat severe infections and preserve the efficacy of existing drugs. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) offer a versatile arsenal against bacteria, and peptide structure branching can enhance their resistance to proteases and improve their overall efficacy. A small library of peptides derived from natural host defense peptides and synthesized in a tetrabranched form was selected against E. coli. Six selected branched peptides were further studied for antibacterial activity against a panel of strains, biofilm inhibition, protease resistance, and cytotoxicity. Their structure was predicted computationally and their mechanism of action was investigated by electron microscopy and by using fluorescent dyes. The peptide BAMP2 showed promise in a mouse skin infection model, indicating the potential for local infection treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giada Meogrossi
- Department
of Medical Biotechnology, University of
Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Eva Tollapi
- Department
of Medical Biotechnology, University of
Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rencinai
- Department
of Medical Biotechnology, University of
Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Jlenia Brunetti
- Department
of Medical Biotechnology, University of
Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Silvia Scali
- Department
of Medical Biotechnology, University of
Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | | | | | - Pietro Lupetti
- Department
of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Simona Pollini
- Department
of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University
of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Microbiology
and Virology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Gian Maria Rossolini
- Department
of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University
of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Microbiology
and Virology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Bernini
- Department
of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pini
- Department
of Medical Biotechnology, University of
Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Laboratory
of Clinical Pathology, Santa Maria alle
Scotte University Hospital, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Setlance
srl, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Luisa Bracci
- Department
of Medical Biotechnology, University of
Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Laboratory
of Clinical Pathology, Santa Maria alle
Scotte University Hospital, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Chiara Falciani
- Department
of Medical Biotechnology, University of
Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
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2
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Liu C, Cui C, Tan X, Miao J, Wang W, Ren H, Wu H, Zheng C, Ren H, Kang W. pH-mediated potentiation of gallium nitrate against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1464719. [PMID: 39380683 PMCID: PMC11458400 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1464719] [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: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 09/11/2024] [Indexed: 10/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates is a growing concern for public health, necessitating new therapeutic strategies. Gallium nitrate [Ga(NO3)3], a medication for cancer-related hypercalcemia, has attracted great attention due to its ability to inhibit P. aeruginosa growth and biofilm formation by disrupting iron metabolism. However, the antibacterial efficacy of Ga(NO3)3 is not always satisfactory. It is imperative to investigate the factors that affect the bactericidal effects of Ga(NO3)3 and to identify new ways to enhance its efficacy. This study focused on the impact of pH on P. aeruginosa resistance to Ga(NO3)3, along with the underlying mechanism. The results indicate that acidic conditions could increase the effectiveness of Ga(NO3)3 against P. aeruginosa by promoting the production of pyochelin and gallium uptake. Subsequently, using glutamic acid, a clinically compatible acidic amino acid, the pH was significantly lowered and enhanced the bactericidal and inhibitory efficacy of Ga(NO3)3 against biofilm formation by P. aeruginosa, including a reference strain PA14 and several multidrug-resistant clinical isolates. Furthermore, we used an abscess mouse model to evaluate this combination in vivo; the results show that the combination of glutamic acid and Ga(NO3)3 significantly improved P. aeruginosa clearance. Overall, the present study demonstrates that acidic conditions can increase the sensitivity of P. aeruginosa to Ga(NO3)3. Combining glutamic acid and Ga(NO3)3 is a potential strategy for the treatment of P. aeruginosa infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Chenxuan Cui
- School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Shijiazhuang Qiaoxi Distinct Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiaoxin Tan
- School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Junjie Miao
- School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Han Ren
- Clinical Laboratory, Xinle Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Hua Wu
- Clinical Laboratory, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Cuiying Zheng
- Clinical Laboratory, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Huan Ren
- School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Weijun Kang
- School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Shijiazhuang, China
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3
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Na TU, Sander V, Davidson AJ, Lin R, Hermant YO, Hardie Boys MT, Pletzer D, Campbell G, Ferguson SA, Cook GM, Allison JR, Brimble MA, Northrop BH, Cameron AJ. Allenamides as a Powerful Tool to Incorporate Diversity: Thia-Michael Lipidation of Semisynthetic Peptides and Access to β-Keto Amides. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202407764. [PMID: 38932510 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202407764] [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: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Lipopeptides are an important class of biomolecules for drug development. Compared with conventional acylation, a chemoselective lipidation strategy offers a more efficient strategy for late-stage structural derivatisation of a peptide scaffold. It provides access to chemically diverse compounds possessing intriguing and non-native moieties. Utilising an allenamide, we report the first semisynthesis of antimicrobial lipopeptides leveraging a highly efficient thia-Michael addition of chemically diverse lipophilic thiols. Using chemoenzymatically prepared polymyxin B nonapeptide (PMBN) as a model scaffold, an optimised allenamide-mediated thia-Michael addition effected rapid and near quantitative lipidation, affording vinyl sulfide-linked lipopeptide derivatives. Harnessing the utility of this new methodology, 22 lipophilic thiols of unprecedented chemical diversity were introduced to the PMBN framework. These included alkyl thiols, substituted aromatic thiols, heterocyclic thiols and those bearing additional functional groups (e.g., amines), ultimately yielding analogues with potent Gram-negative antimicrobial activity and substantially attenuated nephrotoxicity. Furthermore, we report facile routes to transform the allenamide into a β-keto amide on unprotected peptides, offering a powerful "jack-of-all-trades" synthetic intermediate to enable further peptide modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Ung Na
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland, 23 Symonds Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland, 3 Symonds Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, 3A Symonds Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
| | - Veronika Sander
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland, 3 Symonds Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, The University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Alan J Davidson
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland, 3 Symonds Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, The University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Rolland Lin
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland, 23 Symonds Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland, 3 Symonds Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, 3A Symonds Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
| | - Yann O Hermant
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland, 23 Symonds Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland, 3 Symonds Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, 3A Symonds Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
| | - Madeleine T Hardie Boys
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland, 3 Symonds Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Otago, 720 Cumberland Street, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Daniel Pletzer
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland, 3 Symonds Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Otago, 720 Cumberland Street, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Georgia Campbell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Otago, 720 Cumberland Street, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Scott A Ferguson
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland, 3 Symonds Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Otago, 720 Cumberland Street, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Gregory M Cook
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland, 3 Symonds Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Otago, 720 Cumberland Street, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Jane R Allison
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland, 3 Symonds Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, 3A Symonds Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
| | - Margaret A Brimble
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland, 23 Symonds Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland, 3 Symonds Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, 3A Symonds Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
| | - Brian H Northrop
- Department of Chemistry, Wesleyan University, 52 Lawn Ave., Middletown, CT 06459, U.S.A
| | - Alan J Cameron
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland, 23 Symonds Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, The University of Auckland, 3 Symonds Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, 3A Symonds Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
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4
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Torres MDT, Brooks EF, Cesaro A, Sberro H, Gill MO, Nicolaou C, Bhatt AS, de la Fuente-Nunez C. Mining human microbiomes reveals an untapped source of peptide antibiotics. Cell 2024; 187:5453-5467.e15. [PMID: 39163860 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.07.027] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
Drug-resistant bacteria are outpacing traditional antibiotic discovery efforts. Here, we computationally screened 444,054 previously reported putative small protein families from 1,773 human metagenomes for antimicrobial properties, identifying 323 candidates encoded in small open reading frames (smORFs). To test our computational predictions, 78 peptides were synthesized and screened for antimicrobial activity in vitro, with 70.5% displaying antimicrobial activity. As these compounds were different compared with previously reported antimicrobial peptides, we termed them smORF-encoded peptides (SEPs). SEPs killed bacteria by targeting their membrane, synergizing with each other, and modulating gut commensals, indicating a potential role in reconfiguring microbiome communities in addition to counteracting pathogens. The lead candidates were anti-infective in both murine skin abscess and deep thigh infection models. Notably, prevotellin-2 from Prevotella copri presented activity comparable to the commonly used antibiotic polymyxin B. Our report supports the existence of hundreds of antimicrobials in the human microbiome amenable to clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo D T Torres
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Chemistry, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Erin F Brooks
- Department of Medicine (Hematology; Blood and Marrow Transplantation), Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Angela Cesaro
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Chemistry, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hila Sberro
- Department of Medicine (Hematology; Blood and Marrow Transplantation), Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Matthew O Gill
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Cosmos Nicolaou
- Department of Medicine (Hematology; Blood and Marrow Transplantation), Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ami S Bhatt
- Department of Medicine (Hematology; Blood and Marrow Transplantation), Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Cesar de la Fuente-Nunez
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Chemistry, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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5
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Esposito TVF, Rodríguez-Rodríguez C, Blackadar C, Kłodzińska S, Mørck Nielsen H, Saatchi K, Häfeli UO. Biodistribution of the cationic host defense peptide LL-37 using SPECT/CT. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 202:114398. [PMID: 38972467 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114398] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Human cathelicidin LL-37, a cationic host defense peptide (CHDP), has several important physiological roles, including antimicrobial activity, immune modulation, and wound healing, and is a being investigated as a therapeutic candidate for several indications. While the effects of endogenously produced LL-37 are well studied, the biodistribution of exogenously administered LL-37 are less known. Here we assess the biodistribution of a gallium-67 labeled variant of LL-37 using nuclear imaging techniques over a 48 h period in healthy mice. When administered as an intravenous bolus just over 20 µg, the LL-37-based radiotracer was rapidly cleared from the blood, largely by the liver, while an appreciable fraction of the dose temporarily distributed to the lungs. When administered subcutaneously at the same dose level, the radiotracer was absorbed systemically following a two-phase kinetic model and was predominately cleared renally. Uptake into sites rich in immune cells, such as the lymph nodes and the spleen, was observed for both routes of administration. Scans of free gallium-67 were also performed as controls. Important preclinical insights into the biodistribution of exogenously administered LL-37 were gained from this study, which can aid in the understanding of this and related cationic host-defense peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tullio V F Esposito
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
| | - Cristina Rodríguez-Rodríguez
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Colin Blackadar
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Sylvia Kłodzińska
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hanne Mørck Nielsen
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katayoun Saatchi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
| | - Urs O Häfeli
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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6
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Kozień Ł, Policht A, Heczko P, Arent Z, Bracha U, Pardyak L, Pietsch-Fulbiszewska A, Gallienne E, Piwowar P, Okoń K, Tomusiak-Plebanek A, Strus M. PDIA iminosugar influence on subcutaneous Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in mice. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1395577. [PMID: 39145303 PMCID: PMC11322076 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1395577] [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: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Biofilm-associated infections persist as a therapeutic challenge in contemporary medicine. The efficacy of antibiotic therapies is ineffective in numerous instances, necessitating a heightened focus on exploring novel anti-biofilm medical strategies. Among these, iminosugars emerge as a distinctive class of compounds displaying promising biofilm inhibition properties. Methods This study employs an in vivo wound infection mouse model to evaluate the effectiveness of PDIA in treating biofilm-associated skin wound infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Dermic wounds in mice were infected with biofilm-forming strains, specifically S. aureus 48 and P. aeruginosa 5, which were isolated from patients with diabetic foot, and are well-known for their strong biofilm formation. The subsequent analysis included clinical, microbiological, and histopathological parameters. Furthermore, an exploration into the susceptibility of the infectious strains to hydrogen peroxide was conducted, acknowledging its potential presence during induced inflammation in mouse dermal wounds within an in vivo model. Results The findings revealed the efficacy of PDIA iminosugar against the S. aureus strain, evidenced by a reduction in bacterial numbers within the wound and the inflammatory focus. Discussion This study suggests that PDIA iminosugar emerges as an active and potentially effective antibiofilm agent, positioning it as a viable treatment option for staphylococcal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łucja Kozień
- Department of Bacteriology, Ecology of Microbes and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Policht
- Department of Bacteriology, Ecology of Microbes and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Piotr Heczko
- Department of Bacteriology, Ecology of Microbes and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Arent
- Center of Experimental and Innovative Medicine, University Centre of Veterinary Medicine JU-UA, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Urszula Bracha
- Center of Experimental and Innovative Medicine, University Centre of Veterinary Medicine JU-UA, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Laura Pardyak
- Center of Experimental and Innovative Medicine, University Centre of Veterinary Medicine JU-UA, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Pietsch-Fulbiszewska
- Center of Experimental and Innovative Medicine, University Centre of Veterinary Medicine JU-UA, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Estelle Gallienne
- Institut de Chimie Organique et Analytique (ICOA), UMR 7311, Université d'Orléans & CNRS, Orléans, France
| | - Piotr Piwowar
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Automatics, Computer Science and Biomedical Engineering, AGH University of Science and Technology, Kraków, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Okoń
- Department of Bacteriology, Ecology of Microbes and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Anna Tomusiak-Plebanek
- Department of Bacteriology, Ecology of Microbes and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Magdalena Strus
- Department of Bacteriology, Ecology of Microbes and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
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7
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Taheri-Araghi S. Synergistic action of antimicrobial peptides and antibiotics: current understanding and future directions. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1390765. [PMID: 39144233 PMCID: PMC11322369 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1390765] [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: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a growing global problem that requires innovative therapeutic approaches and strategies for administering antibiotics. One promising approach is combination therapy, in which two or more drugs are combined to combat an infection. Along this line, the combination of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with conventional antibiotics has gained attention mainly due to the complementary mechanisms of action of AMPs and conventional antibiotics. In this article, we review both in vitro and in vivo studies that explore the synergy between AMPs and antibiotics. We highlight several mechanisms through which synergy is observed in in vitro experiments, including increasing membrane permeability, disrupting biofilms, directly potentiating antibiotic efficacy, and inhibiting resistance development. Moreover, in vivo studies reveal additional mechanisms such as enhanced/modulated immune responses, reduced inflammation, and improved tissue regeneration. Together, the current literature demonstrates that AMP-antibiotic combinations can substantially enhance efficacy of antibiotic therapies, including therapies against resistant bacteria, which represents a valuable enhancement to current antimicrobial strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sattar Taheri-Araghi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, California State University, Northridge, CA, United States
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8
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Shein AMS, Hongsing P, Smith OK, Phattharapornjaroen P, Miyanaga K, Cui L, Ishikawa H, Amarasiri M, Monk PN, Kicic A, Chatsuwan T, Pletzer D, Higgins PG, Abe S, Wannigama DL. Current and novel therapies for management of Acinetobacter baumannii-associated pneumonia. Crit Rev Microbiol 2024:1-22. [PMID: 38949254 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2024.2369948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is a common pathogen associated with hospital-acquired pneumonia showing increased resistance to carbapenem and colistin antibiotics nowadays. Infections with A. baumannii cause high patient fatalities due to their capability to evade current antimicrobial therapies, emphasizing the urgency of developing viable therapeutics to treat A. baumannii-associated pneumonia. In this review, we explore current and novel therapeutic options for overcoming therapeutic failure when dealing with A. baumannii-associated pneumonia. Among them, antibiotic combination therapy administering several drugs simultaneously or alternately, is one promising approach for optimizing therapeutic success. However, it has been associated with inconsistent and inconclusive therapeutic outcomes across different studies. Therefore, it is critical to undertake additional clinical trials to ascertain the clinical effectiveness of different antibiotic combinations. We also discuss the prospective roles of novel antimicrobial therapies including antimicrobial peptides, bacteriophage-based therapy, repurposed drugs, naturally-occurring compounds, nanoparticle-based therapy, anti-virulence strategies, immunotherapy, photodynamic and sonodynamic therapy, for utilizing them as additional alternative therapy while tackling A. baumannii-associated pneumonia. Importantly, these innovative therapies further require pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluation for safety, stability, immunogenicity, toxicity, and tolerability before they can be clinically approved as an alternative rescue therapy for A. baumannii-associated pulmonary infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aye Mya Sithu Shein
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in, Antimicrobial Resistance and Stewardship Research, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Parichart Hongsing
- Mae Fah Luang University Hospital, Chiang Rai, Thailand
- School of Integrative Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | - O'Rorke Kevin Smith
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Phatthranit Phattharapornjaroen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Center of Excellence, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kazuhiko Miyanaga
- Division of Bacteriology, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Longzhu Cui
- Division of Bacteriology, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Ishikawa
- Yamagata Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Kamiyanagi, Japan
| | - Mohan Amarasiri
- Laboratory of Environmental Hygiene, Department of Health Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, Kitasato, Sagamihara-Minami, Japan
| | - Peter N Monk
- Department of Infection, Immunity & Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield Medical School, UK
| | - Anthony Kicic
- Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Tanittha Chatsuwan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in, Antimicrobial Resistance and Stewardship Research, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Daniel Pletzer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Paul G Higgins
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research, Partner site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Shuichi Abe
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Yamagata Prefectural Central Hospital, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Dhammika Leshan Wannigama
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in, Antimicrobial Resistance and Stewardship Research, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Yamagata Prefectural Central Hospital, Yamagata, Japan
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Biofilms and Antimicrobial Resistance Consortium of ODA receiving countries, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Pathogen Hunter's Research Team, Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Yamagata Prefectural Central Hospital, Yamagata, Japan
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9
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Zhao JT, Zhang Y, Wang XW, Zou PY, Zhao Z, Mei H, Liu YX, Su NY, Zhu YJ, Wang B, Wei YL, Chen DF, Lan CH. Long-term effects of fecal microbiota transplantation on gut microbiota after Helicobacter pylori eradication with bismuth quadruple therapy: A randomized controlled trial. Helicobacter 2024; 29:e13079. [PMID: 38984661 DOI: 10.1111/hel.13079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eradicating Helicobacter pylori infection by bismuth quadruple therapy (BQT) is effective. However, the effect of BQT and subsequent fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) on the gut microbiota is less known. MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted at a tertiary hospital in China from January 2019 to October 2020, with the primary endpoints the effect of BQT on the gut microbiota and the effect of FMT on the gut microbiota after bismuth quadruple therapy eradication therapy. A 14-day BQT with amoxicillin and clarithromycin was administered to H. pylori-positive subjects, and after eradication therapy, patients received a one-time FMT or placebo treatment. We then collected stool samples to assess the effects of 14-day BQT and FMT on the gut microbiota. 16 s rDNA and metagenomic sequencing were used to analyze the structure and function of intestinal flora. We also used Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) to evaluate gastrointestinal symptom during treatment. RESULTS A total of 30 patients were recruited and 15 were assigned to either FMT or placebo groups. After eradication therapy, alpha-diversity was decreased in both groups. At the phylum level, the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes decreased, while Proteobacteria increased. At the genus level, the abundance of beneficial bacteria decreased, while pathogenic bacteria increased. Eradication therapy reduced some resistance genes abundance while increased the resistance genes abundance linked to Escherichia coli. While they all returned to baseline by Week 10. Besides, the difference was observed in Week 10 by the diarrhea score between two groups. Compared to Week 2, the GSRS total score and diarrhea score decreased in Week 3 only in FMT group. CONCLUSIONS The balance of intestinal flora in patients can be considerably impacted by BQT in the short term, but it has reverted back to baseline by Week 10. FMT can alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms even if there was no evidence it promoted restoration of intestinal flora.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Tao Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xing-Wei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Pei-Ying Zou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhe Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hao Mei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu-Xiang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Na-Yun Su
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yang-Jie Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan-Ling Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dong-Feng Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chun-Hui Lan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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10
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Ross CL, Lawer A, Sircombe KJ, Pletzer D, Gamble AB, Hook S. Site-Specific Antimicrobial Activity of a Dual-Responsive Ciprofloxacin Prodrug. J Med Chem 2024; 67:9599-9612. [PMID: 38780408 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00724] [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: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Bacterial infections create distinctive microenvironments with a unique mix of metabolites and enzymes compared with healthy tissues that can be used to trigger the activation of antibiotic prodrugs. Here, a single and dual prodrug masking the C3 carboxylate and C7 piperazine of the fluoroquinolone, ciprofloxacin, responsive to nitroreductase (NTR) and/or hydrogen sulfide (H2S), was developed. Masking both functional groups reduced the activity of the prodrug against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, increasing its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by ∼512-fold (S. aureus) and ∼8000-fold (E. coli strains), while masking a single group only increased the MIC by ∼128-fold. Bacteria subjected to prolonged prodrug exposure did not show any increase in resistance. Triggering assays demonstrated the conversion of prodrugs to ciprofloxacin, and in a murine infection model, responsive prodrugs showed antibacterial activity comparable to that of ciprofloxacin, suggesting in vivo activation of prodrugs. Thus, the potential for site-specific antibiotic treatment with reduced threat of resistance is demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine L Ross
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Aggie Lawer
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Kathleen J Sircombe
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Daniel Pletzer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Allan B Gamble
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Sarah Hook
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
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11
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Lyons N, Wu W, Jin Y, Lamont IL, Pletzer D. Using host-mimicking conditions and a murine cutaneous abscess model to identify synergistic antibiotic combinations effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1352339. [PMID: 38808066 PMCID: PMC11130353 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1352339] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic drug combination therapy is critical for the successful treatment of infections caused by multidrug resistant pathogens. We investigated the efficacy of β-lactam and β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations with other antibiotics, against the hypervirulent, ceftazidime/avibactam resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Liverpool epidemic strain (LES) B58. Although minimum inhibitory concentrations in vitro differed by up to eighty-fold between standard and host-mimicking media, combinatorial effects only marginally changed between conditions for some combinations. Effective combinations in vitro were further tested in a chronic, high-density murine infection model. Colistin and azithromycin demonstrated combinatorial effects with ceftazidime and ceftazidime/avibactam both in vitro and in vivo. Conversely, while tobramycin and tigecycline exhibited strong synergy in vitro, this effect was not observed in vivo. Our approach of using host-mimicking conditions and a sophisticated animal model to evaluate drug synergy against bacterial pathogens represents a promising approach. This methodology may offer insights into the prediction of combination therapy outcomes and the identification of potential treatment failures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Lyons
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Weihui Wu
- Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yongxin Jin
- Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Iain L. Lamont
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Daniel Pletzer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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12
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Chen C, Shi J, Wang D, Kong P, Wang Z, Liu Y. Antimicrobial peptides as promising antibiotic adjuvants to combat drug-resistant pathogens. Crit Rev Microbiol 2024; 50:267-284. [PMID: 36890767 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2023.2186215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
The widespread antimicrobial resistance (AMR) calls for the development of new antimicrobial strategies. Antibiotic adjuvant rescues antibiotic activity and increases the life span of the antibiotics, representing a more productive, timely, and cost-effective strategy in fighting drug-resistant pathogens. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from synthetic and natural sources are considered new-generation antibacterial agents. Besides their direct antimicrobial activity, growing evidence shows that some AMPs effectively enhance the activity of conventional antibiotics. The combinations of AMPs and antibiotics display an improved therapeutic effect on antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections and minimize the emergence of resistance. In this review, we discuss the value of AMPs in the age of resistance, including modes of action, limiting evolutionary resistance, and their designing strategies. We summarise the recent advances in combining AMPs and antibiotics against antibiotic-resistant pathogens, as well as their synergistic mechanisms. Lastly, we highlight the challenges and opportunities associated with the use of AMPs as potential antibiotic adjuvants. This will shed new light on the deployment of synergistic combinations to address the AMR crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jingru Shi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Dejuan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Pan Kong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Zhiqiang Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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13
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Mehraj I, Hamid A, Gani U, Iralu N, Manzoor T, Saleem Bhat S. Combating Antimicrobial Resistance by Employing Antimicrobial Peptides: Immunomodulators and Therapeutic Agents against Infectious Diseases. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:2023-2035. [PMID: 38533844 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c01104] [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] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
The rising prevalence of multiple-drug-resistant pathogens poses a formidable challenge to conventional antimicrobial treatments. The inability of potent antibiotics to combat these "superbugs" underscores the pressing need for alternative therapeutic agents. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent an alternative class of antibiotics. AMPs are essential immunomodulatory molecules that are found in various organisms. They play a pivotal role in managing microbial ecosystems and bolstering innate immunity by targeting and eliminating invading microorganisms. AMPs also have applications in the agriculture sector by combating animal as well as plant pathogens. AMPs can be exploited for the targeted therapy of various diseases and can also be used in drug-delivery systems. They can be used in synergy with current treatments like antibiotics and can potentially lead to a lower required dosage. AMPs also have huge potential in wound healing and regenerative medicine. Developing AMP-based strategies with improved safety, specificity, and efficacy is crucial in the battle against alarming global microbial resistance. This review will explore AMPs' increasing applicability, their mode of antimicrobial activity, and various delivery systems enhancing their stability and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Insha Mehraj
- Division of Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 05466, India
| | - Aflaq Hamid
- Department of Plant Pathology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 05466, India
| | - Ubaid Gani
- Division of Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 05466, India
| | - Nulevino Iralu
- Department of Plant Pathology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 05466, India
| | - Tasaduq Manzoor
- Division of Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 05466, India
| | - Sahar Saleem Bhat
- Division of Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 05466, India
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14
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García-Villada L, Degtyareva NP, Brooks AM, Goldberg JB, Doetsch PW. A role for the stringent response in ciprofloxacin resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8598. [PMID: 38615146 PMCID: PMC11016087 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59188-z] [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: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major cause of nosocomial infections and the leading cause of chronic lung infections in cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. Antibiotic treatment remains challenging because P. aeruginosa is resistant to high concentrations of antibiotics and has a remarkable ability to acquire mutations conferring resistance to multiple groups of antimicrobial agents. Here we report that when P. aeruginosa is plated on ciprofloxacin (cipro) plates, the majority of cipro-resistant (ciproR) colonies observed at and after 48 h of incubation carry mutations in genes related to the Stringent Response (SR). Mutations in one of the major SR components, spoT, were present in approximately 40% of the ciproR isolates. Compared to the wild-type strain, most of these isolates had decreased growth rate, longer lag phase and altered intracellular ppGpp content. Also, 75% of all sequenced mutations were insertions and deletions, with short deletions being the most frequently occurring mutation type. We present evidence that most of the observed mutations are induced on the selective plates in a subpopulation of cells that are not instantly killed by cipro. Our results suggests that the SR may be an important contributor to antibiotic resistance acquisition in P. aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ashley M Brooks
- Integrative Bioinformatics, Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, NIEHS, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Joanna B Goldberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Paul W Doetsch
- Genomic Integrity and Structural Biology Laboratory, NIEHS, Durham, NC, USA.
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15
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Surekha S, Lamiyan AK, Gupta V. Antibiotic Resistant Biofilms and the Quest for Novel Therapeutic Strategies. Indian J Microbiol 2024; 64:20-35. [PMID: 38468748 PMCID: PMC10924852 DOI: 10.1007/s12088-023-01138-w] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the major leading causes of death around the globe. Present treatment pipelines are insufficient to overcome the critical situation. Prominent biofilm forming human pathogens which can thrive in infection sites using adaptive features results in biofilm persistence. Considering the present scenario, prudential investigations into the mechanisms of resistance target them to improve antibiotic efficacy is required. Regarding this, developing newer and effective treatment options using edge cutting technologies in medical research is the need of time. The reasons underlying the adaptive features in biofilm persistence have been centred on different metabolic and physiological aspects. The high tolerance levels against antibiotics direct researchers to search for novel bioactive molecules that can help combat the problem. In view of this, the present review outlines the focuses on an opportunity of different strategies which are in testing pipeline can thus be developed into products ready to use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saumya Surekha
- Department of Biochemistry, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | | | - Varsha Gupta
- GMCH: Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India
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16
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Saha T, Lyons N, Yue Yung DB, Quiñones-Mateu ME, Pletzer D, Das SC. Repurposing ebselen as an inhalable dry powder to treat respiratory tract infections. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 195:114170. [PMID: 38128743 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2023.12.010] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are one of the leading causes of death globally, lately exacerbated by the increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance. While antimicrobial resistance could be overcome by developing new antimicrobial agents, the use of a safe repurposed agent having potent antimicrobial activity against various RTIs can be an efficient and cost-effective alternative to overcome the long and complex process of developing and testing new drugs. Ebselen, a synthetic organoselenium drug originally developed to treat noise-inducing hearing problems, has shown promising antimicrobial activity in vitro against several respiratory pathogens including viruses (e.g., SARS-CoV-2, influenza A virus) and bacteria (e.g., Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus). Inhaled drug delivery is considered a promising approach for treating RTIs, as it can ensure effective drug concentrations at a lower dose, thereby minimizing the side effects that are often encountered by using oral or injectable drugs. In this study, we developed inhalable ebselen dry powder formulations using a spray-drying technique. The amino acids leucine, methionine, and tryptophan were incorporated with ebselen to enhance the yield and aerosolization of the dry powders. The amino acid-containing ebselen dry powders showed a better yield (37-56.4 %) than the amino acid-free formulation (30.9 %). All dry powders were crystalline in nature. The mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) was less than 5 µm for amino acids containing dry powders (3-4 µm) and slightly higher (5.4 µm) for amino acid free dry powder indicating their suitability for inhalation. The aerosol performance was higher when amino acids were used, and the leucine-containing ebselen dry powder showed the highest emitted dose (84 %) and fine particle fraction (68 %). All amino acid formulations had similar cytotoxicity as raw ebselen, tested in respiratory cell line (A549 cells), with half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) between 100 and 250 μg/mL. Raw ebselen and amino acid-containing dry powders showed similar potent antibacterial activity against the Gram-positive bacteria S. aureus and S. pneumoniae with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 0.31 μg/mL and 0.16 μg/mL, respectively. On the other hand, raw ebselen and the formulations showed limited antimicrobial activity against the Gram-negative pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. In summary, in this study we were able to develop amino-acid-containing inhalable dry powders of ebselen that could be used against different respiratory pathogens, especially Gram-positive bacteria, which could ensure more drug deposition in the respiratory tract, including the lungs. DPIs are generally used to treat lung (lower respiratory tract) diseases. However, DPIs can also be used to treat both upper and lower RTIs. The deposition of the dry powder in the respiratory tract is dependent on its physicochemical properties and this properties can be modulated to target the intended site of infection (upper and/or lower respiratory tract). Further studies will allow the development of similar formulations of individual and/or combination of antimicrobials that could be used to inhibit a number of respiratory pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tushar Saha
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Nikita Lyons
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Deborah Bow Yue Yung
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Miguel E Quiñones-Mateu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Daniel Pletzer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Shyamal C Das
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
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17
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Bennett AN, Woolard KJ, Sorge A, Melander C, Gunn JS. Spectrum of activity of Salmonella anti-biofilm compounds: Evaluation of activity against biofilm-forming ESKAPE pathogens. Biofilm 2023; 6:100158. [PMID: 37790732 PMCID: PMC10542598 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2023.100158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The ESKAPE pathogens are a group of bacteria that are a leading cause of health-care associated infections and are known to be agents of chronic, biofilm-mediated infections. These chronic bacterial infections often respond poorly to antibiotics and in some cases may require surgical intervention in order to cure the infection. As biofilms are often the critical mediator of a chronic infection, it is essential to develop therapies that target bacteria within the biofilm state. Herein, we report the development of a rapid, 96-well plate-based assay that employs conditions specific for each species to optimize biofilm production and allow for easy identification of differences in biofilm mass after treatment with anti-biofilm candidates. We used these ESKAPE-specific biofilm assays to test our previously identified Salmonella anti-biofilm small molecule compounds, JG-1 and M4, for anti-biofilm activity. The results demonstrated that JG-1 and M4 have anti-biofilm activity against Enterobacter spp., S. aureus, E. faecium, P. aeruginosa, and A. baumannii. In addition, we identified that M4 has significant antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. faecium at concentrations >10 μM (X μg/mL). These findings support the claim that JG-1 and M4 have broad-spectrum anti-biofilm activity, while M4 has antimicrobial activity against the Gram-positive members of the ESKAPE pathogens. Thus, these compounds have the potential to have a significant impact on treating multiple types of commonly encountered biofilm-mediated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliyah N. Bennett
- Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Infectious Diseases Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Katherine J. Woolard
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Amy Sorge
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Christian Melander
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - John S. Gunn
- Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Infectious Diseases Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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18
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Behera S, Mumtaz S, Singh M, Mukhopadhyay K. Synergistic Potential of α-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone Based Analogues with Conventional Antibiotic against Planktonic, Biofilm-Embedded, and Systemic Infection Model of MRSA. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:2436-2447. [PMID: 38009640 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00298] [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] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
The repotentiation of the existing antibiotics by exploiting the combinatorial potential of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with them is a promising approach to address the challenges of slow antibiotic development and rising antimicrobial resistance. In the current study, we explored the ability of lead second generation Ana-peptides viz. Ana-9 and Ana-10, derived from Alpha-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (α-MSH), to act synergistically with different classes of conventional antibiotics against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The peptides exhibited prominent synergy with β-lactam antibiotics, namely, oxacillin, ampicillin, and cephalothin, against planktonic MRSA. Furthermore, the lead combination of Ana-9/Ana-10 with oxacillin provided synergistic activity against clinical MRSA isolates. Though the treatment of MRSA is complicated by biofilms, the lead combinations successfully inhibited biofilm formation and also demonstrated biofilm disruption potential. Encouragingly, the peptides alone and in combination were able to elicit in vivo anti-MRSA activity and reduce the bacterial load in the liver and kidney of immune-compromised mice. Importantly, the presence of Ana-peptides at sub-MIC doses slowed the resistance development against oxacillin in MRSA cells. Thus, this study highlights the synergistic activity of Ana-peptides with oxacillin advocating for the potential of Ana-peptides as an alternative therapeutic and could pave the way for the reintroduction of less potent conventional antibiotics into clinical use against MRSA infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swastik Behera
- Antimicrobial Research Laboratory, School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Sana Mumtaz
- Antimicrobial Research Laboratory, School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Madhuri Singh
- Antimicrobial Research Laboratory, School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Kasturi Mukhopadhyay
- Antimicrobial Research Laboratory, School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
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19
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Chatupheeraphat C, Peamchai J, Luk-in S, Yainoy S, Eiamphungporn W. Synergistic effect of two antimicrobial peptides, BP203 and MAP-0403 J-2 with conventional antibiotics against colistin-resistant Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0294287. [PMID: 37972089 PMCID: PMC10653547 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug-resistant Enterobacterales infections are a great health concern due to the lack of effective treatments. Consequently, finding novel antimicrobials or combining therapies becomes a crucial approach in addressing this problem. BP203 and MAP-0403 J-2, novel antimicrobial peptides, have exhibited effectiveness against Gram-negative bacteria. In this study, we assessed the in vitro antibacterial activity of BP203 and MAP-0403 J-2, along with their synergistic interaction with conventional antibiotics including colistin, rifampicin, chloramphenicol, ceftazidime, meropenem, and ciprofloxacin against colistin-resistant Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of BP203 and MAP-0403 J-2 against tested E. coli isolates were 2-16 and 8-32 μg/mL, respectively. However, for the majority of K. pneumoniae isolates, the MIC of BP203 and MAP-0403 J-2 were >128 μg/mL. Notably, our results demonstrated a synergistic effect when combining BP203 with rifampicin, meropenem, or chloramphenicol, primarily observed in most K. pneumoniae isolates. In contrast, no synergism was evident between BP203 and colistin, chloramphenicol, ceftazidime, rifampicin, or ciprofloxacin when tested against all E. coli isolates. Furthermore, synergistic effects between MAP-0403 J-2 and rifampicin, ceftazidime or colistin were observed against the majority of E. coli isolates. Similarly, the combined effect of MAP-0403 J-2 with rifampicin or chloramphenicol was synergistic in the majority of K. pneumoniae isolates. Importantly, these peptides displayed the stability at high temperatures, across a wide range of pH values, in specific serum concentrations and under physiological salt conditions. Both peptides also showed no significant hemolysis and cytotoxicity against mammalian cells. Our findings suggested that BP203 and MAP-0403 J-2 are promising candidates against colistin-resistant E. coli. Meanwhile, the synergism of these peptides and certain antibiotics could be of great therapeutic value as antimicrobial drugs against infections caused by colistin-resistant E. coli and K. pneumoniae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chawalit Chatupheeraphat
- Center for Research Innovation and Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Jiratchaya Peamchai
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Applied Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sirirat Luk-in
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Applied Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sakda Yainoy
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Applied Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Warawan Eiamphungporn
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Applied Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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20
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Wu Y, Wu P, Wu R, Li H, Duan Y, Cai C, Liu Z, She P, Zhang D. Simeprevir restores the anti-Staphylococcus activity of polymyxins. AMB Express 2023; 13:122. [PMID: 37917339 PMCID: PMC10622387 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-023-01634-8] [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: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection poses a severe threat to global public health due to its high mortality. Currently, polymyxins are mainly used for the treatment of Gram-negative bacterial-related infection, while exhibiting limited antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). However, the combination of antibiotics with antibiotic adjuvants is a feasible strategy for the hard-treated infection and toxicity reducing. We will investigate the antibacterial activity of simeprevir (SIM), which treated for genotype 1 and 4 chronic hepatitis C, combined with polymyxins against MRSA through high-throughput screening technology. In our study, the synergistic antibacterial effect of SIM and polymyxins against S. aureus in vitro was found by checkerboard assay and time-growth curve. The cytotoxicity of SIM combined with polymyxin B sulfate [PB(S)] or polymyxin E (PE) in vitro was evaluated using CCK-8, human RBC hemolysis and scratch assays. In addition, we investigated the eradication of biofilm formation of S. aureus by biofilm inhibition assay and the killing of persister cells. Moreover, we evaluated the therapeutic effect and in vivo toxicity of the combination against MRSA in murine subcutaneous abscess model. Furthermore, it was preliminarily found that SIM significantly enhanced the destruction of MRSA membrane by SYTOX Green and DISC3(5) probes. In summary, these results reveal that the therapy of SIM combined with polymyxins (especially PE) is promising for the treatment of MRSA infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Pingyun Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Ruolan Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Huilong Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Yao Duan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Chaoni Cai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Zixin Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Pengfei She
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Di Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China.
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21
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de la Fuente-Nunez C, Cesaro A, Hancock REW. Antibiotic failure: Beyond antimicrobial resistance. Drug Resist Updat 2023; 71:101012. [PMID: 37924726 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2023.101012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite significant progress in antibiotic discovery, millions of lives are lost annually to infections. Surprisingly, the failure of antimicrobial treatments to effectively eliminate pathogens frequently cannot be attributed to genetically-encoded antibiotic resistance. This review aims to shed light on the fundamental mechanisms contributing to clinical scenarios where antimicrobial therapies are ineffective (i.e., antibiotic failure), emphasizing critical factors impacting this under-recognized issue. Explored aspects include biofilm formation and sepsis, as well as the underlying microbiome. Therapeutic strategies beyond antibiotics, are examined to address the dimensions and resolution of antibiotic failure, actively contributing to this persistent but escalating crisis. We discuss the clinical relevance of antibiotic failure beyond resistance, limited availability of therapies, potential of new antibiotics to be ineffective, and the urgent need for novel anti-infectives or host-directed therapies directly addressing antibiotic failure. Particularly noteworthy is multidrug adaptive resistance in biofilms that represent 65 % of infections, due to the lack of approved therapies. Sepsis, responsible for 19.7 % of all deaths (as well as severe COVID-19 deaths), is a further manifestation of this issue, since antibiotics are the primary frontline therapy, and yet 23 % of patients succumb to this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesar de la Fuente-Nunez
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Angela Cesaro
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Robert E W Hancock
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
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22
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Donkor GY, Anderson GM, Stadler M, Tawiah PO, Orellano CD, Edwards KA, Dahl JU. A novel ruthenium-silver based antimicrobial potentiates aminoglycoside activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. mSphere 2023; 8:e0019023. [PMID: 37646510 PMCID: PMC10597350 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00190-23] [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: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid dissemination of antibiotic resistance combined with the decline in the discovery of novel antibiotics represents a major challenge for infectious disease control that can only be mitigated by investments in novel treatment strategies. Alternative antimicrobials, including silver, have regained interest due to their diverse mechanisms of inhibiting microbial growth. One such example is AGXX, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial that produces highly cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) to inflict extensive macromolecular damage. Due to the connections identified between ROS production and antibiotic lethality, we hypothesized that AGXX could potentially increase the activity of conventional antibiotics. Using the gram-negative pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, we screened possible synergistic effects of AGXX on several antibiotic classes. We found that the combination of AGXX and aminoglycosides tested at sublethal concentrations led to a rapid exponential decrease in bacterial survival and restored the sensitivity of a kanamycin-resistant strain. ROS production contributes significantly to the bactericidal effects of AGXX/aminoglycoside treatments, which is dependent on oxygen availability and can be reduced by the addition of ROS scavengers. Additionally, P. aeruginosa strains deficient in ROS detoxifying/repair genes were more susceptible to AGXX/aminoglycoside treatment. We further demonstrate that this synergistic interaction was associated with a significant increase in outer and inner membrane permeability, resulting in increased antibiotic influx. Our study also revealed that AGXX/aminoglycoside-mediated killing requires an active proton motive force across the bacterial membrane. Overall, our findings provide an understanding of cellular targets that could be inhibited to increase the activity of conventional antimicrobials. IMPORTANCE The emergence of drug-resistant bacteria coupled with the decline in antibiotic development highlights the need for novel alternatives. Thus, new strategies aimed at repurposing conventional antibiotics have gained significant interest. The necessity of these interventions is evident especially in gram-negative pathogens as they are particularly difficult to treat due to their outer membrane. This study highlights the effectiveness of the antimicrobial AGXX in potentiating aminoglycoside activities against P. aeruginosa. The combination of AGXX and aminoglycosides not only reduces bacterial survival rapidly but also significantly re-sensitizes aminoglycoside-resistant P. aeruginosa strains. In combination with gentamicin, AGXX induces increased endogenous oxidative stress, membrane damage, and iron-sulfur cluster disruption. These findings emphasize AGXX's potential as a route of antibiotic adjuvant development and shed light on potential targets to enhance aminoglycoside activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gracious Yoofi Donkor
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Microbiology, Normal, Illinois, USA
| | - Greg M. Anderson
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Microbiology, Normal, Illinois, USA
| | - Michael Stadler
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Microbiology, Normal, Illinois, USA
| | - Patrick Ofori Tawiah
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Microbiology, Normal, Illinois, USA
| | - Carl D. Orellano
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Microbiology, Normal, Illinois, USA
| | - Kevin A. Edwards
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Cell Biology, Normal, Illinois, USA
| | - Jan-Ulrik Dahl
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Microbiology, Normal, Illinois, USA
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23
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Deusenbery C, Carneiro O, Oberkfell C, Shukla A. Synergy of Antibiotics and Antibiofilm Agents against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:1949-1963. [PMID: 37646612 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00239] [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] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are some of the most common antibiotic-resistant infections, often exacerbated by the formation of biofilms. Here, we evaluated six compounds, three common antibiotics used against MRSA and three antibiofilm compounds, in nine combinations to investigate the mechanisms of synergistic eradication of MRSA biofilms. Using metabolic assessment, colony enumeration, confocal fluorescence microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, we identified two promising combinations of antibiotics with antibiofilm agents against preformed MRSA biofilms. The broad-spectrum protease, proteinase K, and membrane-targeting antibiotic, daptomycin, worked in synergy against MRSA biofilms by manipulating the protein content, increasing access to the cell membrane of biofilm bacteria. We also found that the combination of cationic peptide, IDR-1018, with the cell wall cross-linking inhibitor, vancomycin, exhibited synergy against MRSA biofilms by causing bacterial damage and preventing repair. Our findings identify synergistic combinations of antibiotics and antibiofilm agents, providing insight into mechanisms that may be explored further for the development of effective treatments against MRSA biofilm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly Deusenbery
- School of Engineering, Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Olivia Carneiro
- Therapeutic Sciences Graduate Program, Division of Biology and Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Carleigh Oberkfell
- School of Engineering, Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Anita Shukla
- School of Engineering, Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
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24
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Sebők C, Tráj P, Mackei M, Márton RA, Vörösházi J, Kemény Á, Neogrády Z, Mátis G. Modulation of the immune response by the host defense peptide IDR-1002 in chicken hepatic cell culture. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14530. [PMID: 37666888 PMCID: PMC10477227 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41707-z] [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: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
IDR-1002, a synthetic host defense peptide (HDP), appears to be a potential candidate for the treatment of bacterial infections and the consequent inflammatory response due to its potent immunomodulatory activity. This is of relevance to the emerging issue of antimicrobial resistance in the farming sector. In this study, the effects of IDR-1002 were investigated on a chicken hepatocyte‒non-parenchymal cell co-culture, and the results revealed that IDR-1002 had complex effects on the regulation of the hepatic innate immunity. IDR-1002 increased the levels of both RANTES (Regulated on Activation, Normal T cell Expressed and Secreted) and Macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF), suggesting the peptide plays a role in the modulation of macrophage differentiation, also reflected by the reduced concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10. The pro-inflammatory cytokine release triggered by the bacterial cell wall component lipoteichoic acid (LTA) was ameliorated by the concomitantly applied IDR-1002 based on the levels of IL-6, chicken chemotactic and angiogenic factor (CXCLi2) and interferon (IFN)-γ. Moreover, the production of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), an essential transcription factor in the antioxidant defense pathway, was increased after IDR-1002 exposure, while protein carbonyl (PC) levels were also elevated. These findings suggest that IDR-1002 affects the interplay of the cellular immune response and redox homeostasis, thus the peptide represents a promising tool in the treatment of bacterially induced inflammation in chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Csilla Sebők
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, István utca 2, 1078, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Patrik Tráj
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, István utca 2, 1078, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Máté Mackei
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, István utca 2, 1078, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Rege Anna Márton
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, István utca 2, 1078, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Júlia Vörösházi
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, István utca 2, 1078, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Kemény
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pécs, Szigeti u. 12, 7624, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pécs, Szigeti u. 12, 7624, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Neogrády
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, István utca 2, 1078, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Mátis
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, István utca 2, 1078, Budapest, Hungary
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25
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Torres MDT, Brooks E, Cesaro A, Sberro H, Nicolaou C, Bhatt AS, de la Fuente-Nunez C. Human gut metagenomic mining reveals an untapped source of peptide antibiotics. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.31.555711. [PMID: 37693399 PMCID: PMC10491270 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.31.555711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Drug-resistant bacteria are outpacing traditional antibiotic discovery efforts. Here, we computationally mined 444,054 families of putative small proteins from 1,773 human gut metagenomes, identifying 323 peptide antibiotics encoded in small open reading frames (smORFs). To test our computational predictions, 78 peptides were synthesized and screened for antimicrobial activity in vitro, with 59% displaying activity against either pathogens or commensals. Since these peptides were unique compared to previously reported antimicrobial peptides, we termed them smORF-encoded peptides (SEPs). SEPs killed bacteria by targeting their membrane, synergized with each other, and modulated gut commensals, indicating that they may play a role in reconfiguring microbiome communities in addition to counteracting pathogens. The lead candidates were anti-infective in both murine skin abscess and deep thigh infection models. Notably, prevotellin-2 from Prevotella copri presented activity comparable to the commonly used antibiotic polymyxin B. We report the discovery of hundreds of peptide sequences in the human gut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo D. T. Torres
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States of America
- Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States of America
- Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States of America
| | - Erin Brooks
- Department of Medicine (Hematology; Blood and Marrow Transplantation), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Angela Cesaro
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States of America
- Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States of America
- Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States of America
| | - Hila Sberro
- Department of Medicine (Hematology; Blood and Marrow Transplantation), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Cosmos Nicolaou
- Department of Medicine (Hematology; Blood and Marrow Transplantation), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Ami S. Bhatt
- Department of Medicine (Hematology; Blood and Marrow Transplantation), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Cesar de la Fuente-Nunez
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States of America
- Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States of America
- Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States of America
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26
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Chilambi GS, Wang YH, Wallace NR, Obiwuma C, Evans KM, Li Y, Shalaby MAW, Flaherty DP, Shields RK, Doi Y, Van Tyne D. Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibition as a Target for Antibiotic Synergy in Enterococci. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0396322. [PMID: 37260400 PMCID: PMC10434275 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03963-22] [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: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus faecalis is a hospital-associated opportunistic pathogen that can cause infections with high mortality, such as infective endocarditis. With an increasing occurrence of multidrug-resistant enterococci, there is a need for alternative strategies to treat enterococcal infections. We isolated a gentamicin-hypersusceptible E. faecalis strain from a patient with infective endocarditis that carried a mutation in the alpha-carbonic anhydrase (α-CA) and investigated how disruption of α-CA sensitized E. faecalis to killing with gentamicin. The gentamicin-hypersusceptible α-CA mutant strain showed increased intracellular gentamicin uptake in comparison to an isogenic strain encoding full-length, wild-type α-CA. We hypothesized that increased gentamicin uptake could be due to increased proton motive force (PMF), increased membrane permeability, or both. We observed increased intracellular ATP production in the α-CA mutant strain, suggesting increased PMF-driven gentamicin uptake contributed to the strain's gentamicin susceptibility. We also analyzed the membrane permeability and fatty acid composition of isogenic wild-type and α-CA mutant strains and found that the mutant displayed a membrane composition that was consistent with increased membrane permeability. Finally, we observed that exposure to the FDA-approved α-CA inhibitor acetazolamide lowered the gentamicin MIC of eight genetically diverse E. faecalis strains with intact α-CA but did not change the MIC of the α-CA mutant strain. These results suggest that α-CA mutation or inhibition increases PMF and alters membrane permeability, leading to increased uptake of gentamicin into E. faecalis. This connection could be exploited clinically to provide new combination therapies for patients with enterococcal infections. IMPORTANCE Enterococcal infections can be difficult to treat, and new therapeutic approaches are needed. In studying an E. faecalis clinical strain from an infected patient, we found that the bacteria were rendered hypersusceptible to aminoglycoside antibiotics through a mutation that disrupted the α-CA. Our follow-on work suggested two different ways that α-CA disruption causes increased gentamicin accumulation in E. faecalis: increased proton motive force-powered uptake and increased membrane permeability. We also found that a mammalian CA inhibitor could sensitize a variety of E. faecalis strains to killing with gentamicin. Given that mammalian CA inhibitors are frequently used to treat conditions such as glaucoma, hypertension, and epilepsy, our findings suggest that these "off-the-shelf" inhibitors could also be useful partner antibiotics for the treatment of E. faecalis infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayatri Shankar Chilambi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yu-Hao Wang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nathan R. Wallace
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Chetachukwu Obiwuma
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kirsten M. Evans
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yanhong Li
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Menna-Allah W. Shalaby
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Daniel P. Flaherty
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Ryan K. Shields
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yohei Doi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Daria Van Tyne
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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27
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Donkor GY, Anderson GM, Stadler M, Tawiah PO, Orellano CD, Edwards KA, Dahl JU. The Novel Silver-Containing Antimicrobial Potentiates Aminoglycoside Activity Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.15.532855. [PMID: 36993297 PMCID: PMC10055142 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.15.532855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The rapid dissemination of antibiotic resistance combined with the decline in the discovery of novel antibiotics represents a major challenge for infectious disease control that can only be mitigated by investments into novel treatment strategies. Alternative antimicrobials, including silver, have regained interest due to their diverse mechanisms of inhibiting microbial growth. One such example is AGXX®, a broad-spectrum silver containing antimicrobial that produces highly cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) to inflict extensive macromolecular damage. Due to connections identified between ROS production and antibiotic lethality, we hypothesized that AGXX® could potentially increase the activity of conventional antibiotics. Using the gram-negative pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, we screened possible synergistic effects of AGXX® on several antibiotic classes. We found that the combination of AGXX® and aminoglycosides tested at sublethal concentrations led to a rapid exponential decrease in bacterial survival and restored sensitivity of a kanamycin-resistant strain. ROS production contributes significantly to the bactericidal effects of AGXX®/aminoglycoside treatments, which is dependent on oxygen availability and can be reduced by the addition of ROS scavengers. Additionally, P. aeruginosa strains deficient in ROS detoxifying/repair genes were more susceptible to AGXX®/aminoglycoside treatment. We further demonstrate that this synergistic interaction was associated with significant increase in outer and inner membrane permeability, resulting in increased antibiotic influx. Our study also revealed that AGXX®/aminoglycoside-mediated killing requires an active proton motive force across the bacterial membrane. Overall, our findings provide an understanding of cellular targets that could be inhibited to increase the activity of conventional antimicrobials.
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28
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Hormazábal DB, Reyes ÁB, Castro F, Cabrera AR, Dreyse P, Melo-González F, Bueno SM, González IA, Palavecino CE. Synergistic effect of Ru(II)-based type II photodynamic therapy with cefotaxime on clinical isolates of ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 164:114949. [PMID: 37267640 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114949] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Multidrug-resistant bacteria, such as ESBL producing-Klebsiella pneumoniae, have increased substantially, encouraging the development of complementary therapies such as photodynamic inactivation (PDI). PDI uses photosensitizer (PS) compounds that kill bacteria using light to produce reactive oxygen species. We test Ru-based PS to inhibit K. pneumoniae and advance in the characterization of the mode of action. The PDI activity of PSRu-L2, and PSRu-L3, was determined by serial micro dilutions exposing K. pneumoniae to 0.612 J/cm 2 of light dose. PS interaction with cefotaxime was determined on a collection of 118 clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae. To characterize the mode of action of PDI, the bacterial response to oxidative stress was measured by RT-qPCR. Also, the cytotoxicity on mammalian cells was assessed by trypan blue exclusion. Over clinical isolates, the compounds are bactericidal, at doses of 8 µg/mL PSRu-L2 and 4 µg/mL PSRu-L3, inhibit bacterial growth by 3 log10 (>99.9%) with a lethality of 30 min. A remarkable synergistic effect of the PSRu-L2 and PSRu-L3 compounds with cefotaxime increased the bactericidal effect in a subpopulation of 66 ESBL-clinical isolates to > 6 log10 with an FIC-value of 0.16 and 0.17, respectively. The bacterial transcription response suggests that the mode of action occurs through Type II oxidative stress. The upregulation of the extracytoplasmic virulence factors mrkD, magA, and rmpA accompanied this response. Also, the compounds show little or no toxicity in vitro on HEp-2 and HEK293T cells. Through the type II effect, PSs compounds are bactericidal, synergistic on K. pneumoniae, and have low cytotoxicity in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dafne Berenice Hormazábal
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Celular, Instituto de Investigación y Postgrado, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Central de Chile, Lord Cochrane 418, Santiago 8330546, Chile
| | - Ángeles Beatriz Reyes
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Celular, Instituto de Investigación y Postgrado, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Central de Chile, Lord Cochrane 418, Santiago 8330546, Chile
| | - Francisco Castro
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Facultad de Química y de Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Macul, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alan R Cabrera
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Facultad de Química y de Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Macul, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paulina Dreyse
- Departamento de Química, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, Av. España 1680, Casilla 2390123, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Felipe Melo-González
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330025, Chile
| | - Susan M Bueno
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330025, Chile
| | - Iván A González
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Matemática y del Medio Ambiente, Universidad Tecnológica Metropolitana, Las Palmeras 3360, Ñuñoa, Santiago 7800003, Chile.
| | - Christian Erick Palavecino
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Celular, Instituto de Investigación y Postgrado, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Central de Chile, Lord Cochrane 418, Santiago 8330546, Chile.
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Varela MF, Stephen J, Bharti D, Lekshmi M, Kumar S. Inhibition of Multidrug Efflux Pumps Belonging to the Major Facilitator Superfamily in Bacterial Pathogens. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1448. [PMID: 37239119 PMCID: PMC10216197 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial pathogens resistant to multiple structurally distinct antimicrobial agents are causative agents of infectious disease, and they thus constitute a serious concern for public health. Of the various bacterial mechanisms for antimicrobial resistance, active efflux is a well-known system that extrudes clinically relevant antimicrobial agents, rendering specific pathogens recalcitrant to the growth-inhibitory effects of multiple drugs. In particular, multidrug efflux pump members of the major facilitator superfamily constitute central resistance systems in bacterial pathogens. This review article addresses the recent efforts to modulate these antimicrobial efflux transporters from a molecular perspective. Such investigations can potentially restore the clinical efficacy of infectious disease chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel F. Varela
- Department of Biology, Eastern New Mexico University, Station 33, Portales, NM 88130, USA
| | - Jerusha Stephen
- ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), Mumbai 400061, India; (J.S.); (D.B.); (M.L.); (S.K.)
| | - Deeksha Bharti
- ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), Mumbai 400061, India; (J.S.); (D.B.); (M.L.); (S.K.)
| | - Manjusha Lekshmi
- ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), Mumbai 400061, India; (J.S.); (D.B.); (M.L.); (S.K.)
| | - Sanath Kumar
- ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), Mumbai 400061, India; (J.S.); (D.B.); (M.L.); (S.K.)
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Espeche JC, Varas R, Maturana P, Cutro AC, Maffía PC, Hollmann A. Membrane permeability and antimicrobial peptides: Much more than just making a hole. Pept Sci (Hoboken) 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/pep2.24305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
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Ramata-Stunda A, Boroduskis M, Kaktina E, Patetko L, Kalnenieks U, Lasa Z, Rubina M, Strazdina I, Kalnins G, Rutkis R. Comparative Evaluation of Existing and Rationally Designed Novel Antimicrobial Peptides for Treatment of Skin and Soft Tissue Infections. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12030551. [PMID: 36978418 PMCID: PMC10044245 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12030551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) and acne are among the most common skin conditions in primary care. SSTIs caused by ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter sp.) can range in severity, and treating them is becoming increasingly challenging due to the growing number of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. There is also a rise in antibiotic-resistant strains of Cutibacterium acne, which plays a role in the development of acne. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are considered to be a promising solution to the challenges posed by antibiotic resistance. In this study, six new AMPs were rationally designed and compared to five existing peptides. The MIC values against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, E. faecium, S. aureus, and C. acnes were determined, and the peptides were evaluated for cytotoxicity using Balb/c 3T3 cells and dermal fibroblasts, as well as for hemolytic activity. The interaction with bacterial membranes and the effect on TNF-α and IL-10 secretion were also evaluated for selected peptides. Of the tested peptides, RP556 showed high broad-spectrum antibacterial activity without inducing cytotoxicity or hemolysis, and it stimulated the production of IL-10 in LPS-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Four of the novel AMPs showed pronounced specificity against C. acnes, with MIC values (0.3–0.5 μg/mL) below the concentrations that were cytotoxic or hemolytic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ramata-Stunda
- Alternative Plants Ltd., 2 Podraga Str., LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Elza Kaktina
- Alternative Plants Ltd., 2 Podraga Str., LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
| | - Liene Patetko
- Laboratory of Bioanalytical and Biodosimetry Methods, Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia, 3 Jelgavas Str., LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
| | - Uldis Kalnenieks
- Alternative Plants Ltd., 2 Podraga Str., LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
- Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Latvia, 1 Jelgavas Str., LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
| | - Zane Lasa
- Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Latvia, 1 Jelgavas Str., LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
| | - Marta Rubina
- Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Latvia, 1 Jelgavas Str., LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
| | - Inese Strazdina
- Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Latvia, 1 Jelgavas Str., LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
| | - Gints Kalnins
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, 1 Ratsupites Str., LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Reinis Rutkis
- Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Latvia, 1 Jelgavas Str., LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
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Muhammad T, Strömstedt AA, Gunasekera S, Göransson U. Transforming Cross-Linked Cyclic Dimers of KR-12 into Stable and Potent Antimicrobial Drug Leads. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020504. [PMID: 36831040 PMCID: PMC9953701 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Is it possible to enhance structural stability and biological activity of KR-12, a truncated antimicrobial peptide derived from the human host defense peptide LL-37? Based on the mapping of essential residues in KR-12, we have designed backbone-cyclized dimers, cross-linked via a disulfide bond to improve peptide stability, while at the same time improving on-target activity. Circular dichroism showed that each of the dimers adopts a primarily alpha-helical conformation (55% helical content) when bound to lyso-phosphatidylglycerol micelles, indicating that the helical propensity of the parent peptide is maintained in the new cross-linked cyclic form. Compared to KR-12, one of the cross-linked dimers showed 16-fold more potent antimicrobial activity against human pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans and 8-fold increased activity against Escherichia coli. Furthermore, these peptides retained antimicrobial activity at physiologically relevant conditions, including in the presence of salts and in human serum, and with selective Gram-negative antibacterial activity in rich growth media. In addition to giving further insight into the structure-activity relationship of KR-12, the current work demonstrates that by combining peptide stabilization strategies (dimerization, backbone cyclization, and cross-linking via a disulfide bond), KR-12 can be engineered into a potent antimicrobial peptide drug lead with potential utility in a therapeutic context.
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Sinha S, Dhanabal VB, Manivannen VL, Cappiello F, Tan SM, Bhattacharjya S. Ultra-Short Cyclized β-Boomerang Peptides: Structures, Interactions with Lipopolysaccharide, Antibiotic Potentiator and Wound Healing. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010263. [PMID: 36613707 PMCID: PMC9820106 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Many antibiotics are ineffective in killing Gram-negative bacteria due to the permeability barrier of the outer-membrane LPS. Infections caused by multi-drug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens require new antibiotics, which are often difficult to develop. Antibiotic potentiators disrupt outer-membrane LPS and can assist the entry of large-scaffold antibiotics to the bacterial targets. In this work, we designed a backbone-cyclized ultra-short, six-amino-acid-long (WKRKRY) peptide, termed cWY6 from LPS binding motif of β-boomerang bactericidal peptides. The cWY6 peptide does not exhibit any antimicrobial activity; however, it is able to permeabilize the LPS outer membrane. Our results demonstrate the antibiotic potentiator activity in the designed cWY6 peptide for several conventional antibiotics (vancomycin, rifampicin, erythromycin, novobiocin and azithromycin). Remarkably, the short cWY6 peptide exhibits wound-healing activity in in vitro assays. NMR, computational docking and biophysical studies describe the atomic-resolution structure of the peptide in complex with LPS and mode of action in disrupting the outer membrane. The dual activities of cWY6 peptide hold high promise for further translation to therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheetal Sinha
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore
- Advanced Environmental Biotechnology Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, Singapore 637141, Singapore
- Interdisciplinary Graduate School, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Vidhya Bharathi Dhanabal
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | - Veronica Lavanya Manivannen
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | - Floriana Cappiello
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Suet-Mien Tan
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | - Surajit Bhattacharjya
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore
- Correspondence:
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C S, G. R R, L. F L, M.C.G DR, N.B C, S.C D, O. L F. Advances and perspectives for antimicrobial peptide and combinatory therapies. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1051456. [PMID: 36578509 PMCID: PMC9791095 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1051456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have shown cell membrane-directed mechanisms of action. This specificity can be effective against infectious agents that have acquired resistance to conventional drugs. The AMPs' membrane-specificity and their great potential to combat resistant microbes has brought hope to the medical/therapeutic scene. The high death rate worldwide due to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has pushed forward the search for new molecules and product developments, mainly antibiotics. In the current scenario, other strategies including the association of two or more drugs have contributed to the treatment of difficult-to-treat infectious diseases, above all, those caused by bacteria. In this context, the synergistic action of AMPs associated with current antibiotic therapy can bring important results for the production of new and effective drugs to overcome AMR. This review presents the advances obtained in the last 5 years in medical/antibiotic therapy, with the use of products based on AMPs, as well as perspectives on the potentialized effects of current drugs combined with AMPs for the treatment of bacterial infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santos C
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco (UCDB), Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Rodrigues G. R
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímica (CAPB), Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília (UCB), Brasília, Brazil
| | - Lima L. F
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímica (CAPB), Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília (UCB), Brasília, Brazil
| | - dos Reis M.C.G
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímica (CAPB), Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília (UCB), Brasília, Brazil
| | - Cunha N.B
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímica (CAPB), Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília (UCB), Brasília, Brazil
- Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária (FAV), Universidade de Brasília (UnB), Brasília, Brazil
| | - Dias S.C
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímica (CAPB), Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília (UCB), Brasília, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Biologia Animal, Universidade de Brasília (UnB), Brasília, Brazil
| | - Franco O. L
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco (UCDB), Campo Grande, Brazil
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímica (CAPB), Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília (UCB), Brasília, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Patologia Molecular, Universidade de Brasília (UnB), Brasília, Brazil
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Hemmati S, Rasekhi Kazerooni H. Polypharmacological Cell-Penetrating Peptides from Venomous Marine Animals Based on Immunomodulating, Antimicrobial, and Anticancer Properties. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20120763. [PMID: 36547910 PMCID: PMC9787916 DOI: 10.3390/md20120763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Complex pathological diseases, such as cancer, infection, and Alzheimer's, need to be targeted by multipronged curative. Various omics technologies, with a high rate of data generation, demand artificial intelligence to translate these data into druggable targets. In this study, 82 marine venomous animal species were retrieved, and 3505 cryptic cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) were identified in their toxins. A total of 279 safe peptides were further analyzed for antimicrobial, anticancer, and immunomodulatory characteristics. Protease-resistant CPPs with endosomal-escape ability in Hydrophis hardwickii, nuclear-localizing peptides in Scorpaena plumieri, and mitochondrial-targeting peptides from Synanceia horrida were suitable for compartmental drug delivery. A broad-spectrum S. horrida-derived antimicrobial peptide with a high binding-affinity to bacterial membranes was an antigen-presenting cell (APC) stimulator that primes cytokine release and naïve T-cell maturation simultaneously. While antibiofilm and wound-healing peptides were detected in Synanceia verrucosa, APC epitopes as universal adjuvants for antiviral vaccination were in Pterois volitans and Conus monile. Conus pennaceus-derived anticancer peptides showed antiangiogenic and IL-2-inducing properties with moderate BBB-permeation and were defined to be a tumor-homing peptide (THP) with the ability to inhibit programmed death ligand-1 (PDL-1). Isoforms of RGD-containing peptides with innate antiangiogenic characteristics were in Conus tessulatus for tumor targeting. Inhibitors of neuropilin-1 in C. pennaceus are proposed for imaging probes or therapeutic delivery. A Conus betulinus cryptic peptide, with BBB-permeation, mitochondrial-targeting, and antioxidant capacity, was a stimulator of anti-inflammatory cytokines and non-inducer of proinflammation proposed for Alzheimer's. Conclusively, we have considered the dynamic interaction of cells, their microenvironment, and proportional-orchestrating-host- immune pathways by multi-target-directed CPPs resembling single-molecule polypharmacology. This strategy might fill the therapeutic gap in complex resistant disorders and increase the candidates' clinical-translation chance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiva Hemmati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71345-1583, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
- Biotechnology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71345-1583, Iran
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +98-7132-424-128
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Chen Y, Zhang Z, Chen Y, Zhou S, Deng Q, Wang S. Enhancement of inhibition rate of antibiotic against bacteria by molecularly imprinted nanoparticles targeting alarmone nucleotides as antibiotic adjuvants. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:9438-9445. [PMID: 36321529 DOI: 10.1039/d2tb00641c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Antibiotic tolerance and resistance in bacteria have caused a great threat to humankind. Bacteria can rapidly accumulate alarmone nucleotides (guanosine tetra- and pentaphosphate, usually denoted as (p)ppGpp) to repair damaged DNA under adverse conditions. The inhibition synthetase enzyme activity of (p)ppGpp, indirectly preventing synthesis, or promoting degradation, has been reported; however, transferring these strategies to practical applications is still a challenging task due to the lack of highly effective molecules for these purposes. Here, an approach based on molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (MIP-NPs) as antibiotic adjuvants was proposed, where MIP-NPs with specific recognition sites were used to capture alarmone nucleotides released by bacteria during stringent response activation. Enhanced inhibition rates of 40-80% were achieved in the presence of the MIP-NPs. The dose of antibiotic could be greatly reduced by utilizing the MIP-NPs as adjuvants for a similar deactivation effectiveness. Good biocompatibility (no obvious hemolysis or cytotoxic effects) and apparent antimicrobial efficiency for resisting wound infection in vivo support the fact that well-designed MIP-NPs have a bright future in dealing with the growing threat of antibiotic tolerance and resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Chen
- College of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, 1038 Dagu South Road, Tianjin, 300457, China.
| | - Zhen Zhang
- College of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, 1038 Dagu South Road, Tianjin, 300457, China.
| | - Yujie Chen
- College of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, 1038 Dagu South Road, Tianjin, 300457, China.
| | - Shufang Zhou
- College of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, 1038 Dagu South Road, Tianjin, 300457, China.
| | - Qiliang Deng
- College of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, 1038 Dagu South Road, Tianjin, 300457, China.
| | - Shuo Wang
- College of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, 1038 Dagu South Road, Tianjin, 300457, China. .,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food Science and Health, School of Medicine, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300071, China.
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Novel Alligator Cathelicidin As-CATH8 Demonstrates Anti-Infective Activity against Clinically Relevant and Crocodylian Bacterial Pathogens. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11111603. [DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11111603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Host defense peptides (HDPs) represent an alternative way to address the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Crocodylians are interesting species for the study of these molecules because of their potent immune system, which confers high resistance to infection. Profile hidden Markov models were used to screen the genomes of four crocodylian species for encoded cathelicidins and eighteen novel sequences were identified. Synthetic cathelicidins showed broad spectrum antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against several clinically important antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In particular, the As-CATH8 cathelicidin showed potent in vitro activity profiles similar to the last-resort antibiotics vancomycin and polymyxin B. In addition, As-CATH8 demonstrated rapid killing of planktonic and biofilm cells, which correlated with its ability to cause cytoplasmic membrane depolarization and permeabilization as well as binding to DNA. As-CATH8 displayed greater antibiofilm activity than the human cathelicidin LL-37 against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a human organoid model of biofilm skin infection. Furthermore, As-CATH8 demonstrated strong antibacterial effects in a murine abscess model of high-density bacterial infections against clinical isolates of S. aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii, two of the most common bacterial species causing skin infections globally. Overall, this work expands the repertoire of cathelicidin peptides known in crocodylians, including one with considerable therapeutic promise for treating common skin infections.
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Artini M, Imperlini E, Buonocore F, Relucenti M, Porcelli F, Donfrancesco O, Tuccio Guarna Assanti V, Fiscarelli EV, Papa R, Selan L. Anti-Virulence Potential of a Chionodracine-Derived Peptide against Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Clinical Isolates from Cystic Fibrosis Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13494. [PMID: 36362282 PMCID: PMC9657651 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen causing several chronic infections resistant to currently available antibiotics. Its pathogenicity is related to the production of different virulence factors such as biofilm and protease secretion. Pseudomonas communities can persist in biofilms that protect bacterial cells from antibiotics. Hence, there is a need for innovative approaches that are able to counteract these virulence factors, which play a pivotal role, especially in chronic infections. In this context, antimicrobial peptides are emerging drugs showing a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity. Here, we tested the anti-virulence activity of a chionodracine-derived peptide (KHS-Cnd) on five P. aeruginosa clinical isolates from cystic fibrosis patients. We demonstrated that KHS-Cnd impaired biofilm development and caused biofilm disaggregation without affecting bacterial viability in nearly all of the tested strains. Ultrastructural morphological analysis showed that the effect of KHS-Cnd on biofilm could be related to a different compactness of the matrix. KHS-Cnd was also able to reduce adhesion to pulmonary cell lines and to impair the invasion of host cells by P. aeruginosa. A cytotoxic effect of KHS-Cnd was observed only at the highest tested concentration. This study highlights the potential of KHS-Cnd as an anti-biofilm and anti-virulence molecule against P. aeruginosa clinical strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Artini
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, p.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Esther Imperlini
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems, University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Francesco Buonocore
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems, University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Michela Relucenti
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Alfonso Borelli 50, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Fernando Porcelli
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems, University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Orlando Donfrancesco
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Alfonso Borelli 50, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Vanessa Tuccio Guarna Assanti
- Research Unit of Diagnostical and Management Innovations, Children’s Hospital and Institute Research Bambino Gesù, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Ersilia Vita Fiscarelli
- Research Unit of Diagnostical and Management Innovations, Children’s Hospital and Institute Research Bambino Gesù, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Rosanna Papa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, p.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Selan
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, p.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm dispersion by the mouse antimicrobial peptide CRAMP. Vet Res 2022; 53:80. [PMID: 36209206 PMCID: PMC9548163 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-022-01097-y] [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: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a known bacterium that produces biofilms and causes severe infection. Furthermore, P. aeruginosa biofilms are extremely difficult to eradicate, leading to the development of chronic and antibiotic-resistant infections. Our previous study showed that a cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP) inhibits the formation of P. aeruginosa biofilms and markedly reduces the biomass of preformed biofilms, while the mechanism of eradicating bacterial biofilms remains elusive. Therefore, in this study, the potential mechanism by which CRAMP eradicates P. aeruginosa biofilms was investigated through an integrative analysis of transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data. The omics data revealed CRAMP functioned against P. aeruginosa biofilms by different pathways, including the Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS) system, cyclic dimeric guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) signalling pathway, and synthesis pathways of exopolysaccharides and rhamnolipid. Moreover, a total of 2914 differential transcripts, 785 differential proteins, and 280 differential metabolites were identified. A series of phenotypic validation tests demonstrated that CRAMP reduced the c-di-GMP level with a decrease in exopolysaccharides, especially alginate, in P. aeruginosa PAO1 biofilm cells, improved bacterial flagellar motility, and increased the rhamnolipid content, contributing to the dispersion of biofilms. Our study provides new insight into the development of CRAMP as a potentially effective antibiofilm dispersant.
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Wang C, Lu H, Li X, Zhu Y, Ji Y, Lu W, Wang G, Dong W, Liu M, Wang X, Chen H, Tan C. Identification of an anti-virulence drug that reverses antibiotic resistance in multidrug resistant bacteria. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113334. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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V F Esposito T, Rodríguez-Rodríguez C, Blackadar C, Haney EF, Pletzer D, E W Hancock R, Saatchi K, Häfeli UO. Biodistribution and Toxicity of Innate Defense Regulator 1018 (IDR-1018). Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2022; 179:11-25. [PMID: 36028151 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Innate defense regulators (IDRs) are synthetic host-defense peptides (HDPs) with broad-spectrum anti-infective properties, including immunomodulatory, anti-biofilm and direct antimicrobial activities. A lack of pharmacokinetic data about these peptides hinders their development and makes it challenging to fully understand how they work in vivo since their mechanism of action is dependent on tissue concentrations of the peptide. Here, we set out to define in detail the pharmacokinetics of a well-characterized IDR molecule, IDR-1018. To make the peptide traceable, it was radiolabeled with the long-lived gamma-emitting isotope gallium-67. After a series of bench-top characterizations, the radiotracer was administered to healthy mice intravenously (IV) or subcutaneously (SQ) at various dose levels (2.5-13 mg/kg). Nuclear imaging and ex-vivo biodistributions were used to quantify organ and tissue uptake of the radiotracer over time. When administered as an IV bolus, the distribution profile of the radiotracer changed as the dose was escalated. At 2.5 mg/kg, the peptide was well-tolerated, poorly circulated in the blood and was cleared predominately by the reticuloendothelial system. Higher doses (7 and 13 mg/kg) as an IV bolus were almost immediately lethal due to respiratory arrest; significant lung uptake of the radiotracer was observed from nuclear scans of these animals, and histological examination found extensive damage to the pulmonary vasculature and alveoli. When administered SQ at a dose of 3 mg/kg, radiolabeled IDR-1018 was rapidly absorbed from the site of injection and predominately cleared renally. Apart from the SQ injection site, no other tissue had a concentration above the minimum inhibitory concentration that would enable this peptide to exert direct antimicrobial effects against most pathogenic bacteria. Tissue concentrations were sufficient however to disrupt microbial biofilms and alter the host immune response. Overall, this study demonstrated that the administration of synthetic IDR peptide in vivo is best suited to local administration which avoids some of the issues associated with peptide toxicity that are observed when administered systemically by IV injection, an issue that will have to be addressed through formulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tullio V F Esposito
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cristina Rodríguez-Rodríguez
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Colin Blackadar
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Evan F Haney
- Centre for Microbial Disease and Immunity Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Asep Medical Holdings, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Daniel Pletzer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
| | - Robert E W Hancock
- Centre for Microbial Disease and Immunity Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Katayoun Saatchi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Urs O Häfeli
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Kalgudi R, Tamimi R, Kyazze G, Keshavarz T. Effect of quorum quenchers on virulence factors production and quorum sensing signalling pathway of non-mucoid, mucoid, and heavily mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 38:163. [PMID: 35835899 PMCID: PMC9283346 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-022-03339-9] [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: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Quorum quenching (QQ), a mechanism which inhibits, interferes or inactivates quorum sensing, has been investigated for control of biofilms instigated by quorum sensing process. Application of quorum quenchers (QQs) provides the possibility to investigate how different phenotypes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (non-mucoid, mucoid, and heavily mucoid strains) modulate their gene expression to form biofilms, their quorum sensing (QS) mediated biofilm to be formed, and their virulence expressed. The mRNA expression of the AHL-mediated QS circuit and AHL-mediated virulence factors in P. aeruginosa was investigated in presence of QQs. qPCR analysis showed that farnesol and tyrosol actively reduce the expression of the synthase protein, LasI and RhlI, and prevent production of 3OC12-HSL and C4-HSL, respectively. Also, the use of farnesol and tyrosol significantly moderated gene expression for exo-proteins toxA, aprA, LasB, as well as rhlAB, which are responsible for rhamnolipid production. Our findings were promising, identifying several suppressive regulatory effects of furanone and Candida albicans QS signal molecules, tyrosol, and farnesol on the AHL-mediated P. aeruginosa QS network and related virulence factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachith Kalgudi
- School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, W1W 6UW, London, UK.
| | - Roya Tamimi
- School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, W1W 6UW, London, UK
| | - Godfrey Kyazze
- School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, W1W 6UW, London, UK
| | - Tajalli Keshavarz
- School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, W1W 6UW, London, UK
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Nanomaterials-Based Combinatorial Therapy as a Strategy to Combat Antibiotic Resistance. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11060794. [PMID: 35740200 PMCID: PMC9220075 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11060794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of antibiotics, humanity has been able to cope with the battle against bacterial infections. However, the inappropriate use of antibiotics, the lack of innovation in therapeutic agents, and other factors have allowed the emergence of new bacterial strains resistant to multiple antibiotic treatments, causing a crisis in the health sector. Furthermore, the World Health Organization has listed a series of pathogens (ESKAPE group) that have acquired new and varied resistance to different antibiotics families. Therefore, the scientific community has prioritized designing and developing novel treatments to combat these ESKAPE pathogens and other emergent multidrug-resistant bacteria. One of the solutions is the use of combinatorial therapies. Combinatorial therapies seek to enhance the effects of individual treatments at lower doses, bringing the advantage of being, in most cases, much less harmful to patients. Among the new developments in combinatorial therapies, nanomaterials have gained significant interest. Some of the most promising nanotherapeutics include polymers, inorganic nanoparticles, and antimicrobial peptides due to their bactericidal and nanocarrier properties. Therefore, this review focuses on discussing the state-of-the-art of the most significant advances and concludes with a perspective on the future developments of nanotherapeutic combinatorial treatments that target bacterial infections.
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Martínez OF, Duque HM, Franco OL. Peptidomimetics as Potential Anti-Virulence Drugs Against Resistant Bacterial Pathogens. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:831037. [PMID: 35516442 PMCID: PMC9062693 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.831037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The uncontrollable spread of superbugs calls for new approaches in dealing with microbial-antibiotic resistance. Accordingly, the anti-virulence approach has arisen as an attractive unconventional strategy to face multidrug-resistant pathogens. As an emergent strategy, there is an imperative demand for discovery, design, and development of anti-virulence drugs. In this regard, peptidomimetic compounds could be a valuable source of anti-virulence drugs, since these molecules circumvent several shortcomings of natural peptide-based drugs like proteolytic instability, immunogenicity, toxicity, and low bioavailability. Some emerging evidence points to the feasibility of peptidomimetics to impair pathogen virulence. Consequently, in this review, we shed some light on the potential of peptidomimetics as anti-virulence drugs to overcome antibiotic resistance. Specifically, we address the anti-virulence activity of peptidomimetics against pathogens' secretion systems, biofilms, and quorum-sensing systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osmel Fleitas Martínez
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, S-Inova Biotech, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Harry Morales Duque
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Octávio Luiz Franco
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, S-Inova Biotech, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
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Ali W, Elsahn A, Ting DSJ, Dua HS, Mohammed I. Host Defence Peptides: A Potent Alternative to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance in the Era of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:475. [PMID: 35453226 PMCID: PMC9032040 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11040475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the greatest challenges facing the medical community today is the ever-increasing trajectory of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which is being compounded by the decrease in our antimicrobial armamentarium. From their initial discovery to the current day, antibiotics have seen an exponential increase in their usage, from medical to agricultural use. Benefits aside, this has led to an exponential increase in AMR, with the fear that over 10 million lives are predicted to be lost by 2050, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). As such, medical researchers are turning their focus to discovering novel alternatives to antimicrobials, one being Host Defence Peptides (HDPs). These small cationic peptides have shown great efficacy in being used as an antimicrobial therapy for currently resistant microbial variants. With the sudden emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 variant and the subsequent global pandemic, the great versatility and potential use of HDPs as an alternative to conventional antibiotics in treating as well as preventing the spread of COVID-19 has been reviewed. Thus, to allow the reader to have a full understanding of the multifaceted therapeutic use of HDPs, this literature review shall cover the association between COVID-19 and AMR whilst discussing and evaluating the use of HDPs as an answer to antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Imran Mohammed
- Section of Ophthalmology, Larry A. Donoso Laboratory for Eye Research, Academic Unit of Mental Health and Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Queens Medical Centre, Eye and ENT Building, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; (W.A.); (A.E.); (D.S.J.T.); (H.S.D.)
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Anti-hepatitis C virus drug simeprevir: a promising antimicrobial agent against MRSA. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:2689-2702. [PMID: 35338386 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-11878-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a major human pathogen, and the appearance of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) renders S. aureus infections more challenging to treat. Therefore, new antimicrobial drugs are urgently needed to combat MRSA infections. Drug repurposing is an effective and feasible strategy. Here, we reported that the clinically approved anti-hepatitis C virus drug simeprevir had strong antibacterial activity against MRSA, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 2-8 µg/mL. Simeprevir did not easily induce in vitro resistance. In addition, simeprevir significantly prevented S. aureus biofilm formation. Furthermore, simeprevir displayed limited toxicity in in vitro and in vivo assays. Moreover, simeprevir showed synergistic antimicrobial effects against both type and clinical strains of S. aureus. Simeprevir combined with gentamicin effectively reduced the bacterial burden in an MRSA-infected subcutaneous abscess mouse model. Results from a series of experiments, including membrane permeability assay, membrane potential assay, intracellular ATP level assay, and electron microscope observation, demonstrated that the action of simeprevir may be by disrupting bacterial cell membranes. Collectively, these results demonstrated the potential of simeprevir as an antimicrobial agent for the treatment of MRSA infections. KEY POINTS: • Simeprevir showed strong antibacterial activity against MRSA. • The antibacterial mechanism of simeprevir was mediated by membrane disruption and intracellular ATP depletion. • In vitro and in vivo synergistic antimicrobial efficacy between simeprevir and gentamicin was found.
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Wolfmeier H, Wardell SJT, Liu LT, Falsafi R, Draeger A, Babiychuk EB, Pletzer D, Hancock REW. Targeting the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Virulence Factor Phospholipase C With Engineered Liposomes. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:867449. [PMID: 35369481 PMCID: PMC8971843 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.867449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Engineered liposomes composed of the naturally occurring lipids sphingomyelin (Sm) and cholesterol (Ch) have been demonstrated to efficiently neutralize toxins secreted by Gram-positive bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. Here, we hypothesized that liposomes are capable of neutralizing cytolytic virulence factors secreted by the Gram-negative pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We used the highly virulent cystic fibrosis P. aeruginosa Liverpool Epidemic Strain LESB58 and showed that sphingomyelin (Sm) and a combination of sphingomyelin with cholesterol (Ch:Sm; 66 mol/% Ch and 34 mol/% Sm) liposomes reduced lysis of human bronchial and red blood cells upon challenge with the Pseudomonas secretome. Mass spectrometry of liposome-sequestered Pseudomonas proteins identified the virulence-promoting hemolytic phospholipase C (PlcH) as having been neutralized. Pseudomonas aeruginosa supernatants incubated with liposomes demonstrated reduced PlcH activity as assessed by the p-nitrophenylphosphorylcholine (NPPC) assay. Testing the in vivo efficacy of the liposomes in a murine cutaneous abscess model revealed that Sm and Ch:Sm, as single dose treatments, attenuated abscesses by >30%, demonstrating a similar effect to that of a mutant lacking plcH in this infection model. Thus, sphingomyelin-containing liposome therapy offers an interesting approach to treat and reduce virulence of complex infections caused by P. aeruginosa and potentially other Gram-negative pathogens expressing PlcH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Wolfmeier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Samuel J. T. Wardell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Leo T. Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Reza Falsafi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | | | - Daniel Pletzer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- *Correspondence: Daniel Pletzer,
| | - Robert E. W. Hancock
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Robert E. W. Hancock,
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Antimicrobial Peptides as an Alternative for the Eradication of Bacterial Biofilms of Multi-Drug Resistant Bacteria. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14030642. [PMID: 35336016 PMCID: PMC8950055 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14030642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial resistance is an emergency public health problem worldwide, compounded by the ability of bacteria to form biofilms, mainly in seriously ill hospitalized patients. The World Health Organization has published a list of priority bacteria that should be studied and, in turn, has encouraged the development of new drugs. Herein, we explain the importance of studying new molecules such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with potential against multi-drug resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) bacteria and focus on the inhibition of biofilm formation. This review describes the main causes of antimicrobial resistance and biofilm formation, as well as the main and potential AMP applications against these bacteria. Our results suggest that the new biomacromolecules to be discovered and studied should focus on this group of dangerous and highly infectious bacteria. Alternative molecules such as AMPs could contribute to eradicating biofilm proliferation by MDR/XDR bacteria; this is a challenging undertaking with promising prospects.
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Nielsen JE, Alford MA, Yung DBY, Molchanova N, Fortkort JA, Lin JS, Diamond G, Hancock REW, Jenssen H, Pletzer D, Lund R, Barron AE. Self-Assembly of Antimicrobial Peptoids Impacts Their Biological Effects on ESKAPE Bacterial Pathogens. ACS Infect Dis 2022; 8:533-545. [PMID: 35175731 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising pharmaceutical candidates for the prevention and treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant ESKAPE pathogens, which are responsible for the majority of hospital-acquired infections. Clinical translation of AMPs has been limited, in part by apparent toxicity on systemic dosing and by instability arising from susceptibility to proteolysis. Peptoids (sequence-specific oligo-N-substituted glycines) resist proteolytic digestion and thus are of value as AMP mimics. Only a few natural AMPs such as LL-37 and polymyxin self-assemble in solution; whether antimicrobial peptoids mimic these properties has been unknown. Here, we examine the antibacterial efficacy and dynamic self-assembly in aqueous media of eight peptoid mimics of cationic AMPs designed to self-assemble and two nonassembling controls. These amphipathic peptoids self-assembled in different ways, as determined by small-angle X-ray scattering; some adopt helical bundles, while others form core-shell ellipsoidal or worm-like micelles. Interestingly, many of these peptoid assemblies show promising antibacterial, antibiofilm activity in vitro in media, under host-mimicking conditions and antiabscess activity in vivo. While self-assembly correlated overall with antibacterial efficacy, this correlation was imperfect. Certain self-assembled morphologies seem better-suited for antibacterial activity. In particular, a peptoid exhibiting a high fraction of long, worm-like micelles showed reduced antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antiabscess activity against ESKAPE pathogens compared with peptoids that form ellipsoidal or bundled assemblies. This is the first report of self-assembling peptoid antibacterials with activity against in vivo biofilm-like infections relevant to clinical medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josefine Eilsø Nielsen
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo 0315, Norway
| | - Morgan Ashley Alford
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Deborah Bow Yue Yung
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Natalia Molchanova
- The Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - John A. Fortkort
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Jennifer S. Lin
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Gill Diamond
- Department of Oral Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, School of Dentistry, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, United States
| | - Robert E. W. Hancock
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Håvard Jenssen
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde 4000, Denmark
| | - Daniel Pletzer
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Reidar Lund
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo 0315, Norway
| | - Annelise E. Barron
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
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50
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ELSALEM L, KHASAWNEH A, AL SHEBOUL S. WLBU2 Antimicrobial Peptide as a Potential Therapeutic for Treatment of Resistant Bacterial Infections. Turk J Pharm Sci 2022; 19:110-116. [DOI: 10.4274/tjps.galenos.2020.43078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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