1
|
Maimaiti Z, Li Z, Xu C, Fu J, Hao LB, Chen JY, Chai W. Host Immune Regulation in Implant-Associated Infection (IAI): What Does the Current Evidence Provide Us to Prevent or Treat IAI? Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10030356. [PMID: 36978747 PMCID: PMC10044746 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10030356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of orthopedic implants for bone fixation and joint arthroplasty has been steadily increasing over the past few years. However, implant-associated infection (IAI), a major complication in orthopedic surgery, impacts the quality of life and causes a substantial economic burden on patients and societies. While research and study on IAI have received increasing attention in recent years, the failure rate of IAI has still not decreased significantly. This is related to microbial biofilms and their inherent antibiotic resistance, as well as the various mechanisms by which bacteria evade host immunity, resulting in difficulties in diagnosing and treating IAIs. Hence, a better understanding of the complex interactions between biofilms, implants, and host immunity is necessary to develop new strategies for preventing and controlling these infections. This review first discusses the challenges in diagnosing and treating IAI, followed by an extensive review of the direct effects of orthopedic implants, host immune function, pathogenic bacteria, and biofilms. Finally, several promising preventive or therapeutic alternatives are presented, with the hope of mitigating or eliminating the threat of antibiotic resistance and refractory biofilms in IAI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zulipikaer Maimaiti
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Fourth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Zhuo Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Chi Xu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Fourth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Jun Fu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Fourth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Li-Bo Hao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Fourth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Ji-Ying Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Fourth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
- Correspondence: (J.-Y.C.); (W.C.)
| | - Wei Chai
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Fourth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
- Correspondence: (J.-Y.C.); (W.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang F, Cui Y, He D, Gong L, Liang H. Natural killer cells in sepsis: Friends or foes? Front Immunol 2023; 14:1101918. [PMID: 36776839 PMCID: PMC9909201 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1101918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is one of the major causes of death in the hospital worldwide. The pathology of sepsis is tightly associated with dysregulation of innate immune responses. The contribution of macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells to sepsis is well documented, whereas the role of natural killer (NK) cells, which are critical innate lymphoid lineage cells, remains unclear. In some studies, the activation of NK cells has been reported as a risk factor leading to severe organ damage or death. In sharp contrast, some other studies revealed that triggering NK cell activity contributes to alleviating sepsis. In all, although there are several reports on NK cells in sepsis, whether they exert detrimental or protective effects remains unclear. Here, we will review the available experimental and clinical studies about the opposing roles of NK cells in sepsis, and we will discuss the prospects for NK cell-based immunotherapeutic strategies for sepsis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fangjie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combines Injury, Department of Wound Infection and Drug, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yiqin Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combines Injury, Department of Wound Infection and Drug, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Dongmei He
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combines Injury, Department of Wound Infection and Drug, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Lisha Gong
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Daqing, China
| | - Huaping Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combines Injury, Department of Wound Infection and Drug, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Elemam NM, Ramakrishnan RK, Hundt JE, Halwani R, Maghazachi AA, Hamid Q. Innate Lymphoid Cells and Natural Killer Cells in Bacterial Infections: Function, Dysregulation, and Therapeutic Targets. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:733564. [PMID: 34804991 PMCID: PMC8602108 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.733564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases represent one of the largest medical challenges worldwide. Bacterial infections, in particular, remain a pertinent health challenge and burden. Moreover, such infections increase over time due to the continuous use of various antibiotics without medical need, thus leading to several side effects and bacterial resistance. Our innate immune system represents our first line of defense against any foreign pathogens. This system comprises the innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), including natural killer (NK) cells that are critical players in establishing homeostasis and immunity against infections. ILCs are a group of functionally heterogenous but potent innate immune effector cells that constitute tissue-resident sentinels against intracellular and extracellular bacterial infections. Being a nascent subset of innate lymphocytes, their role in bacterial infections is not clearly understood. Furthermore, these pathogens have developed methods to evade the host immune system, and hence permit infection spread and tissue damage. In this review, we highlight the role of the different ILC populations in various bacterial infections and the possible ways of immune evasion. Additionally, potential immunotherapies to manipulate ILC responses will be briefly discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noha Mousaad Elemam
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rakhee K Ramakrishnan
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jennifer E Hundt
- Lübeck Institute for Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Rabih Halwani
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Prince Abdullah Ben Khaled Celiac Disease Chair, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Azzam A Maghazachi
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Qutayba Hamid
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Schmidt S, Ullrich E, Bochennek K, Zimmermann SY, Lehrnbecher T. Role of natural killer cells in antibacterial immunity. Expert Rev Hematol 2016; 9:1119-1127. [DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2016.1254546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
|
5
|
Chesson CB, Ekpo-Otu S, Endsley JJ, Rudra JS. Biomaterials-Based Vaccination Strategies for the Induction of CD8 +T Cell Responses. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2016; 3:126-143. [PMID: 33450791 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.6b00412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Natural and synthetic biomaterials are increasingly being used for the development of vaccines and immunotherapies as alternatives to traditional live-attenuated formulations due to their improved safety profiles and no risk of reversion to virulence. Polymeric materials in particular enjoy attention due to the ease of fabrication, control over physicochemical properties, and their wide range of immunogenicity. While the majority of studies focus on inducing protective antibody responses, in recent years, materials-based strategies for the delivery of antigens and immunomodulators to improve CD8+T cell immunity against infectious and non-infectious diseases have gained momentum. Notably, platforms based on polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, micelles, virus-like particles, self-assembling peptides and peptidomimetics, and multilayer thin films show considerable promise in preclinical studies. In this Review, we first introduce the concepts of CD8+T cell activation, effector and memory functions, and cytotoxic activity, followed by vaccine design for eliciting robust and protective long-lived CD8+T cell immunity. We then discuss different materials-based vaccines developed in the past decade to elicit CD8+T cell responses based on molecular composition or fabrication methods and conclude with a summary and glimpse at the future trends in this area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles B Chesson
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, ‡Department of Microbiology & Immunology, and §Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Shaunte Ekpo-Otu
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, and §Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Janice J Endsley
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, and Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Jai S Rudra
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, and Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kubelkova K, Macela A. Putting the Jigsaw Together - A Brief Insight Into the Tularemia. Open Life Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1515/biol-2015-0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractTularemia is a debilitating febrile and potentially fatal zoonotic disease of humans and other vertebrates caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Francisella tularensis. The natural reservoirs are small rodents, hares, and possibly amoebas in water. The etiological agent, Francisella tularensis, is a non-spore forming, encapsulated, facultative intracellular bacterium, a member of the γ-Proteobacteria class of Gram-negative bacteria. Francisella tularensis is capable of invading and replicating within phagocytic as well as non-phagocytic cells and modulate inflammatory response. Infection by the pulmonary, dermal, or oral routes, respectively, results in pneumonic, ulceroglandular, or oropharyngeal tularemia. The highest mortality rates are associated with the pneumonic form of this disease. All members of Francisella tularensis species cause more or less severe disease Due to their abilities to be transmitted to humans via multiple routes and to be disseminated via biological aerosol that can cause the disease after inhalation of even an extremely low infectious dose, Francisella tularensis has been classified as a Category A bioterrorism agent. The current standard of care for tularemia is treatment with antibiotics, as this therapy is highly effective if used soon after infection, although it is not, however, absolutely effective in all cases.
Collapse
|
7
|
Rowland CA, Hartley MG, Flick-Smith H, Laws TR, Eyles JE, Oyston PCF. Peripheral human γδ T cells control growth of both avirulent and highly virulent strains of Francisella tularensis in vitro. Microbes Infect 2012; 14:584-9. [PMID: 22370220 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2012.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2011] [Revised: 01/31/2012] [Accepted: 02/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this paper we evaluate the role of human γδ T cells in control of Francisella tularensis infection. Using an in vitro model of infection, a reduction in bacterial numbers was detected in the presence of human γδ T cells for both attenuated LVS and virulent SCHU S4 strains of F. tularensis. Antibody neutralisation of IFN-γ caused an increase in survival of F. tularensis LVS suggesting that γδ T cell-mediated control of F. tularensis infection is partially mediated by IFN-γ.
Collapse
|
8
|
Hogg A, Huante M, Ongaya A, Williams J, Ferguson M, Cloyd M, Amukoye E, Endsley J. Activation of NK cell granulysin by mycobacteria and IL-15 is differentially affected by HIV. Tuberculosis (Edinb) 2011; 91 Suppl 1:S75-81. [PMID: 22099421 DOI: 10.1016/j.tube.2011.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
NK cells play an important role in innate immunity to mycobacteria and are a significant source of the bactericidal effector molecule granulysin. Defects in NK cells have been described in HIV-infected patients, though mechanistic studies have focused on effector molecules relevant to anti-viral, and not anti-bacterial, function. Here we used primary NK cells from healthy human donors and an in vitro system to identify the phenotype of granulysin expressing NK cells, characterize activation stimuli that regulate granulysin, and to study the immediate effects of HIV on innate activation of NK cell granulysin expression. We observe that granulysin expression is co-associated with cytotoxicity receptors (NKp46, NKG2D) known to have important function in the cytotoxic response to M.tb-infected macrophages. Granulysin expression is significantly increased following exposure to IL-15 or Mycobacterium bovis BCG, but in contrast to our previous findings with CD8(+)T cells, expression is weakly activated by IL-21. Infection of PBMC with HIV-1 suppresses NK cell induction of granulysin by IL-15, but does not impair activation by BCG. These effects of HIV-1 are associated with reduced STAT5 phosphorylation in the IL-15 activated signaling cascade. These observations suggest that HIV may impair the anti-bacterial function of NK cells and have implications for clinical use of IL-15 to augment innate cell mediated immunity in HIV+ patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alison Hogg
- National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Antibacterial role for natural killer cells in host defense to Bacillus anthracis. Infect Immun 2011; 80:234-42. [PMID: 22006566 DOI: 10.1128/iai.05439-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells have innate antibacterial activity that could be targeted for clinical interventions for infectious disease caused by naturally occurring or weaponized bacterial pathogens. To determine a potential role for NK cells in immunity to Bacillus anthracis, we utilized primary human and murine NK cells, in vitro assays, and in vivo NK cell depletion in a murine model of inhalational anthrax. Our results demonstrate potent antibacterial activity by human NK cells against B. anthracis bacilli within infected autologous monocytes. Surprisingly, NK cells also mediate moderate antibacterial effects on extracellular vegetative bacilli but do not have activity against extracellular or intracellular spores. The immunosuppressive anthrax lethal toxin impairs NK gamma interferon (IFN-γ) expression, but neither lethal nor edema toxin significantly alters the viability or cytotoxic effector function of NK cells. Compared to human NK cells, murine NK cells have a similar, though less potent, activity against intracellular and extracellular B. anthracis. The in vivo depletion of murine NK cells does not alter animal survival following intranasal infection with B. anthracis spores in our studies but significantly increases the bacterial load in the blood of infected animals. Our studies demonstrate that NK cells participate in the innate immune response against B. anthracis and suggest that immune modulation to augment NK cell function in early stages of anthrax should be further explored in animal models as a clinical intervention strategy.
Collapse
|
10
|
Guo J, Nair MKM, Galván EM, Liu SL, Schifferli DM. Tn5AraOut mutagenesis for the identification of Yersinia pestis genes involved in resistance towards cationic antimicrobial peptides. Microb Pathog 2011; 51:121-32. [PMID: 21575704 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2011.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2010] [Revised: 04/21/2011] [Accepted: 04/29/2011] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial pathogens display a variety of protection mechanisms against the inhibitory and lethal effects of host cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs). To identify Yersinia pestis genes involved in CAMP resistance, libraries of DSY101 (KIM6 caf1 pla psa) minitransposon Tn5AraOut mutants were selected at 37°C for resistance to the model CAMPs polymyxin B or protamine. This approach targeted genes that needed to be repressed (null mutations) or induced (upstream P(BAD) insertions) for the detection of CAMP resistance, and predictably for improved pathogen fitness in mammalian hosts. Ten mutants demonstrated increased resistance to polymyxin B or protamine, with the mapped mutations pointing towards genes suspected to participate in modifying membrane components, genes encoding transport proteins or enzymes, or the regulator of a ferrous iron uptake system (feoC). Not all the mutants were resistant to both CAMPs used for selection. None of the polymyxin B- and only some protamine-resistant mutants, including the feoC mutant, showed increased resistance to rat bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (rBALF) known to contain cathelicidin and β-defensin 1. Thus, findings on bacterial resistance to polymyxin B or protamine don't always apply to CAMPs of the mammalian innate immune system, such as the ones in rBALF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jitao Guo
- Department of Microbiology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
|
12
|
Abstract
In recent years, studies on the intracellular pathogen Francisella tularensis have greatly intensified, generating a wealth of new information on the interaction of this organism with the immune system. Here we review the basic elements of the innate and adaptive immune responses that contribute to protective immunity against Francisella species, with special emphasis on new data that has emerged in the last 5 years. Most studies have utilized the mouse model of infection, although there has been an expansion of work on human cells and other new animal models. In mice, basic immune parameters that operate in defense against other intracellular pathogen infections, such as interferon gamma, TNF-α, and reactive nitrogen intermediates, are central for control of Francisella infection. However, new important immune mediators have been revealed, including IL-17A, Toll-like receptor 2, and the inflammasome. Further, a variety of cell types in addition to macrophages are now recognized to support Francisella growth, including epithelial cells and dendritic cells. CD4+ and CD8+ T cells are clearly important for control of primary infection and vaccine-induced protection, but new T cell subpopulations and the mechanisms employed by T cells are only beginning to be defined. A significant role for B cells and specific antibodies has been established, although their contribution varies greatly between bacterial strains of lower and higher virulence. Overall, recent data profile a pathogen that is adept at subverting host immune responses, but susceptible to many elements of the immune system's antimicrobial arsenal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siobhán C Cowley
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Does the antimicrobial peptide, granulysin, play a role in decreasing the incidence of secondary bacterial infection in psoriasis? JOURNAL OF THE EGYPTIAN WOMEN’S DERMATOLOGIC SOCIETY 2011. [DOI: 10.1097/01.ewx.0000392823.59573.fc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
14
|
Pantenburg B, Castellanos-Gonzalez A, Dann SM, Connelly RL, Lewis DE, Ward HD, White AC. Human CD8(+) T cells clear Cryptosporidium parvum from infected intestinal epithelial cells. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2010; 82:600-7. [PMID: 20348507 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2010.09-0590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracellular protozoans of the genus Cryptosporidium are a major cause of diarrheal illness worldwide, especially in immunocompromised individuals. CD4(+) T cells and interferon-gamma are key factors in the control of cryptosporidiosis in human and murine models. Previous studies led us to hypothesize that CD8(+) T cells contribute to clearance of intestinal epithelial Cryptosporidium infection in humans. We report here that antigen expanded sensitized CD8(+) T cells reduce the parasite load in infected intestinal epithelial cell cultures and lyse infected intestinal epithelial cells. These effects are most likely mediated by the release of cytotoxic granules. Elimination of parasites seems to require antigen presentation through both human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A and HLA-B. These data suggest that cytotoxic CD8(+) T cells play a role in clearing Cryptosporidium from the intestine, a previously unrecognized feature of the human immune response against this parasite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Birte Pantenburg
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Estes DM, Dow SW, Schweizer HP, Torres AG. Present and future therapeutic strategies for melioidosis and glanders. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2010; 8:325-38. [PMID: 20192686 PMCID: PMC2856610 DOI: 10.1586/eri.10.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Burkholderia pseudomallei and Burkholderia mallei are the causative agents of melioidosis and glanders, respectively. Both Gram-negative pathogens are endemic in many parts of the world. Although natural acquisition of these pathogens is rare in the majority of countries, these bacteria have recently gained much interest because of their potential as bioterrorism agents. In modern times, their potential destructive impact on public health has escalated owing to the ability of these pathogens to cause opportunistic infections in diabetic and perhaps otherwise immunocompromised people, two growing populations worldwide. For both pathogens, severe infection in humans carries a high mortality rate, both species are recalcitrant to antibiotic therapy - B. pseudomallei more so than B. mallei - and no licensed vaccine exists for either prophylactic or therapeutic use. The potential malicious use of these organisms has accelerated the investigation of new ways to prevent and to treat the diseases. The availability of several B. pseudomallei and B. mallei genome sequences has greatly facilitated target identification and development of new therapeutics. This review provides a compilation of literature covering studies in antimelioidosis and antiglanders antimicrobial drug discovery, with a particular focus on potential novel therapeutic approaches to combat these diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Mark Estes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology and The Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-1070, USA, Tel.: +1 409 266 6523, Fax: +1 409 266 6810,
| | - Steven W Dow
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA,
| | - Herbert P Schweizer
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA,
| | - Alfredo G Torres
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology and The Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-1070, USA,
| |
Collapse
|