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Gopikrishnan M, Haryini S, C GPD. Emerging strategies and therapeutic innovations for combating drug resistance in Staphylococcus aureus strains: A comprehensive review. J Basic Microbiol 2024; 64:e2300579. [PMID: 38308076 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.202300579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, antibiotic therapy has encountered significant challenges due to the rapid emergence of multidrug resistance among bacteria responsible for life-threatening illnesses, creating uncertainty about the future management of infectious diseases. The escalation of antimicrobial resistance in the post-COVID era compared to the pre-COVID era has raised global concern. The prevalence of nosocomial-related infections, especially outbreaks of drug-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, have been reported worldwide, with India being a notable hotspot for such occurrences. Various virulence factors and mutations characterize nosocomial infections involving S. aureus. The lack of proper alternative treatments leading to increased drug resistance emphasizes the need to investigate and examine recent research to combat future pandemics. In the current genomics era, the application of advanced technologies such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), machine learning (ML), and quantum computing (QC) for genomic analysis and resistance prediction has significantly increased the pace of diagnosing drug-resistant pathogens and insights into genetic intricacies. Despite prompt diagnosis, the elimination of drug-resistant infections remains unattainable in the absence of effective alternative therapies. Researchers are exploring various alternative therapeutic approaches, including phage therapy, antimicrobial peptides, photodynamic therapy, vaccines, host-directed therapies, and more. The proposed review mainly focuses on the resistance journey of S. aureus over the past decade, detailing its resistance mechanisms, prevalence in the subcontinent, innovations in rapid diagnosis of the drug-resistant strains, including the applicants of NGS and ML application along with QC, it helps to design alternative novel therapeutics approaches against S. aureus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohanraj Gopikrishnan
- Department of Integrative Biology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sree Haryini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - George Priya Doss C
- Department of Integrative Biology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
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2
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Chaudhary S, Ali Z, Mahfouz M. Molecular farming for sustainable production of clinical-grade antimicrobial peptides. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2024. [PMID: 38685599 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are emerging as next-generation therapeutics due to their broad-spectrum activity against drug-resistant bacterial strains and their ability to eradicate biofilms, modulate immune responses, exert anti-inflammatory effects and improve disease management. They are produced through solid-phase peptide synthesis or in bacterial or yeast cells. Molecular farming, i.e. the production of biologics in plants, offers a low-cost, non-toxic, scalable and simple alternative platform to produce AMPs at a sustainable cost. In this review, we discuss the advantages of molecular farming for producing clinical-grade AMPs, advances in expression and purification systems and the cost advantage for industrial-scale production. We further review how 'green' production is filling the sustainability gap, streamlining patent and regulatory approvals and enabling successful clinical translations that demonstrate the future potential of AMPs produced by molecular farming. Finally, we discuss the regulatory challenges that need to be addressed to fully realize the potential of molecular farming-based AMP production for therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahid Chaudhary
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering and Synthetic Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zahir Ali
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering and Synthetic Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Magdy Mahfouz
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering and Synthetic Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
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3
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Ramireddy AR, Behara DK. QbD Based Formulation Development and Optimisation of Ozenoxacin Topical Nano-Emulgel and Efficacy Evaluation Using Impetigo Mice Model. AAPS PharmSciTech 2024; 25:90. [PMID: 38649513 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-024-02805-x] [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: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
To formulate and optimize Ozenoxacin nano-emulsion using Quality by Design (QbD) concept by means of Box-Behnken Design (BBD) and converting it to a gel to form Ozenoxacin nano-emulgel followed by physico-chemical, in-vitro, ex-vivo and in-vivo evaluation. This study demonstrates the application of QbD methodology for the development and optimization of an effective topical nanoemulgel formulation for the treatment of Impetigo focusing on the selection of appropriate excipients, optimization of formulation and process variables, and characterization of critical quality attributes. BBD was used to study the effect of "% of oil, % of Smix and homogenization speed" on critical quality attributes "globule size and % entrapment efficiency" for the optimisation of Ozenoxacin Nano-emulsion. Ozenoxacin loaded nano-emulgel was characterized for "description, identification, pH, specific gravity, amplitude sweep, viscosity, assay, organic impurities, antimicrobial effectiveness testing, in-vitro release testing, ex-vivo permeation testing, skin retention and in-vivo anti-bacterial activity". In-vitro release and ex-vivo permeation, skin retention and in-vivo anti-bacterial activity were found to be significantly (p < 0.01) higher for the nano-emulgel formulation compared to the innovator formulation (OZANEX™). Antimicrobial effectiveness testing was performed and found that even at 70% label claim of benzoic acid is effective to inhibit microbial growth in the drug product. The systematic application of QbD principles facilitated the successful development and optimization of a Ozenoxacin Nano-Emulsion. Optimised Ozenoxacin Nano-Emulgel can be considered as an effective alternative and found to be stable at least for 6 months at 40 °C / 75% RH and 30 °C / 75% RH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amarnath Reddy Ramireddy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Anantapur (JNTUA), Ananthapuramu, Andhra Pradesh, 515002, India.
| | - Dilip Kumar Behara
- Chemical Engineering, JNTUA College of Engineering (Autonomous), Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Anantapur (JNTUA), Ananthapuramu, Andhra Pradesh, 515002, India
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Anooja VV, Archana K, Athira PP, Anju MV, Neelima S, Muhammed Musthafa S, Dhaneesha M, Sajeevan TP, Singh ISB, Philip R. Antibacterial activity and modes of action of a novel hepcidin isoform from the shrimp scad, Alepes djedaba (Forsskål, 1775). FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 146:109406. [PMID: 38278338 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2024.109406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Hepcidin, initially identified in human blood ultrafiltrate as cysteine rich Liver Expressed Antimicrobial Peptide (LEAP-1), is a core molecular conduit between iron trafficking and immune response. Though a great share of studies has been focused on the iron regulatory function of hepcidins, investigations on the antimicrobial aspects are relatively less. The present study is aimed at identification of hepcidin from a teleost fish, Alepes djedaba followed by its recombinant expression, testing antibacterial property, stability and evaluation of cytotoxicity. Modes of action on bacterial pathogens were also examined. A novel hepcidin isoform, Ad-Hep belonging to the HAMP1 (Hepcidin antimicrobial peptide 1) group of hepcidins was identified from the shrimp scad, Alepes djedaba. Ad-Hep with 2.9 kDa size was found to be a cysteine rich, cationic peptide (+4) with antiparallel beta sheet conformation, a furin cleavage site (RXXR) and 'ATCUN' motif. It was heterologously expressed in E. coli Rosettagami B(DE3)PLysS cells and the recombinant peptide, rAd-Hep was found to have significant antibacterial activity, especially against Edwardsiella tarda, Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Escherichia coli. Membrane depolarization followed by membrane permeabilization and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production were found to be the modes of action of rAd-Hep on bacterial cells. Ad-Hep was found to be non-haemolytic to hRBC and non-cytotoxic in mammalian cell line. Stability of the peptide at varying temperature, pH and metal salts qualify them for applications in vivo. With significant bactericidal activity coupled with direct killing mechanisms, the rAd-Hep can be a promising drug candidate for therapeutic applications in medicine and fish culture systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- V V Anooja
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi, 682016, Kerala, India
| | - K Archana
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi, 682016, Kerala, India
| | - P P Athira
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi, 682016, Kerala, India
| | - M V Anju
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi, 682016, Kerala, India
| | - S Neelima
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi, 682016, Kerala, India
| | - S Muhammed Musthafa
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi, 682016, Kerala, India
| | - M Dhaneesha
- National Center for Aquatic Animal Health, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi, 682016, Kerala, India
| | - T P Sajeevan
- National Center for Aquatic Animal Health, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi, 682016, Kerala, India
| | - I S Bright Singh
- National Center for Aquatic Animal Health, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi, 682016, Kerala, India
| | - Rosamma Philip
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi, 682016, Kerala, India.
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Tripathi AK, Singh J, Trivedi R, Ranade P. Shaping the Future of Antimicrobial Therapy: Harnessing the Power of Antimicrobial Peptides in Biomedical Applications. J Funct Biomater 2023; 14:539. [PMID: 37998108 PMCID: PMC10672284 DOI: 10.3390/jfb14110539] [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] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as a promising class of bioactive molecules with the potential to combat infections associated with medical implants and biomaterials. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the role of antimicrobial peptides in medical implants and biomaterials, along with their diverse clinical applications. The incorporation of AMPs into various medical implants and biomaterials has shown immense potential in mitigating biofilm formation and preventing implant-related infections. We review the latest advancements in biomedical sciences and discuss the AMPs that were immobilized successfully to enhance their efficacy and stability within the implant environment. We also highlight successful examples of AMP coatings for the treatment of surgical site infections (SSIs), contact lenses, dental applications, AMP-incorporated bone grafts, urinary tract infections (UTIs), medical implants, etc. Additionally, we discuss the potential challenges and prospects of AMPs in medical implants, such as effectiveness, instability and implant-related complications. We also discuss strategies that can be employed to overcome the limitations of AMP-coated biomaterials for prolonged longevity in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Kumar Tripathi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA; (R.T.); (P.R.)
| | - Jyotsana Singh
- Hematopoietic Biology and Malignancy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Rucha Trivedi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA; (R.T.); (P.R.)
| | - Payal Ranade
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA; (R.T.); (P.R.)
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Machado M, Silva S, Costa EM. Are Antimicrobial Peptides a 21st-Century Solution for Atopic Dermatitis? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13460. [PMID: 37686269 PMCID: PMC10488019 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713460] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that is the result of various environmental, bacterial and genetic stimuli, which culminate in the disruption of the skin's barrier function. Characterized by highly pruritic skin lesions, xerosis and an array of comorbidities among which skin infections are the most common, this condition results in both a significant loss of quality of life and in the need for life-long treatments (e.g., corticosteroids, monoclonal antibodies and regular antibiotic intake), all of which may have harmful secondary effects. This, in conjunction with AD's rising prevalence, made the development of alternative treatment strategies the focus of both the scientific community and the pharmaceutical industry. Given their potential to both manage the skin microbiome, fight infections and even modulate the local immune response, the use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from more diverse origins has become one of the most promising alternative solutions for AD management, with some being already used with some success towards this end. However, their production and use also exhibit some limitations. The current work seeks to compile the available information and provide a better understanding of the state of the art in the understanding of AMPs' true potential in addressing AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Silva
- CBQF Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina Laboratório Associado, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Rua Diogo Botelho 1327, 4169-005 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Eduardo M. Costa
- CBQF Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina Laboratório Associado, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Rua Diogo Botelho 1327, 4169-005 Porto, Portugal;
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Zhang C, Li J, Lu R, Wang S, Fu Z, Yao Z. Efficacy of a Novel Antibacterial Agent Exeporfinium Chloride, (XF-73), Against Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria in Mouse Superficial Skin Infection Models. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:4867-4879. [PMID: 37520450 PMCID: PMC10386860 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s417231] [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: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The number of incidences of antimicrobial resistance is rising continually, necessitating new and effective antibacterial drugs. The present study aimed to assess the in vitro and in vivo activity of XF-73 against antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) isolates and to investigate the potential mechanism of action of XF-73. Methods The in vitro antibacterial activity of XF-73 and comparator antibacterial drugs, (mupirocin, fusidine, retapamulin, vancomycin, erythromycin, linezolid and daptomycin), against S. aureus (both antibiotic sensitive and resistant strains) was assessed using a broth microdilution method. Two different superficial Staphylococcal skin infection murine models were established to study the in vivo efficacy of XF-73 against antibiotic-resistant strains. The effect of XF-73 on the ultrastructure and cellular morphology of S. aureus was studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results The MICs (minimum inhibitory concentration) determined by the broth microdilution method for XF-73 demonstrated that the compound had a high potency against S. aureus isolates with varying susceptibility to the study drugs. Also, the antibacterial activity of XF-73 was superior or similar to most of the tested antibacterial drugs. We also found that the XF-73 dermal formulation significantly inhibited S. aureus survival in both the murine skin tape-stripping and suture superficial skin infection models, maintained a consistently high inhibitory capacity against the antibiotic-resistant strains tested and was significantly more effective than mupirocin ointment, a commonly used antibiotic for the treatment of skin infections. The morphological studies using TEM suggest that XF-73 had a rapid (2 minute) bacterial cell wall disruption activity, with longer incubation (10 minute) subsequently causing membrane damage. SEM analysis demonstrated that this cell wall and cell membrane disruption did not lead to disintegration of the plasma membrane, and did not cause bacterial cell lysis. Conclusion Therefore, XF-73 may be an effective drug alternative to combat multi-drug-resistant skin infections in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenrui Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease of the Educational Ministry of China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinping Li
- Kangzhe Pharmaceutical Technology Development Company, Ltd., Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rong Lu
- Kangzhe Pharmaceutical Technology Development Company, Ltd., Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Song Wang
- Kangzhe Pharmaceutical Technology Development Company, Ltd., Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zheng Fu
- Kangzhe Pharmaceutical Technology Development Company, Ltd., Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhi Yao
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease of the Educational Ministry of China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
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Raileanu M, Borlan R, Campu A, Janosi L, Turcu I, Focsan M, Bacalum M. No country for old antibiotics! Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as next-generation treatment for skin and soft tissue infection. Int J Pharm 2023:123169. [PMID: 37356506 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123169] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the unprecedented rise of bacterial antibiotic resistance together with the lack of adequate therapies have made the treatment of skin infections and chronic wounds challenging, urging the scientific community to focus on the development of new and more efficient treatment strategies. In this context, there is a growing interest in the use of natural molecules with antimicrobial features, capable of supporting wound healing i.e., antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), for the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections. In this review, we give a short overview of the bacterial skin infections as well as some of the classic treatments used for topical application. We then summarize the AMPs classes, stressing the importance of the appropriate selection of the peptides based on their characteristics and physicochemical properties in order to maximize the antibacterial efficacy of the therapeutic systems against multi-drug resistant pathogens. Additionally, the present paper provides a comprehensive and rigorous assessment of the latest clinical trials investigating the efficacy of AMPs in the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections, highlighting the relevant outcomes. Seeking to obtain novel and improved compounds with synergistic activity, while also decreasing some of the known side effects of AMPs, we present two employed strategies using AMPs: (i) AMPs-conjugated nanosystems for systemic and topical drug delivery systems and (ii) antibiotics-peptide conjugates as a strategy to overcome antibiotics resistance. Finally, an important property of some of the AMPs used in wound treatment is highlighted: their ability to help in wound healing by generally promoting cell proliferation and migration, and in some cases re-epithelialization and angiogenesis among others. Thus, as the pursuit of improvement is an ongoing effort, this work presents the advances made in the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections along with their advantages and limitations, while the still remaining challenges are addressed by providing future prospects and strategies to overcome them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Raileanu
- Department of Life and Environmental Physics, Horia Hulubei National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Reactorului 30, Măgurele 077125, Romania
| | - Raluca Borlan
- Nanobiophotonics and Laser Microspectroscopy Center, Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, Treboniu Laurian No. 42, 400271 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andreea Campu
- Nanobiophotonics and Laser Microspectroscopy Center, Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, Treboniu Laurian No. 42, 400271 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Lorant Janosi
- Molecular and Biomolecular Physics Department, National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 65-103 Donath Street, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioan Turcu
- Molecular and Biomolecular Physics Department, National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 65-103 Donath Street, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Monica Focsan
- Nanobiophotonics and Laser Microspectroscopy Center, Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, Treboniu Laurian No. 42, 400271 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Mihaela Bacalum
- Department of Life and Environmental Physics, Horia Hulubei National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Reactorului 30, Măgurele 077125, Romania.
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9
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Barman P, Joshi S, Sharma S, Preet S, Sharma S, Saini A. Strategic Approaches to Improvise Peptide Drugs as Next Generation Therapeutics. Int J Pept Res Ther 2023; 29:61. [PMID: 37251528 PMCID: PMC10206374 DOI: 10.1007/s10989-023-10524-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the occurrence of a wide variety of drug-resistant diseases has led to an increase in interest in alternate therapies. Peptide-based drugs as an alternate therapy hold researchers' attention in various therapeutic fields such as neurology, dermatology, oncology, metabolic diseases, etc. Previously, they had been overlooked by pharmaceutical companies due to certain limitations such as proteolytic degradation, poor membrane permeability, low oral bioavailability, shorter half-life, and poor target specificity. Over the last two decades, these limitations have been countered by introducing various modification strategies such as backbone and side-chain modifications, amino acid substitution, etc. which improve their functionality. This has led to a substantial interest of researchers and pharmaceutical companies, moving the next generation of these therapeutics from fundamental research to the market. Various chemical and computational approaches are aiding the production of more stable and long-lasting peptides guiding the formulation of novel and advanced therapeutic agents. However, there is not a single article that talks about various peptide design approaches i.e., in-silico and in-vitro along with their applications and strategies to improve their efficacy. In this review, we try to bring different aspects of peptide-based therapeutics under one article with a clear focus to cover the missing links in the literature. This review draws emphasis on various in-silico approaches and modification-based peptide design strategies. It also highlights the recent progress made in peptide delivery methods important for their enhanced clinical efficacy. The article would provide a bird's-eye view to researchers aiming to develop peptides with therapeutic applications. Graphical Abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Panchali Barman
- Institute of Forensic Science and Criminology (UIEAST), Panjab University, Sector 14, Chandigarh, 160014 India
| | - Shubhi Joshi
- Energy Research Centre, Panjab University, Sector 14, Chandigarh, 160014 India
| | - Sheetal Sharma
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Sector 25, Chandigarh, U.T 160014 India
| | - Simran Preet
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Sector 25, Chandigarh, U.T 160014 India
| | - Shweta Sharma
- Institute of Forensic Science and Criminology (UIEAST), Panjab University, Sector 14, Chandigarh, 160014 India
| | - Avneet Saini
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Sector 25, Chandigarh, U.T 160014 India
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Chaudhary S, Ali Z, Tehseen M, Haney EF, Pantoja-Angles A, Alshehri S, Wang T, Clancy GJ, Ayach M, Hauser C, Hong PY, Hamdan SM, Hancock REW, Mahfouz M. Efficient in planta production of amidated antimicrobial peptides that are active against drug-resistant ESKAPE pathogens. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1464. [PMID: 36928189 PMCID: PMC10020429 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37003-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising next-generation antibiotics that can be used to combat drug-resistant pathogens. However, the high cost involved in AMP synthesis and their short plasma half-life render their clinical translation a challenge. To address these shortcomings, we report efficient production of bioactive amidated AMPs by transient expression of glycine-extended AMPs in Nicotiana benthamiana line expressing the mammalian enzyme peptidylglycine α-amidating mono-oxygenase (PAM). Cationic AMPs accumulate to substantial levels in PAM transgenic plants compare to nontransgenic N. benthamiana. Moreover, AMPs purified from plants exhibit robust killing activity against six highly virulent and antibiotic resistant ESKAPE pathogens, prevent their biofilm formation, analogous to their synthetic counterparts and synergize with antibiotics. We also perform a base case techno-economic analysis of our platform, demonstrating the potential economic advantages and scalability for industrial use. Taken together, our experimental data and techno-economic analysis demonstrate the potential use of plant chassis for large-scale production of clinical-grade AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahid Chaudhary
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering and Synthetic Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zahir Ali
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering and Synthetic Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Tehseen
- Laboratory of DNA Replication and Recombination, Division of Biological Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Evan F Haney
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Aarón Pantoja-Angles
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering and Synthetic Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salwa Alshehri
- Laboratory for Nanomedicine, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, 21577, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tiannyu Wang
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center, Division of Biological Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gerard J Clancy
- Analytical Chemistry Core Laboratory, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Maya Ayach
- Imaging & Characterization Core Laboratory, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Charlotte Hauser
- Laboratory for Nanomedicine, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Pei-Ying Hong
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center, Division of Biological Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Samir M Hamdan
- Laboratory of DNA Replication and Recombination, Division of Biological Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Robert E W Hancock
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Magdy Mahfouz
- Laboratory for Genome Engineering and Synthetic Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, 4700 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
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Luo X, Chen H, Song Y, Qin Z, Xu L, He N, Tan Y, Dessie W. Advancements, challenges and future perspectives on peptide-based drugs: Focus on antimicrobial peptides. Eur J Pharm Sci 2023; 181:106363. [PMID: 36529161 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2022.106363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Among other health related issues, the rising concerns on drug resistance led to look for alternative pharmaceutical drugs that are effective both against infectious and noninfectious diseases. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) emerged as potential therapeutic molecule with wide range of applications. With their limitations, AMPs have gained reputable attentions in research as well as in the pharmaceutical industry. This review highlighted the historical background, research trends, technological advancements, challenges, and future perspectives in the development and applications of peptide drugs. Some vital questions related with the need for pharmaceutical production, factors for the slow and steady journey, the importance of oral bioavailability, and the drug resistance possibilities of AMPs were raised and addressed accordingly. Therefore, the current study is believed to provide a profound understanding in the past and current scenarios and future directions on the therapeutic impacts of peptide drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Luo
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou 412007, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center for Comprehensive Development and Utilization of Biomass Resources, College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, 425199 Yongzhou, China
| | - Huifang Chen
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou 412007, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center for Comprehensive Development and Utilization of Biomass Resources, College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, 425199 Yongzhou, China
| | - Yannan Song
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou 412007, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center for Comprehensive Development and Utilization of Biomass Resources, College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, 425199 Yongzhou, China
| | - Zuodong Qin
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou 412007, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center for Comprehensive Development and Utilization of Biomass Resources, College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, 425199 Yongzhou, China
| | - Lijian Xu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou 412007, China
| | - Nongyue He
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou 412007, China
| | - Yimin Tan
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou 412007, China.
| | - Wubliker Dessie
- Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center for Comprehensive Development and Utilization of Biomass Resources, College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, 425199 Yongzhou, China.
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12
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Zhang Y, Håkansson J, Fan Y, Andrén OCJ, San Jacinto García J, Qin L, Umerska A, Hutchinson DJ, Lüchow M, Mahlapuu M, Malkoch M. Dendritic Nanogels Directed Dual-Encapsulation Topical Delivery System of Antimicrobial Peptides Targeting Skin Infections. Macromol Biosci 2023; 23:e2200433. [PMID: 36639138 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202200433] [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: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising antibacterial agents in the fight against multidrug resistant pathogens. However, their application to skin infections is limited by the absence of a realizable topical delivery strategy. Herein, a hybrid hierarchical delivery system for topical delivery of AMPs is accomplished through the incorporation of AMPs into dendritic nanogels (DNGs) and their subsequent embedding into poloxamer gel. The high level of control over the crosslink density and the number of chosen functionalities makes DNGs ideal capsules with tunable loading capacity for DPK-060, a human kininogen-derived AMP. Once embedded into the poloxamer gel, DPK-060 encapsulated in DNGs displays a slower release rate compared to those entrapped directly in the gels. In vitro EpiDerm Skin Irritation Tests show good biocompatibility, while MIC and time-kill curves reveal the potency of the peptide toward Staphylococcus aureus. Anti-infection tests on ex vivo pig skin and in vivo mouse infection models demonstrate that formulations with 0.5% and 1% AMPs significantly inhibit the growth of S. aureus. Similar outcomes are observed for an in vivo mouse surgical site infection model. Importantly, when normalizing the bacteria inhibition to released/free DPK-060 at the wound site, all formulations display superior efficacy compared to DPK-060 in solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuning Zhang
- Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, SE-100 44, Sweden.,Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, 130061, P. R. China
| | - Joakim Håkansson
- Biological Function Unit, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Methodology, Textile and Medical Devices, Borås, SE-501 15, Sweden.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, P.O. Box 440, Gothenburg, SE-40530, Sweden
| | - Yanmiao Fan
- Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, SE-100 44, Sweden
| | - Oliver C J Andrén
- Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, SE-100 44, Sweden
| | - Jorge San Jacinto García
- Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, SE-100 44, Sweden
| | - Liguo Qin
- Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, SE-100 44, Sweden.,Institute of Design Science and Basic Components, School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Anita Umerska
- Biological Function Unit, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Methodology, Textile and Medical Devices, Borås, SE-501 15, Sweden
| | - Daniel J Hutchinson
- Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, SE-100 44, Sweden
| | - Mads Lüchow
- Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, SE-100 44, Sweden
| | | | - Michael Malkoch
- Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, SE-100 44, Sweden
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13
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Gonçalves S, Martins IC, Santos NC. Nanoparticle‐peptide conjugates for bacterial detection and neutralization: Potential applications in diagnostics and therapy. WIRES NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 14:e1819. [DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sónia Gonçalves
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina Universidade de Lisboa Lisbon Portugal
| | - Ivo C. Martins
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina Universidade de Lisboa Lisbon Portugal
| | - Nuno C. Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina Universidade de Lisboa Lisbon Portugal
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Talapko J, Meštrović T, Juzbašić M, Tomas M, Erić S, Horvat Aleksijević L, Bekić S, Schwarz D, Matić S, Neuberg M, Škrlec I. Antimicrobial Peptides-Mechanisms of Action, Antimicrobial Effects and Clinical Applications. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11101417. [PMID: 36290075 PMCID: PMC9598582 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11101417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The growing emergence of antimicrobial resistance represents a global problem that not only influences healthcare systems but also has grave implications for political and economic processes. As the discovery of novel antimicrobial agents is lagging, one of the solutions is innovative therapeutic options that would expand our armamentarium against this hazard. Compounds of interest in many such studies are antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which actually represent the host's first line of defense against pathogens and are involved in innate immunity. They have a broad range of antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, fungi, and viruses, with specific mechanisms of action utilized by different AMPs. Coupled with a lower propensity for resistance development, it is becoming clear that AMPs can be seen as emerging and very promising candidates for more pervasive usage in the treatment of infectious diseases. However, their use in quotidian clinical practice is not without challenges. In this review, we aimed to summarize state-of-the-art evidence on the structure and mechanisms of action of AMPs, as well as to provide detailed information on their antimicrobial activity. We also aimed to present contemporary evidence of clinical trials and application of AMPs and highlight their use beyond infectious diseases and potential challenges that may arise with their increasing availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasminka Talapko
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
- Correspondence: (J.T.); (I.Š.)
| | - Tomislav Meštrović
- University Centre Varaždin, University North, 42000 Varaždin, Croatia
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Martina Juzbašić
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Matej Tomas
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Suzana Erić
- Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Josipa Huttlera 4, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Lorena Horvat Aleksijević
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Sanja Bekić
- Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Josipa Huttlera 4, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
- Family Medicine Practice, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Dragan Schwarz
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Suzana Matić
- Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Josipa Huttlera 4, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Marijana Neuberg
- University Centre Varaždin, University North, 42000 Varaždin, Croatia
| | - Ivana Škrlec
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
- Correspondence: (J.T.); (I.Š.)
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15
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Holmbäck J, Rinwa V, Johansson J, Håkansson J, Rinwa P, Carlsson A, Herslöf B. Preclinical development of sodium fusidate antibiotic cutaneous spray based on water-free lipid formulation system. Eur J Pharm Sci 2022; 176:106250. [PMID: 35779822 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2022.106250] [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: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Topical antibiotics are a key component in the management of mild to moderate skin and soft tissue infections. There are, however, concerns about the emerging bacterial resistance against topical antibacterial agents such as fusidic acid, due to the prolonged treatment period of its marketed dosage forms. Improving the efficacy of topical formulations could potentially shorten the treatment period and avoid the resistance growth. To provide a more effective drug delivery, a water-free lipid-based formulation system (AKVANO®) which can be applied by spraying, has been developed. In the current paper, different formulations containing sodium fusidate were evaluated for their in vitro skin permeability using artificial skin mimicking membranes and antibacterial properties using ex vivo and in vivo skin wound infection models. The novel formulations containing sodium fusidate showed a much higher skin permeation (up to 60% of nominal amount) than the commercially available Fucidin® cream (3%). These formulations also gave a significantly stronger antibacterial effect than Fucidin cream showing a clear dose-response relationship for the sodium fusidate content. A spray product based on the described formulation technology would therefore require a shorter treatment time and thereby lower the risk for the development of bacterial resistance. Spray administration of these formulations provides an even layer on the skin surface from which the solvent quickly evaporates and thereby facilitates a non-touch application where no rubbing is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Holmbäck
- Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius väg 16C, Stockholm SE-106 91, Sweden; Lipidor AB, Svärdvägen 13, Danderyd SE-182 33, Sweden.
| | - Vibhu Rinwa
- Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius väg 16C, Stockholm SE-106 91, Sweden; Lipidor AB, Svärdvägen 13, Danderyd SE-182 33, Sweden
| | - Jenny Johansson
- RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB, Brinellgatan 4, Borås SE-504 62, Sweden
| | - Joakim Håkansson
- RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB, Brinellgatan 4, Borås SE-504 62, Sweden; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg SE- 405 30, Sweden
| | - Puneet Rinwa
- Lipidor AB, Svärdvägen 13, Danderyd SE-182 33, Sweden
| | - Anders Carlsson
- MediGelium AB, Hornsbergs strand 49, Stockholm SE-112 16, Sweden
| | - Bengt Herslöf
- Lipidea AB, Brunbärsvägen 2, Stockholm SE-114 21, Sweden
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16
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In pursuit of next-generation therapeutics: Antimicrobial peptides against superbugs, their sources, mechanism of action, nanotechnology-based delivery, and clinical applications. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 218:135-156. [PMID: 35868409 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.07.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) attracted attention as potential source of novel antimicrobials. Multi-drug resistant (MDR) infections have emerged as a global threat to public health in recent years. Furthermore, due to rapid emergence of new diseases, there is pressing need for development of efficient antimicrobials. AMPs are essential part of the innate immunity in most living organisms, acting as the primary line of defense against foreign invasions. AMPs kill a wide range of microorganisms by primarily targeting cell membranes or intracellular components through a variety of ways. AMPs can be broadly categorized based on their physico-chemical properties, structure, function, target and source of origin. The synthetic analogues produced either with suitable chemical modifications or with the use of suitable delivery systems are projected to eliminate the constraints of toxicity and poor stability commonly linked with natural AMPs. The concept of peptidomimetics is gaining ground around the world nowadays. Among the delivery systems, nanoparticles are emerging as potential delivery tools for AMPs, amplifying their utility against a variety of pathogens. In the present review, the broad classification of various AMPs, their mechanism of action (MOA), challenges associated with AMPs, current applications, and novel strategies to overcome the limitations have been discussed.
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17
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Bellotti D, Remelli M. Lights and Shadows on the Therapeutic Use of Antimicrobial Peptides. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27144584. [PMID: 35889455 PMCID: PMC9317528 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27144584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of antimicrobial-resistant infections is still a major concern for public health worldwide. The number of pathogenic microorganisms capable of resisting common therapeutic treatments are constantly increasing, highlighting the need of innovative and more effective drugs. This phenomenon is strictly connected to the rapid metabolism of microorganisms: due to the huge number of mutations that can occur in a relatively short time, a colony can “adapt” to the pharmacological treatment with the evolution of new resistant species. However, the shortage of available antimicrobial drugs in clinical use is also caused by the high costs involved in developing and marketing new drugs without an adequate guarantee of an economic return; therefore, the pharmaceutical companies have reduced their investments in this area. The use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represents a promising strategy for the design of new therapeutic agents. AMPs act as immune defense mediators of the host organism and show a poor ability to induce antimicrobial resistance, coupled with other advantages such as a broad spectrum of activity, not excessive synthetic costs and low toxicity of both the peptide itself and its own metabolites. It is also important to underline that many antimicrobial peptides, due to their inclination to attack cell membranes, have additional biological activities, such as, for example, as anti-cancer drugs. Unfortunately, they usually undergo rapid degradation by proteolytic enzymes and are characterized by poor bioavailability, preventing their extensive clinical use and landing on the pharmaceutical market. This review is focused on the strength and weak points of antimicrobial peptides as therapeutic agents. We give an overview on the AMPs already employed in clinical practice, which are examples of successful strategies aimed at overcoming the main drawbacks of peptide-based drugs. The review deepens the most promising strategies to design modified antimicrobial peptides with higher proteolytic stability with the purpose of giving a comprehensive summary of the commonly employed approaches to evaluate and optimize the peptide potentialities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Bellotti
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wrocław, 50-383 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Maurizio Remelli
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence:
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18
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Thorn CR, Kopecki Z, Wignall A, Kral A, Prestidge CA, Thomas N. Liquid crystal nanoparticle platform for increased efficacy of cationic antimicrobials against biofilm infections. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2022; 42:102536. [PMID: 35202839 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2022.102536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial biofilm infections tolerate high concentrations of antibiotics and are insidiously challenging to treat. Liquid crystal nanoparticles (LCNPs) advance the efficacy of tobramycin in biofilm-related infections by increasing the penetration of antibiotics across the biofilm matrix. Herewith, we develop the LCNPs as a platform technology, demonstrating that the LCNPs can increase the efficacy of two antibiotic classes (i.e. aminoglycosides and colistin) in P. aeruginosa biofilm infections. In C. elegans, the LCNPs potentiated the antimicrobial effect and significantly improved the survival of the nematodes. In mice with a full-thickness excisional wound, LCNPs were non-toxic and did not impair wound repair. Compared to the unformulated antibiotic treatment, tobramycin-LCNPs reduced the chronic bacterial load by 100-fold in the wound. This was also emulated in an ex vivo P. aeruginosa porcine wound infection model. The LCNPs represent a versatile platform technology that improves the efficacy of cationic antibiotics against biofilm infections utilizing multiple administration routes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea R Thorn
- University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Science, Adelaide, SA, Australia; The Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, Woodville, SA, Australia; ARC Centre for Excellence in Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Biofilm Test Facility, Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Zlatko Kopecki
- University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Science, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Future Industries Institute, UniSA, Mawson Lakes, SA, Australia
| | - Anthony Wignall
- University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Science, Adelaide, SA, Australia; ARC Centre for Excellence in Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Anita Kral
- University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Science, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Centre for Cancer Biology, S.A. Pathology and University of South Australia
| | - Clive A Prestidge
- University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Science, Adelaide, SA, Australia; ARC Centre for Excellence in Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Nicky Thomas
- University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Science, Adelaide, SA, Australia; The Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, Woodville, SA, Australia; ARC Centre for Excellence in Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Biofilm Test Facility, Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
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19
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Javia A, Misra LA, Thakkar H. Design and pharmacodynamic evaluation of DPK-060 loaded Nanostructured lipid carrier embedded gel for dermal delivery: A novel Approach in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2022; 217:112658. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2022.112658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Rodrigues G, Souza Santos L, Franco OL. Antimicrobial Peptides Controlling Resistant Bacteria in Animal Production. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:874153. [PMID: 35663853 PMCID: PMC9161144 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.874153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last few decades, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been a worldwide concern. The excessive use of antibiotics affects animal and human health. In the last few years, livestock production has used antibiotics as food supplementation. This massive use can be considered a principal factor in the accelerated development of genetic modifications in bacteria. These modifications are responsible for AMR and can be widespread to pathogenic and commensal bacteria. In addition, these antibiotic residues can be dispersed by water and sewer water systems, the contamination of soil and, water and plants, in addition, can be stocked in tissues such as muscle, milk, eggs, fat, and others. These residues can be spread to humans by the consumption of water or contaminated food. In addition, studies have demonstrated that antimicrobial resistance may be developed by vertical and horizontal gene transfer, producing a risk to public health. Hence, the World Health Organization in 2000 forbid the use of antibiotics for feed supplementation in livestock. In this context, to obtain safe food production, one of the potential substitutes for traditional antibiotics is the use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). In general, AMPs present anti-infective activity, and in some cases immune response. A limited number of AMP-based drugs are now available for use in animals and humans. This use is still not widespread due to a few problems like in-vivo effectiveness, stability, and high cost of production. This review will elucidate the different AMPs applications in animal diets, in an effort to generate safe food and control AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisele Rodrigues
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Lucas Souza Santos
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Octávio Luiz Franco
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Octávio Luiz Franco
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Combinatorial Therapeutic Strategy of Biogenics Derived from Lactobacillus fermentum PUM and Zingerone Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1-Induced Surgical Site Infection: an Experimental Study. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2022; 14:712-726. [PMID: 35482245 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-022-09944-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a WHO-prioritized multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, is one of the frequently implicated pathogen in surgical site infection (SSI) due to its virulence phenotypes and biofilm-forming ability. In the present study, cell-free supernatant (CFS) and biogenics (organic acids and precipitated protein fraction) of indigenous potential probiotic, Lactobacillus fermentum PUM both alone and in combination with zingerone were found to inhibit pyocyanin, pyochelin, protease, elastase, the virulence factors, and motility of P. aeruginosa PAO1. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy indicated that biofilm formation was attenuated maximally by CFS of L. fermentum combined with zingerone. In vivo study revealed reduced P. aeruginosa burden, suppuration at surgical site vis-a-vis reduced levels of oxidants, pro-inflammatory cytokines, ameliorated anti-oxidants, and healed infected surgical site compared with counter controls. In totality, combination of L. fermentum PUM-derived biogenics and zingerone could be employed to treat P. aeruginosa-induced SSI that needs to be correlated clinically.
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22
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Yap PG, Lai ZW, Tan JS. Bacteriocins from lactic acid bacteria: purification strategies and applications in food and medical industries: a review. BENI-SUEF UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF BASIC AND APPLIED SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43088-022-00227-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Bacteriocins are generally defined as ribosomally synthesized peptides, which are produced by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) that affect the growth of related or unrelated microorganisms. Conventionally, the extracted bacteriocins are purified by precipitation, where ammonium sulphate is added to precipitate out the protein from the solution.
Main text
To achieve the high purity of bacteriocins, a combination with chromatography is used where the hydrophobicity and cationic properties of bacteriocins are employed. The complexity column inside the chromatography can afford to resolve the loss of bacteriocins during the ammonium sulphate precipitation. Recently, an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) has been widely used in bacteriocins purification due to the several advantages of its operational simplicity, mild process conditions and versatility. It reduces the operation steps and processing time yet provides high recovery products which provide alternative ways to conventional methods in downstream processing. Bacteriocins are widely approached in the food and medical industry. In food application, nisin, which is produced by Lactococcus lactis subsp. has been introduced as food preservative due to its natural, toxicology safe and effective against the gram-positive bacteria. Besides, bacteriocins provide a board range in medical industries where they are used as antibiotics and probiotics.
Short conclusion
In summary, this review focuses on the downstream separation of bacteriocins from various sources using both conventional and recent ATPS techniques. Finally, recommendations for future interesting areas of research that need to be pursued are highlighted.
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23
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Thorn CR, Wignall A, Kopecki Z, Kral A, Prestidge CA, Thomas N. Liquid Crystal Nanoparticles Enhance Tobramycin Efficacy in a Murine Model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm Wound Infection. ACS Infect Dis 2022; 8:841-854. [PMID: 35255215 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa wound infections are highly prevalent and often untreatable due to biofilm formation, resulting in high antimicrobial tolerance. Standard antibiotic therapy for P. aeruginosa infections involves tobramycin, yet it is highly ineffective as monotherapy as tobramycin cannot penetrate the biofilm to elicit its antimicrobial effect. Lipid liquid crystal nanoparticles (LCNPs) have previously been shown to increase the antimicrobial efficacy and penetration of tobramycin against P. aeruginosa biofilms in vitro and ex vivo. Here, for the first time, we have developed a chronic P. aeruginosa biofilm infection in full-thickness wounds in mice to examine the potential of LCNPs to improve the effect of tobramycin, preclinically. After three doses, administered once a day, tobramycin-LCNPs significantly reduced the P. aeruginosa bacterial load in murine wounds 1000-fold more than unformulated tobramycin, which in turn showed no significant difference to the saline control treatment. Consistent with the improved P. aeruginosa eradication, the tobramycin-LCNPs promoted wound healing. In comparison to previous in vitro and ex vivo data, we show a strong in vitro-in vivo correlation between P. aeruginosa biofilm infection models. The enhanced activity of tobramycin-LCNPs in vivo in the preclinical murine model demonstrates the strong potential of LCNPs as a next-generation formulation approach to improve the efficacy of tobramycin against P. aeruginosa biofilm wound infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea R. Thorn
- University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Science, North Tce, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- The Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, Woodville, SA 5011, Australia
- Biofilm Test Facility, Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, North Tce, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Anthony Wignall
- University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Science, North Tce, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Zlatko Kopecki
- University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Science, North Tce, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Future Industries Institute, UniSA, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia
| | - Anita Kral
- University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Science, North Tce, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Centre for Cancer Biology, S.A. Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Clive A. Prestidge
- University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Science, North Tce, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Nicky Thomas
- University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Science, North Tce, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- The Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, Woodville, SA 5011, Australia
- Biofilm Test Facility, Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, North Tce, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
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Zhang C, Yang M. Antimicrobial Peptides: From Design to Clinical Application. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11030349. [PMID: 35326812 PMCID: PMC8944448 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11030349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli, brings public health issues and causes economic burden. Pathogenic bacteria develop several methods to resist antibiotic killing or inhibition, such as mutation of antibiotic function sites, activation of drug efflux pumps, and enzyme-mediated drug degradation. Antibiotic resistance components can be transferred between bacteria by mobile genetic elements including plasmids, transposons, and integrons, as well as bacteriophages. The development of antibiotic resistance limits the treatment options for bacterial infection, especially for MDR bacteria. Therefore, novel or alternative antibacterial agents are urgently needed. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) display multiple killing mechanisms against bacterial infections, including directly bactericidal activity and immunomodulatory function, as potential alternatives to antibiotics. In this review, the development of antibiotic resistance, the killing mechanisms of AMPs, and especially, the design, optimization, and delivery of AMPs are reviewed. Strategies such as structural change, amino acid substitution, conjugation with cell-penetration peptide, terminal acetylation and amidation, and encapsulation with nanoparticles will improve the antimicrobial efficacy, reduce toxicity, and accomplish local delivery of AMPs. In addition, clinical trials in AMP studies or applications of AMPs within the last five years were summarized. Overall, AMPs display diverse mechanisms of action against infection of pathogenic bacteria, and future research studies and clinical investigations will accelerate AMP application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunye Zhang
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA;
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Correspondence:
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Rai A, Ferrão R, Palma P, Patricio T, Parreira P, Anes E, Tonda-Turo C, Martins C, Alves N, Ferreira L. Antimicrobial peptide-based materials: opportunities and challenges. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:2384-2429. [DOI: 10.1039/d1tb02617h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The multifunctional properties of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) make them attractive candidates for the treatment of various diseases. AMPs are considered alternatives to antibiotics due to the rising number of multidrug-resistant...
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26
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Abourehab MA, Ansari MJ, Singh A, Hassan A, Abdelgawad MA, Shrivastav P, Abualsoud BM, Amaral LS, Pramanik S. Cubosomes as an emerging platform for drug delivery: a state-of-the-art review. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:2781-2819. [DOI: 10.1039/d2tb00031h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Lipid-based drug delivery nanoparticles, including non-lamellar type, mesophasic nanostructured materials of lyotropic liquid crystals (LLCs), have been a topic of interest for researchers for their applications in encapsulation of drugs...
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27
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Thorn CR, Howell PL, Wozniak DJ, Prestidge CA, Thomas N. Enhancing the therapeutic use of biofilm-dispersing enzymes with smart drug delivery systems. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 179:113916. [PMID: 34371086 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Biofilm-dispersing enzymes degrade the extracellular polymeric matrix surrounding bacterial biofilms, disperse the microbial community and increase their susceptibility to antibiotics and immune cells. Challenges for the clinical translation of biofilm-dispersing enzymes involve their susceptibility to denaturation, degradation, and clearance upon administration in vivo. Drug delivery systems aim to overcome these limitations through encapsulation, stabilization and protection from the exterior environment, thereby maintaining the enzymatic activity. Smart drug delivery systems offer target specificity, releasing payloads at the site of infection while minimizing unnecessary systemic exposure. This review highlights critical advances of biofilm-dispersing enzymes as a novel therapeutic approach for biofilm-associated infections. We explore how smart, bio-responsive delivery systems overcome the limiting factors of biofilm-dispersing enzymes and summarize the key systems designed. This review will guide future developments, focusing on utilizing selective and specific therapies in a targeted fashion to meet the unmet therapeutic needs of biofilm infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea R Thorn
- University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Sciences, North Tce, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; The Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, Woodville, SA 5011, Australia; ARC Centre for Excellence in Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; Biofilm Test Facility, Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, North Tce, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - P Lynne Howell
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Daniel J Wozniak
- Departments of Microbial Infection and Immunity, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Clive A Prestidge
- University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Sciences, North Tce, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; ARC Centre for Excellence in Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Nicky Thomas
- University of South Australia, Clinical and Health Sciences, North Tce, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; The Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, Woodville, SA 5011, Australia; ARC Centre for Excellence in Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; Biofilm Test Facility, Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, North Tce, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.
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Current Advances in Lipid and Polymeric Antimicrobial Peptide Delivery Systems and Coatings for the Prevention and Treatment of Bacterial Infections. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13111840. [PMID: 34834254 PMCID: PMC8618997 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13111840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial infections constitute a threat to public health as antibiotics are becoming less effective due to the emergence of antimicrobial resistant strains and biofilm and persister formation. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are considered excellent alternatives to antibiotics; however, they suffer from limitations related to their peptidic nature and possible toxicity. The present review critically evaluates the chemical characteristics and antibacterial effects of lipid and polymeric AMP delivery systems and coatings that offer the promise of enhancing the efficacy of AMPs, reducing their limitations and prolonging their half-life. Unfortunately, the antibacterial activities of these systems and coatings have mainly been evaluated in vitro against planktonic bacteria in less biologically relevant conditions, with only some studies focusing on the antibiofilm activities of the formulated AMPs and on the antibacterial effects in animal models. Further improvements of lipid and polymeric AMP delivery systems and coatings may involve the functionalization of these systems to better target the infections and an analysis of the antibacterial activities in biologically relevant environments. Based on the available data we proposed which polymeric AMP delivery system or coatings could be profitable for the treatment of the different hard-to-treat infections, such as bloodstream infections and catheter- or implant-related infections.
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Lai Z, Jian Q, Li G, Shao C, Zhu Y, Yuan X, Chen H, Shan A. Self-Assembling Peptide Dendron Nanoparticles with High Stability and a Multimodal Antimicrobial Mechanism of Action. ACS NANO 2021; 15:15824-15840. [PMID: 34549935 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c03301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembling nanometer-scale structured peptide polymers and peptide dendrimers have shown promise in biomedical applications due to their versatile properties and easy availability. Herein, self-assembling peptide dendron nanoparticles (SPDNs) with potent antimicrobial activity against a range of bacteria were developed based on the nanoscale self-assembly of an arginine-proline repeat branched peptide dendron bearing a hexadecanoic acid chain. The SPDNs are biocompatible, and our most active peptide dendron nanoparticle, C16-3RP, was found to have negligible toxicity after both in vitro and in vivo studies. Furthermore, the C16-3RP nanoparticles showed excellent stability under physiological concentrations of salt ions and against serum and protease degradation, resulting in highly effective treatment in a mouse acute peritonitis model. Comprehensive analyses using a series of biofluorescence, microscopy, and transcriptome sequencing techniques revealed that C16-3RP nanoparticles kill Gram-negative bacteria by increasing bacterial membrane permeability, inducing cytoplasmic membrane depolarization and drastic membrane disruption, inhibiting ribosome biogenesis, and influencing energy generation and other processes. Collectively, C16-3RP nanoparticles show promising biocompatibility and in vivo therapeutic efficacy without apparent resistance development. These advancements may facilitate the development of peptide-based antibiotics in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenheng Lai
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiao Jian
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoyu Li
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Changxuan Shao
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongjie Zhu
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojie Yuan
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyu Chen
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Anshan Shan
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, People's Republic of China
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Thorn CR, Raju D, Lacdao I, Gilbert S, Sivarajah P, Howell PL, Prestidge CA, Thomas N. Protective Liquid Crystal Nanoparticles for Targeted Delivery of PslG: A Biofilm Dispersing Enzyme. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:2102-2115. [PMID: 33908759 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The glycoside hydrolase, PslG, attacks and degrades the dominant Psl polysaccharide in the exopolymeric substance (EPS) matrix of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms and is a promising therapy to potentiate the effect of antibiotics. However, the need for coadministration with an antibiotic and the potential susceptibility of PslG to proteolysis highlights the need for an effective delivery system. Here, we compared liposomes versus lipid liquid crystal nanoparticles (LCNPs) loaded with PslG and tobramycin as potential formulation approaches to (1) protect PslG from proteolysis, (2) trigger the enzyme's release in the presence of bacteria, and (3) improve the total antimicrobial effect in vitro and in vivo in a Caenorhabditis elegans infection model. LCNPs were an effective formulation strategy for PslG and tobramycin that better protected the enzyme against proteolysis, triggered and sustained the release of PslG, improved the antimicrobial effect by 10-100-fold, and increased the survival of C. elegans infected with P. aeruginosa. Digestible LCNPs had the advantage of triggering the enzyme's release in the presence of bacteria. However, compared to nondigestible LCNPs, negligible differences arose between the LCNPs' ability to protect PslG from proteolysis and potentiate the antimicrobial activity in combination with tobramycin. In C. elegans, the improved antimicrobial efficacy was comparable to tobramycin-LCNPs, although the PslG + tobramycin-LCNPs achieved a greater than 10-fold reduction in bacteria compared to the unformulated combination. Herewith, LCNPs are showcased as a promising protective delivery system for novel biofilm dispersing enzymes combined with antibiotics, enabling infection-directed therapy and improved performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea R. Thorn
- Clinical and Health Science, University of South Australia, North Tce, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
- The Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, Woodville, South Australia 5011, Australia
- ARC Centre for Excellence in Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
- Biofilm Test Facility, Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, North Tce, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Deepa Raju
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Ira Lacdao
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Stephanie Gilbert
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Piyanka Sivarajah
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - P. Lynne Howell
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Clive A. Prestidge
- Clinical and Health Science, University of South Australia, North Tce, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
- ARC Centre for Excellence in Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Nicky Thomas
- Clinical and Health Science, University of South Australia, North Tce, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
- The Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, Woodville, South Australia 5011, Australia
- ARC Centre for Excellence in Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
- Biofilm Test Facility, Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, North Tce, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
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31
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Yang Z, He S, Wu H, Yin T, Wang L, Shan A. Nanostructured Antimicrobial Peptides: Crucial Steps of Overcoming the Bottleneck for Clinics. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:710199. [PMID: 34475862 PMCID: PMC8406695 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.710199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The security issue of human health is faced with dispiriting threats from multidrug-resistant bacteria infections induced by the abuse and misuse of antibiotics. Over decades, the antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) hold great promise as a viable alternative to treatment with antibiotics due to their peculiar antimicrobial mechanisms of action, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, lower drug residue, and ease of synthesis and modification. However, they universally express a series of disadvantages that hinder their potential application in the biomedical field (e.g., low bioavailability, poor protease resistance, and high cytotoxicity) and extremely waste the abundant resources of AMP database discovered over the decades. For all these reasons, the nanostructured antimicrobial peptides (Ns-AMPs), based on a variety of nanosystem modification, have made up for the deficiencies and pushed the development of novel AMP-based antimicrobial therapies. In this review, we provide an overview of the advantages of Ns-AMPs in improving therapeutic efficacy and biological stability, reducing side effects, and gaining the effect of organic targeting and drug controlled release. Then the different material categories of Ns-AMPs are described, including inorganic material nanosystems containing AMPs, organic material nanosystems containing AMPs, and self-assembled AMPs. Additionally, this review focuses on the Ns-AMPs for the effect of biological activities, with emphasis on antimicrobial activity, biosecurity, and biological stability. The "state-of-the-art" antimicrobial modes of Ns-AMPs, including controlled release of AMPs under a specific environment or intrinsic antimicrobial properties of Ns-AMPs, are also explicated. Finally, the perspectives and conclusions of the current research in this field are also summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Anshan Shan
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
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32
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Structurally nanoengineered antimicrobial peptide polymers: design, synthesis and biomedical applications. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 37:139. [PMID: 34278535 PMCID: PMC8286942 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-021-03109-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance not only increases the contagiousness of infectious diseases but also a threat for the future as it is one of the health care concern around the globe. Conventional antibiotics are unsuccessful in combating chronic infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, therefore it is important to design and develop novel strategies to tackle this problems. Among various novel strategies, Structurally Nanoengineered Antimicrobial Peptide Polymers (SNAPPs) have been introduced in recent years to overcome this global health care issue and they are found to be more efficient in their performance. Many facile methods are adapted to synthesize complex SNAPPs with required dimensions and unique functionalities. Their unique characteristics and remarkable properties have been exploited for their immense applications in various fields including biomedicine, targeting therapies, gene delivery, bioimaging, and many more. This review article deals with its background, design, synthesis, mechanism of action, and wider applications in various fields of SNAPPs.
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Shanmugaraj B, Bulaon CJI, Malla A, Phoolcharoen W. Biotechnological Insights on the Expression and Production of Antimicrobial Peptides in Plants. Molecules 2021; 26:4032. [PMID: 34279372 PMCID: PMC8272150 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26134032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of drug-resistant pathogens poses a serious critical threat to global public health and requires immediate action. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a class of short peptides ubiquitously found in all living forms, including plants, insects, mammals, microorganisms and play a significant role in host innate immune system. These peptides are considered as promising candidates to treat microbial infections due to its distinct advantages over conventional antibiotics. Given their potent broad spectrum of antimicrobial action, several AMPs are currently being evaluated in preclinical/clinical trials. However, large quantities of highly purified AMPs are vital for basic research and clinical settings which is still a major bottleneck hindering its application. This can be overcome by genetic engineering approaches to produce sufficient amount of diverse peptides in heterologous host systems. Recently plants are considered as potential alternatives to conventional protein production systems such as microbial and mammalian platforms due to their unique advantages such as rapidity, scalability and safety. In addition, AMPs can also be utilized for development of novel approaches for plant protection thereby increasing the crop yield. Hence, in order to provide a spotlight for the expression of AMP in plants for both clinical or agricultural use, the present review presents the importance of AMPs and efforts aimed at producing recombinant AMPs in plants for molecular farming and plant protection so far.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christine Joy I Bulaon
- Research Unit for Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | | | - Waranyoo Phoolcharoen
- Research Unit for Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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34
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Ghosh SK, Weinberg A. Ramping Up Antimicrobial Peptides Against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:620806. [PMID: 34235176 PMCID: PMC8255374 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.620806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human-derived antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), such as defensins and cathelicidin LL-37, are members of the innate immune system and play a crucial role in early pulmonary defense against viruses. These AMPs achieve viral inhibition through a variety of mechanisms including, but not limited to, direct binding to virions, binding to and modulating host cell-surface receptors, blocking viral replication, and aggregation of viral particles and indirectly by functioning as chemokines to enhance or curb adaptive immune responses. Given the fact that we are in a pandemic of unprecedented severity and the urgent need for therapeutic options to combat severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), naturally expressed AMPs and their derivatives have the potential to combat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and impede viral infectivity in various ways. Provided the fact that development of effective treatments is an urgent public health priority, AMPs and their derivatives are being explored as potential prophylactic and therapeutic candidates. Additionally, cell-based platforms such as human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) therapy are showing success in saving the lives of severely ill patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. This could be partially due to AMPs released from hMSCs that also act as immunological rheostats to modulate the host inflammatory response. This review highlights the utilization of AMPs in strategies that could be implemented as novel therapeutics, either alone or in combination with other platforms, to treat CoV-2-infected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aaron Weinberg
- Department of Biological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
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35
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Clinical relevance of topical antibiotic use in co-selecting for multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: Insights from in vitro and ex vivo models. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 95:AAC.02048-20. [PMID: 33593834 PMCID: PMC8092865 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02048-20] [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] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Topical antibiotic preparations, such as fusidic acid (FA) or mupirocin, are used in the prevention and treatment of superficial skin infections caused by staphylococci. Previous genomic epidemiology work has suggested an association between the widespread use of topical antibiotics and the emergence of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus in some settings. In this study, we provide experimental proof of co-selection for multidrug resistance in S. aureus following exposure to FA or mupirocin. Through targeted mutagenesis and phenotypic analyses, we confirmed that fusC carriage confers resistance to FA, and mupA carriage confers high-level resistance to mupirocin in multiple S. aureus genetic backgrounds. In vitro experiments demonstrated that carriage of fusC and mupA confer a competitive advantage in the presence of sub-inhibitory concentrations of FA and mupirocin, respectively. Further, we used a porcine skin colonisation model to show that clinically relevant concentrations of topical antibiotics can co-select for presence of unrelated antimicrobial resistance determinants, such as mecA, blaZ, and qacA, in fusC or mupA harbouring S. aureus These findings provide valuable insights on the role of acquired FA or mupirocin resistance in co-selecting for broader antibiotic resistance in S. aureus, prompting greater need for judicious use of topical antibiotics.
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36
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Struyfs C, Cammue BPA, Thevissen K. Membrane-Interacting Antifungal Peptides. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:649875. [PMID: 33912564 PMCID: PMC8074791 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.649875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of invasive fungal infections is increasing worldwide, resulting in more than 1.6 million deaths every year. Due to growing antifungal drug resistance and the limited number of currently used antimycotics, there is a clear need for novel antifungal strategies. In this context, great potential is attributed to antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that are part of the innate immune system of organisms. These peptides are known for their broad-spectrum activity that can be directed toward bacteria, fungi, viruses, and/or even cancer cells. Some AMPs act via rapid physical disruption of microbial cell membranes at high concentrations causing cell leakage and cell death. However, more complex mechanisms are also observed, such as interaction with specific lipids, production of reactive oxygen species, programmed cell death, and autophagy. This review summarizes the structure and mode of action of antifungal AMPs, thereby focusing on their interaction with fungal membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Struyfs
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bruno P A Cammue
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karin Thevissen
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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37
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Thapa RK, Diep DB, Tønnesen HH. Nanomedicine-based antimicrobial peptide delivery for bacterial infections: recent advances and future prospects. JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL INVESTIGATION 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40005-021-00525-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have gained wide interest as viable alternatives to antibiotics owing to their potent antimicrobial effects and the low propensity of resistance development. However, their physicochemical properties (solubility, charge, hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity), stability issues (proteolytic or enzymatic degradation, aggregation, chemical degradation), and toxicities (interactions with blood components or cellular toxicities) limit their therapeutic applications.
Area covered
Nanomedicine-based therapeutic delivery is an emerging concept. The AMP loaded nanoparticles have been prepared and investigated for their antimicrobial effects. In this review, we will discuss different nanomedicine-based AMP delivery systems including metallic nanoparticles, lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, and their hybrid systems along with their future prospects for potent antimicrobial efficacy.
Expert opinion
Nanomedicine-based AMP delivery is a recent approach to the treatment of bacterial infections. The advantageous properties of nanoparticles including the enhancement of AMP stability, controlled release, and targetability make them suitable for the augmentation of AMP activity. Modifications in the nanomedicine-based approach are required to overcome the problems of nanoparticle instability, shorter residence time, and toxicity. Future rigorous studies for both the AMP loaded nanoparticle preparation and characterization, and detailed evaluations of their in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial effects and toxicities, are essential.
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Luu T, Li W, O'Brien‐Simpson NM, Hong Y. Recent Applications of Aggregation Induced Emission Probes for Antimicrobial Peptide Studies. Chem Asian J 2021; 16:1027-1040. [DOI: 10.1002/asia.202100102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tracey Luu
- Department of Chemistry and Physics La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science La Trobe University Melbourne VIC 3086 Australia
| | - Wenyi Li
- Bio21 Institute University of Melbourne Centre for Oral Health Research Melbourne Dental School Melbourne VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Neil M. O'Brien‐Simpson
- Bio21 Institute University of Melbourne Centre for Oral Health Research Melbourne Dental School Melbourne VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Yuning Hong
- Department of Chemistry and Physics La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science La Trobe University Melbourne VIC 3086 Australia
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Thorn CR, Thomas N, Boyd BJ, Prestidge CA. Nano-fats for bugs: the benefits of lipid nanoparticles for antimicrobial therapy. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2021; 11:1598-1624. [PMID: 33675007 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-021-00921-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial infections are an imminent global healthcare threat evolving from rapidly advancing bacterial defence mechanisms that antibiotics fail to overcome. Antibiotics have been designed for systemic administration to target planktonic bacteria, leading to difficulties in reaching the site of localized bacterial infection and an inability to overcome the biological, chemical and physical barriers of bacteria, including biofilms, intracellular infections and antimicrobial resistance. The amphiphilic, biomimetic and antimicrobial properties of lipids provide a promising toolbox to innovate and advance antimicrobial therapies, overcoming the barriers presented by bacteria in order to directly and effectively treat recalcitrant infections. Nanoparticulate lipid-based drug delivery systems can enhance antibiotic permeation through the chemical and physical barriers of bacterial infections, as well as fuse with bacterial cell membranes, release antibiotics in response to bacteria and act synergistically with loaded antibiotics to enhance the total antimicrobial efficacy. This review explores the barriers presented by bacterial infections that pose bio-pharmaceutical challenges to antibiotics and how different structural and functional mechanisms of lipids can enhance antimicrobial therapies. Different nanoparticulate lipid-based systems are presented as valuable drug delivery systems to advance the efficacy of antibiotics, including liposomes, liquid crystalline nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers and lipid nanocarriers. In summary, liquid crystalline nanoparticles are emerging with the greatest potential for clinical applications and commercial success as an "all-rounder" advanced lipid-based antimicrobial therapy that overcomes the multiple biological, chemical and physical barriers of bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea R Thorn
- Clinical and Health Science, University of South Australia, City East Campus, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.,The Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, Woodville, SA, 5011, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science & Technology, University of South Australia, SA, 5000, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Nicky Thomas
- Clinical and Health Science, University of South Australia, City East Campus, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.,The Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, Woodville, SA, 5011, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science & Technology, University of South Australia, SA, 5000, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Ben J Boyd
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science & Technology, University of South Australia, SA, 5000, Adelaide, Australia.,Drug Delivery Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Pde, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Clive A Prestidge
- Clinical and Health Science, University of South Australia, City East Campus, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia. .,ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science & Technology, University of South Australia, SA, 5000, Adelaide, Australia.
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Dijksteel GS, Ulrich MMW, Middelkoop E, Boekema BKHL. Review: Lessons Learned From Clinical Trials Using Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs). Front Microbiol 2021; 12:616979. [PMID: 33692766 PMCID: PMC7937881 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.616979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) or host defense peptides protect the host against various pathogens such as yeast, fungi, viruses and bacteria. AMPs also display immunomodulatory properties ranging from the modulation of inflammatory responses to the promotion of wound healing. More interestingly, AMPs cause cell disruption through non-specific interactions with the membrane surface of pathogens. This is most likely responsible for the low or limited emergence of bacterial resistance against many AMPs. Despite the increasing number of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the potency of novel AMPs to combat such pathogens, only a few AMPs are in clinical use. Therefore, the current review describes (i) the potential of AMPs as alternatives to antibiotics, (ii) the challenges toward clinical implementation of AMPs and (iii) strategies to improve the success rate of AMPs in clinical trials, emphasizing the lessons we could learn from these trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle S Dijksteel
- Association of Dutch Burn Centres, Beverwijk, Netherlands.,Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Magda M W Ulrich
- Association of Dutch Burn Centres, Beverwijk, Netherlands.,Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Esther Middelkoop
- Association of Dutch Burn Centres, Beverwijk, Netherlands.,Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Cao W, Liu Q, Wang T, Zhang Q, Cheng F, Tang Y, Mei C, Wen F, Wang W. Recombinant expression of the precursor of rat lung surfactant protein B in Escherichia coli and its antibacterial mechanism. Protein Expr Purif 2020; 179:105801. [PMID: 33248225 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2020.105801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
While the discovery of antibiotics has made a huge contribution to medicine, bacteria that are resistant to many antibiotics pose new challenges to medicine. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), a new kind of antibiotics, have attracted people's attention because they are not prone to drug resistance. In this study, glutathione transferase (GST) was used as a fusion partner to recombinantly expressed rat lung surfactant protein B precursor (proSP-B) in E. coli pLySs. Cck-8 evaluated the cytotoxicity of the fusion protein and calculated its 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50). The purified peptides showed broad-spectrum antibacterial activity using filter paper method and MIC, and propidium iodide (PI) was used to explore the antibacterial mechanism against Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, the pEGFP-N2-proSP-B vector was constructed to explore the localization of proSP-B in CCL-149 cells. We found that proSP-B has obvious antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria and fungi, and has broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. Besides, proSP-B fusion protein has low toxicity and can change the permeability of Staphylococcus aureus cell membrane to realize its antibacterial. For these reasons, proSP-B can be used as a potential natural antibacterial drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wulong Cao
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 400054, PR China.
| | - Qin Liu
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 400054, PR China.
| | - Ting Wang
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 400054, PR China.
| | - Qiuhan Zhang
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 400054, PR China.
| | - Fu Cheng
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 400054, PR China.
| | - Yishan Tang
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 400054, PR China.
| | - Chenchen Mei
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 400054, PR China.
| | - Fang Wen
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 400054, PR China.
| | - Wanneng Wang
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 400054, PR China.
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Vrancianu CO, Gheorghe I, Dobre EG, Barbu IC, Cristian RE, Popa M, Lee SH, Limban C, Vlad IM, Chifiriuc MC. Emerging Strategies to Combat β-Lactamase Producing ESKAPE Pathogens. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8527. [PMID: 33198306 PMCID: PMC7697847 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming in 1929 as a therapeutic agent against staphylococci, β-lactam antibiotics (BLAs) remained the most successful antibiotic classes against the majority of bacterial strains, reaching a percentage of 65% of all medical prescriptions. Unfortunately, the emergence and diversification of β-lactamases pose indefinite health issues, limiting the clinical effectiveness of all current BLAs. One solution is to develop β-lactamase inhibitors (BLIs) capable of restoring the activity of β-lactam drugs. In this review, we will briefly present the older and new BLAs classes, their mechanisms of action, and an update of the BLIs capable of restoring the activity of β-lactam drugs against ESKAPE (Enterococcus spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp.) pathogens. Subsequently, we will discuss several promising alternative approaches such as bacteriophages, antimicrobial peptides, nanoparticles, CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) cas technology, or vaccination developed to limit antimicrobial resistance in this endless fight against Gram-negative pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corneliu Ovidiu Vrancianu
- Microbiology Immunology Department and The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (C.O.V.); (E.-G.D.); (I.C.B.); (M.P.); (M.C.C.)
| | - Irina Gheorghe
- Microbiology Immunology Department and The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (C.O.V.); (E.-G.D.); (I.C.B.); (M.P.); (M.C.C.)
| | - Elena-Georgiana Dobre
- Microbiology Immunology Department and The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (C.O.V.); (E.-G.D.); (I.C.B.); (M.P.); (M.C.C.)
| | - Ilda Czobor Barbu
- Microbiology Immunology Department and The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (C.O.V.); (E.-G.D.); (I.C.B.); (M.P.); (M.C.C.)
| | - Roxana Elena Cristian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 020956 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Marcela Popa
- Microbiology Immunology Department and The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (C.O.V.); (E.-G.D.); (I.C.B.); (M.P.); (M.C.C.)
| | - Sang Hee Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Myongji University, 03674 Myongjiro, Yongin 449-728, Gyeonggido, Korea;
- National Leading Research Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Myongji University, 116 Myongjiro, Yongin 17058, Gyeonggido, Korea
| | - Carmen Limban
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia no.6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (C.L.); (I.M.V.)
| | - Ilinca Margareta Vlad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia no.6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (C.L.); (I.M.V.)
| | - Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc
- Microbiology Immunology Department and The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (C.O.V.); (E.-G.D.); (I.C.B.); (M.P.); (M.C.C.)
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, 030167 Bucharest, Romania
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Karbalaei-Heidari HR, Budisa N. Combating Antimicrobial Resistance With New-To-Nature Lanthipeptides Created by Genetic Code Expansion. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:590522. [PMID: 33250877 PMCID: PMC7674664 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.590522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the rapid emergence of multi-resistant bacterial strains in recent decades, the commercially available effective antibiotics are becoming increasingly limited. On the other hand, widespread antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) such as the lantibiotic nisin has been used worldwide for more than 40 years without the appearance of significant bacterial resistance. Lantibiotics are ribosomally synthesized antimicrobials generated by posttranslational modifications. Their biotechnological production is of particular interest to redesign natural scaffolds improving their pharmaceutical properties, which has great potential for therapeutic use in human medicine and other areas. However, conventional protein engineering methods are limited to 20 canonical amino acids prescribed by the genetic code. Therefore, the expansion of the genetic code as the most advanced approach in Synthetic Biology allows the addition of new amino acid building blocks (non-canonical amino acids, ncAAs) during protein translation. We now have solid proof-of-principle evidence that bioexpression with these novel building blocks enabled lantibiotics with chemical properties transcending those produced by natural evolution. The unique scaffolds with novel structural and functional properties are the result of this bioengineering. Here we will critically examine and evaluate the use of the expanded genetic code and its alternatives in lantibiotics research over the last 7 years. We anticipate that Synthetic Biology, using engineered lantibiotics and even more complex scaffolds will be a promising tool to address an urgent problem of antibiotic resistance, especially in a class of multi-drug resistant microbes known as superbugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Reza Karbalaei-Heidari
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Nediljko Budisa
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Institute of Chemistry, Technical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Impetigo Animal Models: A Review of Their Feasibility and Clinical Utility for Therapeutic Appraisal of Investigational Drug Candidates. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9100694. [PMID: 33066386 PMCID: PMC7602235 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9100694] [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: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Impetigo (school sores), a superficial skin infection commonly seen in children, is caused by the gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and/or Streptococcus pyogenes. Antibiotic treatments, often topical, are used as the first-line therapy for impetigo. The efficacy of potential new antimicrobial compounds is first tested in in vitro studies and, if effective, followed by in vivo studies using animal models and/or humans. Animal models are critical means for investigating potential therapeutics and characterizing their safety profile prior to human trials. Although several reviews of animal models for skin infections have been published, there is a lack of a comprehensive review of animal models simulating impetigo for the selection of therapeutic drug candidates. This review critically examines the existing animal models for impetigo and their feasibility for testing the in vivo efficacy of topical treatments for impetigo and other superficial bacterial skin infections.
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Patrulea V, Borchard G, Jordan O. An Update on Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) and Their Delivery Strategies for Wound Infections. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:E840. [PMID: 32887353 PMCID: PMC7560145 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12090840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial infections occur when wound healing fails to reach the final stage of healing, which is usually hindered by the presence of different pathogens. Different topical antimicrobial agents are used to inhibit bacterial growth due to antibiotic failure in reaching the infected site, which is accompanied very often by increased drug resistance and other side effects. In this review, we focus on antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), especially those with a high potential of efficacy against multidrug-resistant and biofilm-forming bacteria and fungi present in wound infections. Currently, different AMPs undergo preclinical and clinical phase to combat infection-related diseases. AMP dendrimers (AMPDs) have been mentioned as potent microbial agents. Various AMP delivery strategies that are used to combat infection and modulate the healing rate-such as polymers, scaffolds, films and wound dressings, and organic and inorganic nanoparticles-have been discussed as well. New technologies such as Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR)-associated protein (CRISPR-Cas) are taken into consideration as potential future tools for AMP delivery in skin therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viorica Patrulea
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland;
- Section of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gerrit Borchard
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland;
- Section of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Jordan
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland;
- Section of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
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Mahlapuu M, Björn C, Ekblom J. Antimicrobial peptides as therapeutic agents: opportunities and challenges. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2020; 40:978-992. [PMID: 32781848 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2020.1796576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The rapid development of microbial resistance to conventional antibiotics has accelerated efforts to find anti-infectives with a novel mode-of-action, which are less prone to bacterial resistance. Intense nonclinical and clinical research is today ongoing to evaluate antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as potential next-generation antibiotics. Currently, multiple AMPs are assessed in late-stage clinical trials, not only as novel anti-infective drugs, but also as innovative product candidates for immunomodulation, promotion of wound healing, and prevention of post-operative scars. The efforts to translate AMP-based research findings into pharmaceutical product candidates are expected to accelerate in coming years due to technological advancements in multiple areas, including an improved understanding of the mechanism-of-action of AMPs, smart formulation strategies, and advanced chemical synthesis protocols. At the same time, it is recognized that cytotoxicity, low metabolic stability due to sensitivity to proteolytic degradation, and limited oral bioavailability are some of the key weaknesses of AMPs. Furthermore, the pricing and reimbursement environment for new antimicrobial products remains as a major barrier to the commercialization of AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margit Mahlapuu
- Promore Pharma AB, Karolinska Institutet Science Park, Solna, Sweden
| | | | - Jonas Ekblom
- Promore Pharma AB, Karolinska Institutet Science Park, Solna, Sweden
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Di YP, Lin Q, Chen C, Montelaro RC, Doi Y, Deslouches B. Enhanced therapeutic index of an antimicrobial peptide in mice by increasing safety and activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaay6817. [PMID: 32426473 PMCID: PMC7195177 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aay6817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The rising prevalence of antibiotic resistance underscores the urgent need for novel antimicrobial agents. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are potentially effective therapeutics that disrupt bacterial membranes regardless of resistance to traditional antibiotics. We have developed engineered cationic AMPs (eCAPs) with broad activity against multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, but stability remains an important concern. Therefore, we sought to enhance the clinical utility of eCAP WLBU2 in biological matrices relevant to respiratory infection. A designed substitution of d-Val for l-Val resulted in increased resistance to protease enzymatic degradation. We observed multiple gains of functions such as higher activity against bacteria in biofilm mode of growth, significantly lower toxicity to erythrocytes and white blood cells compared to WLBU2, with increased safety in mice. Direct airway delivery revealed a therapeutic index of >140 for the selected enantiomer compared to that of <35 for WLBU2. The data warrant clinical exploration by aerosolized delivery to mitigate MDR-related respiratory infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y. P. Di
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Corresponding author.
| | - Q. Lin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - C. Chen
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - R. C. Montelaro
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Y. Doi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Departments of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-cho, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan
| | - B. Deslouches
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Abstract
: The role of Staphylococcus aureus (SA) in the pathogenesis and management in atopic dermatitis is rapidly evolving. The modern understanding of SA in atopic dermatitis now includes an expanded array of virulence factors, the interplay of clonal and temporal shifts in SA populations, and host factors such as filaggrin and natural moisturizing factor. New, emerging therapies that focus on long-term, targeted elimination of SA colonization are currently under investigation (Br J Dermatol 2017;17(1)63-71). Herein, we discuss and review the latest staphylococcal and microbiome-modifying therapies including topical antibiotics, topical natural oil fatty acids, anti-SA vaccines, microbial transplantation, vitamin D supplementation, dupilumab and proposed future investigative directions.
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49
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Topical antimicrobial peptide formulations for wound healing: Current developments and future prospects. Acta Biomater 2020; 103:52-67. [PMID: 31874224 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are the natural antibiotics recognized for their potent antibacterial and wound healing properties. Bare AMPs have limited activity following topical application attributable to their susceptibility to environment (hydrolysis, oxidation, photolysis), and wound (alkaline pH, proteolysis) related factors as well as minimal residence time. Therefore, the formulation of AMPs is essential to enhance stability, prolong delivery, and optimize effectiveness at the wound site. Different topical formulations of AMPs have been developed so far including nanoparticles, hydrogels, creams, ointments, and wafers to aid in controlling bacterial infection and enhance wound healing process in vivo. Herein, an overview is provided of the AMPs and current understanding of their formulations for topical wound healing applications along with suitable examples. Furthermore, future prospects for the development of effective combination AMP formulations are discussed. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Chronic wound infection and subsequent development of antibiotic resistance are serious clinical problems affecting millions of people worldwide. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) possess great potential in effectively killing the bacteria with minimal risk of resistance development. However, AMPs susceptibility to degradation following topical application limits their antimicrobial and wound healing effects. Therefore, development of an optimized topical formulation with high peptide stability and sustained AMP delivery is necessary to maximize the antimicrobial and wound healing effects. The present review provides an overview of the state-of-art in the field of topical AMP formulations for wound healing. Current developments in the field of topical AMP formulations are reviewed and future prospects for the development of effective combination AMP formulations are discussed.
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