1
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Lucidi M, Visaggio D, Migliaccio A, Capecchi G, Visca P, Imperi F, Zarrilli R. Pathogenicity and virulence of Acinetobacter baumannii: Factors contributing to the fitness in healthcare settings and the infected host. Virulence 2024; 15:2289769. [PMID: 38054753 PMCID: PMC10732645 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2289769] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is a common cause of healthcare-associated infections and hospital outbreaks, particularly in intensive care units. Much of the success of A. baumannii relies on its genomic plasticity, which allows rapid adaptation to adversity and stress. The capacity to acquire novel antibiotic resistance determinants and the tolerance to stresses encountered in the hospital environment promote A. baumannii spread among patients and long-term contamination of the healthcare setting. This review explores virulence factors and physiological traits contributing to A. baumannii infection and adaptation to the hospital environment. Several cell-associated and secreted virulence factors involved in A. baumannii biofilm formation, cell adhesion, invasion, and persistence in the host, as well as resistance to xeric stress imposed by the healthcare settings, are illustrated to give reasons for the success of A. baumannii as a hospital pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Lucidi
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniela Visaggio
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
- Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Paolo Visca
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
- Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Imperi
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
- Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Zarrilli
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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2
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Xu Y, Zhu F, Zhou Z, Ma S, Zhang P, Tan C, Luo Y, Qin R, Chen J, Pan P. A novel mRNA multi-epitope vaccine of Acinetobacter baumannii based on multi-target protein design in immunoinformatic approach. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:791. [PMID: 39160492 PMCID: PMC11334330 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10691-7] [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: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is a gram-negative bacillus prevalent in nature, capable of thriving under various environmental conditions. As an opportunistic pathogen, it frequently causes nosocomial infections such as urinary tract infections, bacteremia, and pneumonia, contributing to increased morbidity and mortality in clinical settings. Consequently, developing novel vaccines against Acinetobacter baumannii is of utmost importance. In our study, we identified 10 highly conserved antigenic proteins from the NCBI and UniProt databases for epitope mapping. We subsequently screened and selected 8 CTL, HTL, and LBL epitopes, integrating them into three distinct vaccines constructed with adjuvants. Following comprehensive evaluations of immunological and physicochemical parameters, we conducted molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations to assess the efficacy and stability of these vaccines. Our findings indicate that all three multi-epitope mRNA vaccines designed against Acinetobacter baumannii are promising; however, further animal studies are required to confirm their reliability and effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhong Xu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Key Clinical Specialty, Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Center of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment of Respiratory Disease, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Infection Control Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Fei Zhu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Key Clinical Specialty, Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Center of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment of Respiratory Disease, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Infection Control Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ziyou Zhou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Key Clinical Specialty, Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Center of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment of Respiratory Disease, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Infection Control Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shiyang Ma
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Key Clinical Specialty, Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Center of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment of Respiratory Disease, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Infection Control Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Peipei Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Key Clinical Specialty, Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Center of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment of Respiratory Disease, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Infection Control Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Caixia Tan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Key Clinical Specialty, Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Center of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment of Respiratory Disease, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Infection Control Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yuying Luo
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Key Clinical Specialty, Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Center of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment of Respiratory Disease, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Infection Control Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Rongliu Qin
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Key Clinical Specialty, Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Center of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment of Respiratory Disease, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Infection Control Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Key Clinical Specialty, Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Center of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Hunan Engineering Research Center for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment of Respiratory Disease, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Department of Infection Control Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Pinhua Pan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Key Clinical Specialty, Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Center of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Hunan Engineering Research Center for Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment of Respiratory Disease, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Department of Infection Control Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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3
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Lau YT, Tan HS. Acinetobacter baumannii subunit vaccines: recent progress and challenges. Crit Rev Microbiol 2024; 50:434-449. [PMID: 37211625 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2023.2215303] [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: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative, opportunistic pathogen that causes nosocomial infection with a high mortality rate in immunocompromised individuals. With the frequent emergence of multidrug-resistant A. baumannii strains that have rapidly gained resistance to most antibiotics, an extensive search for an effective A. baumannii vaccine is ongoing. Over the decade, many subunit vaccine candidates were identified using reverse vaccinology and in vivo animal studies for validation. Nineteen subunit vaccine candidates with a wide range of efficacy, from 14% to 100% preclinical survival rates, were included in this review. This article provides an updated review of several outer membrane proteins (Omp) that emerged as vaccine candidates with great potential, including OmpA, Omp34, Omp22 and BamA, based on their high conservancy, antigenicity, and immune protection against A. baumannii infection. However, there is still no licenced A. baumannii vaccine currently due to several practical issues that have yet to be resolved, such as inconsistencies between validation studies, antigen variability and insolubility. Moving forward, much investigation and innovation are still required to tackle these challenges for the regulatory approval of an A. baumannii subunit vaccine, including standardisation of immunisation study parameters, improving antigen solubility and the incorporation of nucleic acid vaccine technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Teng Lau
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Hock Siew Tan
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
- Tropical Medicine and Biology Multidisciplinary Platform, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
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4
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Xia L, Lu Q, Wang X, Jia C, Zhao Y, Wang G, Yang J, Zhang N, Min X, Huang J, Huang M. Characterization of protective immune responses against Neisseria gonorrhoeae induced by intranasal immunization with adhesion and penetration protein. Heliyon 2024; 10:e25733. [PMID: 38352762 PMCID: PMC10862674 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Drug-resistant N. gonorrhoeae is an urgent threat to global public health, and vaccine development is the best long-term strategy for controlling gonorrhea. We have previously shown that adhesion and penetration protein (App) play a role in the adhesion, invasion, and reproductive tract colonization of N. gonorrhoeae. Here, we describe the immune response induced by intranasal immunization with passenger and translocator fragments of App. The recombinant App passenger and translocator fragments induced high titers of IgG and IgA antibodies in serum and vaginal washes. Antibodies produced by App passenger and the combination of passenger and translocator mediated the killing of N. gonorrhoeae via serum bactericidal activity and opsonophagocytic activity, whereas antisera from translocator-immunized groups had lower bactericidal activity and opsonophagocytic activity. The antisera of the App passenger and translocator, alone and in combination, inhibited the adhesion of N. gonorrhoeae to cervical epithelial cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Nasal immunization with App passenger and translocator fragments alone or in combination induced high levels of IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b antibodies and stimulated mouse splenocytes to secrete cytokines IFN-γ and IL-17A, suggesting that Th1 and Th17 cellular immune responses were activated. In vivo experiments have shown that immune App passenger and transporter fragments can accelerate the clearance of N. gonorrhoeae in the vagina of mice. These data suggest that the App protein is a promising N. gonorrhoeae vaccine antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyin Xia
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Qin Lu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Xiaosu Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Chengyi Jia
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Yujie Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Guangli Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Jianru Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Ningqing Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Xun Min
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Meirong Huang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
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5
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MatRahim NA, Jones KM, Keegan BP, Strych U, Zhan B, Lee HY, AbuBakar S. TonB-Dependent Receptor Protein Displayed on Spores of Bacillus subtilis Stimulates Protective Immune Responses against Acinetobacter baumannii. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1106. [PMID: 37376495 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11061106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of antibiotic-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii strains with limited treatment options has become a significant global health concern. Efforts to develop vaccines against the bacteria have centred on several potential protein targets, including the TonB-dependent receptors (TBDRs). In the present study, TBDRs from A. baumannii were displayed on the surface of Bacillus subtilis spores. The immunogenicity of the recombinant spores was evaluated in orally vaccinated mice. None of the immunized mice demonstrated signs of illness and were observed to be healthy throughout the study. Sera and the intestinal secretions from the recombinant spores-treated mice demonstrated mucosal and humoral antibody responses to the vaccine antigen. In addition, bactericidal activities of the sera against A. baumannii clinical isolates were demonstrated. These observations suggest that the B. subtilis spore-displayed TBDRs should be further explored as much-needed potential oral vaccine candidates against A. baumannii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nor-Aziyah MatRahim
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Center (TIDREC), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Virology Unit, Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia
| | - Kathryn Marie Jones
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Brian P Keegan
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ulrich Strych
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Bin Zhan
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hai-Yen Lee
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Center (TIDREC), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Sazaly AbuBakar
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Center (TIDREC), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
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6
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Piri-Gharaghie T, Doosti A, Mirzaei SA. Novel adjuvant nano-vaccine induced immune response against Acinetobacter baumannii. AMB Express 2023; 13:31. [PMID: 36905472 PMCID: PMC10008545 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-023-01531-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Developing adjuvant vaccines to combat rising multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) infections is a promising and cost-effective approach. The aim of this analysis was to construct a pDNA-CPG C274-adjuvant nano-vaccine and investigate its immunogenicity and protection in BALB/c mice. The CPG ODN C274 adjuvant was chemically synthesized and cloned into pcDNA3.1( +), and the cloning was verified using PCR and BamHI/EcoRV restriction enzyme digestion. Then, utilizing a complex coacervation approach, pDNA-CPG C274 was encapsulated by chitosan (CS) nanoparticles (NPs). TEM and DLS are used to explore the properties of the pDNA/CSNP complex. TLR-9 pathway activation was investigated in human HEK-293 and RAW 264.7 mouse cells. The vaccine's immunogenicity and immune-protective effectiveness were investigated in BALB/c mice. The pDNA-CPG C274/CSNPs were small (mean size 79.21 ± 0.23 nm), positively charged (+ 38.87 mV), and appeared to be spherical. A continuous slow release pattern was achieved. TLR-9 activation was greatest in the mouse model with CpG ODN (C274) at concentrations of 5 and 10 μg/ml with 56% and 55%, respectively (**P < 0.01). However, in HEK-293 human cells, by increasing the concentration of CpG ODN (C274) from 1 to 50 μg/ml, the activation rate of TLR-9 also increased, so that the highest activation rate (81%) was obtained at the concentration of 50 μg/ml (***P < 0.001). pDNA-CPG C274/CSNPs immunized BALB/c mice produced increased amounts of total-IgG, as well as IFN-γ and IL-1B in serum samples, compared to non-encapsulated pDNA-CPG C274. Furthermore, liver and lung injuries, as well as bacterial loads in the liver, lung, and blood, were reduced, and BALB/c mice immunized with pDNA-CPG C274/CSNPs showed potent protection (50-75%) against acute fatal Intraperitoneal A. baumannii challenge. pDNA-CPG C274/CSNPs evoked total-IgG antibodies, Th1 cellular immunity, and the TLR-9 pathway, as well as protection against an acute fatal A. baumannii challenge. Our findings suggest that this nano-vaccine is a promising approach for avoiding A. baumannii infection when used as a powerful adjuvant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tohid Piri-Gharaghie
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Abbas Doosti
- Biotechnology Research Center, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Seyed Abbas Mirzaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
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Mba IE, Sharndama HC, Anyaegbunam ZKG, Anekpo CC, Amadi BC, Morumda D, Doowuese Y, Ihezuo UJ, Chukwukelu JU, Okeke OP. Vaccine development for bacterial pathogens: Advances, challenges and prospects. Trop Med Int Health 2023; 28:275-299. [PMID: 36861882 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
The advent and use of antimicrobials have played a key role in treating potentially life-threatening infectious diseases, improving health, and saving the lives of millions of people worldwide. However, the emergence of multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogens has been a significant health challenge that has compromised the ability to prevent and treat a wide range of infectious diseases that were once treatable. Vaccines offer potential as a promising alternative to fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) infectious diseases. Vaccine technologies include reverse vaccinology, structural biology methods, nucleic acid (DNA and mRNA) vaccines, generalised modules for membrane antigens, bioconjugates/glycoconjugates, nanomaterials and several other emerging technological advances that are offering a potential breakthrough in the development of efficient vaccines against pathogens. This review covers the opportunities and advancements in vaccine discovery and development targeting bacterial pathogens. We reflect on the impact of the already-developed vaccines targeting bacterial pathogens and the potential of those currently under different stages of preclinical and clinical trials. More importantly, we critically and comprehensively analyse the challenges while highlighting the key indices for future vaccine prospects. Finally, the issues and concerns of AMR for low-income countries (sub-Saharan Africa) and the challenges with vaccine integration, discovery and development in this region are critically evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ifeanyi Elibe Mba
- Department of Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | - Zikora Kizito Glory Anyaegbunam
- Department of Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
- Institute for Drug-Herbal Medicine-Excipient Research and Development, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Chijioke Chinedu Anekpo
- Department of Ear Nose and Throat, College of Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Ben Chibuzo Amadi
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Daji Morumda
- Department of Microbiology, Federal University Wukari, Wukari, Taraba, Nigeria
| | - Yandev Doowuese
- Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Nigeria
| | - Uchechi Justina Ihezuo
- Department of Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
- Institute for Drug-Herbal Medicine-Excipient Research and Development, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
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8
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Li P, Zhang S, Wang J, Al-Shamiri MM, Han B, Chen Y, Han S, Han L. Uncovering the Secretion Systems of Acinetobacter baumannii: Structures and Functions in Pathogenicity and Antibiotic Resistance. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12020195. [PMID: 36830106 PMCID: PMC9952577 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12020195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Infections led by Acinetobacter baumannii strains are of great concern in healthcare environments due to the strong ability of the bacteria to spread through different apparatuses and develop drug resistance. Severe diseases can be caused by A. baumannii in critically ill patients, but its biological process and mechanism are not well understood. Secretion systems have recently been demonstrated to be involved in the pathogenic process, and five types of secretion systems out of the currently known six from Gram-negative bacteria have been found in A. baumannii. They can promote the fitness and pathogenesis of the bacteria by releasing a variety of effectors. Additionally, antibiotic resistance is found to be related to some types of secretion systems. In this review, we describe the genetic and structural compositions of the five secretion systems that exist in Acinetobacter. In addition, the function and molecular mechanism of each secretion system are summarized to explain how they enable these critical pathogens to overcome eukaryotic hosts and prokaryotic competitors to cause diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu Li
- School of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, China
| | - Sirui Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, China
| | - Jingdan Wang
- School of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, China
| | - Mona Mohamed Al-Shamiri
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, China
| | - Bei Han
- School of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, China
| | - Yanjiong Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, China
| | - Shaoshan Han
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
| | - Lei Han
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, China
- Correspondence:
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9
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Yang N, Jin X, Zhu C, Gao F, Weng Z, Du X, Feng G. Subunit vaccines for Acinetobacter baumannii. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1088130. [PMID: 36713441 PMCID: PMC9878323 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1088130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is a gram-negative bacterium and a crucial opportunistic pathogen in hospitals. A. baumannii infection has become a challenging problem in clinical practice due to the increasing number of multidrug-resistant strains and their prevalence worldwide. Vaccines are effective tools to prevent and control A. baumannii infection. Many researchers are studying subunit vaccines against A. baumannii. Subunit vaccines have the advantages of high purity, safety, and stability, ease of production, and highly targeted induced immune responses. To date, no A. baumannii subunit vaccine candidate has entered clinical trials. This may be related to the easy degradation of subunit vaccines in vivo and weak immunogenicity. Using adjuvants or delivery vehicles to prepare subunit vaccines can slow down degradation and improve immunogenicity. The common immunization routes include intramuscular injection, subcutaneous injection, intraperitoneal injection and mucosal vaccination. The appropriate immunization method can also enhance the immune effect of subunit vaccines. Therefore, selecting an appropriate adjuvant and immunization method is essential for subunit vaccine research. This review summarizes the past exploration of A. baumannii subunit vaccines, hoping to guide current and future research on these vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao Jin
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chenghua Zhu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fenglin Gao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zheqi Weng
- The Second Clinical Medical School of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xingran Du
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China,*Correspondence: Xingran Du, ; Ganzhu Feng,
| | - Ganzhu Feng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China,*Correspondence: Xingran Du, ; Ganzhu Feng,
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Sharma L, Bisht GS. Short Antimicrobial Peptides: Therapeutic Potential and Recent Advancements. Curr Pharm Des 2023; 29:3005-3017. [PMID: 38018196 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128248959231102114334] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
There has been a lot of interest in antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as potential next-generation antibiotics. They are components of the innate immune system. AMPs have broad-spectrum action and are less prone to resistance development. They show potential applications in various fields, including medicine, agriculture, and the food industry. However, despite the good activity and safety profiles, AMPs have had difficulty finding success in the clinic due to their various limitations, such as production cost, proteolytic susceptibility, and oral bioavailability. To overcome these flaws, a number of solutions have been devised, one of which is developing short antimicrobial peptides. Short antimicrobial peptides do have an advantage over longer peptides as they are more stable and do not collapse during absorption. They have generated a lot of interest because of their evolutionary success and advantageous properties, such as low molecular weight, selective targets, cell or organelles with minimal toxicity, and enormous therapeutic potential. This article provides an overview of the development of short antimicrobial peptides with an emphasis on those with ≤ 30 amino acid residues as a potential therapeutic agent to fight drug-resistant microorganisms. It also emphasizes their applications in many fields and discusses their current state in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lalita Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Gopal Singh Bisht
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat, Himachal Pradesh, India
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