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Górski A, Międzybrodzki R, Jończyk-Matysiak E, Kniotek M, Letkiewicz S. Therapeutic Phages as Modulators of the Immune Response: Practical Implications. Clin Infect Dis 2023; 77:S433-S439. [PMID: 37932118 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
While the medical community awaits formal proof of the efficacy of phage therapy, as is required by evidence-based medicine, existing data suggest that phages could also be applied based on their non-antibacterial action, especially phage-mediated immunomodulation. Promising avenues have been revealed by findings indicating that phages may mediate diverse actions in the immune system, while the list of phages able to dampen the aberrant immunity associated with a variety of disorders continuously grows. Here we summarize what is known in this field and possible options for the future. While available data are still scarce and preliminary, it appears that "phage repurposing" is worthy of more research, which could reveal new perspectives on applying phage therapy in contemporary medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Górski
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland
- Phage Therapy Unit, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland
- Clinic of Immunology, Transplantology, and Internal Medicine, Infant Jesus Hospital, The Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ryszard Międzybrodzki
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland
- Phage Therapy Unit, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Jończyk-Matysiak
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland
| | - Monika Kniotek
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sławomir Letkiewicz
- Phage Therapy Unit, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland
- Collegium Medicum, Jan Długosz University, Częstochowa, Poland
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Zou G, He L, Rao J, Song Z, Du H, Li R, Wang W, Zhou Y, Liang L, Chen H, Li J. Improving the safety and efficacy of phage therapy from the perspective of phage-mammal interactions. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2023; 47:fuad042. [PMID: 37442611 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuad042] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Phage therapy has re-emerged as a promising solution for combating antimicrobial-resistant bacterial infections. Increasingly, studies have revealed that phages possess therapeutic potential beyond their antimicrobial properties, including regulating the gut microbiome and maintain intestinal homeostasis, as a novel nanocarrier for targeted drug delivery. However, the complexity and unpredictability of phage behavior during treatment pose a significant challenge in clinical practice. The intricate interactions established between phages, humans, and bacteria throughout their long coexistence in the natural ecosystem contribute to the complexity of phage behavior in therapy, raising concerns about their efficacy and safety as therapeutic agents. Revealing the mechanisms by which phages interact with the human body will provide a theoretical basis for increased application of promising phage therapy. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of phage-mammal interactions, including signaling pathways, adaptive immunity responses, and phage-mediated anti-inflammatory responses. Then, from the perspective of phage-mammalian immune system interactions, we present the first systematic overview of the factors affecting phage therapy, such as the mode of administration, the physiological status of the patient, and the biological properties of the phage, to offer new insights into phage therapy for various human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geng Zou
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Dietology, College of Food Science and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, College of Biomedicine and Health, Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Lijun He
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Dietology, College of Food Science and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, College of Biomedicine and Health, Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jing Rao
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Dietology, College of Food Science and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, College of Biomedicine and Health, Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Zhiyong Song
- College of Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Hu Du
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Dietology, College of Food Science and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, College of Biomedicine and Health, Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Runze Li
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Dietology, College of Food Science and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, College of Biomedicine and Health, Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- College of Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Dietology, College of Food Science and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, College of Biomedicine and Health, Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Lu Liang
- School of Bioscience, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - Huanchun Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Dietology, College of Food Science and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, College of Biomedicine and Health, Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jinquan Li
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Key Laboratory of Environment Correlative Dietology, College of Food Science and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, College of Biomedicine and Health, Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518000, China
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Multiparametric Profiling of Neutrophil Function via a High-Throughput Flow Cytometry-Based Assay. Cells 2023; 12:cells12050743. [PMID: 36899878 PMCID: PMC10000770 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050743] [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: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Neutrophils are a vital component of the innate immune system and play an essential function in the recognition and clearance of bacterial and fungal pathogens. There is great interest in understanding mechanisms of neutrophil dysfunction in the setting of disease and deciphering potential side effects of immunomodulatory drugs on neutrophil function. We developed a high throughput flow cytometry-based assay for detecting changes to four canonical neutrophil functions following biological or chemical triggers. Our assay detects neutrophil phagocytosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, ectodomain shedding, and secondary granule release in a single reaction mixture. By selecting fluorescent markers with minimal spectral overlap, we merge four detection assays into one microtiter plate-based assay. We demonstrate the response to the fungal pathogen, Candida albicans and validate the assay's dynamic range using the inflammatory cytokines G-CSF, GM-CSF, TNFα, and IFNγ. All four cytokines increased ectodomain shedding and phagocytosis to a similar degree while GM-CSF and TNFα were more active in degranulation when compared to IFNγ and G-CSF. We further demonstrated the impact of small molecule inhibitors such as kinase inhibition downstream of Dectin-1, a critical lectin receptor responsible for fungal cell wall recognition. Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk), Spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk), and Src kinase inhibition suppressed all four measured neutrophil functions but all functions were restored with lipopolysaccharide co-stimulation. This new assay allows for multiple comparisons of effector functions and permits identification of distinct subpopulations of neutrophils with a spectrum of activity. Our assay also offers the potential for studying the intended and off-target effects of immunomodulatory drugs on neutrophil responses.
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Laucirica DR, Stick SM, Garratt LW, Kicic A. Bacteriophage: A new therapeutic player to combat neutrophilic inflammation in chronic airway diseases. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:1069929. [PMID: 36590945 PMCID: PMC9794625 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1069929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent respiratory bacterial infections are a clinical burden in several chronic inflammatory airway diseases and are often associated with neutrophil infiltration into the lungs. Following recruitment, dysregulated neutrophil effector functions such as increased granule release and formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) result in damage to airway tissue, contributing to the progression of lung disease. Bacterial pathogens are a major driver of airway neutrophilic inflammation, but traditional management of infections with antibiotic therapy is becoming less effective as rates of antimicrobial resistance rise. Bacteriophages (phages) are now frequently identified as antimicrobial alternatives for antimicrobial resistant (AMR) airway infections. Despite growing recognition of their bactericidal function, less is known about how phages influence activity of neutrophils recruited to sites of bacterial infection in the lungs. In this review, we summarize current in vitro and in vivo findings on the effects of phage therapy on neutrophils and their inflammatory mediators, as well as mechanisms of phage-neutrophil interactions. Understanding these effects provides further validation of their safe use in humans, but also identifies phages as a targeted neutrophil-modulating therapeutic for inflammatory airway conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R. Laucirica
- Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Stephen M. Stick
- Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Perth Children’s Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, The University of Western Australia and Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Luke W. Garratt
- Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Anthony Kicic
- Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Perth Children’s Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, The University of Western Australia and Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
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Characteristics of a novel temperate bacteriophage against Staphylococcus arlettae (vB_SarS_BM31). Int Microbiol 2022; 26:327-341. [PMID: 36336729 PMCID: PMC9638216 DOI: 10.1007/s10123-022-00292-3] [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: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Staphylococcus arlettae is a rarely reported coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CoNS) isolated from infected humans and livestock. Observing phage-bacteria interaction could improve the understanding of bacterial pathogenetic mechanisms, providing foundational evidence for phage therapy or phage detection. Herein, we aimed to characterise and annotate a novel bacteriophage, vB_SarS_BM31 (BM31), specific to S. arlettae. This bacteriophage was isolated from a milk sample associated with bovine mastitis and collected in the Sichuan Province, China. RESULTS The BM31 genome comprised a linear double-stranded DNA of 42,271 base pair in length with a G + C content of 34.59%. A total of 65 open reading frames (ORFs) were assembled from phage DNA, of which 29 were functionally annotated. These functional genes were divided into four modules: the structural, DNA packing and replication, lysis, and lysogeny modules. Holin (ORF25), lysin (ORF26), and integrase (ORF28) were located closely in the entire BM31 genome and were important for lyse or lysogeny cycle of BM31. The phage was identified as a temperate phage according to whole genome analysis and life cycle assay, with basic biological characteristics such as small burst size, short latency period, and narrow host range, consistent with the characteristics of the family Siphoviridae, subcluster B14 of the Staphylococcus bacteriophage. CONCLUSIONS The present isolation and characterisation of BM31 contributes to the Staphylococcus bacteriophage database and provides a theoretical foundation for its potential applications. To the best of our knowledge, BM31 is the only shared and completely reported phage against S. arlettae in the entire public database.
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Farfán J, Gonzalez JM, Vives M. The immunomodulatory potential of phage therapy to treat acne: a review on bacterial lysis and immunomodulation. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13553. [PMID: 35910763 PMCID: PMC9332329 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Characterized by an inflammatory pathogenesis, acne is the most common skin disorder worldwide. Altered sebum production, abnormal proliferation of keratinocytes, and microbiota dysbiosis represented by disbalance in Cutibacterium acnes population structure, have a synergic effect on inflammation of acne-compromised skin. Although the role of C. acnes as a single factor in acne development is still under debate, it is known that skin and skin-resident immune cells recognize this bacterium and produce inflammatory markers as a result. Control of the inflammatory response is frequently the target for acne treatment, using diverse chemical or physical agents including antibiotics. However, some of these treatments have side effects that compromise patient adherence and drug safety and in the case of antibiotics, it has been reported C. acnes resistance to these molecules. Phage therapy is an alternative to treat antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains and have been recently proposed as an immunomodulatory therapy. Here, we explore this perspective about phage therapy for acne, considering the potential immunomodulatory role of phages. Methodology Literature review was performed using four different databases (Europe PubMed Central-ePMC, Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect). Articles were ordered and selected according to their year of publication, number of citations, and quartile of the publishing journal. Results The use of lytic bacteriophages to control bacterial infections has proven its promising results, and anti-inflammatory effects have been found for some bacteriophages and phage therapy. These effects can be related to bacterial elimination or direct interaction with immune cells that result in the regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Studies on C. acnes bacteriophages have investigated their lytic activity, genomic structure, and stability on different matrices. However, studies exploring the potential of immunomodulation of these bacteriophages are still scarce. Conclusions C. acnes bacteriophages, as well as other phages, may have direct immunomodulatory effects that are yet to be fully elucidated. To our knowledge, to the date that this review was written, there are only two studies that investigate anti-inflammatory properties for C. acnes bacteriophages. In those studies, it has been evidenced reduction of pro-inflammatory response to C. acnes inoculation in mice after bacteriophage application. Nevertheless, these studies were conducted in mice, and the interaction with the immune response was not described. Phage therapy to treat acne can be a suitable therapeutic alternative to C. acnes control, which in turn can aid to restore the skin's balance of microbiota. By controlling C. acnes colonization, C. acnes bacteriophages can reduce inflammatory reactions triggered by this bacterium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Farfán
- Biological Sciences Department, Faculty of Science, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - John M. Gonzalez
- School of Medicine, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Martha Vives
- Biological Sciences Department, Faculty of Science, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
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Dysbiosis and intestinal inflammation caused by Salmonella Typhimurium in mice can be alleviated by preadministration of a lytic phage. Microbiol Res 2022; 260:127020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2022.127020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Podlacha M, Grabowski Ł, Kosznik-Kawśnicka K, Zdrojewska K, Stasiłojć M, Węgrzyn G, Węgrzyn A. Interactions of Bacteriophages with Animal and Human Organisms-Safety Issues in the Light of Phage Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8937. [PMID: 34445641 PMCID: PMC8396182 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages are viruses infecting bacterial cells. Since there is a lack of specific receptors for bacteriophages on eukaryotic cells, these viruses were for a long time considered to be neutral to animals and humans. However, studies of recent years provided clear evidence that bacteriophages can interact with eukaryotic cells, significantly influencing the functions of tissues, organs, and systems of mammals, including humans. In this review article, we summarize and discuss recent discoveries in the field of interactions of phages with animal and human organisms. Possibilities of penetration of bacteriophages into eukaryotic cells, tissues, and organs are discussed, and evidence of the effects of phages on functions of the immune system, respiratory system, central nervous system, gastrointestinal system, urinary tract, and reproductive system are presented and discussed. Modulations of cancer cells by bacteriophages are indicated. Direct and indirect effects of virulent and temperate phages are discussed. We conclude that interactions of bacteriophages with animal and human organisms are robust, and they must be taken under consideration when using these viruses in medicine, especially in phage therapy, and in biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Podlacha
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland; (M.P.); (K.Z.); (M.S.); (G.W.)
| | - Łukasz Grabowski
- Laboratory of Phage Therapy, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kładki 24, 80-822 Gdansk, Poland; (Ł.G.); (K.K.-K.)
| | - Katarzyna Kosznik-Kawśnicka
- Laboratory of Phage Therapy, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kładki 24, 80-822 Gdansk, Poland; (Ł.G.); (K.K.-K.)
| | - Karolina Zdrojewska
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland; (M.P.); (K.Z.); (M.S.); (G.W.)
| | - Małgorzata Stasiłojć
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland; (M.P.); (K.Z.); (M.S.); (G.W.)
| | - Grzegorz Węgrzyn
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland; (M.P.); (K.Z.); (M.S.); (G.W.)
| | - Alicja Węgrzyn
- Laboratory of Phage Therapy, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kładki 24, 80-822 Gdansk, Poland; (Ł.G.); (K.K.-K.)
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Abstract
Bacteriophages-viruses that infect bacteria-are abundant within our bodies, but their significance to human health is only beginning to be explored. Here, we synthesize what is currently known about our phageome and its interactions with the immune system. We first review how phages indirectly affect immunity via bacterial expression of phage-encoded proteins. We next review how phages directly influence innate immunity and bacterial clearance. Finally, we discuss adaptive immunity against phages and its implications for phage/bacterial interactions. In light of these data, we propose that our microbiome can be understood as an interconnected network of bacteria, bacteriophages, and human cells and that the stability of these tri-kingdom interactions may be important for maintaining our immunologic and metabolic health. Conversely, the disruption of this balance, through exposure to exogenous phages, microbial dysbiosis, or immune dysregulation, may contribute to disease. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Virology, Volume 8 is September 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Medeea Popescu
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA; .,Immunology Program, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA.,These authors contributed equally to this article
| | - Jonas D Van Belleghem
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA; .,These authors contributed equally to this article
| | - Arya Khosravi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA;
| | - Paul L Bollyky
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA;
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Zurabov F, Zhilenkov E. Characterization of four virulent Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteriophages, and evaluation of their potential use in complex phage preparation. Virol J 2021; 18:9. [PMID: 33407669 PMCID: PMC7789013 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-020-01485-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nowadays, hundreds of thousands of deaths per year are caused by antibiotic resistant nosocomial infections and the prognosis for future years is much worse, as evidenced by modern research. Bacteria of the Klebsiella genus are one of the main pathogens that cause nosocomial infections. Among the many antimicrobials offered to replace or supplement traditional antibiotics, bacteriophages are promising candidates. Methods This article presents microbiological, physicochemical and genomic characterization of 4 virulent bacteriophages belonging to Siphoviridae, Myoviridae and Podoviridae families. Phages were studied by electron microscopy; their host range, lytic activity, adsorption rate, burst size, latent period, frequency of phage-resistant forms generation, lysis dynamics and sensitivity of phage particles to temperature and pH were identified; genomes of all 4 bacteriophages were studied by restriction digestion and complete genome sequence. Results Studied phages showed wide host range and high stability at different temperature and pH values. In contrast with single phages, a cocktail of bacteriophages lysed all studied bacterial strains, moreover, no cases of the emergence of phage-resistant bacterial colonies were detected. Genomic data proved that isolated viruses do not carry antibiotic resistance, virulence or lysogenic genes. Three out of four bacteriophages encode polysaccharide depolymerases, which are involved in the degradation of biofilms and capsules. Conclusions The bacteriophages studied in this work are promising for further in vivo studies and might be used in phage therapy as part of a complex therapeutic and prophylactic phage preparation. The conducted studies showed that the complex preparation is more effective than individual phages. The use of the complex phage cocktail allows to extend the lytic spectrum, and significantly reduces the possibility of phage-resistant forms generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fedor Zurabov
- Research and Production Center "MicroMir", LLC, Moscow, Russia. .,Department of Virology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.
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Wienhold SM, Lienau J, Witzenrath M. Towards Inhaled Phage Therapy in Western Europe. Viruses 2019; 11:v11030295. [PMID: 30909579 PMCID: PMC6466303 DOI: 10.3390/v11030295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria constitutes a great challenge for modern medicine, recognized by leading medical experts and politicians worldwide. Rediscovery and implementation of bacteriophage therapy by Western medicine might be one solution to the problem of increasing antibiotic failure. In some Eastern European countries phage therapy is used for treating infectious diseases. However, while the European Medicines Agency (EMA) advised that the development of bacteriophage-based therapies should be expedited due to its significant potential, EMA emphasized that phages cannot be recommended for approval before efficacy and safety have been proven by appropriately designed preclinical and clinical trials. More evidence-based data is required, particularly in the areas of pharmacokinetics, repeat applications, immunological reactions to the application of phages as well as the interactions and effects on bacterial biofilms and organ-specific environments. In this brief review we summarize advantages and disadvantages of phage therapy and discuss challenges to the establishment of phage therapy as approved treatment for multidrug-resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra-Maria Wienhold
- Division of Pulmonary Inflammation, Charité⁻Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Jasmin Lienau
- Division of Pulmonary Inflammation, Charité⁻Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Martin Witzenrath
- Division of Pulmonary Inflammation, Charité⁻Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Charité⁻Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
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Rohde C, Wittmann J, Kutter E. Bacteriophages: A Therapy Concept against Multi-Drug-Resistant Bacteria. Surg Infect (Larchmt) 2018; 19:737-744. [PMID: 30256176 PMCID: PMC6302670 DOI: 10.1089/sur.2018.184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that kill bacteria specifically but cannot infect other kinds of organisms. They have attracted new attention since the increasing antibiotic resistance developed into a global crisis. Phage therapy, a 100-year-old form of antibacterial treatment in medicine, is gaining momentum because phages represent a therapy concept without such negative side effects as toxicity; phages are the only therapeutic agent that regulates itself at the sites of infection and decays when the infectious bacteria have been killed. Nature is an almost infinite phage resource: New ones can be isolated for most kinds of problem bacteria as needed; bacteria and their phages constantly co-evolve. This is important as new pathogenic bacterial variants evolve and new challenging situations arise. In human therapy, "cocktails" of multiple phages may reduce the probability of selecting bacteria that developed resistance to a certain phage. Antibiotic agents can be applied together with phages in many circumstances; the two often function synergistically. Phages cannot be expected to replace antibiotic agents in our medical arsenal, but can be used where antibiotic agents fail. The selected phages, however, must be obligately virulent, well-characterized, and highly purified before application. Countless patients and their physicians are waiting for re-establishing phage therapy as a flexible, tailored medicine; infrastructures should be built in all countries urgently: The 2015 World Health Organization assembly resolution 68.7.3. called for national action plans by May 2017 to combat the antimicrobial drug resistance crisis. This article discusses the therapeutic potential of phages and describes challenges and recent developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Rohde
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Johannes Wittmann
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
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Górski A, Jończyk-Matysiak E, Międzybrodzki R, Weber-Dąbrowska B, Borysowski J. "Phage Transplantation in Allotransplantation": Possible Treatment in Graft-Versus-Host Disease? Front Immunol 2018; 9:941. [PMID: 29755481 PMCID: PMC5933259 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Graft-versus-host disease, both acute and chronic (aGvHD, cGvHD) remains a major complication in patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and a significant therapeutic challenge, as many patients do not respond adequately to presently available therapy. Increasing antimicrobial resistance has greatly revived interest in using bacterial viruses (phages) to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In recent years, evidence has accumulated indicating that phages also have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. This article suggests how these anti-bacterial and immunomodulatory activities of phages may be translated into a novel treatment of acute GvHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Górski
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland.,Phage Therapy Unit, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland.,Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Jończyk-Matysiak
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland
| | - Ryszard Międzybrodzki
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland.,Phage Therapy Unit, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland.,Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Beata Weber-Dąbrowska
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland.,Phage Therapy Unit, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland
| | - Jan Borysowski
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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14
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Górski A, Jończyk‐Matysiak E, Łusiak‐Szelachowska M, Weber‐Dąbrowska B, Międzybrodzki R, Borysowski J. Therapeutic potential of phages in autoimmune liver diseases. Clin Exp Immunol 2018; 192:1-6. [PMID: 29266228 PMCID: PMC5842411 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune liver disease (ALD) poses a difficult medical challenge, as there is a significant number of patients in whom current therapy offers questionable or no benefit, yet its side effects may be serious, including the development of malignancy. Bacterial viruses (phages) have been recognized increasingly as immunomodulators contributing to immune homeostasis and curbing inflammation. Accumulating data suggest that phages may be useful in immunotherapy of ALD. Phages have been shown to down-regulate the expression and/or production and activity of factors associated with hepatic injury [reactive oxygen species, Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 activation, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation, proinflammatory and procoagulant activities of platelets] and up-regulate the expression and/or production of factors demonstrated as playing a protective role [interleukin (IL)-10, IL-1 receptor antagonist].
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Górski
- Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of SciencesWroclawPoland
- Department of Clinical Immunology, the Medical University of WarsawWarsawPoland
| | - E. Jończyk‐Matysiak
- Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of SciencesWroclawPoland
| | - M. Łusiak‐Szelachowska
- Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of SciencesWroclawPoland
| | - B. Weber‐Dąbrowska
- Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of SciencesWroclawPoland
| | - R. Międzybrodzki
- Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of SciencesWroclawPoland
- Department of Clinical Immunology, the Medical University of WarsawWarsawPoland
| | - J. Borysowski
- Department of Clinical Immunology, the Medical University of WarsawWarsawPoland
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15
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Górski A, Jończyk-Matysiak E, Łusiak-Szelachowska M, Międzybrodzki R, Weber-Dąbrowska B, Borysowski J. Phage therapy in allergic disorders? Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2018; 243:534-537. [PMID: 29359577 PMCID: PMC5882018 DOI: 10.1177/1535370218755658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Allergic disorders pose a growing challenge to medicine and our society. Therefore, novel approaches to prevention and therapy are needed. Recent progress in studies on bacterial viruses (phages) has provided new data indicating that they have significant immunomodulating activities. We show how those activities could be translated into beneficial effects in allergic disorders and present initial clinical data that support this hope. Impact statement Allergic disorders pose a growing challenge to medicine and our society, so new approaches to prevention and therapy are urgently needed. Our article summarizes progress that has been recently made and presents a shift in our understanding of the immunobiological significance of bacterial viruses (phages). Currently, phages may be considered not only as mere "bacteria eaters" but also as regulators of immunity. The new understanding of phages as important factors in maintenance of immune homeostasis opens completely new perspectives for their use in controlling aberrant immune responses. It is likely that this new knowledge could be translated into novel means of immunotherapy of allergic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Górski
- Laboratory of Bacteriophages, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), 53-114 Wrocław, Poland
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-006 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Jończyk-Matysiak
- Laboratory of Bacteriophages, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), 53-114 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marzanna Łusiak-Szelachowska
- Laboratory of Bacteriophages, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), 53-114 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Ryszard Międzybrodzki
- Laboratory of Bacteriophages, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), 53-114 Wrocław, Poland
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-006 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Beata Weber-Dąbrowska
- Laboratory of Bacteriophages, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), 53-114 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Jan Borysowski
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-006 Warsaw, Poland
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16
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Phage-Phagocyte Interactions and Their Implications for Phage Application as Therapeutics. Viruses 2017; 9:v9060150. [PMID: 28613272 PMCID: PMC5489797 DOI: 10.3390/v9060150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Phagocytes are the main component of innate immunity. They remove pathogens and particles from organisms using their bactericidal tools in the form of both reactive oxygen species and degrading enzymes-contained in granules-that are potentially toxic proteins. Therefore, it is important to investigate the possible interactions between phages and immune cells and avoid any phage side effects on them. Recent progress in knowledge concerning the influence of phages on phagocytes is also important as such interactions may shape the immune response. In this review we have summarized the current knowledge on phage interactions with phagocytes described so far and their potential implications for phage therapy. The data suggesting that phage do not downregulate important phagocyte functions are especially relevant for the concept of phage therapy.
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Górski A, Dąbrowska K, Międzybrodzki R, Weber-Dąbrowska B, Łusiak-Szelachowska M, Jończyk-Matysiak E, Borysowski J. Phages and immunomodulation. Future Microbiol 2017; 12:905-914. [PMID: 28434234 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2017-0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
In the past years, the microbiome and its role in the pathophysiology of diseases have gained great interest. The progress of our knowledge in this field opens completely novel prospects for treating disorders, including those which are most challenging to medicine today. Of special interest are studies on the interactions of the microbiome with the immune system. Only recently has the presence of bacteriophages in the microbiome been highlighted, and their potential role in maintaining normal immunity has gained increasing attention. We summarize the available data pointing to the potential impact of phages in maintaining immunological homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Górski
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology & Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland.,Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology & Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland.,Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, The Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krystyna Dąbrowska
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology & Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland
| | - Ryszard Międzybrodzki
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology & Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland.,Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology & Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland.,Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, The Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Beata Weber-Dąbrowska
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology & Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland.,Phage Therapy Unit, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology & Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marzanna Łusiak-Szelachowska
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology & Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland
| | - Ewa Jończyk-Matysiak
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology & Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland
| | - Jan Borysowski
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, The Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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