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Nakajima I, Fukuda K, Ishida W, Kishimoto T, Kuwana A, Suzuki T, Kaito C, Yamashiro K. Staphylococcus aureus-derived virulent phenol-soluble modulin α triggers alarmin release to drive IL-36-dependent corneal inflammation. Microbes Infect 2024; 26:105237. [PMID: 37805122 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2023.105237] [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: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from patients with keratitis produces substantial amounts of phenol-soluble modulin α (PSMα). However, the role of PSMα in S. aureus keratitis remains unclear. We observed that PSMα-producing and PSMα-deficient strains could infect the cornea in our experimental mouse keratitis model; however, only the PSMα-producing strain delayed epithelial wound healing and induced stromal inflammation. PSMα induced damage to the epithelium, the release of alarmins IL-1α and IL-36α, and the expression of inflammatory chemokines by resident corneal cells in the mouse corneal organ culture. The IL-36 (but not IL-1) receptor antagonist attenuated mouse keratitis induced by PSMα-containing bacterial culture supernatants, as well as by infection with PSMα-producing S. aureus, suggesting that the corneal inflammations were dependent on IL-36. Recombinant PSMα elicited IL-36-dependent corneal inflammation in mice. Thus, PSMα and the subsequently released IL-36 are critical factors triggering inflammation during S. aureus keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isana Nakajima
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
| | - Ken Fukuda
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan.
| | - Waka Ishida
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
| | - Tatsuma Kishimoto
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
| | - Aozora Kuwana
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
| | - Takashi Suzuki
- Department of Ophthalmology, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chikara Kaito
- Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Kenji Yamashiro
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
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2
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Tian L, Wang L, Yang F, Zhou T, Jiang H. Exploring the modulatory impact of isosakuranetin on Staphylococcus aureus: Inhibition of sortase A activity and α-haemolysin expression. Virulence 2023; 14:2260675. [PMID: 37733916 PMCID: PMC10543341 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2260675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The ubiquity of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and the mounting prevalence of antibiotic resistance necessitate the identification of novel therapeutic approaches to reduce the selective pressure of antibiotics. Targeting bacterial virulence factors, such as the pivotal Sortase A (SrtA) in S. aureus for adhesion and invasion, and the salient toxin α-Hemolysin (Hla), offers a sophisticated approach to attenuate pathogenicity without bacterial elimination. Herein, we report the discovery of a flavonoid, isosakuranetin, which inhibits the activity of S. aureus SrtA. A fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay revealed that isosakuranetin exhibited a low IC50 of 21.20 μg/mL. Furthermore, isosakuranetin significantly inhibited SrtA-related virulence properties, such as bacterial adhesion to fibrinogen, biofilm formation, and invasion of A549 cells. We employed fluorescence quenching and molecular docking to determine the interactions between isosakuranetin and SrtA, revealing the key amino acid sites for binding. Importantly, isosakuranetin inhibited the haemolytic activity of S. aureus in vitro at a concentration of 32 μg/mL. Moreover, isosakuranetin effectively suppressed the transcription and expression of Hla in a dose-dependent manner and regulated the transcription of RNAIII, the upstream operator of Hla. Notably, isosakuranetin demonstrated in vivo efficacy in a mouse model of S. aureus-induced pneumonia by significantly improving survival rates and reducing lung damage. This is a valuable finding, as isosakuranetin's dual inhibitory effects on SrtA and haemolytic activity, as well as its anti-virulence activity against MRSA, make it an excellent candidate for therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Tian
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Li Wang
- Clinical Medical College, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Fengying Yang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Tiezhong Zhou
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
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3
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Magnifico I, Perna A, Cutuli MA, Medoro A, Pietrangelo L, Guarnieri A, Foderà E, Passarella D, Venditti N, Vergalito F, Petronio Petronio G, Di Marco R. A Wall Fragment of Cutibacterium acnes Preserves Junctional Integrity Altered by Staphylococcus aureus in an Ex Vivo Porcine Skin Model. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041224. [PMID: 37111709 PMCID: PMC10145065 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041224] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background alteration of the skin microbiota, dysbiosis, causes skin barrier impairment resulting in disease development. Staphylococcus aureus, the main pathogen associated with dysbiosis, secretes several virulence factors, including α-toxin that damages tight junctions and compromises the integrity of the skin barrier. The use of members of the resident microbiota to restore the skin barrier, bacteriotherapy, represents a safe treatment for skin conditions among innovative options. The aim of this study is the evaluation of a wall fragment derived from a patented strain of Cutibacterium acnes DSM28251 (c40) alone and conjugated to a mucopolysaccharide carrier (HAc40) in counteracting S. aureus pathogenic action on two tight junction proteins (Claudin-1 and ZO-1) in an ex vivo porcine skin infection model. Methods: skin biopsies were infected with live S. aureus strains ATCC29213 and DSM20491. Tissue was pre-incubated or co-incubated with c40 and HAc40. (3) Results: c40 and HAc40 prevent and counteract Claudin-1 and Zo-1 damage (4) Conclusions: c40 and the functional ingredient HAc40 represent a potential non-pharmacological treatment of skin diseases associated with cutaneous dysbiosis of S. aureus. These findings offer numerous avenues for new research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Magnifico
- Department of Medicine and Health Science "V. Tiberio", Università degli Studi del Molise, 8600 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Angelica Perna
- Department of Medicine and Health Science "V. Tiberio", Università degli Studi del Molise, 8600 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Marco Alfio Cutuli
- Department of Medicine and Health Science "V. Tiberio", Università degli Studi del Molise, 8600 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Alessando Medoro
- Department of Medicine and Health Science "V. Tiberio", Università degli Studi del Molise, 8600 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Laura Pietrangelo
- Department of Medicine and Health Science "V. Tiberio", Università degli Studi del Molise, 8600 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Antonio Guarnieri
- Department of Medicine and Health Science "V. Tiberio", Università degli Studi del Molise, 8600 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Emanuele Foderà
- Department of Medicine and Health Science "V. Tiberio", Università degli Studi del Molise, 8600 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Daniela Passarella
- Department of Medicine and Health Science "V. Tiberio", Università degli Studi del Molise, 8600 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Noemi Venditti
- Department of Medicine and Health Science "V. Tiberio", Università degli Studi del Molise, 8600 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Franca Vergalito
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences (DiAAA), Università degli Studi del Molise, 8600 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Giulio Petronio Petronio
- Department of Medicine and Health Science "V. Tiberio", Università degli Studi del Molise, 8600 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Roberto Di Marco
- Department of Medicine and Health Science "V. Tiberio", Università degli Studi del Molise, 8600 Campobasso, Italy
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4
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Sabino YNV, Cotter PD, Mantovani HC. Anti-virulence compounds against Staphylococcus aureus associated with bovine mastitis: A new therapeutic option? Microbiol Res 2023; 271:127345. [PMID: 36889204 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2023.127345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Bovine mastitis represents a major economic burden faced by the dairy industry. S. aureus is an important and prevalent bovine mastitis-associated pathogen in dairy farms worldwide. The pathogenicity and persistence of S. aureus in the bovine mammary gland are associated with the expression of a range of virulence factors involved in biofilm formation and the production of several toxins. The traditional therapeutic approach to treating bovine mastitis includes the use of antibiotics, but the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains has caused therapeutic failure. New therapeutic approaches targeting virulence factors of S. aureus rather than cell viability can have several advantages including lower selective pressure towards the development of resistance and little impact on the host commensal microbiota. This review summarizes the potential of anti-virulence therapies to control S. aureus associated with bovine mastitis focusing on anti-toxin, anti-biofilm, and anti-quorum sensing compounds. It also points to potential sources of new anti-virulence inhibitors and presents screening strategies for identifying these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hilario C Mantovani
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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5
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Tonkin RL, Klöckner A, Najer A, Simoes da Silva CJ, Echalier C, Dionne MS, Edwards AM, Stevens MM. Bacterial Toxin-Triggered Release of Antibiotics from Capsosomes Protects a Fly Model from Lethal Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Infection. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2200036. [PMID: 35481905 PMCID: PMC7615487 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202200036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a severe global health threat and hence demands rapid action to develop novel therapies, including microscale drug delivery systems. Herein, a hierarchical microparticle system is developed to achieve bacteria-activated single- and dual-antibiotic drug delivery for preventing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacterial infections. The designed system is based on a capsosome structure, which consists of a mesoporous silica microparticle coated in alternating layers of oppositely charged polymers and antibiotic-loaded liposomes. The capsosomes are engineered and shown to release their drug payloads in the presence of MRSA toxins controlled by the Agr quorum sensing system. MRSA-activated single drug delivery of vancomycin and synergistic dual delivery of vancomycin together with an antibacterial peptide successfully kills MRSA in vitro. The capability of capsosomes to selectively deliver their cargo in the presence of bacteria, producing a bactericidal effect to protect the host organism, is confirmed in vivo using a Drosophila melanogaster MRSA infection model. Thus, the capsosomes serve as a versatile multidrug, subcompartmentalized microparticle system for preventing antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, with potential applications to protect wounds or medical device implants from infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renée L. Tonkin
- Department of Materials, Department of Bioengineering, and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Anna Klöckner
- Department of Materials, Department of Bioengineering, and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK; MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Adrian Najer
- Department of Materials, Department of Bioengineering, and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Carolina J. Simoes da Silva
- MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK; Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Cécile Echalier
- Department of Materials, Department of Bioengineering, and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK; Hybrid Technology Hub-Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo 0315, Norway
| | - Marc S. Dionne
- MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK; Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Andrew M. Edwards
- MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Molly M. Stevens
- Department of Materials, Department of Bioengineering, and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
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6
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Wolfmeier H, Wardell SJT, Liu LT, Falsafi R, Draeger A, Babiychuk EB, Pletzer D, Hancock REW. Targeting the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Virulence Factor Phospholipase C With Engineered Liposomes. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:867449. [PMID: 35369481 PMCID: PMC8971843 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.867449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Engineered liposomes composed of the naturally occurring lipids sphingomyelin (Sm) and cholesterol (Ch) have been demonstrated to efficiently neutralize toxins secreted by Gram-positive bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. Here, we hypothesized that liposomes are capable of neutralizing cytolytic virulence factors secreted by the Gram-negative pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We used the highly virulent cystic fibrosis P. aeruginosa Liverpool Epidemic Strain LESB58 and showed that sphingomyelin (Sm) and a combination of sphingomyelin with cholesterol (Ch:Sm; 66 mol/% Ch and 34 mol/% Sm) liposomes reduced lysis of human bronchial and red blood cells upon challenge with the Pseudomonas secretome. Mass spectrometry of liposome-sequestered Pseudomonas proteins identified the virulence-promoting hemolytic phospholipase C (PlcH) as having been neutralized. Pseudomonas aeruginosa supernatants incubated with liposomes demonstrated reduced PlcH activity as assessed by the p-nitrophenylphosphorylcholine (NPPC) assay. Testing the in vivo efficacy of the liposomes in a murine cutaneous abscess model revealed that Sm and Ch:Sm, as single dose treatments, attenuated abscesses by >30%, demonstrating a similar effect to that of a mutant lacking plcH in this infection model. Thus, sphingomyelin-containing liposome therapy offers an interesting approach to treat and reduce virulence of complex infections caused by P. aeruginosa and potentially other Gram-negative pathogens expressing PlcH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Wolfmeier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Samuel J. T. Wardell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Leo T. Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Reza Falsafi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | | | - Daniel Pletzer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- *Correspondence: Daniel Pletzer,
| | - Robert E. W. Hancock
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Robert E. W. Hancock,
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7
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Ahmad-Mansour N, Loubet P, Pouget C, Dunyach-Remy C, Sotto A, Lavigne JP, Molle V. Staphylococcus aureus Toxins: An Update on Their Pathogenic Properties and Potential Treatments. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:677. [PMID: 34678970 PMCID: PMC8540901 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13100677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a clinically important pathogen that causes a wide range of human infections, from minor skin infections to severe tissue infection and sepsis. S. aureus has a high level of antibiotic resistance and is a common cause of infections in hospitals and the community. The rising prevalence of community-acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus (CA-MRSA), combined with the important severity of S. aureus infections in general, has resulted in the frequent use of anti-staphylococcal antibiotics, leading to increasing resistance rates. Antibiotic-resistant S. aureus continues to be a major health concern, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic strategies. S. aureus uses a wide range of virulence factors, such as toxins, to develop an infection in the host. Recently, anti-virulence treatments that directly or indirectly neutralize S. aureus toxins have showed promise. In this review, we provide an update on toxin pathogenic characteristics, as well as anti-toxin therapeutical strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nour Ahmad-Mansour
- Laboratory of Pathogen Host Interactions, CNRS UMR5235, Université de Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France;
| | - Paul Loubet
- Virulence Bactérienne et Infections Chroniques, INSERM U1047, Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Université de Montpellier, 30908 Nîmes, France; (P.L.); (A.S.)
| | - Cassandra Pouget
- Virulence Bactérienne et Infections Chroniques, INSERM U1047, Université de Montpellier, 30908 Nîmes, France;
| | - Catherine Dunyach-Remy
- Virulence Bactérienne et Infections Chroniques, INSERM U1047, Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Université de Montpellier, 30908 Nîmes, France; (C.D.-R.); (J.-P.L.)
| | - Albert Sotto
- Virulence Bactérienne et Infections Chroniques, INSERM U1047, Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Université de Montpellier, 30908 Nîmes, France; (P.L.); (A.S.)
| | - Jean-Philippe Lavigne
- Virulence Bactérienne et Infections Chroniques, INSERM U1047, Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Université de Montpellier, 30908 Nîmes, France; (C.D.-R.); (J.-P.L.)
| | - Virginie Molle
- Laboratory of Pathogen Host Interactions, CNRS UMR5235, Université de Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France;
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8
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Liposomes Prevent In Vitro Hemolysis Induced by Streptolysin O and Lysenin. MEMBRANES 2021; 11:membranes11050364. [PMID: 34069894 PMCID: PMC8157566 DOI: 10.3390/membranes11050364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The need for alternatives to antibiotics in the fight against infectious diseases has inspired scientists to focus on antivirulence factors instead of the microorganisms themselves. In this respect, prior work indicates that tiny, enclosed bilayer lipid membranes (liposomes) have the potential to compete with cellular targets for toxin binding, hence preventing their biological attack and aiding with their clearance. The effectiveness of liposomes as decoy targets depends on their availability in the host and how rapidly they are cleared from the circulation. Although liposome PEGylation may improve their circulation time, little is known about how such a modification influences their interactions with antivirulence factors. To fill this gap in knowledge, we investigated regular and long-circulating liposomes for their ability to prevent in vitro red blood cell hemolysis induced by two potent lytic toxins, lysenin and streptolysin O. Our explorations indicate that both regular and long-circulating liposomes are capable of similarly preventing lysis induced by streptolysin O. In contrast, PEGylation reduced the effectiveness against lysenin-induced hemolysis and altered binding dynamics. These results suggest that toxin removal by long-circulating liposomes is feasible, yet dependent on the particular virulence factor under scrutiny.
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9
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Gkartziou F, Giormezis N, Spiliopoulou I, Antimisiaris SG. Nanobiosystems for Antimicrobial Drug-Resistant Infections. NANOMATERIALS 2021; 11:nano11051075. [PMID: 33922004 PMCID: PMC8143556 DOI: 10.3390/nano11051075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The worldwide increased bacterial resistance toward antimicrobial therapeutics has led investigators to search for new therapeutic options. Some of the options currently exploited to treat drug-resistant infections include drug-associated nanosystems. Additionally, the use of bacteriophages alone or in combination with drugs has been recently revisited; some studies utilizing nanosystems for bacteriophage delivery have been already reported. In this review article, we focus on nine pathogens that are the leading antimicrobial drug-resistant organisms, causing difficult-to-treat infections. For each organism, the bacteriophages and nanosystems developed or used in the last 20 years as potential treatments of pathogen-related infections are discussed. Summarizing conclusions and future perspectives related with the potential of such nano-antimicrobials for the treatment of persistent infections are finally highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Foteini Gkartziou
- Institute of Chemical Engineering, FORTH/ICES, Platani, 26504 Patras, Greece;
| | - Nikolaos Giormezis
- National Reference Centre for Staphylococci, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece;
| | - Iris Spiliopoulou
- National Reference Centre for Staphylococci, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece;
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
- Correspondence: (I.S.); (S.G.A.)
| | - Sophia G. Antimisiaris
- Institute of Chemical Engineering, FORTH/ICES, Platani, 26504 Patras, Greece;
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
- Correspondence: (I.S.); (S.G.A.)
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10
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Besançon H, Babiychuk V, Larpin Y, Köffel R, Schittny D, Brockhus L, Hathaway LJ, Sendi P, Draeger A, Babiychuk E. Tailored liposomal nanotraps for the treatment of Streptococcal infections. J Nanobiotechnology 2021; 19:46. [PMID: 33588835 PMCID: PMC7885208 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-00775-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Streptococcal infections are associated with life-threatening pneumonia and sepsis. The rise in antibiotic resistance calls for novel approaches to treat bacterial diseases. Anti-virulence strategies promote a natural way of pathogen clearance by eliminating the advantage provided to bacteria by their virulence factors. In contrast to antibiotics, anti-virulence agents are less likely to exert selective evolutionary pressure, which is a prerequisite for the development of drug resistance. As part of their virulence mechanism, many bacterial pathogens secrete cytolytic exotoxins (hemolysins) that destroy the host cell by destabilizing their plasma membrane. Liposomal nanotraps, mimicking plasmalemmal structures of host cells that are specifically targeted by bacterial toxins are being developed in order to neutralize-by competitive sequestration-numerous exotoxins. RESULTS In this study, the liposomal nanotrap technology is further developed to simultaneously neutralize the whole palette of cytolysins produced by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis-pathogens that can cause life-threatening streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. We show that the mixture of liposomes containing high amounts of cholesterol and liposomes composed exclusively of choline-containing phospholipids is fully protective against the combined action of exotoxins secreted by these pathogens. CONCLUSIONS Unravelling the universal mechanisms that define targeting of host cells by streptococcal cytolysins paves the way for a broad-spectrum anti-toxin therapy that can be applied without a diagnostic delay for the treatment of bacterial infections including those caused by antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hervé Besançon
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Yu Larpin
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - René Köffel
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Dominik Schittny
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lara Brockhus
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lucy J Hathaway
- Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Parham Sendi
- Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Annette Draeger
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Eduard Babiychuk
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
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11
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Vlaeminck J, Raafat D, Surmann K, Timbermont L, Normann N, Sellman B, van Wamel WJB, Malhotra-Kumar S. Exploring Virulence Factors and Alternative Therapies against Staphylococcus aureus Pneumonia. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12110721. [PMID: 33218049 PMCID: PMC7698915 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12110721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pneumonia is an acute pulmonary infection associated with high mortality and an immense financial burden on healthcare systems. Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic pathogen capable of inducing S. aureus pneumonia (SAP), with some lineages also showing multidrug resistance. Given the high level of antibiotic resistance, much research has been focused on targeting S. aureus virulence factors, including toxins and biofilm-associated proteins, in an attempt to develop effective SAP therapeutics. Despite several promising leads, many hurdles still remain for S. aureus vaccine research. Here, we review the state-of-the-art SAP therapeutics, highlight their pitfalls, and discuss alternative approaches of potential significance and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelle Vlaeminck
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Institute, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (J.V.); (L.T.)
| | - Dina Raafat
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (D.R.); (N.N.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21521, Egypt
| | - Kristin Surmann
- Department of Functional Genomics, Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany;
| | - Leen Timbermont
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Institute, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (J.V.); (L.T.)
| | - Nicole Normann
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (D.R.); (N.N.)
| | - Bret Sellman
- Microbiome Discovery, Microbial Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R & D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA;
| | - Willem J. B. van Wamel
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Surbhi Malhotra-Kumar
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Institute, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (J.V.); (L.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-3-265-27-52
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12
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Critical Parameters for the Development of Novel Therapies for Severe and Resistant Infections-A Case Study on CAL02, a Non-Traditional Broad-Spectrum Anti-Virulence Drug. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9020094. [PMID: 32098274 PMCID: PMC7168140 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9020094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Poor outcomes in severe and resistant infections, together with the economic struggles of companies active in the field of anti-infective development, call for new solutions and front runners with novel approaches. Among “non-traditional” approaches, blocking virulence could be a game changer. Objectives: This review offers a perspective on parameters that have determined the development path of CAL02, a novel anti-virulence agent, with a view to steering clear of the obstacles and limitations that impede market sustainability for new anti-infective drugs. Conclusions and implications of key findings: This case study highlights four pillars that may support the development of other non-traditional drugs and, concurrently, provide a new model that could reshape the field. Therapeutic triggers, study designs, and economic parameters are discussed.
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13
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Zhang Q, Wu W, Zhang J, Xia X. Antimicrobial lipids in nano-carriers for antibacterial delivery. J Drug Target 2019; 28:271-281. [PMID: 31613147 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2019.1681434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial lipids have been recognised as broad-spectrum antibacterial agents. They can directly act on and lyse bacterial cell membrane, and inhibit bacterial growth through a range of mechanisms. Antimicrobial lipids include free fatty acids, monoglycerides, cholesteryl ester, sphingolipids and etc., with the first two being the most extensively studied. Their application is usually hindered by the low solubility of the compounds themselves, and nano-sized lipid-based carriers can endow druggability to these antimicrobial agents for they improve lipid solubility and dispersion in aqueous formulations. Nano-carriers also possess advantages in overcoming drug resistance. In this review we will discuss different kinds of antimicrobial lipids in nano-sized carriers for antibacterial delivery. CAL02 as a promising infection-controlling liposome consisted of cholesterol and sphingomyelin will also be included for it's a unique anti-infection approach, which signifies that the underlying antibacterial roles antimicrobial lipids needs to be further addressed. With the global emergence of antibiotic resistance, antimicrobial lipids formulated in nano-carriers might provide a novel alternative in combatting infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianyu Zhang
- Innovative Drug Research Centre (IDRC), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wen Wu
- Innovative Drug Research Centre (IDRC), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jinqiang Zhang
- Innovative Drug Research Centre (IDRC), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuefeng Xia
- Innovative Drug Research Centre (IDRC), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
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14
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Alford MA, Pletzer D, Hancock RE. Dismantling the bacterial virulence program. Microb Biotechnol 2019; 12:409-413. [PMID: 30864265 PMCID: PMC6465231 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In the face of rising antimicrobial resistance, there is an urgent need for the development of efficient and effective anti-infective compounds. Adaptive resistance, a reversible bacterial phenotype characterized by the ability to surmount antibiotic challenge without mutation, is triggered to cope in situ with several stressors and is very common clinically. Thus, it is important to target stress-response effectors that contribute to in vivo adaptations and associated lifestyles such as biofilm formation. Interfering with these proteins should provide a means of dismantling bacterial virulence for treating infectious diseases, in combination with conventional antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan A. Alford
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity ResearchDepartment of Microbiology and ImmunologyUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
| | - Daniel Pletzer
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity ResearchDepartment of Microbiology and ImmunologyUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
| | - Robert E.W. Hancock
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity ResearchDepartment of Microbiology and ImmunologyUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
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15
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Zheng Y, Shang W, Peng H, Rao Y, Zhao X, Hu Z, Yang Y, Hu Q, Tan L, Xiong K, Li S, Zhu J, Hu X, Zhou R, Li M, Rao X. Virulence Determinants Are Required for Brain Abscess Formation Through Staphylococcus aureus Infection and Are Potential Targets of Antivirulence Factor Therapy. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:682. [PMID: 31024479 PMCID: PMC6460967 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial brain abscesses (BAs) are difficult to treat with conventional antibiotics. Thus, the development of alternative therapeutic strategies for BAs is of high priority. Identifying the virulence determinants that contribute to BA formation induced by Staphylococcus aureus would improve the effectiveness of interventions for this disease. In this study, RT-qPCR was performed to compare the expression levels of 42 putative virulence determinants of S. aureus strains Newman and XQ during murine BA formation, ear colonization, and bacteremia. The alterations in the expression levels of 23 genes were further confirmed through specific TaqMan RT-qPCR. Eleven S. aureus genes that persistently upregulated expression levels during BA infection were identified, and their functions in BA formation were confirmed through isogenic mutant experiments. Bacterial loads and BA volumes in mice infected with isdA, isdC, lgt, hla, or spa deletion mutants and the hla/spa double mutant strain were lower than those in mice infected with the wild-type Newman strain. The therapeutic application of monoclonal antibodies against Hla and SpA decreased bacterial loads and BA volume in mice infected with Newman. This study provides insights into the virulence determinants that contribute to staphylococcal BA formation and a paradigm for antivirulence factor therapy against S. aureus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zheng
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering under the Educational Committee in Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Weilong Shang
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering under the Educational Committee in Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Huagang Peng
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering under the Educational Committee in Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Yifan Rao
- Institute of Modern Biopharmaceuticals, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xia Zhao
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering under the Educational Committee in Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhen Hu
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering under the Educational Committee in Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering under the Educational Committee in Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiwen Hu
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering under the Educational Committee in Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Tan
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering under the Educational Committee in Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Kun Xiong
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering under the Educational Committee in Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Shu Li
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering under the Educational Committee in Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Junmin Zhu
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering under the Educational Committee in Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaomei Hu
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering under the Educational Committee in Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Renjie Zhou
- Department of Emergency, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering under the Educational Committee in Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiancai Rao
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering under the Educational Committee in Chongqing, Chongqing, China
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