IgY antibodies: The promising potential to overcome antibiotic resistance

Investigation of the inhibitory effects of immunoglobulin Y antibody against key epitopes of Helicobacter pylori UreB recombinant protein

Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) is considered to be the most important gastrointestinal pathogen causing gastritis, gastric ulcers and even gastric cancer. The treatment of these infections has failed due to the rapidly increasing antibiotic resistance to standard treatment regimens and the lack of an effective vaccine. This study investigates the production and therapeutic potential of Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) antibodies targeting key epitopes of the H. pylori UreB recombinant protein. Given the increasing challenge of antibiotic resistance in H. pylori treatment, this research underscores the necessity for alternative therapeutic strategies. A specific region of the UreB gene, containing critical immunogenic epitopes, was amplified using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and cloned into the pET32b vector. The recombinant plasmid was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3), and the UreB protein was purified via Ni-NTA affinity chromatography, confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis. Hens were immunized with the recombinant UreB protein, resulting in the generation of specific IgY antibodies. The purified IgY-UreB antibodies exhibited a remarkable reduction in urease activity by 84.53 % at a concentration of 10 mg/mL, effectively neutralizing this critical virulence factor. Additionally, in vitro assays demonstrated that IgY-UreB antibodies significantly inhibited the growth of H. pylori at a concentration of 5 mg/mL. These findings highlight the potential of IgY as a viable alternative to traditional antibiotic therapies, particularly in the context of rising antibiotic resistance. This study paves the way for the development of innovative immunotherapeutic strategies that may improve treatment outcomes for H. pylori infections.

Remediation of antibiotic pollution in the global environment by iron-based materials activating advanced oxidation processes: A systematic review

Antibiotic pollution and its associated resistance genes have emerged as a global environmental and health concern, with widespread detection in various environmental media such as water, soil, atmosphere, and sediment, as well as in organisms. Hence, it is imperative to develop effective remediation technologies for the targeted treatment of antibiotic pollution to mitigate its environmental and health risks. This paper reviews the status of antibiotic pollution in major countries, territories, and regions worldwide. Addressing the risks cause by antibiotics and their resistance genes and achieving efficient remediation of antibiotic pollutants. Additionally, the study explores the issue of antibiotic use and resistance in detail from a global perspective. It provides a critical scientific foundation for controlling global antibiotic resistance through multi-dimensional integrated analysis. In 2021, 4.71 million deaths globally were attributed to antibiotic resistance, with countries such as India and China being the most affected. It also examined the predominant types and sources of antibiotic pollutants, as well as key remediation technologies for addressing antibiotic contamination. Antibiotics such as amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin are commonly found in surface waters at concentrations ranging from 1 to 120 μg L-1. Furthermore, this paper highlighted the distinctive advantages of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) in addressing antibiotic pollution, demonstrating removal efficiencies exceeding 90 % under optimal conditions. Our review underscored the pivotal role of iron-based materials and porous biochar in AOPs, showing promising results in various environmental settings. Future research should prioritize the development of multifunctional iron-based composites with improved catalytic stability, environmental compatibility, and recyclability. Moreover, expanding the field-scale application of these materials, particularly in low-resource or high-risk regions, will be essential to translate laboratory successes into global impact. This analysis is designed to inform and guide future initiatives to control and eliminate antibiotic contamination.

Preparation and evaluation of IgY against human papillomavirus

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a major global health challenge and is closely related to the occurrence of diseases such as cervical cancer. Unfortunately, effective treatments are still lacking. In view of the advantages of antibody drugs, antibody-targeted therapy may become one of the means of treatment and prevention of HPV infection. This study explores the potential of antibody-targeted therapy using immunization with HPV nine-valent vaccine in Leghorn chickens. The resulting egg yolk antibodies (IgY) was extracted from eggs using the bitter-ammonium sulfate method and confirmed through SDS-PAGE analysis. The neutralizing titer was performed by pseudovirus-neutralizing antibody experiments, which could reach 1:2000 (18.2 μg/mL). This successful preparation of IgY against HPV 6/11/16/18/31/33/45/52/58-L1 protein showed its potential as a therapeutic agent, particularly post-HPV16 infection. This work lays the groundwork for HPV-specific IgY preparation and contributes to advancing targeted therapies for cervical cancer, prompting further research in HPV-related therapeutic approaches.

Identification of chicken-derived antibodies targeting the Candida albicans Als3 protein

Candida albicans is a major opportunistic pathogen, responsible for nearly half of clinical candidemia cases. The rising prevalence of azole-resistant Candida species represents a significant clinical challenge, underscoring the urgent need for alternative therapeutic strategies. Monoclonal antibody-based therapies have emerged as a promising and cost-effective approach to combating Candida infections. Agglutinin-like sequence protein 3 (Als3), a key cell surface protein of C. albicans, plays a pivotal role in adherence and biofilm formation, both of which are essential for its pathogenesis. In this study, recombinant Als3 protein was purified and utilized to immunize chickens, resulting in the production of Als3-specific immunoglobulin Y (IgY) antibodies. Two single-chain variable fragment (scFv) antibody libraries were subsequently constructed using phage display technology, yielding transformant counts of 5.3 × 107 and 2.8 × 107, respectively. Phage-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) revealed enhanced signals following bio-panning, enabling the identification and sequence validation of three scFv antibodies. These scFv antibodies exhibited strong binding activities to Als3, as confirmed through ELISA and western blot analyses. Binding affinities were determined to be ~ 10⁻⁸ M via serial titration ELISA and competitive ELISA. Additionally, the selected scFv antibodies specifically recognized endogenous Als3 protein in C. albicans, as demonstrated by western blot and cell-based ELISA assays. In conclusion, this study successfully generated and characterized high-affinity scFv antibodies targeting Als3, which exhibited exceptional specificity and binding activity. These findings highlight their potential as promising immunotherapeutic candidates for the treatment of C. albicans infections. KEY POINTS: • The Als3 protein of C. albicans is a critical biomarker and therapeutic target • Chicken-derived scFv antibodies against Als3 were developed via phage display • The scFv antibodies showed strong binding to endogenous Als3 in C. albicans.

Evaluation of the Multivalent Immunoprotective Effects of Protein, DNA, and IgY Vaccines Against Vibrio fluvialis Outer Membrane Protein VF14355 in Carassius auratus

Vaccination is widely recognized as an effective strategy for preventing various bacterial and viral diseases. In this study, protein, DNA, and egg yolk antibody (IgY) vaccines targeting the outer membrane protein VF14355 of Vibrio fluvialis (V. fluvialis) were administered to goldfish (Carassius auratus, C. auratus) subsequently challenged with V. fluvialis and Aeromonas hydrophila (A. hydrophila). The immune efficacy of the three VF14355 vaccines was evaluated through their immune activities, protective rates, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, histopathology, and immunofluorescence, and the results indicated that the protective rates in the three immunized groups were significantly higher than those in the control group; furthermore, the number of kidney bacteria was significantly reduced in the immunized group compared to the control group. The ELISA results demonstrated an in vitro interaction between the bacteria and C. auratus serum. The plasma phagocytosis index and phagocytosis percentage were significantly increased in C. auratus, and their serum immune factor levels, including those of acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and lysozyme (LZM), were increased, while those of serum antioxidant factors, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA), were reduced in the immunized group; notably, the expression levels of inflammatory factors were also diminished in the immunized groups. Histopathological analyses further revealed that the organ structures of the immunized group remained intact, and immunofluorescence tests indicated significant reductions in apoptosis factor p53 and DNA damage factor γH2A.X in kidney tissues. Therefore, the protein, DNA, and IgY vaccines of VF14355 demonstrate the potential to confer resistance against various bacterial infections, positioning them as promising multivalent vaccine candidates for aquaculture.

A systematic review of the avian antibody (IgY) therapeutic effects on human bacterial infections over the decade

The overuse of antibiotics worldwide, especially during the Coronavirus pandemic, has raised concerns about the rise of antibiotic resistance and its side effects. Immunoglobulin Y, a natural protein that specifically targets foreign antigens, holds promise as a potential therapeutic option, particularly for individuals with sensitive immune systems. Despite numerous studies on IgY, the optimal administration method, effective dose, target antigen, and potential side effects of this antibody remain areas of active research and challenge. This review selected and evaluated articles published in the last ten years from databases such as PubMed and Science Direct with appropriate keywords discussing the therapeutic effects of immunoglobulin Y in human infections in vivo. Out of all the reviewed articles, 35 articles met the inclusion criteria. The results showed that the specific antibody against dental, respiratory, and skin infections has an acceptable effectiveness. In contrast, some infections, such as neurological infections, including tetanus and botulism, still need further investigation due to the short survival time of mice. On the other hand, reporting side effects such as antibody-dependent enhancement in some infections limits its use.

Advances in IgY antibody dosage form design and delivery strategies: Current status and future perspective

Immunoglobulin Y (IgY), a unique type of antibody found in birds, is attracting increasing attention for a broad range of biomedical applications. Rational IgY protection, dosage form design, and delivery are highly essential to transform functional IgY antibodies into desired IgY products for therapeutic and prophylactic administration. Although progress has been made in this field, it remains in the early stages, highlighting the fundamental research and development needed in this aspect of IgY technology. Hence, this article reviews the conventional and innovative IgY dosage designs and delivery strategies, emphasizes the challenges faced in various IgY delivery systems, discusses the criteria for evaluating IgY dosage form performance, and provides a comprehensive analysis of the current research status and prospects of IgY delivery strategies.

Development of IgY-Based Passive Immunization Against Tilapia Lake Virus: Development and In Vitro Neutralization Assays

Tilapia lake virus (TiLV) poses a major threat to global tilapia aquaculture and contributes to significant economic losses due to the absence of effective vaccines and treatments. Given the high mortality rates and severe pathological effects of TiLV on tilapia, alternative strategies, such as immunoglobulin-based therapies, are being considered for disease control. In this study, we developed specific immunoglobulin Y (IgY) antibodies against TiLV and evaluated their neutralization activity. Laying hens were immunized via intramuscular injections of recombinant TiLV segment 4 protein, and IgY antibodies were extracted and purified from their egg yolks using polyethylene glycol precipitation. Western blot analysis confirmed the specificity of the IgY, which demonstrated no cross-reactivity with nontarget proteins. Neutralization assays revealed a dose-dependent reduction in TiLV infectivity, which declined from 5.01 × 106 TCID50/mL to 5.01 × 104-1.26 × 105 TCID50/mL, with the highest efficacy observed at a 1:2 dilution. Despite the variability in neutralization infectivity among the different hens, IgY effectively inhibited TiLV-induced cytopathic effects. Immunofluorescence assays further confirmed a significant reduction in the TiLV antigen levels in IgY-treated RHTiB cells. Our findings highlight IgY as a promising strategy for TiLV control and suggest its potential application in the prevention of emerging viruses.

Avian Antibodies as Potential Therapeutic Tools

Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) is the primary antibody found in the eggs of chicken (Gallus domesticus), allowing for large-scale antibody production with high titers, making them cost-effective antibody producers. IgY serves as a valuable alternative to mammalian antibodies typically used in immunodiagnostics and immunotherapy. Compared to mammalian antibodies, IgY offers several biochemical advantages, and its straightforward purification from egg yolk eliminates the need for invasive procedures like blood collection, reducing stress in animals. Due to the evolutionary differences between birds and mammals, chicken antibodies can bind to a broader range of epitopes on mammalian proteins than their mammalian counterparts. Studies have shown that chicken antibodies bind 3-5 times more effectively to rabbit IgG than swine antibodies, enhancing the signal in immunological assays. Additionally, IgY does not interact with rheumatoid factors or human anti-mouse IgG antibodies (HAMA), helping to minimize interference from these factors. IgY obtained from egg yolk of hens immunized against Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been used in patients suffering from cystic fibrosis and chronic pulmonary colonization with this bacterium. Furthermore, IgY has been used to counteract streptococcus mutans in the oral cavity and for the treatment of enteral infections in both humans and animals. However, the use of avian antibodies is limited to pulmonary, enteral, or topical application and should, due to immunogenicity, not be used for systemic administration. Thus, IgY expands the range of strategies available for combating pathogens in medicine, as a promising candidate both as an alternative to antibiotics and as a valuable tool in research and diagnostics.

Efficacy of hyperimmunized egg yolk antibodies (IgY) against Campylobacter jejuni: In Vitro and In Vivo evaluations

Campylobacter infections are a prevalent cause of diarrheal disease in humans and are the most significant zoonotic pathogens worldwide. Human campylobacteriosis is generally via ingestion of contaminated poultry products. However, based on recent studies chicken egg yolk antibody (IgY) powder has great potential to reduce the cecum load of Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) in broilers. To understand the effective and economically feasible dosage, two immunization and challenge studies were conducted using 30 layer hens and 250 broiler chickens and found a scientific approach, starting with in vitro evaluations and progressing with in vivo studies confirmed. In this study it was demonstrated that specific IgY powder (SIgY), produced by immunized hens via bacterin, was highly effective in inhibiting bacterial growth and adhesion, as well as exhibiting bactericidal and agglutination properties (P < 0.05). Notably, doses of 0.5 % and 1 % SIgY significantly enhanced both the height and width of intestinal villi, along with improving the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio when compared to the positive control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, medium and high doses of SIgY were effective in preserving the integrity of the intestinal epithelium, as evidenced by a reduction in crypt depth and the number of goblet cells, which serve as important markers in the immune system (P < 0.01). Additionally, analyses of cecal and liver bacterial counts in response to the 0.5 % SIgY treatment revealed a significant reduction in C. jejuni counts compared to other challenged groups throughout the 28 d experiment (P < 0.01). Based on these results, it may be concluded that specific antibodies play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of intestinal villi, support the health of the intestinal epithelium, and reduce the colonization of C. jejuni. These findings could form the basis for developing an economical and effective strategy to enhance poultry and human health in the context of C. jejuni infection.

The immunoglobulin of yolk and cerium oxide-based fibrous poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide)/gelatin dressings enable skin regeneration in an infectious wound model

The bacterial infection and oxidative wound microenvironment delay skin repair and necessitate intelligent wound dressings to enable scarless wound healing. The immunoglobulin of yolk (IgY) exhibits immunotherapeutic potential for the potential treatment of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens, while cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) could scavenge superoxide dismutase (SOD) and inflammation. The overarching objective of this study was to incorporate IgY and CeO2 NPs into poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide)/gelatin (PLGA/Gel)-based dressings (P/G@IYCe) for infected skin repair. The P/G@IYCe manifested good biocompatibility as well as showed significant antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E.coil) in vitro. Subcutaneous implantation of membranes in rats exhibited cytocompatibility. Transplantation of membranes in S. aureus-infected full-thickness excisional defects manifested significant beneficial effect of P/G@IYCe dressings than that of the other groups in terms of the scar tissue formation, inflammation resolution, and scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) at 2 weeks post-transplantation. Taken together, the dual delivery of IgY and CeO2 may enable intelligent wound dressings.

Tackling Infectious Diseases in the Caribbean and South America: Epidemiological Insights, Antibiotic Resistance, Associated Infectious Diseases in Immunological Disorders, Global Infection Response, and Experimental Anti-Idiotypic Vaccine Candidates Against Microorganisms of Public Health Importance

This paper explores various aspects of microbiology and immunology, with a particular focus on the epidemiology and molecular characterisation of infectious diseases in the Caribbean and South America. Key areas of investigation include tuberculosis (TB), experimental vaccines, and bloodborne pathogens. A retrospective study conducted in Jamaica highlights the significance of early HIV screening, timely diagnosis, and inte-grated care. The paper also examines the challenges posed by nosocomial infections, particularly those caused by antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), emphasising the critical importance of infection control measures. Additionally, it explores the regional microbiome, the global response to infectious diseases, and immune responses in patients with immunodeficiency disorders such as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) and chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), underscoring their heightened susceptibility to a wide range of infections.

Antibody-based therapy: An alternative for antimicrobial treatment in the post-antibiotic era

The consecutive growth of antimicrobial resistance and the spread of resistance genes worldwide, especially the emergence of superbugs, have made traditional antibiotic-based treatments inadequate to fight bacterial infections. Therefore, new therapeutic modalities for bacterial infections are urgently needed. Antibodies are considered to be an effective alternative to antibiotics. The emergence and advancement of technologies such as hybridoma, antibody purification, transgenic mice, phage display, and protein engineering have enabled the production of large quantities of humanized antibodies with high purity and affinity. Antibodies has achieved remarkable achievements in the field of medicine in the past decades. Antibody-based therapy is expected to be an effective way to treat drug-resistant bacterial infections in the post-antibiotic era due to its merits of high specificity, which leads to no selective pressure on non-target bacteria and could cooperate with antibiotics to enhance the antimicrobial effect. This review first introduces the mechanism of action of antibodies against bacterial infections, then summarizes the reported antimicrobial antibodies according to different targets, discusses the advantages and limitations of the antibody-based therapy for antimicrobial treatment, and finally, the perspectives of antimicrobial antibodies developing have been prospected, providing a reference for the development of new antimicrobial antibodies.

Dietary Immunoglobulin Y by Targeting Both GbpB and GtfB Enhances the Anticaries Effect in Rats

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this work was to develop an anti-CAT-SYI immunoglobulin Y (IgY) antibody that targeted both GtfB (glucosyltransferase B) and GbpB (glucan-binding protein B) and test its anticaries properties in rats.

METHODS

A new CAT-SYI fusion gene was created utilising functional DNA fragments from the GtfB and GbpB genes. The recombinant antigens, comprising the fused CAT-SYI antigen, GtfB, and GbpB, were expressed and purified using a prokaryotic expression and purification system. The purified recombinant antigens were utilised to immunise laying hens against particular IgY production. The biological activities of these particular IgY antibodies were then assessed both in vitro and in vivo, including their capacity to suppress biofilm formation and tooth caries.

RESULTS

Results indicated that these produced IgY antibodies demonstrated a high antibody titer (>0.1 μg/mL) and could precisely recognise and bind to their respective antigens. Furthermore, it was discovered that these specific IgY antibodies successfully bind to Streptococcus mutans and significantly reduce biofilm development. After 8 weeks of ingesting antigen-specific IgY meals, comprising anti-GtfB IgY and anti-GbpB IgY, the severity of dental caries was dramatically reduced in S mutans-infected Sprague-Dawley rats (P < .01). Anti-CAT-SYI IgY therapy significantly reduced tooth cavities by 89.0% in vivo (P < .05) compared to other treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The anti-CAT-SYI IgY, a multitarget antibody that targets both GtfB and GbpB, displayed excellent inhibitory effects against S mutans, making it a promising targeted method with improved anticaries efficacy and significant application opportunities.

Therapeutic efficacy of SipD/LptD-specific IgY entrapped in alginate nanoparticles against Salmonella Typhimurium infection

Introduction

Salmonella, a zoonotic pathogen causing gastroenteritis, lacks a preventive vaccine. Passive immunization with IgY antibodies derived from immunized chickens has shown potential for treating bacterial infections. This study investigated the therapeutic efficacy of entrapped IgY targeting recombinant SipD and LptD proteins from Salmonella Typhimurium.

Methods

The recombinant protein was expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) and purified using Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. Hens were immunized with the purified protein, and the resulting IgY was entrapped into alginate nanoparticles. The shape of spherical nanoparticles and their size in the nanometer range were determined by SEM and DLS analysis. The therapeutic efficacy of free and alginate-entrapped IgY against S. Typhimurium was evaluated in mice at 1, 50, and 100 LD50 bacterial doses.

Results

The purified IgY concentration in each egg yolk was 6 mg/ml (35 mg/egg). Physicochemical and structural characterization revealed spherical nanoparticles with a diameter of 157.1 nm and a negatively charged surface (zeta potential of -35.6 mV). The loading efficiency of IgY into alginate nanoparticles was 95.5 %. In a challenge test with 100 LD50 of S. Typhimurium, all mice receiving alginate-entrapped IgY survived, whereas half of the mice receiving non-entrapped IgY died within 7 days.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that IgY antibodies entrapped in alginate nanoparticles may offer therapeutic effect against S. Typhimurium infection.

Construction of BSA-ZnO&Quercetin based multifunctional bionic self-assembly system and their antibacterial mechanism study

The misuse of antibiotics has led to the growing problem of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, and there is still a lack of effective antibacterial agents that can replace antibiotics. Therefore, the design and development of multifunctional nanomaterials with long-term inhibitory effects on drug-resistant bacteria are extremely challenging. In this study, a multifunctional biomimetic self-assembly system, BSA-ZnO&Quercetin, based on bovine serum albumin (BSA), ZnO, and quercetin, was established using a simple and controllable method. The prepared self-assembly system has high stability and biocompatibility, and could fully combine the performance advantages of each component. BSA-ZnO&Quercetin showed excellent broad-spectrum antibacterial activity without inducing bacterial resistance. The related antibacterial mechanism of BSA-ZnO&Quercetin primarily involves biofilm inhibition and destruction, and inducing the production of reactive oxygen species, resulting in the death of the bacteria. The biomimetic self-assembly system BSA-ZnO&Quercetin constructed in this research is expected to replace antibiotics for antibacterial application.

Comparison of immunoglobulin Y antibody production in new and spent laying hens

Background and Aim

Immunoglobulin (Ig)Y, a specific type of Ig found in chicken eggs, has potential use in the diagnosis of human and animal diseases. This study assessed the feasibility of using spent laying hens to produce IgY. In addition, the effects of antigen injection on egg and antibody production in new and spent laying hens were compared.

Materials and Methods

Hens were intramuscularly injected with three booster shots of antigens. IgY was extracted from egg yolks using polyethylene glycol 6000 precipitation followed by dialysis.

Results

Spent laying hens (83 weeks) consistently showed lower egg production than new laying hens (27 weeks) throughout the study. Post-immunization, a further decline in egg production was observed in spent laying hens, and egg production stopped after the second antigen injection. Eggs from spent laying hens were less dense than eggs from new hens. Despite lower IgY levels in eggs from spent laying hens, the heavy-to-light chain ratio remained consistent in both groups. Notably, IgY from spent and new laying hens demonstrated effective hemagglutination against cat erythrocytes in the A blood group.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the potential of using spent laying hens to produce IgY, with significant implications for future research, immunotherapy, and diagnostic applications, despite the observed reduction in egg production compared with new laying hens.

Differential polyvalent passive immune protection of egg yolk antibodies (IgY) against live and inactivated Vibrio fluvialis in fish

Egg yolk antibodies (IgY) can be prepared in large quantities and economically, and have potential value as polyvalent passive vaccines (against multiple bacteria) in aquaculture. This study prepared live and inactivated Vibrio fluvialis IgY and immunized Carassius auratus prior to infection with V. fluvialis and Aeromonas hydrophila. The results showed that the two IgY antibodies hold effective passive protective rates against V. fluvialis and A. hydrophila in C. auratus. Further, the serum of C. auratus recognized the two bacteria in vitro, with a decrease in the bacteria content of the kidney. The phagocytic activity of C. auratus plasma was enhanced, with a decrease in the expression of inflammatory and antioxidant factors. Pathological sections showed that the kidney, spleen, and intestinal tissue structures were intact, and apoptosis and DNA damage decreased in kidney cells. Moreover, the immunoprotection conferred by the live V. fluvialis IgY was higher than that of the inactivated IgY. Addition, live V. fluvialis immunity induced IgY antibodies against outer membrane proteins of V. fluvialis were more than inactivated V. fluvialis immunity. Furthermore, heterologous immune bacteria will not cause infection, so V. fluvialis can be used to immunize chickens to obtain a large amount of IgY antibody. These findings suggest that the passive immunization effect of live bacterial IgY antibody on fish is significantly better than that of inactivated bacterial antibody, and the live V. fluvialis IgY hold potential value as polyvalent passive vaccines in aquaculture.

Monoclonal IgY antibodies: advancements and limitations for immunodiagnosis and immunotherapy applications

Due to their high specificity and scalability, Monoclonal IgY antibodies have emerged as a valuable alternative to traditional polyclonal IgY antibodies. This abstract provides an overview of the production and purification methods of monoclonal IgY antibodies, highlights their advantages over polyclonal IgY antibodies, and discusses their recent applications. Monoclonal recombinant IgY antibodies, in contrast to polyclonal IgY antibodies, offer several benefits. such as derived from a single B-cell clone, monoclonal antibodies exhibit superior specificity, ensuring consistent and reliable results. Furthermore, it explores the suitability of monoclonal IgY antibodies for low- and middle-income countries, considering their cost-effectiveness and accessibility. We also discussed future directions and challenges in using polyclonal IgY and monoclonal IgY antibodies. In conclusion, monoclonal IgY antibodies offer substantial advantages over polyclonal IgY antibodies regarding specificity, scalability, and consistent performance. Their recent applications in diagnostics, therapeutics, and research highlight their versatility.

Recent trends and challenges to overcome Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections

INTRODUCTION

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is a Gram-negative bacterium that can cause a wide range of severe infections in immunocompromised patients. The most difficult challenge is due to its ability to rapidly develop multi drug-resistance. New strategies are urgently required to improve the outcome of patients with PA infections. The present patent review highlights the new molecules acting on different targets involved in the antibiotic resistance.

AREA COVERED

This review offers an insight into new potential PA treatment disclosed in patent literature. From a broad search of documents claiming new PA inhibitors, we selected and summarized molecules that showed in vitro and in vivo activity against PA spp. in the period 2020 and 2023. We collected the search results basing on the targets explored.

EXPERT OPINION

This review examined the main patented compounds published in the last three years, with regard to the structural novelty and the identification of innovative targets. The main areas of antibiotic resistance have been explored. The compounds are structurally unrelated to earlier antibiotics, characterized by a medium-high molecular weight and the presence of heterocycle rings. Peptides and antibodies have also been reported as potential alternatives to chemical treatment, hereby expanding the therapeutic possibilities in this field.

Leptospira-specific immunoglobulin Y (IgY) is protective in infected hamsters

Leptospirosis, a globally significant zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira, continues to threaten the health and public safety of both humans and animals. Current clinical treatment of leptospirosis mainly relies on antibiotics but their efficacy in severe cases is controversial. Passive immunization has a protective effect in the treatment of infectious diseases. In addition, chicken egg yolk antibody (IgY) has gained increasing attention as a safe passive immunization agent. This study aimed to investigate whether hens produce specific IgY after immunization with inactivated Leptospira and the protective effect of specific IgY against leptospirosis. First, it was demonstrated that specific IgY could be extracted from the eggs of hens vaccinated with inactivated Leptospira and that specific IgY can specifically recognize and bind homotypic Leptospira with a high titre, as shown by MAT and ELISA. Next, we tested the therapeutic effects of IgY in early and late leptospirosis using a hamster model. The results showed that early specific IgY treatment increased the survival rate of hamsters to 100%, alleviated pathological damage to the liver, kidney, and lung, reduced leptospiral burden, and restored haematological indices as well as functional indicators of the liver and kidney. The therapeutic effect of early specific IgY was comparable to that of doxycycline. Late IgY treatment also enhanced the survival rate of hamsters and improved the symptoms of leptospirosis similar to early IgY treatment. However, the therapeutic effect of late IgY treatment was better when combined with doxycycline. Furthermore, no Leptospira colonization was observed in the kidneys, livers, or lungs of the surviving hamsters treated with specific IgY. Mechanistically, IgY was found to inhibit the growth and adhesion to cells of Leptospira. In conclusion, passive immunotherapy with specific IgY can be considered an effective treatment for leptospirosis, and may replace antibiotics regarding its therapeutic effects.

Immune Portrayal of a New Therapy Targeting Microbiota in an Animal Model of Psoriasis

BACKGROUND

Despite all the available treatments, psoriasis remains incurable; therefore, finding personalized therapies is a continuous challenge. Psoriasis is linked to a gut microbiota imbalance, highlighting the importance of the gut-skin axis and its inflammatory mediators. Restoring this imbalance can open new perspectives in psoriasis therapy. We investigated the effect of purified IgY raised against pathological human bacteria antibiotic-resistant in induced murine psoriatic dermatitis (PSO).

METHODS

To evaluate the immune portrayal in an imiquimod experimental model, before and after IgY treatment, xMAP array and flow cytometry were used.

RESULTS

There were significant changes in IL-1α,β, IL-5, IL-6, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12 (p70), IL-13, IL-15, IL-17a, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IP-10/CXCL10, MCP-1/CCL2, MIP-1α/CCL3, MIP-1β/CCL4, MIG/CXCL9, and KC/CXCL1 serum levels. T (CD3ε+), B (CD19+) and NK (NK1.1+) cells were also quantified. In our model, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β cytokines and CXCL1 chemokine have extremely high circulatory levels in the PSO group. Upon experimental therapy, the cytokine serum values were not different between IgY-treated groups and spontaneously remitted PSO.

CONCLUSIONS

Using the murine model of psoriatic dermatitis, we show that the orally purified IgY treatment can lead to an improvement in skin lesion healing along with the normalization of cellular and humoral immune parameters.

Effects of High-Biotin Sample Interference on Antibody Concentrations in Sandwich Immunoassays

The use of antimicrobial growth promoters (AGPs) is banned because of problems associated with drug residues in animal products and increased bacterial resistance. The immunization of chickens with specific antigens is a promising strategy for generating specific antibodies that can target a wide range of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and can be used as an alternative to antibiotics. Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) antibodies in a polyclonal antibody (pAb) format, when administered orally, modulate the ruminal microbiome and maintain animal health and performance; however, there are concerns pertaining to protein impurities and biotin concentrations in the samples. Signal amplification strategies involving the noncovalent interaction of biotin with streptavidin is extensively used in diagnosis and scientific research, particularly in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). However, the high concentrations of biotin in samples, especially in those derived from rich sources such as egg yolk, can pose challenges and potentially harm the accuracy of diagnostic tests and protein concentration measurements. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of biotin on the measurement of IgY in freeze-dried egg yolk samples obtained from immunized laying hens using immunoassays with biotin-avidin/streptavidin. The detection of IgY in yolk samples using ELISA with streptavidin-biotin binding could lead to misdiagnosis due to biotin interference; the level of interference varies with the specific assay conditions and the concentration of biotin in the yolk samples. An ELISA without streptavidin-biotin binding is advisable to avoid interactions between biotin and target proteins, prevent biotin interference with the results, and achieve more reliable and accurate results.

IgY Antibodies from Birds: A Review on Affinity and Avidity

IgY antibodies are found in the blood and yolk of eggs. Several studies show the feasibility of utilising IgY for immunotherapy and immunodiagnosis. These antibodies have been studied because they fulfil the current needs for reducing, replacing, and improving the use of animals. Affinity and avidity represent the strength of the antigen-antibody interaction and directly influence antibody action. The aim of this review was to examine the factors that influence the affinity and avidity of IgY antibodies and the methodologies used to determine these variables. In birds, there are few studies on the maturation of antibody affinity and avidity, and these studies suggest that the use of an adjuvant-type of antigen, the animal lineage, the number of immunisations, and the time interfered with the affinity and avidity of IgY antibodies. Regarding the methodologies, most studies use chaotropic agents to determine the avidity index. Studies involving the solution phase and equilibrium titration reactions are also described. These results demonstrate the need for the standardisation of methodologies for the determination of affinity and avidity so that further studies can be performed to optimise the production of high avidity IgY antibodies.

Egg yolk antibody combined with bismuth-based quadruple therapy in Helicobacter pylori infection rescue treatment: a single-center, randomized, controlled study

Background

The increasing antibiotic resistance is the main issue causing Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication failure. As a nutritional supplement, Egg Yolk Antibody (Ig Y) provides a new approach for H. pylori infection rescue therapy.

Methods

In this randomized, controlled study, 100 H. pylori-positive patients with previous H. pylori eradication treatment were included. All individuals received standard bismuth-containing quadruple therapy twice daily (5 mg ilaprazole, 100 mg doxycycline, 500 mg clarithromycin or 1 g amoxicillin or 100 mg furazolidone, and 220 mg colloidal bismuth tartrate) for 14 days and were randomized to receive either twice daily 7 g Ig Y-H. pylori treatment (study group) or not (control group). 4 weeks after the end of treatment, urea breath tests were used to assess the H. pylori eradication rate. All participants scored by the Global Overall Symptom scale (GOS) and recorded adverse events during the trial.

Results

The H. pylori eradication rates were 84.0% (95% CI 73.5-94.5%) vs. 80.0% (95% CI 68.5-91.5%) in the study and control groups at intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis and 85.7% (95% CI 75.6-95.9%) vs. 80.0% (95% CI 68.5-91.5%) at per-protocol (PP) analysis, respectively. The number of over 80% symptom relief after treatment in the two groups was 27 (60%) and 12 (29.2%) (p < 0.05), and the incidences of adverse events were 4 (8%) and 6 (12%), respectively.

Conclusion

Both groups achieved satisfactory eradication efficiency in H. pylori rescue therapy and Ig Y-H. pylori effectively alleviates the symptoms with good compliance and fewer adverse effects.

Impacts of PEGylation and Glycosylation on the Biological Properties of Host Defense Peptide IDR1018

The multifunctional properties of host defense peptides (HDPs) make them promising drug candidates to tackle bacterial infections and tissue inflammation. However, these peptides tend to aggregate and can harm host cells at high doses, potentially limiting their clinical use and applications. In this study, we explored the influences of both pegylation and glycosylation on the biocompatibility and biological properties of HDPs, particularly the innate defense regulator IDR1018. Two peptide conjugates were designed by attaching either polyethylene glycol (PEG6) or a glucose moiety to the peptide towards the N-terminus. Significantly, both derivatives reduced the aggregation, hemolysis, and cytotoxicity of the parent peptide by orders of magnitude. In addition, while the pegylated conjugate, PEG6-IDR1018, retained an excellent immunomodulatory profile, similar to that observed for IDR1018 itself, the glycosylated conjugate, Glc-IDR1018, significantly outperformed the parent peptide in inducing anti-inflammatory mediators, MCP1 and IL-1RA and in suppressing the level of lipopolysaccharide-induced proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β. Conversely, the conjugates led to a partial reduction in antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity. These findings underline the impacts of both pegylation and glycosylation on the biological properties of the HDP IDR1018 and indicate the potential of glycosylation to enhance the design of highly effective immunomodulatory peptides.

Egg Yolk Antibody for Passive Immunization: Status, Challenges, and Prospects

The immunoglobulin Y (IgY) derived from hyperimmune egg yolk is a promising passive immune agent to combat microbial infections in humans and livestock. Numerous studies have been performed to develop specific egg yolk IgY for pathogen control, but with limited success. To date, the efficacy of commercial IgY products, which are all delivered through an oral route, has not been approved or endorsed by any regulatory authorities. Several challenging issues of the IgY-based passive immunization, which were not fully recognized and holistically discussed in previous publications, have impeded the development of effective egg yolk IgY products for humans and animals. This review summarizes major challenges of this technology, including in vivo stability, purification, heterologous immunogenicity, and repertoire diversity of egg yolk IgY. To tackle these challenges, potential solutions, such as encapsulation technologies to stabilize IgY, are discussed. Exploration of this technology to combat the COVID-19 pandemic is also updated in this review.