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Virulence Factor Targeting of the Bacterial Pathogen Staphylococcus aureus for Vaccine and Therapeutics
Trevor L Kane1,2, Katelyn E Carothers1,2, Shaun W Lee1,2
1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States.
Background:
Staphylococcus aureus is a major bacterial pathogen capable of causing a range of infections in humans from gastrointestinal disease, skin and soft tissue infections, to severe outcomes such as sepsis. Staphylococcal infections in humans can be frequent and recurring, with treatments becoming less effective due to the growing persistence of antibiotic resistant S. aureus strains. Due to the prevalence of antibiotic resistance, and the current limitations on antibiotic development, an active and highly promising avenue of research has been to develop strategies to specifically inhibit the activity of virulence factors produced S. aureus as an alternative means to treat disease.
Objective:
In this review we specifically highlight several major virulence factors produced by S. aureus for which recent advances in antivirulence approaches may hold promise as an alternative means to treating diseases caused by this pathogen. Strategies to inhibit virulence factors can range from small molecule inhibitors, to antibodies, to mutant and toxoid forms of the virulence proteins.
Conclusion:
The major prevalence of antibiotic resistant strains of S. aureus combined with the lack of new antibiotic discoveries highlight the need for vigorous research into alternative strategies to combat diseases caused by this highly successful pathogen. Current efforts to develop specific antivirulence strategies, vaccine approaches, and alternative therapies for treating severe disease caused by S. aureus have the potential to stem the tide against the limitations that we face in the post-antibiotic era.
Insights
Staphylococcus aureus infections are increasingly resistant to antibiotics. Research into antivirulence strategies offers a promising alternative to combat drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus is a significant human pathogen causing diverse infections, from skin issues to sepsis.
- Increasing antibiotic resistance in S. aureus strains limits treatment efficacy.
- Limited development of new antibiotics necessitates alternative therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review major Staphylococcus aureus virulence factors targeted by antivirulence approaches.
- To highlight recent advances in developing alternative treatments for S. aureus infections.
- To explore strategies inhibiting virulence factors as a novel therapeutic avenue.
Main Methods:
- Review of current scientific literature on Staphylococcus aureus virulence factors.
- Analysis of emerging antivirulence strategies, including small molecules, antibodies, and protein-based inhibitors.
- Evaluation of the potential of these strategies in combating antibiotic-resistant strains.
Main Results:
- Several key S. aureus virulence factors are identified as targets for antivirulence therapies.
- Diverse approaches, including small molecule inhibitors and antibody-based treatments, show promise.
- Antivirulence strategies offer a viable alternative to traditional antibiotics.
Conclusions:
- The rise of antibiotic-resistant S. aureus demands novel treatment strategies.
- Antivirulence approaches targeting virulence factors represent a promising alternative.
- Vaccine development and alternative therapies are crucial for managing severe S. aureus diseases in the post-antibiotic era.
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