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Mycobacteriophage Lysis Enzymes: Targeting the Mycobacterial Cell Envelope

Maria João Catalão1, Madalena Pimentel2

  • 1Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal. mjcatalao@ff.ulisboa.pt.

Viruses
|August 17, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Mycobacteriophages offer novel antibacterial agents by producing enzymes that degrade the mycobacterial cell envelope. These enzymes show promise for combating multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Virology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Mycobacteriophages are viruses infecting mycobacteria, leading to host cell lysis.
  • They encode enzymes targeting the unique mycobacterial cell envelope, including lipolytic enzymes and peptidoglycan hydrolases.
  • These enzymes are potential antibacterial agents against mycobacteria.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current knowledge on mycobacteriophage lysis proteins.
  • To explore their mechanisms of action and regulation.
  • To discuss their potential applications in antimycobacterial therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on mycobacteriophages and their lysis proteins.
  • Analysis of identified enzymes targeting the mycobacterial cell envelope.
  • Focus on recent advancements in understanding lysis protein activity and regulation.

Main Results:

  • Mycobacteriophages encode diverse lysis proteins, including enzymes targeting mycolic acids and peptidoglycan.
  • Significant progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms of bacteriophage lysis proteins.
  • Information on mycobacteriophage lysis strategies remains limited, with notable studies on mycobacteriophage Ms6.

Conclusions:

  • Mycobacteriophage lysis proteins represent a promising avenue for developing new antibacterial strategies.
  • Their specific targeting of mycobacteria makes them valuable for combating infections like tuberculosis.
  • Further research into these enzymes could enhance the effectiveness of antimycobacterial therapies, especially against multidrug-resistant strains.
Keywords:
LysBMs6endolysinslysismycobacteriamycobacteriophages

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