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Published on: September 8, 2021
Staphyloxanthin as a Potential Novel Target for Deciphering Promising Anti-Staphylococcus aureus Agents
Rana A Elmesseri1, Sarra E Saleh2, Heba M Elsherif1
1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Misr International University (MIU), Cairo 19648, Egypt.
Abstract:
Staphylococcus aureus is a fatal Gram-positive pathogen threatening numerous cases of hospital-admitted patients worldwide. The emerging resistance of the pathogen to several antimicrobial agents has pressurized research to propose new strategies for combating antimicrobial resistance. Novel strategies include targeting the virulence factors of S. aureus. One of the most prominent virulence factors of S. aureus is its eponymous antioxidant pigment staphyloxanthin (STX), which is an auspicious target for anti-virulence therapy. This review provides an updated outline on STX and multiple strategies to attenuate this virulence factor. The approaches discussed in this article focus on bioprospective and chemically synthesized inhibitors of STX, inter-species communication and genetic manipulation. Various inhibitor molecules were found to exhibit appreciable inhibitory effect against STX and hence would be able to serve as potential anti-virulence agents for clinical use.
Insights
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) resistance necessitates new therapies. Targeting the antioxidant pigment staphyloxanthin (STX) shows promise for anti-virulence treatments against this pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus is a dangerous pathogen causing significant hospital infections globally.
- Increasing antimicrobial resistance in S. aureus demands novel therapeutic strategies.
- Virulence factors, such as staphyloxanthin (STX), are emerging targets for combating infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current strategies for attenuating Staphylococcus aureus virulence by targeting staphyloxanthin (STX).
- To explore novel anti-virulence approaches against S. aureus infections.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on STX inhibitors and attenuation strategies.
- Analysis of bioprospective and chemically synthesized inhibitors.
- Examination of inter-species communication and genetic manipulation techniques.
Main Results:
- Staphyloxanthin (STX) is a key virulence factor of S. aureus and a viable therapeutic target.
- Various inhibitor molecules demonstrate significant inhibitory effects on STX.
- Potential anti-virulence agents targeting STX have been identified.
Conclusions:
- Targeting staphyloxanthin (STX) offers a promising strategy to combat Staphylococcus aureus infections.
- Inhibitors of STX show potential for clinical application as anti-virulence agents.
- Further research into STX attenuation is crucial for developing new treatments against resistant S. aureus.
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