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Engineered phage enzymes against drug-resistant pathogens: a review on advances and applications

Mohadeseh Hassannia1, Mahin Naderifar2, Shakiba Salamy3

  • 1Department of Genetic, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering
|November 14, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Genetically engineered phage enzymes (EPE) offer a promising solution to combat multi and extensively drug-resistant bacteria. These novel enzymes show superior performance over natural endolysins and phages in treating resistant infections.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Rising rates of multi and extensively drug-resistant (MDR and XDR) bacteria pose significant global health threats.
  • Bacterial infections linked to drug resistance contribute to increased morbidity and mortality.
  • Endolysins, phage-encoded enzymes, degrade bacterial cell walls, offering a potential antimicrobial strategy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review novel knowledge on genetically engineered phage enzymes (EPE) as a therapeutic strategy.
  • To highlight the enhanced performance of EPE compared to natural endolysins and phages.
  • To provide information relevant for clinical trials involving EPE.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on endolysins and genetically engineered phage enzymes.
  • Analysis of studies demonstrating the efficacy of EPE against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
  • Focus on the potential of EPE in therapeutic and prophylactic applications.

Main Results:

  • Genetically engineered phage enzymes (EPE) exhibit superior performance in combating antibiotic-resistant infections.
  • EPE demonstrate unique properties for therapeutic and prophylactic applications.
  • These engineered enzymes accelerate phage research and therapeutic development.

Conclusions:

  • EPE represent a significant advancement in the fight against drug-resistant bacterial infections.
  • The unique properties of EPE offer new therapeutic options across human, veterinary, agricultural, and biotechnological sectors.
  • Further research and clinical trials involving EPE are warranted to fully realize their potential.
Keywords:
Antibiotic resistanceBacteriophagesEngineered endolysinsPhage enzymes

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