Computational modeling approach to identify potential anti-Campylobacter peptides from Zingiber officinale targeting...

Campylobacteriosis is a common bacterial diarrheal illness frequently associated with poultry consumption and represents a significant problem for public health and the economy. The increasing drug resistance associated with Campylobacter jejuni emphasizes the imperative nature of the situation. The diverse bioactive compounds found in ginger (Zingiber officinale), such as proteins hold a promising and advancing anticampylobacteriosis research.

This study investigated the potential of ginger-derived peptides to target key bacterial components involved in antibiotic resistance and virulence.

Using computational modeling approaches for modeling ginger-derived peptides and different parameters and targeting efflux pumps (CmeABC and CmeC proteins) and beta-1,3-galactosyltransferase and Beta-1,3 galactosyltransferase (CgtE) involved in lipooligosaccharide (LOS) biosynthesis.

Physicochemical analysis revealed varied properties for targeting peptides. The results suggest that ginger-derived peptides, particularly AtpH-2, could interact with components of the efflux pump, disrupting bacterial membrane function and enhancing antimicrobial efficacy. Furthermore, the interaction between AtpH-2 and LOS biosynthesis enzymes suggests a possible disruption of LOS production.

These findings indicate that ginger-derived peptides, especially AtpH-2, could synergistically weaken Campylobacter defenses by interfering with both efflux pump activity and LOS biosynthesis, offering a promising approach for developing novel antibacterial strategies against this zoonotic pathogen. Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms of action and validate these in silico predictions.