Targeting Campylobacter infection using nano-azurin: innate immune reprogramming and anticancer implications

Nano-azurin is redox-active protein has recently attracted attention as potential multifunctional therapeutics, primarily in infectious disease and cancer. This review highlights its potential against Campylobacter spp., including antibiotic resistant variants, in addition to anticancer properties. Campylobacteriosis is a serious public health problem worldwide because of its zoonotic potential and the increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) rates as well as its relationship with gastrointestinal carcinogenesis. Nano-azurin not only affects microbial viability and biofilm formation, but also stimulates host immune responses. In cancer settings, it specifically binds to neoplastic cells inducing apoptosis and preventing tumor growth. In particular, a nanoformulation can enhance the stability of the drug, its bioavailability and its selective delivery by lowering systemic toxicity. Moreover, nano-azurin regulates innate immunity functions contributing to the elimination of pathogens and the immune surveillance of tumours. The dual-action profile is promising, though several obstacles with respect to large-scale manufacturing, pharmacokinetics behaviours and clinical translation are important. In summary, nano-azurin is a new nanobiotherapeutic platform at the cross between antimicrobial therapy and cancer immunotherapy, which shows great promise for treatment of malignancies related to infections.