A unique antigen against SARS-CoV-2, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract

The recent outbreak of COVID-19 has increased hospital admissions, which could elevate the risk of nosocomial infections, such as A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa infections. Although effective vaccines have been developed against SARS-CoV-2, no approved treatment option is still available against antimicrobial-resistant strains of A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa. In the current study, an all-in-one antigen was designed based on an innovative, state-of-the-art strategy. In this regard, experimentally validated linear epitopes of spike protein (SARS-CoV-2), OmpA (A. baumannii), and OprF (P. aeruginosa) were selected to be harbored by mature OmpA as a scaffold. The selected epitopes were used to replace the loops and turns of the barrel domain in OmpA; OprF311–341 replaced the most similar sequence within the OmpA, and three validated epitopes of OmpA were retained intact. The obtained antigen encompasses five antigenic peptides of spike protein, which are involved in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenicity. One of these epitopes, viz. QTQTNSPRRARSV could trigger antibodies preventing super-antigenic characteristics of spike and alleviating probable autoimmune responses. The designed antigen could raise antibodies neutralizing emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 since at least two epitopes are consensus. In conclusion, the designed antigen is expected to raise protective antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, A. baumannii, and P. aeruginosa.

Recent advances in therapeutic targets identification and development of treatment strategies towards Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections

“…Additionally, Rahbar et al designed a triple-target antigen that could stimulate simultaneous protective and neutralizing antibodies against COVID-19 responsible virus, respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and associated bacterial pathogens causing nosocomial infections, such as A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa [ 133 ]. The designed antigen was made by combining epitopes originating from A. baumannii outer membrane protein A ( Ab OmpA), OprF ( P. aeruginosa outer membrane protein F), and foreign multi-epitopes (SARS-CoV-2 Spike glycoprotein).…”

Elesclomol, a copper-transporting therapeutic agent targeting mitochondria: from discovery to its novel applications

“…Mutations and the emergence of novel variants [ 93 , 94 ] along with safety concerns [ 94 , 95 ] are among the challenges ahead of the available vaccines. Hence, efforts to arrive at more effective vaccine [ 96 ] and therapeutics [ 97 ] are ongoing. Remdesivir is an FDA-approved antiviral drug expected to be active against emerging variants; however, limited data is available [ 98 ].…”

Editorial: Recent advances in the development of vaccines against Acinetobacter baumannii

“…Despite rigorous basic and pre-clinical studies conducted on active and passive immunizations against this pathogen, no vaccine has been advanced to clinical trials. Recently, the combination of protective antigens ( 1 , 2 ), epitopes/peptides ( 3 ) or presentation of protective epitopes by appropriate scaffold ( 4 ) had been suggested as effective promising approaches against A. baumannii .…”