Targeted Therapeutic Strategies in the Battle Against Pathogenic Bacteria

Abstract

The emergence and rapid spread of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria constitute a global threat for public health. Despite ongoing efforts to confront this crisis, the pace of finding new potent antimicrobials is far slower than the evolution of drug resistance. The abuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics not only accelerates the formation of resistance but also imposes a burden on the intestinal microbiota, which acts a critical role in human homeostasis. As such, innovative therapeutic strategies with precision are pressingly warranted and highly anticipated. Recently, target therapies have achieved some breakthroughs by the aid of modern technology. In this review, we provide an insightful illustration of current and future medical targeted strategies, including narrow-spectrum agents, engineered probiotics, nanotechnology, phage therapy, and CRISPR-Cas9 technology. We discuss the recent advances and potential hurdles of these strategies. Meanwhile, the possibilities to mitigate the spread of resistance in these approaches are also mentioned. Altogether, a better understanding of the advantages, disadvantages, and mechanisms of action of these targeted therapies will be conducive to broadening our horizons and optimizing the existing antibacterial approaches.

Engineered Bacteria-Based Living Materials for Biotherapeutic Applications

“…The removal of alr and dadX genes in E. coli enhances the stability of the plasmid having the alr gene. Another difference is the addition of dspB, expressing anti-biofilm enzymes Reproduced with permission from Yang et al (2021) , Copyright 2021, Frontiers. (E) Schematic diagram depicted photoacoustic (PA) imaging, fluorescence diagnosis, and photothermal treatment of Klebsiella pneumonia infection by engineered spirulina (PDA-MSP).…”

“…Hence, the engineered strain was found to positively reduce Salmonella infection ( Palmer et al, 2018 ). However, biologically engineered probiotics were created to detect particular metabolites generated by infections and respond accordingly ( Yang et al, 2021 ). For example, Lactococcus lactis was designed to sense quorum-sensing signals specifically related to the diarrhea-associated pathogen Vibrio cholera ( Mao et al, 2018 ).…”

Advances in Nanostructures for Antimicrobial Therapy

“…Climate change is another cause of the increase in infectious diseases, as warming causes the spread of pathogens and their vectors. Pathogenic organisms get to places where the population, animals, and vegetation are not accustomed to them and do not have centuries-old immunity [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ]. Furthermore, trade in wild animal species that can host dangerous pathogens leads to the transmission of zoonoses [ 21 ].…”

Antimicrobial Diterpenes: Recent Development From Natural Sources

“…Continued emergence of antibiotic resistance has posed a big risk for health, which increases the mortality and economic burden worldwide ( Ciorba et al, 2015 ). Innovative targeted therapeutic strategies involving newer technology are being considered to deal with these multi-drug-resistant pathogenic bacteria ( Yang et al, 2021 ). New strategies are being developed for sustainable discovery of antibiotics in order to keep up with the ever-increasing demand of novel antimicrobials and reduce the lack of investment in their development ( Miethke et al, 2021 ).…”