612
A Novel Short Peptide for Anti Bacterial Treatment
Engelberg-Kulka Hanna, HUJI, School of Medicine - IMRIC, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics
Background
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The invention brings a new modality of anti-bacterial treatment as a stand-alone therapy or combined with antibiotics
The bacterial toxin MazF induces bacterial cell death by triggering downstream death pathways. The labile anti-toxin MazE is constantly synthesized by bacteria and inactivates MazF by sequestering it. -
Several antibiotics, such as rifampicin, chloramphenicol, mitomycin C act by affecting the MazF/MazE balance.
The Innovation:
a Peptide-Based Induction of Bacterial Cell Death :
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The invention is based on the recently discovered Extracellular Death Factor (EDF). EDF is a secreted bacterial pentapeptide which induces MazF-mediated cell death. EDF is the only naturally-occurring peptide known to act as a ‘quorum sensing' DEATH factor.
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EDF target bacteria includes different E.coli strains. Staphylicoccus aureus, Psedomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus subtilis EDF-like factors are under current research.
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The innovation concerns also EDF antagonists, which may confer antibiotic sensitivity by inducing mazEF plasmid loss.
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EDF-based antibacterial composition may be used for sterilizing as well as for pharmaceutical purposes.
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Possibility of modifying the EDF original sequence by the addition of amino acids and other moieties, thus improving physiological properties and allowing different administration modes.
The Applications for use:
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The list of conditions induced by potentially EDF-targeted bacteria includes: diarrhea, dysentery, hemorrhagic colitis, pyogenic infection, abscesses, septicaemia, pneumonia, meningitis, lung infection, cystic fibrosis.
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EDF-based compounds provide a new and specific venue to induce bacterial cell death.
Current Development Stage
Proof of concept established in different E.coli strains.
Patent Status
Granted US 9,012,152