Published :
Unraveling the Mystery: How Phages Disarm Bacteria
Bacterial infections pose significant challenges to agriculture and medicine, particularly with the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In response, scientists at Texas A&M AgriLife Research have made significant strides in understanding how bacteria-infecting viruses, known as phages, neutralize these pathogens. Their findings offer exciting prospects for novel treatment methods.
The Need for New Approaches
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium responsible for infections in the blood, lungs, and other parts of the body, is especially prevalent in healthcare settings where drug-resistant bacteria are encountered. In 2017, over 30,000 cases of multi-drug resistant P. aeruginosa infections were reported among hospitalized patients. Given the urgency of combating antibiotic-resistant strains, researchers are exploring alternative treatments beyond conventional drugs.
Phages: Nature's Warriors
Enter bacteriophages, or phages. These viruses specifically infect bacteria and have the potential to disarm them. Dr. Lanying Zeng and Dr. Junjie Zhang, from the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, have meticulously studied the intricate mechanisms by which phages disable bacteria. Their recent study, published in Science, sheds light on a process that has intrigued scientists since the 1970s.
Targeting Bacterial Pili
One key factor enabling P. aeruginosa to transmit antimicrobial-resistant genes and form biofilms is an appendage called a pilus. These spear-like structures extend from the bacterial surface. Some phages exploit bacterial pili by attaching to them, allowing the bacteria to pull the phage to the surface and initiate infection. The study, co-authored by Texas A&M graduate students Jirapat Thongchol and Zihao Yu, meticulously examined this process using fluorescence microscopy, cryogenic-electron microscopy, and computational modeling.
At the point of viral entry, the pilus bends and snaps off, rendering P. aeruginosa significantly less capable of infecting its host. This discovery not only provides insights into phage therapy but also highlights a potential strategy for combating antibiotic-resistant infections.
