University of Central Florida College of Medicine researcher Renee Fleeman’s latest study has identified a therapy that can penetrate the protective slime that drug-resistant bacteria, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, use to shield themselves from antibiotics. Published in Cell Reports Physical Science, the study found that an antimicrobial peptide from cows has potential for treating incurable infections from this bacterium, which can cause pneumonia, urinary tract, and wound infections, especially in high-risk populations such as seniors and individuals with health conditions like diabetes or cancer. With antibiotic-resistant bacteria becoming a growing global health threat, Fleeman’s research aims to find ways to remove the protective slime and expose the bacteria for eradication by the immune system or antibiotics.
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, particularly those living in biofilms, are more challenging to treat due to their increased drug resistance. The protective slime acts as a barrier that antibiotics cannot penetrate, making it difficult to eliminate the bacteria. Fleeman’s research focuses on understanding how antimicrobial peptides can disrupt the slime barrier and kill the bacteria effectively. Through her studies, she found that peptides can interact with sugar connections within the slime structure, disrupting its integrity and allowing the peptide to enter and destroy the bacteria. This breakthrough could lead to new treatment options for infections that are currently incurable using available antibiotics.
The research has shown that the polyproline peptide can penetrate and break down the protective slime barrier in as little as an hour after treatment, making it a promising option for treating drug-resistant infections. Additionally, the peptide demonstrated superior efficacy in killing the bacteria compared to traditional antibiotics by puncturing holes in the bacterial cell membranes, leading to rapid cell death. This could be especially beneficial for treating open wounds in the field, where rapid action is crucial due to bacteria’s rapid division rate.
Fleeman’s research, funded by a National Institutes of Health Pathway to Independence R00 grant, is in its second year and aims to further understand the biology behind the peptide’s effectiveness and explore potential combination therapies to enhance its application. The goal is to prepare for a post-antibiotic era where common antibiotics may no longer be effective, putting cancer therapy, organ transplants, and other medical advancements at risk. By continuing to investigate resistant infections and develop new treatment strategies, researchers like Fleeman hope to address the looming threat of antibiotic resistance and its impact on global health.
The implications of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections are significant, with projections suggesting that they could be the leading cause of human deaths by 2050. Fleeman emphasizes the importance of ongoing research into resistant infections to address this looming public health threat. With the potential for common antibiotics to become ineffective, jeopardizing critical medical interventions, the development of innovative treatment options, such as antimicrobial peptides, is essential for combating drug-resistant bacteria and safeguarding public health. Fleeman’s research represents a promising step towards finding new solutions to tackle antibiotic resistance and improve patient outcomes in the face of increasing bacterial resistance.
