Stable Neutralization of a Virulence Factor in Bacteria Using Temperate Phage in the Mammalian Gut
Abstract
With the increasing frequency of antibiotic resistance, it is critical to explore new therapeutic strategies for treating bacterial infections. Here, we use a temperate phage, i.e., one that integrates itself into the bacterial genome, to neutralize the expression of a virulence factor by modifying bacterial function at the genetic level. We show that Shiga toxin production can be significantly reduced in vitro and in the mammalian gut. Alternative to traditional applications of phage therapy that rely on killing bacteria, our genetics-based antivirulence approach introduces a new framework for treating bacterial infections.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Feb 11, 2020
- Source ID
- 10.1128/msystems.00013-20
Entities
People
- Bryan B. Hsu
- Jeffrey C Way
- Pamela Silver
Organizations
- Gates Foundation
- Harvard Medical School
- Virginia Tech
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering