Recombinant bacteriophage lysins as antibacterials

Bioeng Bugs. 2010 Jan-Feb;1(1):9-16. doi: 10.4161/bbug.1.1.9818.

Abstract

With the increasing worldwide prevalence of antibiotic resistant bacteria, bacteriophage endolysins (lysins) represent a very promising novel alternative class of antibacterial in the fight against infectious disease. Lysins are phage-encoded peptidoglycan hydrolases which, when applied exogenously (as purified recombinant proteins) to Gram-positive bacteria, bring about rapid lysis and death of the bacterial cell. A number of studies have recently demonstrated the strong potential of these enzymes in human and veterinary medicine to control and treat pathogens on mucosal surfaces and in systemic infections. They also have potential in diagnostics and detection, bio-defence, elimination of food pathogens and control of phytopathogens. This review discusses the extensive research on recombinant bacteriophage lysins in the context of antibacterials, and looks forward to future development and potential.

Keywords: antibacterial; bacteriophage; endolysin; enzyme; infection; lysin; lytic; pathogen.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / isolation & purification*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Bacteriophages / chemistry*
  • Bacteriophages / genetics*
  • Bioengineering
  • Genetic Engineering
  • Gram-Positive Bacteria / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Molecular Structure
  • N-Acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine Amidase / genetics
  • N-Acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine Amidase / isolation & purification*
  • N-Acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine Amidase / pharmacology
  • Recombinant Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Proteins / isolation & purification
  • Recombinant Proteins / pharmacology
  • Viral Proteins / genetics
  • Viral Proteins / isolation & purification*
  • Viral Proteins / pharmacology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Viral Proteins
  • N-Acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine Amidase