Anthrax-causing spores were mailed to news organizations and members of Congress during the 'Amerithrax' attacks of 2001, sickening at least 22 people and killing five. Researchers are gearing up to combat the bacteria's antibiotic-resistant variants, which are a rising source of concern. Now, a tea
infection through exposure to its spores, either by ingestion, inhalation, or a cut in the skin. Anthrax infection can lead to difficulty breathing, skin ulcers, or even death. Although antibiotics against anthrax exist, resistance to these drugs can occur over time.
This engineered enzyme with bits of antibody stuck to it can break apart the capsule of B. anthracis bacteria, allowing the immune system to fight back. Credit: Adapted from ACS Infectious Diseases, DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00227, called the Ames strain, is particularly virulent because the bacteria can wrap itself in a protective capsule of poly-D-glutamic. This acts like a cloak of invisibility, which helps the bacteria evade the human immune system.
Studies have also demonstrated that providing mice with the engineered CapD can help treat an Ames-strain anthrax infection without the use of antibiotics. Additionally, Patricia Legler and colleagues have demonstrated that adding polyethylene glycol to this version of CapD can help the enzyme last longer, increasing mouse survival. In this new study, the research team wanted to optimize the treatment even further.
To improve the re-engineered enzyme’s lifetime in the body and deliver a bigger punch, the scientists added PEG and fused the CapD protein with part of a mouse antibody. This resulted in two CapD enzymes bound together, which would essentially double its capsule-binding power.
When tested in a mouse model, this construct lasted longer than the previous version without the fused antibody, though it had reduced activity.
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