MEndoB, a chimeric lysin featuring a novel domain architecture and superior activity for the treatment of staphylococcal infections
Christian Roehrig, Markus Huemer, Dominique Lorgé, Fabienne Arn, Nadine Heinrich, Lavanja Selvakumar, Lynn Gasser, Patrick Hauswirth, Chun‐Chi Chang, Tiziano A. Schweizer, Fritz Eichenseher, Steffi Lehmann, Annelies S. Zinkernagel, Mathias Schmelcher
Abstract
results supporting further development.IMPORTANCEOne of the most pressing challenges of our era is the rising occurrence of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. Staphylococci are prominent pathogens in humans, which have developed multiple strategies to evade the effects of antibiotics. Infections caused by these bacteria have resulted in a high burden on the health care system and a significant loss of lives. In this study, we have successfully engineered lytic enzymes that exhibit an extraordinary ability to eradicate staphylococci. Our findings substantiate the importance of meticulous lead candidate selection to identify therapeutically promising peptidoglycan hydrolases with unprecedented activity. Hence, they offer a promising new avenue for treating staphylococcal infections.