Synergy of bacteriophage depolymerase with host immunity rescues sepsis mice infected with hypervirulent <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> of capsule type K2.

ABSTRACT: The hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp) with K1 and K2 capsular types causes liver abscess, pneumonia, sepsis, and invasive infections with high lethality. The presence of capsular polysaccharide (CPS) resists phagocytic engulfment and contributes to excessive inflammatory responses. Bacteriophage depolymerases can specifically target bacterial CPS, neutralizing its defense. Based on our previous research, we expressed and purified a bacteriophage depolymerase (Dep1979) targeting hvKp with capsule type K2. Interestingly, although Dep1979 lacked direct bactericidal activity in vitro, it exhibited potent antibacterial activity in vivo. Low-dose Dep1979 (0.1 mg/kg) improved the 7-day survival of immunocompetent mice to 100%. Even at 0.01 mg/kg, mice achieved 100% s

SUBMITTER: Zhao D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11497950 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature