Thinking Outside the Bug: Targeting Outer Membrane Proteins for <i>Burkholderia</i> Vaccines

Increasing antimicrobial resistance due to misuse and overuse of antimicrobials, as well as a lack of new and innovative antibiotics in development has become an alarming global threat. Preventative therapeutics, like vaccines, are combative measures that aim to stop infections at the source, thereb...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Megan E. Grund, Soo Jeon Choi, Christopher K. Cote, Rita Berisio, Slawomir Lukomski
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2021-02-01
Series:Cells
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/10/3/495
Description
Summary:Increasing antimicrobial resistance due to misuse and overuse of antimicrobials, as well as a lack of new and innovative antibiotics in development has become an alarming global threat. Preventative therapeutics, like vaccines, are combative measures that aim to stop infections at the source, thereby decreasing the overall use of antibiotics. Infections due to Gram-negative pathogens pose a significant treatment challenge because of substantial multidrug resistance that is acquired and spread throughout the bacterial population. <i>Burkholderia </i>spp<i>. </i>are Gram-negative intrinsically resistant bacteria that are responsible for environmental and nosocomial infections. The <i>Burkholderia cepacia </i>complex are respiratory pathogens that primarily infect immunocompromised and cystic fibrosis patients, and are acquired through contaminated products and equipment, or via patient-to-patient transmission. The <i>Burkholderia pseudomallei </i>complex causes percutaneous wound, cardiovascular, and respiratory infections. Transmission occurs through direct exposure to contaminated water, water-vapors, or soil, leading to the human disease melioidosis, or the equine disease glanders. Currently there is no licensed vaccine against any <i>Burkholderia </i>pathogen. This review will discuss <i>Burkholderia </i>vaccine candidates derived from outer membrane proteins, OmpA, OmpW, Omp85, and Bucl8, encompassing their structures, conservation, and vaccine formulation.
ISSN:2073-4409