Tailored liposomal nanotraps for the treatment of Streptococcal infections

Abstract Background Streptococcal infections are associated with life-threatening pneumonia and sepsis. The rise in antibiotic resistance calls for novel approaches to treat bacterial diseases. Anti-virulence strategies promote a natural way of pathogen clearance by eliminating the advantage provided bacteria their virulence factors. In contrast antibiotics, anti-virulence agents less likely exert selective evolutionary pressure, which is prerequisite development drug resistance. As part mechanism, many pathogens secrete cytolytic exotoxins (hemolysins) that destroy host cell destabilizing plasma membrane. Liposomal nanotraps, mimicking plasmalemmal structures cells specifically targeted toxins being developed order neutralize-by competitive sequestration-numerous exotoxins. Results this study, liposomal nanotrap technology further simultaneously neutralize whole palette cytolysins produced Streptococcus pneumoniae , pyogenes dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis -pathogens can cause streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. We show mixture liposomes containing high amounts cholesterol composed exclusively choline-containing phospholipids fully protective against combined action secreted these pathogens. Conclusions Unravelling universal mechanisms define targeting paves broad-spectrum anti-toxin therapy be applied without diagnostic delay treatment including those caused antibiotic-resistant