[HTML][HTML] Targeting bacterial integration host factor to disrupt biofilms associated with cystic fibrosis

JE Gustave, JA Jurcisek, KS McCoy, SD Goodman… - Journal of Cystic …, 2013 - Elsevier
JE Gustave, JA Jurcisek, KS McCoy, SD Goodman, LO Bakaletz
Journal of Cystic Fibrosis, 2013Elsevier
BACKGROUND: This study aims to identify whether the bacterial protein, Integration Host
Factor (IHF), is present within sputum solids collected from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and
thus might contribute to the structural stability of biofilms within the lungs. METHODS: The
presence of IHF in sputum was determined by immunohistochemistry. The role of IHF in
stabilizing biofilms within sputum was tested in vitro wherein anti-IHF was used to attempt to
dissolve sputum solids. RESULTS: Thirty-seven of 44 sputum samples (84%) were positive …
BACKGROUND
This study aims to identify whether the bacterial protein, Integration Host Factor (IHF), is present within sputum solids collected from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and thus might contribute to the structural stability of biofilms within the lungs.
METHODS
The presence of IHF in sputum was determined by immunohistochemistry. The role of IHF in stabilizing biofilms within sputum was tested in vitro wherein anti-IHF was used to attempt to dissolve sputum solids.
RESULTS
Thirty-seven of 44 sputum samples (84%) were positive for anti-IHF staining. Treatment with anti-IHF or DNase of 6 representative samples, dissolved sputum solids significantly better than treatment with normal saline in vitro, and strong synergism was observed when these agents were used in combination.
CONCLUSIONS
IHF was detected in the majority of sputum samples from patients with CF and in vitro treatment with anti-IHF induced dissolution of sputum solids. These data support further investigation of IHF as a potential therapeutic target for patients with CF.
Elsevier