The frequency of in-vitro resistance development to fluoroquinolones and the use of a murine pyelonephritis model to demonstrate selection of resistance in vivo

We and others previously reported that the direct-acting agents (DAA) NS5A inhibitors (NS5Ai) and the host-targeting agents cyclophilin inhibitors (CypIs) inhibit HCV replication in vitro. In this study, we investigated whether the combination of NS5Ai and CypI offers a potent anti-HCV effect in vivo. A single administration of NS5Ai or CypI alone to HCV-infected humanized-mice inhibits HCV replication. The combination of NS5Ai with CypI suppresses HCV (GT1a, GT2a, GT3a and GT4a) replication in an additive manner. NS5Ai/CypI combinations provide a statistically more profound anti-HCV inhibition for GT2a and GT3a than GT1a and GT4a, leading to a fastest and deepest inhibition of GT2a and GT3a replications. Combining CypI with NS5Ai prevents the viral rebound normally observed in mice treated with NS5Ai alone. Results were confirmed in mice implanted with human hepatocytes from different donors. Therefore, the combination of NS5Ai with CypI may serve as a regimen for the treatment of HCV patients with specific genotypes and disorder conditions, which diminish sustain viral response levels to DAA, such as GT3a infection, cirrhosis, and DAA resistance associated with the selection of resistance-associated substitutions present at baseline or are acquired during treatment.

Download Full-text

In vitro selection of resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae at in vivo fluoroquinolone concentrations

Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy ◽

10.1093/jac/dkp020 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 63 (4) ◽

pp. 721-727 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

E. De Vecchi ◽

L. Nicola ◽

F. Ossola ◽

L. Drago

Keyword(s):

Streptococcus Pneumoniae ◽

In Vitro Selection ◽

Selection Of ◽

Selection Of Resistance

Download Full-text

In vitro selection of resistance in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. at in vivo fluoroquinolone concentrations

BMC Microbiology ◽

10.1186/1471-2180-10-119 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 119 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

Lorenzo Drago ◽

Lucia Nicola ◽

Roberto Mattina ◽

Elena De Vecchi

Keyword(s):

Escherichia Coli ◽

In Vitro Selection ◽

Klebsiella Spp ◽

Selection Of ◽

Selection Of Resistance

Download Full-text

The Effects of Shock Vancomycin Concentrations on the Formation of Heteroresistance in Staphylococcus aureus

Antibiotics and Chemotherapy ◽

10.37489/0235-2990-2020-65-9-10-3-7 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 65 (9-10) ◽

pp. 3-7

Author(s):

V. V. Gostev ◽

Yu. V. Sopova ◽

O. S. Kalinogorskaya ◽

M. E. Velizhanina ◽

I. V. Lazareva ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Staphylococcus Aureus ◽

In Vitro Selection ◽

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus ◽

High Concentration ◽

Short Term ◽

High Concentrations ◽

Selection Of ◽

Selection Of Resistance ◽

Test Cultures

Glycopeptides are the basis of the treatment of infections caused by MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus). Previously, it was demonstrated that antibiotic tolerant phenotypes are formed during selection of resistance under the influence of high concentrations of antibiotics. The present study uses a similar in vitro selection model with vancomycin. Clinical isolates of MRSA belonging to genetic lines ST8 and ST239, as well as the MSSA (ATCC29213) strain, were included in the experiment. Test isolates were incubated for five hours in a medium with a high concentration of vancomycin (50 μg/ml). Test cultures were grown on the medium without antibiotic for 18 hours after each exposure. A total of ten exposure cycles were performed. Vancomycin was characterized by bacteriostatic action; the proportion of surviving cells after exposure was 70–100%. After selection, there was a slight increase in the MIC to vancomycin (MIC 2 μg/ml), teicoplanin (MIC 1.5–3 μg/ml) and daptomycin (MIC 0.25–2 μg/ml). According to the results of PAP analysis, all strains showed an increase in the area under curve depending on the concentration of vancomycin after selection, while a heteroresistant phenotype (with PAP/AUC 0.9) was detected in three isolates. All isolates showed walK mutations (T188S, D235N, E261V, V380I, and G223D). Exposure to short-term shock concentrations of vancomycin promotes the formation of heteroresistance in both MRSA and MSSA. Formation of VISA phenotypes is possible during therapy with vancomycin.

Download Full-text

In vitro and in vivo inhibition of malaria parasite infection by monoclonal antibodies against Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (CSP)

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-84622-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Merricka C. Livingstone ◽

Alexis A. Bitzer ◽

Alish Giri ◽

Kun Luo ◽

Rajeshwer S. Sankhala ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Plasmodium Falciparum ◽

Monoclonal Antibodies ◽

Disease Burden ◽

Vaccine Candidate ◽

Specific Binding ◽

Circumsporozoite Protein ◽

Target Epitope ◽

Selection Of

AbstractPlasmodium falciparum malaria contributes to a significant global disease burden. Circumsporozoite protein (CSP), the most abundant sporozoite stage antigen, is a prime vaccine candidate. Inhibitory monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against CSP map to either a short junctional sequence or the central (NPNA)n repeat region. We compared in vitro and in vivo activities of six CSP-specific mAbs derived from human recipients of a recombinant CSP vaccine RTS,S/AS01 (mAbs 317 and 311); an irradiated whole sporozoite vaccine PfSPZ (mAbs CIS43 and MGG4); or individuals exposed to malaria (mAbs 580 and 663). RTS,S mAb 317 that specifically binds the (NPNA)n epitope, had the highest affinity and it elicited the best sterile protection in mice. The most potent inhibitor of sporozoite invasion in vitro was mAb CIS43 which shows dual-specific binding to the junctional sequence and (NPNA)n. In vivo mouse protection was associated with the mAb reactivity to the NANPx6 peptide, the in vitro inhibition of sporozoite invasion activity, and kinetic parameters measured using intact mAbs or their Fab fragments. Buried surface area between mAb and its target epitope was also associated with in vivo protection. Association and disconnects between in vitro and in vivo readouts has important implications for the design and down-selection of the next generation of CSP based interventions.

Download Full-text

Preclinical Testing of Radiopharmaceuticals for the Detection and Characterization of Osteomyelitis: Experiences from a Porcine Model

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules26144221 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (14) ◽

pp. 4221

Author(s):

Aage Kristian Olsen Alstrup ◽

Svend Borup Jensen ◽

Ole Lerberg Nielsen ◽

Lars Jødal ◽

Pia Afzelius

Keyword(s):

Animal Model ◽

Animal Models ◽

Porcine Model ◽

Animal Experiments ◽

Radioactive Tracers ◽

The Individual ◽

Selection Of

The development of new and better radioactive tracers capable of detecting and characterizing osteomyelitis is an ongoing process, mainly because available tracers lack selectivity towards osteomyelitis. An integrated part of developing new tracers is the performance of in vivo tests using appropriate animal models. The available animal models for osteomyelitis are also far from ideal. Therefore, developing improved animal osteomyelitis models is as important as developing new radioactive tracers. We recently published a review on radioactive tracers. In this review, we only present and discuss osteomyelitis models. Three ethical aspects (3R) are essential when exposing experimental animals to infections. Thus, we should perform experiments in vitro rather than in vivo (Replacement), use as few animals as possible (Reduction), and impose as little pain on the animal as possible (Refinement). The gain for humans should by far exceed the disadvantages for the individual experimental animal. To this end, the translational value of animal experiments is crucial. We therefore need a robust and well-characterized animal model to evaluate new osteomyelitis tracers to be sure that unpredicted variation in the animal model does not lead to a misinterpretation of the tracer behavior. In this review, we focus on how the development of radioactive tracers relies heavily on the selection of a reliable animal model, and we base the discussions on our own experience with a porcine model.

Download Full-text

Insights in Behavior of Variably Formulated Alginate-Based Microcapsules for Cell Transplantation

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2015/965804 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 2015 ◽

pp. 1-11 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Pia Montanucci ◽

Silvia Terenzi ◽

Claudio Santi ◽

Ilaria Pennoni ◽

Vittorio Bini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Divalent Cations ◽

Chemical Properties ◽

Live Cells ◽

High Performing ◽

Physical Chemical ◽

Degenerative Disorders ◽

Selection Of ◽

Better Than

Alginate-based microencapsulation of live cells may offer the opportunity to treat chronic and degenerative disorders. So far, a thorough assessment of physical-chemical behavior of alginate-based microbeads remains cloudy. A disputed issue is which divalent cation to choose for a high performing alginate gelling process. Having selected, in our system, high mannuronic (M) enriched alginates, we studied different gelling cations and their combinations to determine their eventual influence on physical-chemical properties of the final microcapsules preparation,in vitroandin vivo. We have shown that used of ultrapure alginate allows for high biocompatibility of the formed microcapsules, regardless of gelation agents, while use of different gelling cations is associated with corresponding variable effects on the capsules’ basic architecture, as originally reported in this work. However, only the final application which the capsules are destined to will ultimately guide the selection of the ideal, specific gelling divalent cations, since in principle there are no capsules that are better than others.

Download Full-text

Cork Oak Endophytic Fungi as Potential Biocontrol Agents against Biscogniauxia mediterranea and Diplodia corticola

Journal of Fungi ◽

10.3390/jof6040287 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 6 (4) ◽

pp. 287

Author(s):

Daniela Costa ◽

Rui M. Tavares ◽

Paula Baptista ◽

Teresa Lino-Neto

Keyword(s):

Fungal Endophytes ◽

Cork Oak ◽

In Vivo Assays ◽

Oak Trees ◽

Treatment Measures ◽

Dual Plate ◽

Antagonistic Potential ◽

Selection Of

An increase in cork oak diseases caused by Biscogniauxia mediterranea and Diplodia corticola has been reported in the last decade. Due to the high socio-economic and ecologic importance of this plant species in the Mediterranean Basin, the search for preventive or treatment measures to control these diseases is an urgent need. Fungal endophytes were recovered from cork oak trees with different disease severity levels, using culture-dependent methods. The results showed a higher number of potential pathogens than beneficial fungi such as cork oak endophytes, even in healthy plants. The antagonist potential of a selection of eight cork oak fungal endophytes was tested against B. mediterranea and D. corticola by dual-plate assays. The tested endophytes were more efficient in inhibiting D. corticola than B. mediterranea growth, but Simplicillium aogashimaense, Fimetariella rabenhorstii, Chaetomium sp. and Alternaria alternata revealed a high potential to inhibit the growth of both. Simplicillium aogashimaense caused macroscopic and microscopic mycelial/hyphal deformations and presented promising results in controlling both phytopathogens’ growth in vitro. The evaluation of the antagonistic potential of non-volatile and volatile compounds also revealed that A. alternata compounds could be further explored for inhibiting both pathogens. These findings provide valuable knowledge that can be further explored in in vivo assays to find a suitable biocontrol agent for these cork oak diseases.

Download Full-text

Interleukin 12 induces stable priming for interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) production during differentiation of human T helper (Th) cells and transient IFN-gamma production in established Th2 cell clones.

Journal of Experimental Medicine ◽

10.1084/jem.179.4.1273 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 179 (4) ◽

pp. 1273-1283 ◽

Cited By ~ 269

Author(s):

R Manetti ◽

F Gerosa ◽

M G Giudizi ◽

R Biagiotti ◽

P Parronchi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

T Cells ◽

Interferon Gamma ◽

Specific Antigen ◽

Th2 Cells ◽

Interleukin 12 ◽

T Helper ◽

Ifn Gamma ◽

Selection Of

Interleukin 12 (IL-12) facilitates the generation of a T helper type 1 (Th1) response, with high interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) production, while inhibiting the generation of IL-4-producing Th2 cells in polyclonal cultures of both human and murine T cells and in vivo in the mouse. In this study, we analyzed the effect of IL-12, present during cloning of human T cells, on the cytokine profile of the clones. The culture system used allows growth of clones from virtually every T cell, and thus excludes the possibility that selection of precommitted Th cell precursors plays a role in determining characteristics of the clones. IL-12 present during the cloning procedures endowed both CD4+ and CD8+ clones with the ability to produce IFN-gamma at levels severalfold higher than those observed in clones generated in the absence of IL-12. This priming was stable because the high levels of IFN-gamma production were maintained when the clones were cultured in the absence of IL-12 for 11 d. The CD4+ and some of the CD8+ clones produced variable amounts of IL-4. Unlike IFN-gamma, IL-4 production was not significantly different in clones generated in the presence or absence of IL-12. These data suggest that IL-12 primes the clone progenitors, inducing their differentiation to high IFN-gamma-producing clones. The suppression of IL-4-producing cells observed in polyclonally generated T cells in vivo and in vitro in the presence of IL-12 is not observed in this clonal model, suggesting that the suppression depends more on positive selection of non-IL-4-producing cells than on differentiation of individual clones. However, antigen-specific established Th2 clones that were unable to produce IFN-gamma with any other inducer did produce IFN-gamma at low but significant levels when stimulated with IL-12 in combination with specific antigen or insoluble anti-CD3 antibodies. This induction of IFN-gamma gene expression was transient, because culture of the established clones with IL-12 for up to 1 wk did not convert them into IFN-gamma producers when stimulated in the absence of IL-12. These results suggest that Th clones respond to IL-12 treatment either with a stable priming for IFN-gamma production or with only a transient low level expression of the IFN-gamma gene, depending on their stage of differentiation.

Download Full-text

Characterization of Resistance to the Nonnucleoside NS5B Inhibitor Filibuvir in Hepatitis C Virus-Infected Patients

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy ◽

10.1128/aac.05611-11 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 56 (3) ◽

pp. 1331-1341 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

Philip J. F. Troke ◽

Marilyn Lewis ◽

Paul Simpson ◽

Katrina Gore ◽

Jennifer Hammond ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis C Virus ◽

Hepatitis C ◽

Amino Acid ◽

Site Directed Mutagenesis ◽

Phenotypic Resistance ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Chronic Hcv ◽

Selection Of

ABSTRACTFilibuvir (PF-00868554) is an investigational nonnucleoside inhibitor of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) nonstructural 5B (NS5B) RNA-dependent RNA polymerase currently in development for treating chronic HCV infection. The aim of this study was to characterize the selection of filibuvir-resistant variants in HCV-infected individuals receiving filibuvir as short (3- to 10-day) monotherapy. We identified amino acid M423 as the primary site of mutation arising upon filibuvir dosing. Through bulk cloning of clinical NS5B sequences into a transient-replicon system, and supported by site-directed mutagenesis of the Con1 replicon, we confirmed that mutations M423I/T/V mediate phenotypic resistance. Selection in patients of an NS5B mutation at M423 was associated with a reduced replicative capacityin vitrorelative to the pretherapy sequence; consistent with this, reversion to wild-type M423 was observed in the majority of patients following therapy cessation. Mutations at NS5B residues R422 and M426 were detected in a small number of patients at baseline or the end of therapy and also mediate reductions in filibuvir susceptibility, suggesting these are rare but clinically relevant alternative resistance pathways. Amino acid variants at position M423 in HCV NS5B polymerase are the preferred pathway for selection of viral resistance to filibuvirin vivo.

Download Full-text