Researchers overcome antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Published 30 March 2007

Newly-discovered peptide works wonders against Staph and VRE; as approach does not directly act on bacteria, researchers say resistance is unlikely

The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria — sometimes called “hospital superbugs” — has been of great medical concern for some time now, with many calling for doctors to be much more judicious in prescribing antibiotics and for mothers to stop larding up their homes with antibiotic decontaminants. Neither is likely to do much at this point, but researchers at the University of British Columbia may have found a better, more proactive approach. Developed in collaboration with UBC spin-off Inimex Pharmaceuticals, the treatment relied on a newly-identified peptide that can fight infection by boosting the body’s own immune system. “The beauty of this peptide is that it acts on the host to trigger a protective response and doesn’t act on bacteria directly,” said researcher Robert Hancock. “That means it’s unlikely bacteria will become resistant to it.” The peptide — known as an innate defense regulator (IDR-1) — works by activating several signaling pathways to stimulate infection-clearing chemokines, chemical mediators that mobilizes immune response.

Researchers tested the peptide against Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, and Salmonella. In the Staph and VRE infections, although bacteria were not completely eradicated, IDR-1 significantly reduced bacteria counts and mortality when given either 24-48 hours before or four hours after infection began. In Salmonella, the peptide offered significant protection when administered prior to infection setting in. Moreover, the peptide did not produce the harmful inflammation and toxicity often seen when the immune system is stimulated and, in fact, actually reduced the potentially harmful septic response. “We now have a powerful new tool that will allow us to stop infection before it starts — it’s a new concept in treating infection,” said Hancock. Researchers expect it will be about 12-15 months before the discovery is introduced into human clinical trials.