Coagulation factors: a novel class of endogenous host antimicrobial proteins against drug-resistant gram-negative bacteria

摘要

In a recent study published in Cell Research, Dr. Xu Song’s groupreported the potent antibacterial activity of three coagulationfactors (VII, IX, and X) against gram-negative bacteria and hencediscovered a novel class of endogenous host antimicrobial proteins.1At present, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses significantchallenges for clinical care and seriously threatens humanhealth.2,3 Among the clinical pathogens, gram-negative bacteriaare particularly problematic in terms of drug resistance becausetheir lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-rich outer membrane reducescellular permeability and acts as a target for antibacterialresistance development.4 Gram-negative bacterial infections haveattracted worldwide concern in recent years, and new antibacterialdrugs and novel therapeutic strategies that can address thishealthcare issue are urgently needed.