Bacteroidetocins Target the Essential Outer Membrane Protein BamA of Bacteroidales Symbionts and Pathogens

Abstract

The bacteroidetocins are a newly discovered class of bacteriocins specific to Bacteroidetes with a spectrum of targets extending from symbiotic gut Bacteroides , Parabacteroides , and Prevotella species to pathogenic oral and vaginal Prevotella species. We previously showed that one such bacteroidetocin, Bd-A, is active at nanomolar concentrations, is water soluble, and is bactericidal, all desirable features in a therapeutic antibacterial peptide.