Work

Liposomal Nanotraps Neutralize Listeria monocytogenes Toxins to Enhance Macrophage Viability and Antibacterial Capacity

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Listeria monocytogenes is a human and veterinary pathogen, one of the most common agents of foodborne infections worldwide. It can cause severe complications such as meningitis or miscarriage. Antivirulence therapies, which target virulence factors such as pore-forming toxins, offer an alternative approach to combating infections. In this study, cholesterol-containing liposomal nanotraps effectively neutralized L. monocytogenes exotoxins, particularly listeriolysin O, thereby protecting mammalian cells. Notably, toxin neutralization was observed under both neutral and acidic conditions, where listeriolysin O activity is optimized to facilitate bacterial escape from the phagosome. Liposomal nanotraps were phagocytosed by macrophages and colocalized with intracellular Listeria, increasing the clearance rate of intracellular bacteria. These findings expand the potential use of broad-spectrum liposomal nanotrap therapy, which could be employed alongside current standard of care treatments to assist the immune system in controlling virulent pathogens.

Source: Infectious Microbes & Diseases

DOI: 10.1097/im9.0000000000000177

Authors: Hervé Besançon, Margherita Polidori, Andrea Hostettler, Victor Nizet, Anna Oevermann, Eduard Babiychuk

Institutions: University of Bern, University of California San Diego

Language: English

Topic: Listeria monocytogenes in Food Safety

Subfield: Biotechnology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,800