Antivirulence Properties of an Antifreeze Protein

• The antifreeze protein IAFGP protects against cold damage and bacterial infection
• IAFGP is sufficient to confer resistance against multiple pathogens, including MRSA
• IAFGP is the first antivirulence factor targeting only bacterial biofilm formation
• The homologous peptide P1 phenocopies IAFGP function in vivo

SummaryAs microbial drug-resistance increases, there is a critical need for new classes of compounds to combat infectious diseases. The Ixodes scapularis tick antifreeze glycoprotein, IAFGP, functions as an antivirulence agent against diverse bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Recombinant IAFGP and a peptide, P1, derived from this protein bind to microbes and alter biofilm formation. Transgenic iafgp-expressing flies and mice challenged with bacteria, as well as wild-type animals administered P1, were resistant to infection, septic shock, or biofilm development on implanted catheter tubing. These data show that an antifreeze protein facilitates host control of bacterial infections and suggest therapeutic strategies for countering pathogens.

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