Beyond Phages: Exploring Endolysins as Key Players in the Future of Antibacterial Therapeutics

Dear Colleagues,

Phage endolysins are enzymes produced by bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria) during the final stages of the lytic cycle. These enzymes play a crucial role in the phage lifecycle by breaking down the bacterial cell wall from the inside, leading to the release of newly formed phage particles. Endolysins have gained attention for their potential as novel antimicrobials due to notable advantages, such as their specificity, rapid bactericidal action, synergy with antibiotics, and low likelihood of resistance. Research into the development and application of endolysins as antimicrobials is ongoing, and they hold promise as a valuable addition to the arsenal of antimicrobial strategies, particularly in the context of addressing antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. The use of endolysins in phage therapy still needs some research to address challenges, optimize treatment protocols, and gather robust clinical evidence. Some therapeutic issues are related to dosing, administration routes, bioavailability, immunogenicity, and ensuring safety and efficacy across diverse patient populations. This Special Issue will explore recent research supporting, but not limited to, the following: (1) clinical evidence on the efficacy and safety of endolysins in humans, (2) progress in developing regulatory frameworks and standards for approval (production, quality control, and clinical use), and (3) development in scaling up the production for commercial use and addressing associated cost.

Dr. Pilar García Suárez
Guest Editor

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• endolysins
• bacteriophages
• phage therapy
• antimicrobial resistance
• clinical trials
• regulatory framework