iTRAQ-Based Proteomics Reveals Potential Anti-Virulence Targets for ESBL-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae

PURPOSE: Treatment of infections with Klebsiella pneumoniae strains producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) is challenging due to the coexistence of multiple resistance mechanisms and the hypervirulent variant. Therefore, new targets or more effective treatment options aimed at ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae are urgently needed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Here, we collected ESBL-producing and non-ESBL Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates and studied their differences from a proteomic point of view. RESULTS: We revealed treA, wza, gnd, rmlA, rmlC, rmlD, galE, aceE, and sucD as important virulence-related proteins in ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae, distinct from those in non-ESBL strains. CONCLUSION: Our findings provide plausible anti-virulence targets and suggest new therapeutic avenues against ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae.