Therapeutic potential of bacteriophage M13 in reducing sepsis-induced inflammation and organ damage in a CLP model 2383

Abstract Description Background Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that triggers inflammation and organ failure. Phage therapy is a novel approach for infections, including sepsis, that resist conventional treatments. This study investigates bacteriophage M13’s impact on inflammatory responses in the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis mouse model. Methods Bacteriophage M13 was harvested, titrated, and confirmed via electron microscopy. The in vitro effects on splenocytes were assessed for toxicity, cytokine production, nitric oxide, and reactive oxygen species. In vivo, male C57BL/6 mice were divided into CLP + NS (normal saline), CLP + M13 (109 PFU/mL), and sham + NS groups. Mice were sacrificed at 6, 24, 48, and 72 hours (n = 10 per time point). Histopathology, cytokine levels, liver enzymes, bacterial load, and survival rates were analyzed. Results M13 (109 PFU/mL) was non-toxic and did not affect cytokine, nitric oxide, or reactive oxygen species levels in vitro but reduced LPS-induced inflammation in splenocytes. In vivo, the CLP + M13 group showed reduced proinflammatory cytokines, liver enzymes, bacterial load, and organ damage, with increased survival compared to CLP + NS. Conclusions Bacteriophage M13 alleviated sepsis-induced inflammation and organ damage, showing potential as a therapeutic approach for sepsis. Funding Sources None Topic Categories Translational and Interventional Immunology (TI)