In silico screening and validation of KPHS_00890 protein of Klebsiella pneumoniae proteome: An application to bacterial resistance and pathogenesis

Introduction: Nosocomial infections are a notorious subset of infectious diseases, varying between 10% and 20% prevalence worldwide. The infections are concomitant with various treatment complications, multiple-drug resistance, and a high degree of virulence. Klebsiella pneumoniae is a gram-negative bacteria of nosocomial importance. Objectives: Our current study is gauged to reason and understand why, despite treatment with cutting-edge medicines and technology, the K. pneumoniae remains elusive. Methods: Using various in silico tools, the KPHS_00890 hypothetical protein of K. pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae HS11286 was identified and annotated. Results: A thorough investigation revealed that KPHS_00890 hypothetical protein is a bifunctional 5'-nucleotidase, an enzyme catalyzing the degradation of nucleotides to nucleosides. Conclusions: Scrutiny and review of the 5'-nucleotidase function across various species ascertained its pertinent role in immune evasion, by suppressing inflammatory responses. Thus, having identified the KPHS_00890 hypothetical protein of K. pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae HS11286 as a 5'-nucleotidase, we propose that it may be involved in an immune evasion strategy during infection pathogenesis. (C) 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of King Saud University.

Automated summary

Nosocomial infections, including those caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae, are highly virulent and often resistant to multiple drugs. The KPHS_00890 hypothetical protein of K. pneumoniae has been identified as a bifunctional 5'-nucleotidase, with a potential role in immune evasion strategies during infection.