IMMUNOTHERAPY-BASED STRATEGIES TO COMBAT SEVERE ANTIBIOTIC-RESISTANT INFECTIONS

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance is a major global health threat that reduces the effectiveness of treatments for bacterial infections. It is caused by multi-drug resistant pathogens and mechanisms such as enzymatic degradation, efflux pumps, target modification, biofilm formation, and immune evasion. Combined with the slow development of new antibiotics, resistance has led to treatment failure, fewer therapeutic options, and increased mortality worldwide. This thesis explores immunotherapy-based strategies as alternative or complementary treatments for severe antibiotic-resistant infections. It focuses on enhancing immune responses through monoclonal antibodies, bacteriophage therapies, and immune checkpoint regulation to improve pathogen clearance. By strengthening host immunity rather than directly targeting bacteria, immunotherapy offers a promising strategy for managing resistant infections.