Isolation of peptides of the brevinin-1 family with potent candidacidal activity from the skin secretions of the frog Rana boylii

The emergence of strains of the human pathogen Candida albicans with resistance to commonly used antibiotics has necessitated a search for new types of antifungal agents. Six peptides with antimicrobial activity were isolated from norepinephrine-stimulated skin secretions from the foothill yellow-legged frog Rana boylii. Brevinin-1BYa (FLPILASLAA10KFGPKLF CLV20TKKC) was particularly potent against C. albicans [minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 3 microm] and also active against Escherichia coli (MIC = 17 microm) and Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 2 microm), but its therapeutic potential for systemic use is limited by its strong hemolytic activity (HC50 = 4 microm). The single amino acid substitution (Phe12 --> Leu) in brevinin-1BYb resulted in a fourfold lower potency against C. albicans and the additional amino acid substitutions (Lys11 --> Thr, Phe17 --> Leu and Val20 --> Ile) in brevinin-1BYc resulted in a ninefold decrease in activity. Two members of the ranatuerin-2 family and one member of the temporin family were also isolated from the secretions but showed relatively low potency against the three microorganisms tested.

Inhibition of iron transport across human intestinal epithelial cells by hepcidin

We investigated the effects of the iron regulatory peptide hepcidin on iron transport by the human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cell line. Caco-2 cells were exposed to hepcidin for 24 hours prior to the measurement of both iron transport and transporter protein and mRNA expression. Incubation with hepcidin significantly decreased apical iron uptake by Caco-2 cells. This was accompanied by a decrease in both the protein and the mRNA expression of the iron-response element containing variant of the divalent metal transporter (DMT1[+IRE]). In contrast, iron efflux and iron-regulated gene1 (IREG1) expression were unaffected by hepcidin. Hepcidin interacts directly with a model intestinal epithelium. The primary effect of this regulatory peptide is to modulate the apical membrane uptake machinery, thereby controlling the amount of iron absorbed from the diet.

Identification and structural analysis of the antimicrobial domain in hipposin, a 51-mer antimicrobial peptide isolated from Atlantic halibut

Hipposin is a potent 51-mer antimicrobial peptide (AMP) from Atlantic halibut with sequence similarity to parasin (19-mer catfish AMP), buforin I (39-mer toad AMP), and buforin II (an active 21-mer fragment of buforin I), suggesting that the antimicrobial activity of these peptides might all be due to a common antimicrobial sequence motif. In order to identify the putative sequence motif, the antimicrobial activity of hipposin fragments against 20 different bacteria was compared to the activity of hipposin, parasin and buforin II. Neither parasin nor the 19-mer parasin-like fragment HIP(1-19) (differs from parasin in only three residues) that is derived from the N-terminal part (residues 1-19) of hipposin had marked antimicrobial activity. In contrast, the fragment HIP(16-36) (identical to buforin II) that is derived from the middle part of hipposin (residues 16-36) had such activity, indicating that this part of hipposin contained an antimicrobial sequence motif. The activity was enhanced when the parasin-like N-terminal sequence was also present, as the fragment HIP(1-36) which consists of residues 1-36 in hipposin was more potent than HIP(16-36). Extending HIP(1-36) with three C-terminal residues-thereby constructing the buforin I-like peptide HIP(1-39) (differs from buforin I in only three residues)-increased the activity further. Also, the presence of the C-terminal part of hipposin (residues 40-51) increased the activity, as hipposin was clearly the most potent of all the peptides that were tested. Circular dichroism structural analysis of the peptides revealed that they were all non-structured in aqueous solution. However, trifluoroethanol and the membrane-mimicking entities dodecylphosphocholine micelles and negatively charged liposomes induced (amphiphilic) alpha-helical structuring in hipposin. Judging from the structuring of the individual fragments, the tendency for alpha-helical structuring appeared to be greater in the C-terminal and the buforin II-like middle region of hipposin than in the parasin-like N-terminal region.

Inactivation of viruses infecting ectothermic animals by amphibian and piscine antimicrobial peptides

The ability of five purified amphibian antimicrobial peptides (dermaseptin-1, temporin A, magainin I, and II, PGLa), crude peptide fractions isolated from the skin of Rana pipiens and R. catesbeiana, and four antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from hybrid striped bass (piscidin-1N, -1H, -2, and -3) were examined for their ability to reduce the infectivity of channel catfish virus (CCV) and frog virus 3 (FV3). All compounds, with the exception of magainin I, markedly reduced the infectivity of CCV. In contrast to CCV, FV3 was 2- to 4-fold less sensitive to these agents. Similar to an earlier study employing two other amphibian peptides, the agents used here acted rapidly and over a wide, physiologically relevant, temperature range to reduce virus infectivity. These results extend our previous findings and strongly suggest that various amphibian and piscine AMPs may play important roles in protecting fish and amphibians from pathogenic viruses.

Design of Amine-Modified Graft Polyesters for Effective Gene Delivery Using DNA-Loaded Nanoparticles

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was the design of a polymeric platform for effective gene delivery using DNA-loaded nanoparticles.

METHODS

The polymers were synthesized by carbonyldiimidazole (CDI)-mediated coupling of diamines diethylaminopropylamine (DEAPA), dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) or diethylaminoethylamine (DEAEA) to poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with subsequent grafting of D,L-lactide and glycolide (1:1) in the stoichiometric ratios of 1:10 and 1:20 (free hydroxyl groups/monomer units). The polymers were characterized by 1H-NMR, gel permeation chromatography-multiple-angle laser-light-scattering, and differential scanning calorimetry. DNA-loaded nanoparticles prepared by a modified solvent displacement method were characterized with regard to their zeta (zeta)-potential and size. The transfection efficiency was assessed with the plasmid DNA pCMV-luc in L929 mouse fibroblasts.

RESULTS

The polymers were composed of highly branched, biodegradable cationic polyesters exhibiting amphiphilic properties. The amine modification enhanced the rapid polymer degradation and resulted in the interaction with DNA during particle preparation. The nanoparticles exhibited positive zeta-potentials up to +42 mV and high transfection efficiencies, comparable to polyethylenimine (PEI) 25 kDa/DNA complexes at a nitrogen to phosphate ratio of 5.

CONCLUSIONS

The polymers combined amine-functions and short poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) chains resulting in water-insoluble polymers capable of forming biodegradable DNA nanoparticles through coulombic interactions and polyester precipitation in aqueous medium. The high transfection efficiency was based on fast polymer degradation and the conservation of DNA bioactivity.

Ribosomally synthesized peptides with antimicrobial properties: biosynthesis, structure, function, and applications

Ribosomally synthesized peptides with antimicrobial properties (antimicrobial peptides-AMPs) are produced by eukaryotes and prokaryotes and represent crucial components of their defense systems against microorganisms. Although they differ in structure, they are nearly all cationic and very often amphiphilic, which reflects the fact that many of them attack their target cells by permeabilizing the cell membrane. They can be roughly categorized into those that have a high content of a certain amino acid, most often proline, those that contain intramolecular disulfide bridges, and those with an amphiphilic region in their molecule if they assume an alpha-helical structure. Most of the known ribosomally synthesized peptides with antimicrobial functions have been identified and studied during the last 20 years. As a result of these studies, new knowledge has been acquired into biology and biochemistry. It has become evident that these peptides may be developed into useful antimicrobial additives and drugs. The use of two-peptide antimicrobial peptides as replacement for clinical antibiotics is promising, though their applications in preservation of foods (safe and effective for use in meat, vegetables, and dairy products), in veterinary medicine, and in dentistry are more immediate. This review focuses on the current status of some of the main types of ribosomally synthesized AMPs produced by eucaryotes and procaryotes and discusses the novel antimicrobial functions, new developments, e.g. heterologous production of bacteriocins by lactic acid bacteria, or construction of multibacteriocinogenic strains, novel applications related to these peptides, and future research paradigms.

Jelleines: a family of antimicrobial peptides from the Royal Jelly of honeybees (Apis mellifera)

Four antimicrobial peptides were purified from Royal Jelly of honeybees, by using reverse phase-HPLC and sequenced by using Q-Tof-MS/MS: PFKLSLHL-NH(2) (Jelleine-I), TPFKLSLHL-NH(2) (Jelleine-II), EPFKLSLHL-NH(2) (Jelleine-III), and TPFKLSLH-NH(2) (Jelleine-IV). The peptides were synthesized on-solid phase, purified and submitted to different biological assays: antimicrobial activity, mast cell degranulating activity and hemolysis. The Jelleines-I-III presented exclusively antimicrobial activities against yeast, Gram+ and Gram- bacteria; meanwhile, Jelleine-IV was not active in none of the assays performed. These peptides do not present any similarity with the other antimicrobial peptides from the honeybees; they are produced constitutively by the workers and secreted into Royal Jelly.

Investigating the importance of the flexible hinge in caerin 1.1: solution structures and activity of two synthetically modified caerin peptides

Caerin 1.1 is a potent broad-spectrum antibacterial peptide isolated from a number of Australian frogs of the Litoria genus. In membrane-like media, this peptide adopts two alpha-helices, separated by a flexible hinge region bounded by Pro15 and Pro19. Previous studies have suggested that the hinge region is important for effective orientation of the two helices within the bacterial cell membrane, resulting in lysis via the carpet mechanism. To evaluate the importance of the two Pro residues, they were replaced with either Ala or Gly. The antibacterial activity of these two peptides was tested, and their three-dimensional structures were determined using two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy and restrained molecular dynamics calculations. The resulting structures indicate that the central hinge angle decreases significantly upon replacement of the Pro residues with Gly and to a further extent with Ala. This trend was mirrored by a corresponding decrease in antibiotic activity, further exemplifying the necessity of the hinge in caerin 1.1 and related peptides. In a broader context, the use of Pro, Gly, and Ala variants of caerin 1.1 has enabled the relationship between conformational flexibility and activity to be directly investigated in a systematic manner.

Bioinformatic discovery and initial characterisation of nine novel antimicrobial peptide genes in the chicken

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are essential components of innate immunity in a range of species from Drosophila to humans and are generally thought to act by disrupting the membrane integrity of microbes. In order to discover novel AMPs in the chicken, we have implemented a bioinformatic approach that involves the clustering of more than 420,000 chicken expressed sequence tags (ESTs). Similarity searching of proteins-predicted to be encoded by these EST clusters-for homology to known AMPs has resulted in the in silico identification of full-length sequences for seven novel gallinacins (Gal-4 to Gal-10), a novel cathelicidin and a novel liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP-2) in the chicken. Differential gene expression of these novel genes has been demonstrated across a panel of chicken tissues. An evolutionary analysis of the gallinacin family has detected sites-primarily in the mature AMP-that are under positive selection in these molecules. The functional implications of these results are discussed.

Molecular mechanism of Peptide-induced pores in membranes

We suggest a physical mechanism by which antimicrobial peptides spontaneously induce stable pores in membranes. Peptide binding to a lipid bilayer causes an internal stress, or internal membrane tension, that can be sufficiently strong to create pores. Like detergents, peptides have a high affinity for the rim of the pore. Binding to the rims reduces the line tension and decreases the number of peptides causing the internal membrane tension. Consequently, the pore radius is stable. The pore formation resembles a phase transition.

Orientation of the antimicrobial peptide PGLa in lipid membranes determined from 19F-NMR dipolar couplings of 4-CF3-phenylglycine labels

A highly sensitive solid state (19)F-NMR strategy is described to determine the orientation and dynamics of membrane-associated peptides from specific fluorine labels. Several analogues of the antimicrobial peptide PGLa were synthesized with the non-natural amino acid 4-trifluoromethyl-phenylglycine (CF(3)-Phg) at different positions throughout the alpha-helical peptide chain. A simple 1-pulse (19)F experiment allows the simultaneous measurement of both the anisotropic chemical shift and the homonuclear dipolar coupling within the rotating CF(3)-group in a macroscopically oriented membrane sample. The value and sign of the dipolar splitting determines the tilt of the CF(3)-rotational axis, which is rigidly attached to the peptide backbone, with respect to the external magnetic field direction. Using four CF(3)-labeled peptide analogues (with L-CF(3)-Phg at Ile9, Ala10, Ile13, and Ala14) we confirmed that PGLa is aligned at the surface of lipid membranes with its helix axis perpendicular to the bilayer normal at a peptide:lipid ratio of 1:200. We also determined the azimuthal rotation angle of the helix, which agrees well with the orientation expected from its amphiphilic character. Peptide analogues with a D-CF(3)-Phg label resulting from racemization of the amino acid during synthesis were separately collected by HPLC. Their spectra provide additional information about the PGLa structure and orientation but allow only to discriminate qualitatively between multiple solutions. The structural and functional characterization of the individual CF(3)-labeled peptides by circular dichroism and antimicrobial assays showed only small effects for our four substitutions on the hydrophobic face of the helix, but a significant disturbance was observed in a fifth analogue where Ala8 on the hydrophilic face had been replaced. Even though the hydrophobic CF(3)-Phg side chain cannot be utilized in all positions, it allows highly sensitive NMR measurements over a wide range of experimental conditions and dynamic regimes of the peptide.

Infection detection in mice using 99mTc-labeled HYNIC and N2S2 chelate conjugated to the antimicrobial peptide UBI 29-41

Earlier we reported that UBI 29-41, a synthetic peptide corresponding to residues 29-41 of human ubiquicidin, directly labeled with technetium-99m ((99m)Tc-UBI 29-41) distinguishes bacterial and fungal infections from sterile inflammations in animals. This study was undertaken to evaluate the radiochemical and biological characteristics of (99m)Tc-UBI 29-41 labeled through the intermediacy of a HYNIC or N(2)S(2) moiety, which were introduced at the N-terminus of UBI 29-41 during solid phase synthesis, with (99m)Tc-UBI 29-41. Methods were as follows: UBI 29-41 and HYNIC- or N(2)S(2)-conjugated peptide were labeled with technetium-99m. Preparations of these radiolabeled UBI 29-41 were purified by HPLC and Sep-Pak. Next, the stability of these tracers in human serum was challenged for 24 hours and their in vitro binding to bacteria assessed. Using scintigraphy up to 2 hours after injection of the tracer and ex vivo countings at the last interval we evaluated the ability of the three tracers to detect bacterial infections in mice inoculated with 2 x 10(7) viable Staphylococcus aureus or Klebsiella pneumoniae as well as their biodistribution. We observed the following results: HPLC analysis of purified (99m)Tc-HYNIC-UBI 29-41, (99m)Tc-UBI 29-41 and (99m)Tc-N(2)S(2)-UBI 29-41 revealed that within 60 minutes >90% of the radioactivity was associated with the peptide. In addition, the stability of these radiolabeled UBI 29-41 peptides in human serum was excellent. All three tracers bound equally well to bacteria in vitro. After intravenous injection into mice with an experimental bacterial infection (99m)Tc-HYNIC-UBI 29-41 and (99m)Tc-UBI 29-41 were rapidly removed from the circulation mainly by renal clearance (at t = 120 minutes approximately 60% of the injected dose/gram tissue; % ID/g). In contrast, (99m)Tc-N(2)S(2)-UBI 29-41 was removed mainly by the liver (t = 120 minutes; 52% ID/g) showing deposits in the intestines (t = 120 minutes; 31% ID/g) and to a lesser extent by renal clearance (19% ID/g). All three tracers rapidly detected bacterial infections in mice and highest accumulation (target-to-nontarget ratios between 3.2 and 3.6 and between 2.9 and 4.4 for infections with S. aureus and K. pneumoniae, respectively) was found at 2 hours after injection of the tracer. In conclusion, purified (99m)Tc-HYNIC-UBI 29-41 and (99m)Tc-N(2)S(2)-UBI 29-41 were as effective as (99m)Tc-UBI 29-41 in detecting infections in mice injected intramuscularly with bacteria. However, (99m)Tc-N(2)S(2)-UBI 29-41 should not be advised for the imaging of abdominal infections as this tracer, in contrast to the other tracers, is cleared via the liver and intestines.

A short α-helical antimicrobial peptide with antibacterial selectivity

A 13-residue alpha-helical peptide (K6L5WP), designed from Leu6-->Pro substitution of a hemolytic alpha-helical peptide (K6L6W), exhibited strong antibacterial activity (MIC: 2 to approximately 4 microM against three gram-positives and three gram-negatives) comparable to that of melittin but had no hemolytic activity. Tryptophan fluorescence studies indicated bacterial selectivity of K6L5WP is closely related to the selective interaction with negatively charged phospholipids on the surface of bacterial cells. These results suggested that the central Pro6 in K6L5WP plays an important role in its bacterial cell selectivity. In conclusion, K6L5WP with antibacterial selectivity may serve as an attractive candidate for the development of antimicrobial agents.

Bestowing antifungal and antibacterial activities by lipophilic acid conjugation to D,L-amino acid-containing antimicrobial peptides: a plausible mode of action

The dramatically increased frequency of opportunistic fungal infections has prompted research to diversify the arsenal of antifungal agents. Antimicrobial peptides constitute a promising family for future antibiotics with a new mode of action. However, only a few are effective against fungal pathogens because of their ability to self-assemble. Recently, we showed that the conjugation of fatty acids to the potent antibacterial peptide magainin endowed it with antifungal activity concomitant with an increase in its oligomeric state in solution. To investigate whether a high potency of the parental peptide is prerequisite for antifungal activity, we conjugated undecanoic acid (UA) and palmitic acid (PA) to inactive diastereomers of magainin containing four d-amino acids ([D]-4-magainin), as well as to a weakly active diastereomeric lytic peptide containing Lys and Leu ([D]-K(5)L(7)). All lipopeptides gained potent activity toward Cryptococcus neoformans. Most importantly, [D]-K(5)L(7)-UA was highly potent against all microorganisms tested, including bacteria, yeast, and opportunistic fungi. All lipopeptides increased the permeability of Escherichia coli spheroplasts and intact C. neoformans, as well as their corresponding membranes, phosphatidylethanol (PE)/phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and phosphatidylcholine (PC)/PE/phosphatidylinositol (PI)/ergosterol, respectively. The extent of membrane-permeating activity correlated with their biological function, suggesting that the plasma membrane was one of their major targets. Circular dichroism (CD) and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy revealed that their mode of oligomerization in solution, structure, and organization in membranes have important roles regarding their antibacterial and antifungal activities. Together with the advantage of using diastereomers versus all l-amino acid peptides, this study paves the way to the design of a new group of potent antifungal peptides urgently needed to combat opportunistic fungal infection.

Acylation of SC4 dodecapeptide increases bactericidal potency against Gram-positive bacteria, including drug-resistant strains

We have conjugated dodecyl and octadecyl fatty acids to the N-terminus of SC4, a potently bactericidal, helix-forming peptide 12-mer (KLFKRHLKWKII), and examined the bactericidal activities of the resultant SC4 'peptide-amphiphile' molecules. SC4 peptide-amphiphiles showed up to a 30-fold increase in bactericidal activity against Gram-positive strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Bacillus anthracis), including S. aureus strains resistant to conventional antibiotics, but little or no increase in bactericidal activity against Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Fatty acid conjugation improved endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide) neutralization by 3- to 6-fold. Although acylation somewhat increased lysis of human erythrocytes, it did not increase lysis of endothelial cells, and the haemolytic effects occurred at concentrations 10- to 100-fold higher than those required for bacterial cell lysis. For insight into the mechanism of action of SC4 peptide-amphiphiles, CD, NMR and fluorescence spectroscopy studies were performed in micelle and liposome models of eukaryotic and bacterial cell membranes. CD indicated that SC4 peptide-amphiphiles had the strongest helical tendencies in liposomes mimicking bacterial membranes, and strong membrane integration of the SC4 peptide-amphiphiles was observed using tryptophan fluorescence spectroscopy under these conditions; results that correlated with the increased bactericidal activities of SC4 peptide-amphiphiles. NMR structural analysis in micelles demonstrated that the two-thirds of the peptide closest to the fatty acid tail exhibited a helical conformation, with the positively-charged side of the amphipathic helix interacting more with the model membrane surface. These results indicate that conjugation of a fatty acid chain to the SC4 peptide enhances membrane interactions, stabilizes helical structure in the membrane-bound state and increases bactericidal potency.

Molecular characterization of two novel antibacterial peptides inducible upon bacterial challenge in an annelid, the leech Theromyzon tessulatum

Two novel antimicrobial peptides named theromacin and theromyzin were isolated and characterized from the coelomic liquid of the leech Theromyzon tessulatum. Theromacin is a 75-amino acid cationic peptide containing 10 cysteine residues arranged in a disulfide array showing no similarities with other known antimicrobial peptides. Theromyzin is an 86-amino acid linear peptide and constitutes the first anionic antimicrobial peptide observed in invertebrates. Both peptides exhibit activity directed against Gram-positive bacteria. Theromacin and theromyzin cDNAs code precursor molecules containing a putative signal sequence directly followed by the mature peptide. The enhancement of theromacin and theromyzin mRNA levels has been observed after blood meal ingestion and upon bacterial challenge. In situ hybridization revealed that both genes are expressed in large fat cells in contact with coelomic cavities. Gene products were immunodetected in large fat cells, in intestinal epithelia, and at the epidermis level. In addition, a rapid release of the peptides into the coelomic liquid was observed after bacterial challenge. The presence of antimicrobial peptide genes in leeches and their expression in a specific tissue functionally resembling the insect fat body provide evidence for the first time of an antibacterial response in a lophotrochozoan comparable to that of holometabola insects.

The insect antimicrobial peptide,l-pyrrhocoricin, binds to and stimulates the ATPase activity of both wild-type and lidless DnaK

Recent reports have indicated that insect antimicrobial peptides kill bacteria by inhibiting the molecular chaperone DnaK. It was proposed that the antimicrobial peptide, all-L-pyrrhocoricin (L-PYR), binds to two sites on DnaK, the conventional substrate-binding site and the multi-helical C-terminal lid, and that inhibition of DnaK comes about from the lid mode of binding. In this report, we show using two different assays that L-PYR binds to and stimulates the ATPase activity of both wild-type and a lidless variant of DnaK. Our study shows that L-PYR interacts with DnaK much like the all-L NR (NRLLLTG) peptide, which is known to bind in the conventional substrate-binding site of DnaK. L-PYR antimicrobial activity is thus a consequence of the competitive inhibition of bacterial DnaK.

Development of a calcium phosphate co-precipitate/poly(lactide-co-glycolide) DNA delivery system: release kinetics and cellular transfection studies

One of the most common non-viral methods for the introduction of foreign deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) into cultured cells is calcium phosphate co-precipitate transfection. This technique involves the encapsulation of DNA within a calcium phosphate co-precipitate, particulate addition to in vitro cell culture, endocytosis of the co-precipitate, and exogenous DNA expression by the transfected cell. In this study, we fabricated a novel non-viral gene transfer system by adsorbing DNA, encapsulated in calcium phosphate (DNA/Ca-P) co-precipitates, to biodegradable two- and three-dimensional poly(lactide-co-glycolide) matrices (2D-DNA/Ca-P/PLAGA, 3D-DNA/Ca-P/PLAGA). Co-precipitate release studies demonstrated an initial burst release over the first 48 h. By day 7, approximately 96% of the initially adsorbed DNA/Ca-P co-precipitate had been released. This was followed by low levels of co-precipitate release for 42 days. Polymerase chain reaction was used to demonstrate the ability of the released DNA containing co-precipitates to transfect SaOS-2 cells cultured in vitro on the 3D-DNA/Ca-P/PLAGA matrix and maintenance of the structural integrity of the exogenous DNA. In summary, a promising system for the incorporation and controlled delivery of exogenous genes encapsulated within a calcium phosphate co-precipitate from biodegradable polymeric matrices has been developed and may have applicability to the delivery of therapeutic genes and the transfection of other cell types.

The Human Antimicrobial Peptide LL-37 Transfers Extracellular DNA Plasmid to the Nuclear Compartment of Mammalian Cells via Lipid Rafts and Proteoglycan-dependent Endocytosis

Antimicrobial peptides, such as LL-37, are found both in nonvertebrates and vertebrates, where they represent important components of innate immunity. Bacterial infections at epithelial surfaces are associated with substantial induction of LL-37 expression, which allows efficient lysis of the invading microbes. Peptide-mediated lysis results in the release of bacterial nucleic acids with potential pathobiological activity in the host. Here, we demonstrate that LL-37 targets extracellular DNA plasmid to the nuclear compartment of mammalian cells, where it is expressed. DNA transfer occurred at physiological LL-37 concentrations that killed bacterial cells, whereas virtually no cytotoxic or growth-inhibitory effects were observed in mammalian cells. Furthermore, LL-37 protected DNA from serum nuclease degradation. LL-37.DNA complex uptake was a saturable time- and temperature-dependent process and was sensitive to cholesterol-depleting agents that are known to disrupt lipid rafts and caveolae, as shown by flow cytometry. Confocal fluorescence microscopy studies showed localization of internalized DNA to compartments stained by cholera toxin B, a marker of lipid rafts, but failed to demonstrate any co-localization of internalized DNA with caveolin-positive endocytotic vesicles. Moreover, LL-37-mediated plasmid uptake and reporter gene expression were strictly dependent on cell surface proteoglycans. We conclude that the human antimicrobial peptide LL-37 binds to, protects, and efficiently targets DNA plasmid to the nuclei of mammalian cells through caveolae-independent membrane raft endocytosis and cell surface proteoglycans.

Conformation of the Cecropin-Melittin Hybrid, Cecropin A(1-8)-Melittin (1-18) Antibacterial Peptide

Cecropin A (1-8)-Melittin (1-18) is a synthetic cecropin A-melittin hybrid peptide with leishmanicidal activity. The primary sequence of the peptide is as follows: KWKLPKKIGIGAVLKVLTTGLPALIS-NH2. 1H and 13C 2D NMR techniques were used to deduce the conformational parameters of chemical shift, 3JNHalpha coupling constants, temperature coefficients of NH chemical shifts and the pattern of intra and inter-residue nOe's. NMR studies were carried out in water (pH 6.0) and hexafluoroacetone (HFA). The peptide was found in a beta-pleated structure in water, and in HFA it adopts a right-handed alpha-helix conformation. Solution structures generated using restrained molecular dynamics simulations were refined by Mardigras to R factors ranging from 0.5 to 0.6.

Anti-microbial peptides: from invertebrates to vertebrates

Gene-encoded anti-microbial peptides (AMPs) are widespread in nature, as they are synthesized by microorganisms as well as by multicellular organisms from both the vegetal and the animal kingdoms. These naturally occurring AMPs form a first line of host defense against pathogens and are involved in innate immunity. Depending on their tissue distribution, AMPs ensure either a systemic or a local protection of the organism against environmental pathogens. They are classified into three major groups: (i) peptides with an alpha-helical conformation (insect cecropins, magainins, etc.), (ii) cyclic and open-ended cyclic peptides with pairs of cysteine residues (defensins, protegrin, etc.), and (iii) peptides with an over-representation of some amino acids (proline rich, histidine rich, etc.). Most AMPs display hydrophobic and cationic properties, have a molecular mass below 25-30 kDa, and adopt an amphipathic structure (alpha-helix, beta-hairpin-like beta-sheet, beta-sheet, or alpha-helix/beta-sheet mixed structures) that is believed to be essential to their anti-microbial action. Interestingly, in recent years, a series of novel AMPs have been discovered as processed forms of large proteins. Despite the extreme diversity in their primary and secondary structures, all natural AMPs have the in vitro particularity to affect a large number of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, yeast, virus, etc.) with identical or complementary activity spectra. This review focuses on AMPs forming alpha-helices, beta-hairpin-like beta-sheets, beta-sheets, or alpha-helix/beta-sheet mixed structures from invertebrate and vertebrate origins. These molecules show some promise for therapeutic use.

Interactions of a small linear cationic peptide with lipopolysaccharide and lipoteichoic acid

Cationic peptides are known to play critical roles in innate immunity. The peptides exert not only antimicrobial activity but also suppress the activity of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA) by binding to them. We have previously reported that L-peptide, a small linear cationic peptide derived from human granulysin displays broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. In this study, the in vitro interactions of L-peptide with LPS and LTA were examined. LPS and LTA were found to inhibit the antimicrobial activity of the L-peptide in a dose-dependent manner, and they were shown to bind with the L-peptide. On the other hand, L-peptide failed to inhibit LPS- or LTA-induced cytokine production by macrophages or to block the binding of LPS to the cell surface. Thus, there seems to be a hierarchy that places LPS and LTA above L-peptide in the interactions of L-peptide with LPS and LTA.

Isolation and characterisation of proline/arginine-rich cathelicidin peptides from ovine neutrophils

Cathelicidins are a family of gene-encoded antimicrobial peptides found in mammals. Seven cathelicidin genes have been identified in sheep, but up to now only two variants of one of these predicted peptides (OaBac5) have been purified from ovine neutrophils. In this work numerous proline/arginine-rich cathelicidin peptides were purified, including the originally predicted OaBac5 and another OaBac5 variant. As well as this, the C-terminus of the predicted OaBac7.5 and various truncated forms of OaBac11 were purified. Even though these peptides were much smaller than those predicted, they still displayed antimicrobial activity.

Antimicrobial activity and bacterial-membrane interaction of ovine-derived cathelicidins

Three ovine-derived cathelicidins, SMAP29, OaBac5mini, and OaBac7.5mini, were compared with respect to their antibacterial activities and interactions with membranes. SMAP29 was confirmed to be alpha-helical, broad spectrum, and able to disrupt both the outer and the cytoplasmic membranes at relatively low concentrations. In contrast, the two proline- and arginine-rich OaBac peptides had more-modest antibacterial activities, reduced levels of lipopolysaccharide binding, and a lesser ability to depolarize the cytoplasmic membrane, consistent with a cytoplasmic target.