51
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Chessa C, Bodet C, Jousselin C, Wehbe M, Lévêque N, Garcia M. Antiviral and Immunomodulatory Properties of Antimicrobial Peptides Produced by Human Keratinocytes. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1155. [PMID: 32582097 PMCID: PMC7283518 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Keratinocytes, the main cells of the epidermis, are the first site of replication as well as the first line of defense against many viruses such as arboviruses, enteroviruses, herpes viruses, human papillomaviruses, or vaccinia virus. During viral replication, these cells can sense virus associated molecular patterns leading to the initiation of an innate immune response composed of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and antimicrobial peptides. Human keratinocytes produce and secrete at least nine antimicrobial peptides: human cathelicidin LL-37, types 1–4 human β-defensins, S100 peptides such as psoriasin (S100A7), calprotectin (S100A8/9) and koebnerisin (S100A15), and RNase 7. These peptides can exert direct antiviral effects on the viral particle or its replication cycle, and indirect antiviral activity, by modulating the host immune response. The purpose of this review is to summarize current knowledge of antiviral and immunomodulatory properties of human keratinocyte antimicrobial peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Chessa
- Laboratoire de Virologie et Mycobactériologie, CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,Laboratoire Inflammation, Tissus Epithéliaux et Cytokines, LITEC EA 4331, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Charles Bodet
- Laboratoire Inflammation, Tissus Epithéliaux et Cytokines, LITEC EA 4331, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Clément Jousselin
- Laboratoire de Virologie et Mycobactériologie, CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,Laboratoire Inflammation, Tissus Epithéliaux et Cytokines, LITEC EA 4331, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Michel Wehbe
- Laboratoire Inflammation, Tissus Epithéliaux et Cytokines, LITEC EA 4331, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Nicolas Lévêque
- Laboratoire de Virologie et Mycobactériologie, CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,Laboratoire Inflammation, Tissus Epithéliaux et Cytokines, LITEC EA 4331, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Magali Garcia
- Laboratoire de Virologie et Mycobactériologie, CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,Laboratoire Inflammation, Tissus Epithéliaux et Cytokines, LITEC EA 4331, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
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52
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Burucúa MM, Pérez SE, Odeón AC, Cobo ER, Quintana S, Marin MS. Cathelicidin bovine myeloid antimicrobial peptide (BMAP) 28 is involved in the inflammatory response against alpha-herpesviruses in the bovine nervous system. Mol Immunol 2020; 122:148-155. [PMID: 32361417 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2020.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The role of the local innate immune response in the neuropathogenesis of bovine herpesvirus (BoHV) type 1 and 5 remains largely unknown. This study determined the gene transcriptional expression of relevant bovine cathelicidins, TNFα and IFNβ in the nervous system of experimentally-infected cattle during the different stages of BoHV-1 and BoHV-5 infectious cycle. We studied the modulation of bovine myeloid antimicrobial peptide (BMAP) 27 and 28 by alpha-herpesviruses during acute infection of the central nervous system (CNS). However, BMAP28 was the main cathelicidin modulated. BoHV-5 supressed BMAP28 expression mainly in frontal cortex and cervical medulla whereas BoHV-1 slightly induced the expression of cathelicidins in the olfactory and posterior cortex. The differences in the regulation of the innate response are likely related to distinct replication rates of both alpha-herpesviruses in the CNS. During latency and reactivation, BoHV-1 and -5 decreased BMAP28 and BMAP27 expression, accompanied by high levels of TNFα and IFNβ transcripts in the posterior brain region and medulla during BoHV reactivation. In terms of cytokines, a remarkably overexpression of IFNβ was induced by BoHV-5 (133.8-fold). In trigeminal ganglion (TG) both alpha-herpesviruses induced cathelidicins gene expression at all stages of the infection cycle, while only acute BoHV-5 infection increased TNFα (129-fold) mRNA levels. This study suggests that the pronounced downregulation of BMAP28 in BoHV-5-acutely-infected CNS is due to a decreased immune stimulation during viral infection, favouring its establishment in the CNS with a low replication rate until latency. Thus, cathelicidins, together with IFNβ and TNFα, are differentially regulated by BoHV-5 and BoHV-1 infections and this regulation is dependent on the stage of virus infection in the bovine nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Burucúa
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Rivadavia 1917, C1033AAJ, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce, Ruta 226 Km 73.5 (7620), Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - S E Pérez
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Rivadavia 1917, C1033AAJ, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, CIVETAN, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Paraje Arroyo Seco S/N, Tandil 7000, Argentina
| | - A C Odeón
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Ruta 226 Km 73.5 (7620), Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - E R Cobo
- Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - S Quintana
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Rivadavia 1917, C1033AAJ, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Centro de Investigación en Abejas Sociales, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, UNMDP, Funes, 3350, (7600) Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M S Marin
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Rivadavia 1917, C1033AAJ, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce, Ruta 226 Km 73.5 (7620), Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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53
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Engineered Human Cathelicidin Antimicrobial Peptides Inhibit Ebola Virus Infection. iScience 2020; 23:100999. [PMID: 32252021 PMCID: PMC7104201 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.100999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The 2014–2016 West Africa Ebola virus (EBOV) outbreak coupled with the most recent outbreaks in Central Africa underscore the need to develop effective treatment strategies against EBOV. Although several therapeutic options have shown great potential, developing a wider breadth of countermeasures would increase our efforts to combat the highly lethal EBOV. Here we show that human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (AMP) LL-37 and engineered LL-37 AMPs inhibit the infection of recombinant virus pseudotyped with EBOV glycoprotein (GP) and the wild-type EBOV. These AMPs target EBOV infection at the endosomal cell-entry step by impairing cathepsin B-mediated processing of EBOV GP. Furthermore, two engineered AMPs containing D-amino acids are particularly potent in blocking EBOV infection in comparison with other AMPs, most likely owing to their resistance to intracellular enzymatic degradation. Our results identify AMPs as a novel class of anti-EBOV therapeutics and demonstrate the feasibility of engineering AMPs for improved therapeutic efficacy. Cathelicidin-derived antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) potently inhibit EBOV infection D-form AMPs are more resistant to proteolytic cleavage than L-form AMPs in the cell AMPs prevent cathepsin B-mediated processing of EBOV GP1, 2
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54
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Cho HS, Yum J, Larivière A, Lévêque N, Le QVC, Ahn B, Jeon H, Hong K, Soundrarajan N, Kim JH, Bodet C, Park C. Opossum Cathelicidins Exhibit Antimicrobial Activity Against a Broad Spectrum of Pathogens Including West Nile Virus. Front Immunol 2020; 11:347. [PMID: 32194564 PMCID: PMC7063992 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to characterize cathelicidins from the gray short-tailed opossum in silico and experimentally validate their antimicrobial effects against various pathogenic bacteria and West Nile virus (WNV). Genome-wide in silico analysis against the current genome assembly of the gray short-tailed opossum yielded 56 classical antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from eight different families, among which 19 cathelicidins, namely ModoCath1 – 19, were analyzed in silico to predict their antimicrobial domains and three of which, ModoCath1, -5, and -6, were further experimentally evaluated for their antimicrobial activity, and were found to exhibit a wide spectrum of antimicroial effects against a panel of gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains. In addition, these peptides displayed low-to-moderate cytotoxicity in mammalian cells as well as stability in serum and various salt and pH conditions. Circular dichroism analysis of the spectra resulting from interactions between ModoCaths and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) showed formation of a helical structure, while a dual-dye membrane disruption assay and scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that ModoCaths exerted bactericidal effects by causing membrane damage. Furthermore, ModoCath5 displayed potent antiviral activity against WNV by inhibiting viral replication, suggesting that opossum cathelicidins may serve as potentially novel antimicrobial endogenous substances of mammalian origin, considering their large number. Moreover, analysis of publicly available RNA-seq data revealed the expression of eight ModoCaths from five different tissues, suggesting that gray short-tailed opossums may be an interesting source of cathelicidins with diverse characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Sun Cho
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Joori Yum
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Andy Larivière
- Laboratoire Inflammation, Tissus Epithéliaux et Cytokines, LITEC EA 4331, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Nicolas Lévêque
- Laboratoire Inflammation, Tissus Epithéliaux et Cytokines, LITEC EA 4331, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Quy Van Chanh Le
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - ByeongYong Ahn
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyoim Jeon
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kwonho Hong
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | - Jin-Hoi Kim
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Charles Bodet
- Laboratoire Inflammation, Tissus Epithéliaux et Cytokines, LITEC EA 4331, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Chankyu Park
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea
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55
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Mookherjee N, Anderson MA, Haagsman HP, Davidson DJ. Antimicrobial host defence peptides: functions and clinical potential. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2020; 19:311-332. [DOI: 10.1038/s41573-019-0058-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 425] [Impact Index Per Article: 106.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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56
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Singh S, Singh PK, Suhail H, Arumugaswami V, Pellett PE, Giri S, Kumar A. AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Restricts Zika Virus Replication in Endothelial Cells by Potentiating Innate Antiviral Responses and Inhibiting Glycolysis. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 204:1810-1824. [PMID: 32086387 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1901310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Viruses are known to perturb host cellular metabolism to enable their replication and spread. However, little is known about the interactions between Zika virus (ZIKV) infection and host metabolism. Using primary human retinal vascular endothelial cells and an established human endothelial cell line, we investigated the role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a master regulator of energy metabolism, in response to ZIKV challenge. ZIKV infection caused a time-dependent reduction in the active phosphorylated state of AMPK and of its downstream target acetyl-CoA carboxylase. Pharmacological activation of AMPK using 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide (AICAR), metformin, and a specific AMPKα activator (GSK621) attenuated ZIKV replication. This activity was reversed by an AMPK inhibitor (compound C). Lentivirus-mediated knockdown of AMPK and the use of AMPKα-/- mouse embryonic fibroblasts provided further evidence that AMPK has an antiviral effect on ZIKV replication. Consistent with its antiviral effect, AMPK activation potentiated the expression of genes with antiviral properties (e.g., IFNs, OAS2, ISG15, and MX1) and inhibited inflammatory mediators (e.g., TNF-α and CCL5). Bioenergetic analysis showed that ZIKV infection evokes a glycolytic response, as evidenced by elevated extracellular acidification rate and increased expression of key glycolytic genes (GLUT1, HK2, TPI, and MCT4); activation of AMPK by AICAR treatment reduced this response. Consistent with this, 2-deoxyglucose, an inhibitor of glycolysis, augmented AMPK activity and attenuated ZIKV replication. Thus, our study demonstrates that the anti-ZIKV effect of AMPK signaling in endothelial cells is mediated by reduction of viral-induced glycolysis and enhanced innate antiviral responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sneha Singh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual, and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201
| | - Pawan Kumar Singh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual, and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201
| | - Hamid Suhail
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Health Systems, Detroit, MI 48202
| | | | - Philip E Pellett
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201
| | - Shailendra Giri
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Health Systems, Detroit, MI 48202
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual, and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201; .,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201
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57
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Wang G. The antimicrobial peptide database provides a platform for decoding the design principles of naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides. Protein Sci 2020; 29:8-18. [PMID: 31361941 PMCID: PMC6933855 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This article is written for the 2020 tool issue of Protein Science. It briefly introduces the widely used antimicrobial peptide database, initially online in 2003. After a description of the main features of each database version and some recent additions, the focus is on the peptide design parameters for each of the four unified classes of natural antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). The amino acid signature in AMPs varies substantially, leading to a variety of structures for functional and mechanistic diversity. Also, Nature is a master of combinatorial chemistry by deploying different amino acids onto the same structural scaffold to tune peptide functions. In addition, the single-domain AMPs may be posttranslationally modified, self-assembled, or combined with other AMPs for function. Elucidation of the design principles of natural AMPs will facilitate future development of novel molecules for various applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangshun Wang
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of MedicineUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraska
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58
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Ștefanache T, Forna N, Bădescu M, Jitaru D, Dragos ML, Rezuș C, Diaconescu BM, Bădulescu O, Rezuș E, Ciocoiu M, Bădescu C. Modulation of the activity of certain genes involved in tumor cell metabolism in the presence of the cytotoxic peptides defensin and cathelicidin LL37. Exp Ther Med 2019; 18:5033-5040. [PMID: 31819768 PMCID: PMC6895780 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2019.8117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
It is common knowledge that some natural antimicrobial peptides also have a tumoricidal effect. We have shown that the peptides defensin and cathelicidin LL37 have cytostatic effects on human tumor cell lines HT29 (colorectal carcinoma) and A549 (alveolar carcinoma). In order to determine the modulating mechanism of these peptides we assessed the gene expression of the AKT, HIF-1α, XBP, NRF2, PERK, CHOP, BCL2, IRE1α and PI3K molecular targets involved in the survival, growth, proliferation and apoptosis pathways of tumor cells in the presence or absence of the studied peptides. Thus, this research enabled us to determine molecular markers and methods of assessment and monitoring of tumor cell cytotoxicity by high-performance molecular biology techniques. Defensin and cathelicidin LL37 activated tumor cell apoptosis, especially for the HT29, but also for A549 line, by increasing gene expression of CHOP and by lowering BCL2 gene expression. Oxidative stress determined the increase in gene expression of XBP, which directly influenced CHOP. The decrease in NRF2 gene expression highlighted the inhibition of cell proliferation, while the decrease in HIF1α gene expression evidenced the decrease in cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teodor Ștefanache
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy 'Grigore T. Popa', 700115 Iaşi, Romania
| | - Norina Forna
- Department of Implantology, Dental Medicine, 700115 Iaşi, Romania
| | - Magda Bădescu
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy 'Grigore T. Popa', 700115 Iaşi, Romania
| | - Daniela Jitaru
- Regional Institute of Oncology Iasi, 700115 Iaşi, Romania
| | | | - Ciprian Rezuș
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy 'Grigore T. Popa', 700115 Iaşi, Romania
| | - Bogdan Mihail Diaconescu
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy 'Grigore T. Popa', 700115 Iaşi, Romania
| | - Oana Bădulescu
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy 'Grigore T. Popa', 700115 Iaşi, Romania
| | - Elena Rezuș
- Rehabilitation Hospital of Iasi, Rheumatology Clinic, University of Medicine and Pharmacy 'Grigore T. Popa', 700115 Iaşi, Romania
| | - Manuela Ciocoiu
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy 'Grigore T. Popa', 700115 Iaşi, Romania
| | - Codruta Bădescu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy 'Grigore T. Popa', 700115 Iaşi, Romania
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59
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Makowski M, Silva ÍC, Pais do Amaral C, Gonçalves S, Santos NC. Advances in Lipid and Metal Nanoparticles for Antimicrobial Peptide Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2019; 11:E588. [PMID: 31717337 PMCID: PMC6920925 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics11110588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been described as excellent candidates to overcome antibiotic resistance. Frequently, AMPs exhibit a wide therapeutic window, with low cytotoxicity and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against a variety of pathogens. In addition, some AMPs are also able to modulate the immune response, decreasing potential harmful effects such as sepsis. Despite these benefits, only a few formulations have successfully reached clinics. A common flaw in the druggability of AMPs is their poor pharmacokinetics, common to several peptide drugs, as they may be degraded by a myriad of proteases inside the organism. The combination of AMPs with carrier nanoparticles to improve delivery may enhance their half-life, decreasing the dosage and thus, reducing production costs and eventual toxicity. Here, we present the most recent advances in lipid and metal nanodevices for AMP delivery, with a special focus on metal nanoparticles and liposome formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sónia Gonçalves
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.M.); (Í.C.S.); (C.P.d.A.)
| | - Nuno C. Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.M.); (Í.C.S.); (C.P.d.A.)
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60
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Mohammed I, Said DG, Nubile M, Mastropasqua L, Dua HS. Cathelicidin-Derived Synthetic Peptide Improves Therapeutic Potential of Vancomycin Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2190. [PMID: 31608030 PMCID: PMC6761703 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is the leading cause of corneal blindness worldwide. A constant increase in multi-drug resistant PA strains have heightened the challenge of effectively managing corneal infections with conventional antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides are promising antibiotic analogs with a unique mode of action. Cathelicidin-derived shorter peptides (FK13 and FK16) have previously been shown to kill a range of pathogens in both in vitro and in vivo systems. Here, our aim was to exploit the potential of FK13 or FK16 to enhance the anti-Pseudomonas activity of vancomycin, which normally has low clinical efficacy against PA. Our results have demonstrated that FK16 is more potent than FK13 against different PA strains including a clinical isolate from a patient's ocular surface. FK16 was shown to enhance the membrane permeability of PAO1 at sub-inhibitory concentrations. Moreover, FK16 at lower concentrations was shown to increase the antibacterial susceptibility of vancomycin against PA strains up to eightfold. The bactericidal synergism between FK16 and vancomycin was shown to be stable in the presence of physiological tear salt concentration and did not cause toxic effects on the human corneal epithelial cells and human red blood cells. Our results have revealed that sub-inhibitory concentration of FK16 could augment the antimicrobial effects of vancomycin against PA. It is anticipated that the future exploitation of the peptide design approach may enhance the effectiveness of FK16 and its application as an adjuvant to antibiotic therapy for the treatment of multi-drug resistant infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran Mohammed
- Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Dalia G Said
- Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Mario Nubile
- Ophthalmology Clinic, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Harminder S Dua
- Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Vilas Boas LCP, Campos ML, Berlanda RLA, de Carvalho Neves N, Franco OL. Antiviral peptides as promising therapeutic drugs. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:3525-3542. [PMID: 31101936 PMCID: PMC7079787 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03138-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
While scientific advances have led to large-scale production and widespread distribution of vaccines and antiviral drugs, viruses still remain a major cause of human diseases today. The ever-increasing reports of viral resistance and the emergence and re-emergence of viral epidemics pressure the health and scientific community to constantly find novel molecules with antiviral potential. This search involves numerous different approaches, and the use of antimicrobial peptides has presented itself as an interesting alternative. Even though the number of antimicrobial peptides with antiviral activity is still low, they already show immense potential to become pharmaceutically available antiviral drugs. Such peptides can originate from natural sources, such as those isolated from mammals and from animal venoms, or from artificial sources, when bioinformatics tools are used. This review aims to shed some light on antimicrobial peptides with antiviral activities against human viruses and update the data about the already well-known peptides that are still undergoing studies, emphasizing the most promising ones that may become medicines for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcelo Lattarulo Campos
- Centro de Análises Bioquímicas e Proteômicas, Pós-graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70790-160, Brazil
- Departamento de Botânica e Ecologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, 78060-900, Brazil
| | - Rhayfa Lorrayne Araujo Berlanda
- Centro de Análises Bioquímicas e Proteômicas, Pós-graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70790-160, Brazil
| | - Natan de Carvalho Neves
- Centro de Análises Bioquímicas e Proteômicas, Pós-graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70790-160, Brazil
| | - Octávio Luiz Franco
- Universidade de Brasília, Pós-Graduação em Patologia Molecular, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil.
- Centro de Análises Bioquímicas e Proteômicas, Pós-graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70790-160, Brazil.
- S-Inova Biotech, Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, MS, 79117-900, Brazil.
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62
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Narayana JL, Mishra B, Lushnikova T, Golla RM, Wang G. Modulation of antimicrobial potency of human cathelicidin peptides against the ESKAPE pathogens and in vivo efficacy in a murine catheter-associated biofilm model. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2019; 1861:1592-1602. [PMID: 31319057 PMCID: PMC6689428 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2019.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are essential components of innate immune systems that protect hosts from infection. They are also useful candidates for developing a new generation of antibiotics to fight antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Human innate immune peptide LL-37 can inhibit biofilm formation, but suffers from high cost due to a long peptide length and rapid protease degradation. To improve the peptide, we previously identified the major active region and changed the peptide backbone structure. This study designed two families of new peptides by altering peptide side chains. Interestingly, these peptides displayed differential potency against various ESKAPE pathogens in vitro and substantially reduced hemolysis. Further potency test in vivo revealed that 17tF-W eliminated the burden of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) USA300 in both mouse-embedded catheters and their surrounding tissues. In addition, peptide treatment suppressed the level of chemokine TNFα, and boosted the levels of chemokines MCP-1, IL-17A and IL-10 in the surrounding tissues of the infected catheter embedded in mice. In conclusion, we have designed a set of new LL-37 peptides with varying antimicrobial activities, opening the door to potential topical treatment of infections involving different drug-resistant pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayaram Lakshmaiah Narayana
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5900, USA
| | - Biswajit Mishra
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5900, USA
| | - Tamara Lushnikova
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5900, USA
| | - Radha M Golla
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5900, USA
| | - Guangshun Wang
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5900, USA.
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Ahmed A, Siman-Tov G, Hall G, Bhalla N, Narayanan A. Human Antimicrobial Peptides as Therapeutics for Viral Infections. Viruses 2019; 11:v11080704. [PMID: 31374901 PMCID: PMC6722670 DOI: 10.3390/v11080704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful in vivo infection following pathogen entry requires the evasion and subversion of multiple immunological barriers. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are one of the first immune pathways upregulated during infection by multiple pathogens, in multiple organs in vivo. In humans, there are many classes of AMPs exhibiting broad antimicrobial activities, with defensins and the human cathelicidin LL-37 being the best studied examples. Whereas historically the efficacy and therapeutic potential of AMPs against bacterial infection has been the primary focus of research, recent studies have begun to elucidate the antiviral properties of AMPs as well as their role in regulation of inflammation and chemoattraction. AMPs as therapeutic tools seem especially promising against emerging infectious viral pathogens for which no approved vaccines or treatments are currently available, such as dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV). In this review, we summarize recent studies elucidating the efficacy and diverse mechanisms of action of various classes of AMPs against multiple viral pathogens, as well as the potential use of human AMPs in novel antiviral therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aslaa Ahmed
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Disease, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Gavriella Siman-Tov
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Disease, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Grant Hall
- United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA
| | - Nishank Bhalla
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Disease, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Aarthi Narayanan
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Disease, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA.
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Singh PK, Singh S, Farr D, Kumar A. Interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) restricts Zika virus replication in primary human corneal epithelial cells. Ocul Surf 2019; 17:551-559. [PMID: 30905842 PMCID: PMC6708474 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2019.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Zika virus (ZIKV) has emerged as an important human pathogen causing ocular complications. There have been reports of the shedding of ZIKV in human as well as animal tears. In this study, we investigated the infectivity of ZIKV in corneal epithelial cells and their antiviral immune response. METHODS Primary human corneal epithelial cells (Pr. HCECs) and an immortalized cell line (HUCL) were infected with two different strains of ZIKV (PRVABC59 & BeH823339) or dengue virus (DENV, serotypes 1-4). Viral infectivity was assessed by immunostaining of viral antigen and plaque assay. qRT-PCR and immunoblot analyses were used to assess the expression of innate inflammatory and antiviral genes. Supplementation of recombinant ISG15 (rISG15) and gene silencing approaches were used to elucidate the role of ISG15 in corneal antiviral defense. RESULTS Pr. HCECs, but not the HUCL cells, were permissive to both ZIKV strains and specifically to DENV3 infection. ZIKV induced the expression of viral recognition receptors (TLR3, RIG-I, &MDA5), and genes involved in inflammatory (CXCL10 & CCL5) and antiviral (IFNs, MX1, OAS2, ISG15) responses in Pr. HCECs. Furthermore, ZIKV infection caused Pr. HCECs cell death, as evidenced by TUNEL staining. Silencing of ISG15 increased ZIKV infectivity while supplementation with rISG15 reduced ZIKV infection by direct inactivation of ZIKV and inhibiting its entry. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates for the first time, that ZIKV can readily infect and replicate in Pr. HCECs. Therefore, ZIKV may persist in the cornea and pose the potential risk of transmission via corneal transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawan Kumar Singh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Sneha Singh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Dustin Farr
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.
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Wen Y, He Z, Xu T, Jiao Y, Liu X, Wang YF, Yu XQ. Ingestion of killed bacteria activates antimicrobial peptide genes in Drosophila melanogaster and protects flies from septic infection. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 95:10-18. [PMID: 30731096 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster possesses a sophisticated and effective immune system composed of humoral and cellular immune responses, and production of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) is an important defense mechanism. Expression of AMPs is regulated by the Toll and IMD (immune deficiency) pathways. Production of AMPs can be systemic in the fat body or a local event in the midgut and epithelium. So far, most studies focus on systemic septic infection in adult flies and little is known about AMP gene activation after ingestion of killed bacteria. In this study, we investigated activation of AMP genes in the wild-type w1118, MyD88 and Imd mutant flies after ingestion of heat-killed Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. We showed that ingestion of E. coli activated most AMP genes, including drosomycin and diptericin, in the first to third instar larvae and pupae, while ingestion of S. aureus induced only some AMP genes in some larval stages or in pupae. In adult flies, ingestion of killed bacteria activated AMP genes differently in males and females. Interestingly, ingestion of killed E. coli and S. aureus in females conferred resistance to septic infection by both live pathogenic Enterococcus faecalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and ingestion of E. coli in males conferred resistance to P. aeruginosa infection. Our results indicated that E. coli and S. aureus can activate both the Toll and IMD pathways, and systemic and local immune responses work together to provide Drosophila more effective protection against infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyun Wen
- School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Zhen He
- School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Tao Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Yan Jiao
- School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Xusheng Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Yu-Feng Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Xiao-Qiang Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China; Division of Cell Biology and Biophysics, School of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA.
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66
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Effect of full-length and truncated variants of LL-37 on dengue virus infection and immunomodulatory effects of LL-37 in dengue virus infected U937-DC-SIGN cells. Int J Pept Res Ther 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-019-09861-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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67
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Ahmed A, Siman-Tov G, Keck F, Kortchak S, Bakovic A, Risner K, Lu TK, Bhalla N, de la Fuente-Nunez C, Narayanan A. Human cathelicidin peptide LL-37 as a therapeutic antiviral targeting Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus infections. Antiviral Res 2019; 164:61-69. [PMID: 30738837 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 01/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), a new world alphavirus belonging to the Togaviridae family, causes periodic disease outbreaks in humans and equines with high associated mortality and morbidity. VEEV is highly infectious via the aerosol route and so has been developed as a biological weapon (Hawley and Eitzen, 2001). Despite its current classification as a category B select agent, there are no FDA approved vaccines or therapeutics to counter VEEV infections. Here we utilize a naturally occurring host defense peptide, LL-37, as a therapeutic strategy to inhibit VEEV multiplication in infected cells. LL-37 has previously demonstrated activity against several viruses by directly interacting with viral particles and indirectly by establishing an antiviral state in the host cell. We show that LL-37 exhibited potent antiviral activity against VEEV by inhibiting viral replication. Genomic RNA copies of the TC-83 strain of VEEV and viral titers were significantly reduced compared to non-treated controls. LL-37 also inhibited the virulent Trinidad Donkey (TrD) strain of VEEV. Entry assays revealed a robust reduction of viral RNA copies at the early stages of TC-83 infection. Pre-incubation of cells with LL-37 and TC-83 resulted in a strong inhibitory response, indicating that LL-37 impacts early stages of the infectious process. Confocal and electron microscopy images confirmed the aggregation of viral particles, which potentially accounts for entry prevention and hence reduced viral infection. LL-37 treatment also modulated type I interferon (IFN) expression in infected cells. LL-37 treatment dramatically increased IFNβ1 expression in treated cells in a time-dependent manner. Our results establish LL-37 as a relevant and novel potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of VEEV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aslaa Ahmed
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Disease, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Gavriella Siman-Tov
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Disease, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Forrest Keck
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Disease, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Stephanie Kortchak
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Disease, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Allison Bakovic
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Disease, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Kenneth Risner
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Disease, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Timothy K Lu
- Synthetic Biology Group, MIT Synthetic Biology Center; The Center for Microbiome Informatics and Therapeutics; Research Laboratory of Electronics, Department of Biological Engineering, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nishank Bhalla
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Disease, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Cesar de la Fuente-Nunez
- Synthetic Biology Group, MIT Synthetic Biology Center; The Center for Microbiome Informatics and Therapeutics; Research Laboratory of Electronics, Department of Biological Engineering, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Aarthi Narayanan
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Disease, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
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Design of Antimicrobial Peptides: Progress Made with Human Cathelicidin LL-37. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1117:215-240. [PMID: 30980360 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-3588-4_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The incorporation of the innate immune system into humans is essential for survival and health due to the rapid replication of invading microbes and the delayed action of the adaptive immune system. Antimicrobial peptides are important components of human innate immunity. Over 100 such peptides have been identified in various human tissues. Human cathelicidin LL-37 is best studied, and there has been a growing interest in designing new peptides based on LL-37. This chapter describes the alternative processing of the human cathelicidin precursor, protease digestion, and lab cutting of LL-37. Both a synthetic peptide library and structure-based design are utilized to identify the active regions. Although challenging, the determination of the 3D structure of LL-37 enabled the identification of the core antimicrobial region. The minimal region of LL-37 can be function-dependent. We discuss the design and potential applications of LL-37 into antibacterial, antibiofilm, antiviral, antifungal, immune modulating, and anticancer peptides. LL-37 has been engineered into 17BIPHE2, a stable, selective, and potent antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and anticancer peptide. Both 17BIPHE2 and SAAP-148 can eliminate the ESKAPE pathogens and show topical in vivo antibiofilm efficacy. Also discussed are other application strategies, including peptide formulation, antimicrobial implants, and peptide-inducing factors such as vitamin D and sunlight. Finally, we summarize what we learned from peptide design based on human LL-37.
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Han Y, Mesplède T. Investigational drugs for the treatment of Zika virus infection: a preclinical and clinical update. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2018; 27:951-962. [PMID: 30430882 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2018.1548609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Zika virus (ZIKV) infection results in severe neurological complications and has emerged as a threat to public health worldwide. No drugs or vaccines are available for use in the clinic and the need for novel and effective therapeutic agents is urgent. AREAS COVERED This review describes the latest progress of antiviral development for the treatment of ZIKV infection; it primarily focuses on the literature describing 20 potential anti-ZIKV drugs/agents currently being tested in vivo or in clinical trials. The paper also discusses the need for novel ZIKV inhibitors and the critical issues for successful antiviral drug development. EXPERT OPINION So far, 20 compounds have been tested in vivo and three in the clinical trials; progressing these compounds to the clinic is a challenge. Novel ZIKV inhibitors that target virus or host factors are urgently needed. Knowledge-driven drug repurposing, structure-based discovery, RNA interference, long noncoding RNAs, miRNAs, and peptide inhibitors may pave the way for the discovery of such novel agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingshan Han
- a McGill University AIDS Centre , Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital , Montreal , Canada
| | - Thibault Mesplède
- a McGill University AIDS Centre , Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital , Montreal , Canada
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70
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Kiattiburut W, Zhi R, Lee SG, Foo AC, Hickling DR, Keillor JW, Goto NK, Li W, Conlan W, Angel JB, Wang G, Tanphaichitr N. Antimicrobial peptide LL-37 and its truncated forms, GI-20 and GF-17, exert spermicidal effects and microbicidal activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Hum Reprod 2018; 33:2175-2183. [PMID: 30357408 PMCID: PMC6238367 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do the truncated LL-37 peptides, GI-20 and GF-17, have spermicidal activity and microbicidal effects on the sexually transmitted infection (STI) pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae with equivalent potency to LL-37? SUMMARY ANSWER GI-20 and GF-17 exhibited spermicidal effects on both mouse and human sperm as well as microbicidal action on N. gonorrhoeae with the same efficacy as LL-37. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The antimicrobial peptide LL-37 exerts microbicidal activity against various STI pathogens as well as spermicidal effects on both mouse and human sperm. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Spermicidal activities of GI-20 and GF-17 were evaluated in vitro in mouse and human sperm and in vivo in mice. Finally, in vitro antimicrobial effects of LL-37, GI-20 and GF-17 on an STI pathogen, N. gonorrhoeae were determined. All experiments were repeated three times or more. In particular, sperm samples from different males were used on each experimental day. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The plasma membrane integrity of peptide-treated sperm was assessed by cellular exclusion of Sytox Green, a membrane impermeable fluorescent DNA dye. Successful mouse in vitro fertilization was revealed by the presence of two pronuclei in oocytes following co-incubation with capacitated untreated/peptide-pretreated sperm. Sperm plus each peptide were transcervically injected into female mice and the success of in vivo fertilization was scored by the formation of 2-4 cell embryos 42 h afterward. Reproductive tract tissues of peptide pre-exposed females were then assessed histologically for any damage. Minimal inhibitory/bactericidal concentrations of LL-37, GI-20 and GF-17 on N. gonorrhoeae were determined by a standard method. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Like LL-37, treatment of sperm with GI-20 and GF-17 resulted in dose-dependent increases in sperm plasma membrane permeabilization, reaching the maximum at 18 and 3.6 μM for human and mouse sperm, respectively (P < 0.0001, as compared with untreated sperm). Mouse sperm treated with 3.6 μM GI-20 or GF-17 did not fertilize oocytes either in vitro or in vivo. Moreover, reproductive tract tissues of female mice pre-exposed to 3.6 μM GI-20 or GF-17 remained intact with no lesions, erosions or ulcerations. At 1.8-7.2 μM, LL-37, GI-20 and GF-17 exerted bactericidal effects on N. gonorrhoeae. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Direct demonstration of the inhibitory effects of GI-20 and GF-17 on human in vitro and in vivo fertilization cannot be performed due to ethical issues. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Like LL-37, GI-20 and GF-17 acted as spermicides and microbicides against N. gonorrhoeae, without adverse effects on female reproductive tissues. With lower synthesis costs, GI-20 and GF-17 are attractive peptides for further development into vaginal spermicides/microbicides. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by Canadian Institutes of Health Research (MOP119438 and CCI82413 to N.T.) and NIH (R01 AI105147 to G.W.). There are no competing interests to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ruina Zhi
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Seung Gee Lee
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexander C Foo
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Duane R Hickling
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeffrey W Keillor
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Natalie K Goto
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Weihua Li
- Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, and School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, Republic of China
| | - Wayne Conlan
- Human Health Therapeutics Department, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jonathan B Angel
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division in Infectious Diseases, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Guangshun Wang
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Nongnuj Tanphaichitr
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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LL-37 disrupts the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus envelope and inhibits infection in oral epithelial cells. Antiviral Res 2018; 158:25-33. [PMID: 30076864 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Oral epithelial cells (OECs) represent the first line of defense against viruses that are spread via saliva, including Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). Infection of humans by KSHV and viral pathogenesis begins by infecting OECs. One method OECs use to limit viral infections in the oral cavity is the production of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), or host defense peptides (HDPs). However, no studies have investigated the antiviral activities of any HDP against KSHV. The goal of this study was to determine the antiviral activity of one HDP, LL-37, against KSHV in the context of infecting OECs. Our results show that LL-37 significantly decreased KSHV's ability to infect OECs in both a structure- and dose-dependent manner. However, this activity does not stem from affecting OECs, but instead the virions themselves. We found that LL-37 exerts its antiviral activity against KSHV by disrupting the viral envelope, which can inhibit viral entry into OECs. Our data suggest that LL-37 exhibits a marked antiviral activity against KSHV during infection of oral epithelial cells, which can play an important role in host defense against oral KSHV infection. Thus, we propose that inducing LL-37 expression endogenously in oral epithelial cells, or potentially introducing as a therapy, may help restrict oral KSHV infection and ultimately KSHV-associated diseases.
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