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Lyu Z, Yang P, Lei J, Zhao J. Biological Function of Antimicrobial Peptides on Suppressing Pathogens and Improving Host Immunity. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1037. [PMID: 37370356 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12061037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of drug-resistant genes and concerns about food safety caused by the overuse of antibiotics are becoming increasingly prominent. There is an urgent need for effective alternatives to antibiotics in the fields of livestock production and human medicine. Antimicrobial peptides can effectively replace antibiotics to kill pathogens and enhance the immune functions of the host, and pathogens cannot easily produce genes that are resistant to them. The ability of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) to kill pathogens is associated with their structure and physicochemical properties, such as their conformation, electrical charges, hydrophilicity, and hydrophobicity. AMPs regulate the activity of immunological cells and stimulate the secretion of inflammatory cytokines via the activation of the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. However, there are still some limitations to the application of AMPs in the fields of livestock production and human medicine, including a restricted source base, high costs of purification and expression, and the instability of the intestines of animals and humans. This review summarizes the information on AMPs as effective antibiotic substitutes to improve the immunological functions of the host through suppressing pathogens and regulating inflammatory responses. Potential challenges for the commercial application of AMPs in animal husbandry and human medicine are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqian Lyu
- Guangdong Haid Group Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 511400, China
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Pan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jian Lei
- Guangdong Haid Group Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 511400, China
- Qingyuan Haibei BIO-TECH Co., Ltd., Qingyuan 511853, China
| | - Jinbiao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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Lin L, Chi J, Yan Y, Luo R, Feng X, Zheng Y, Xian D, Li X, Quan G, Liu D, Wu C, Lu C, Pan X. Membrane-disruptive peptides/peptidomimetics-based therapeutics: Promising systems to combat bacteria and cancer in the drug-resistant era. Acta Pharm Sin B 2021; 11:2609-2644. [PMID: 34589385 PMCID: PMC8463292 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Membrane-disruptive peptides/peptidomimetics (MDPs) are antimicrobials or anticarcinogens that present a general killing mechanism through the physical disruption of cell membranes, in contrast to conventional chemotherapeutic drugs, which act on precise targets such as DNA or specific enzymes. Owing to their rapid action, broad-spectrum activity, and mechanisms of action that potentially hinder the development of resistance, MDPs have been increasingly considered as future therapeutics in the drug-resistant era. Recently, growing experimental evidence has demonstrated that MDPs can also be utilized as adjuvants to enhance the therapeutic effects of other agents. In this review, we evaluate the literature around the broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties and anticancer activity of MDPs, and summarize the current development and mechanisms of MDPs alone or in combination with other agents. Notably, this review highlights recent advances in the design of various MDP-based drug delivery systems that can improve the therapeutic effect of MDPs, minimize side effects, and promote the co-delivery of multiple chemotherapeutics, for more efficient antimicrobial and anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liming Lin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Jiaying Chi
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Yilang Yan
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Rui Luo
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Xiaoqian Feng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Yuwei Zheng
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Dongyi Xian
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Xin Li
- The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Guilan Quan
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Daojun Liu
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Chuanbin Wu
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Chao Lu
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Xin Pan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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Duwadi D, Shrestha A, Yilma B, Kozlovski I, Sa-Eed M, Dahal N, Jukosky J. Identification and screening of potent antimicrobial peptides in arthropod genomes. Peptides 2018; 103:26-30. [PMID: 29501691 PMCID: PMC5913751 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2018.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Using tBLASTn and BLASTp searches, we queried recently sequenced arthropod genomes and expressed sequence tags (ESTs) using a database of known arthropod cecropins, defensins, and attacins. We identified and synthesized 6 potential AMPs and screened them for antimicrobial activity. Using radial diffusion assays and microtiter antimicrobial assays, we assessed the in vitro antimicrobial effects of these peptides against several human pathogens including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. We also conducted hemolysis assays to examine the cytotoxicity of these peptides to mammalian cells. Four of the six peptides identified showed antimicrobial effects in these assays. We also created truncated versions of these four peptides to assay their antimicrobial activity. Two cecropins derived from the monarch butterfly genome (Danaus plexippus), DAN1 and DAN2, showed minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) in the range of 2-16 μg/ml when screened against Gram-negative bacteria. HOLO1 and LOUDEF1, two defensin-like peptides derived from red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum) and human body louse (Pediculus humanus humanus), respectively, exhibited MICs in the range of 13-25 μg/ml against Gram-positive bacteria. Furthermore, HOLO1 showed an MIC less than 5 μg/ml against the fungal species Candida albicans. These peptides exhibited no hemolytic activity at concentrations up to 200 μg/ml. The truncated peptides derived from DAN2 and HOLO1 showed very little antimicrobial activity. Our experiments show that the peptides DAN1, DAN2, HOLO1, and LOUDEF1 showed potent antimicrobial activity in vitro against common human pathogens, did not lyse mammalian red blood cells, and indicates their potential as templates for novel therapeutic agents against microbial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepesh Duwadi
- Colby-Sawyer College, Department of Natural Science, New London, NH, USA
| | - Anishma Shrestha
- Colby-Sawyer College, Department of Natural Science, New London, NH, USA
| | - Binyam Yilma
- Colby-Sawyer College, Department of Natural Science, New London, NH, USA
| | - Itamar Kozlovski
- Colby-Sawyer College, Department of Natural Science, New London, NH, USA
| | - Munaya Sa-Eed
- Colby-Sawyer College, Department of Natural Science, New London, NH, USA
| | - Nikesh Dahal
- Colby-Sawyer College, Department of Natural Science, New London, NH, USA
| | - James Jukosky
- Colby-Sawyer College, Department of Natural Science, New London, NH, USA.
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Liu SH, Li HF, Yang Y, Wei D, Jiang HB, Dou W, Yuan GR, Wang JJ. Antimicrobial peptide gene BdPho responds to peptidoglycan infection and mating stimulation in oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel). AMB Express 2018; 8:5. [PMID: 29327267 PMCID: PMC5764898 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-017-0533-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Phormicins belong to defensin family, which are important antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in insects. These AMPs are inducible upon challenging by immune triggers. In the present study, we identified the cDNA of a phormicin gene (BdPho) in the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), a ruinous agricultural pest causing great economic losses to fruits and vegetables. The cDNA of BdPho contains a 282 bp open reading frame encoding 93 amino acid residues, and the predicted molecular weight and isoelectric point of BdPho peptide were 9.83 kDa and 7.54, respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR analyses showed that the transcription level of BdPho was the highest in adult during different developmental stages and was the highest in abdomen among adult tagmata. Moreover, BdPho was highly expressed in fat body among different tissues, both in female and male adult. The mRNA level of BdPho was significantly up-regulated to 7.46- and 14.53-fold at 3 and 6 h after the insects were challenged with peptidoglycans from Escherichia coli (PGN-EB), respectively, suggesting its antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative microorganisms. Furthermore, the expression level of BdPho was significantly up-regulated to 3.83-fold after mating, suggesting that female adults might enhance their immunity by up-regulating the expression level of BdPho during mating. These results firstly describe the basic properties of the phormicin gene from B. dorsalis, and lay the foundation for investigating functional properties of AMPs and exploring the molecular mechanisms in the immune system.
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Guo G, Tao R, Li Y, Ma H, Xiu J, Fu P, Wu J. Identification and characterization of a novel antimicrobial protein from the housefly Musca domestica. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017. [PMID: 28645609 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.06.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides/proteins are immune-related molecules that are widely distributed in bacteria, fungi, plants, invertebrates and higher animals. They have exhibited great potential to be developed into antimicrobial drugs. The housefly, Musca domestica, lives in a highly contaminated environment and has adapted a robust immune system against various pathogens. As an effort to search for new antimicrobial molecules in the housefly, we investigated the function of an uncharacterized gene firstly by confirming that its expression was induced by infection in M. domestica. The corresponding protein was then shown to have potent antimicrobial activity. Scanning Electron Microscopy data showed that treatment of C. albicans cells with the protein caused cell size decreasing and cell elongation. The results here suggest the protein a novel class of antimicrobial protein and provide new insights into the immunological mechanisms by which M. domestica combats invading C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo Guo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, China.
| | - Ruyu Tao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, China; Department of Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Kaili, 556000, China
| | - Yan Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Huiling Ma
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Jiangfan Xiu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Ping Fu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Jianwei Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, China
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Liu SH, Wei D, Yuan GR, Jiang HB, Dou W, Wang JJ. Antimicrobial peptide gene cecropin-2 and defensin respond to peptidoglycan infection in the female adult of oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel). Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 206:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2017.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Revised: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Xu H, Zhang Y, Feng X, Tie K, Cao Y, Han W. Catesbeianin-1, a novel antimicrobial peptide isolated from the skin of Lithobates catesbeianus (American bullfrog). Biotechnol Lett 2017; 39:897-903. [PMID: 28258530 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-017-2312-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify and characterize a novel antimicrobial peptide, catesbeianin-1. RESULTS Catesbeianin-1 is 25 amino acids long and is α-helical, cationic and amphipathic. It had antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It was resistant against trypsin and pepsin. Catesbeianin-1 exhibited moderate hemolytic activity (approx 8%) at 100 μg/ml, and its HC50 (50% hemolytic concentration) was 300 μg/ml. Its cytotoxicity was approx 10-20% at 100 μg/ml, and its CC50 (50% cytotoxic concentration) was >100 μg/ml. The LD50 of catesbeianin-1 in mice was 80 mg/kg. At 3.1 µg/ml, catesbeianin-1 significantly inhibited the growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. CONCLUSIONS A new antimicrobial peptide from the skin of Lithobates catesbeianus (American bullfrog) may represent a template for the development of novel antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihui Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Xi'an Road 5333#, Changchun, 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Xi'an Road 5333#, Changchun, 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Feng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Xi'an Road 5333#, Changchun, 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Kunyuan Tie
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Xi'an Road 5333#, Changchun, 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Cao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Xi'an Road 5333#, Changchun, 130062, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenyu Han
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Xi'an Road 5333#, Changchun, 130062, People's Republic of China.
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Uebler S, Márton ML, Dresselhaus T. Classification of EA1-box proteins and new insights into their role during reproduction in grasses. PLANT REPRODUCTION 2015; 28:183-197. [PMID: 26498589 DOI: 10.1007/s00497-015-0269-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
EA1-box protein classification. Success in reproduction and vegetative development in flowering plants strongly depends on precise cell-to-cell signaling events mediated by secreted peptides.A small peptide family named as EA1-like (EAL) has been first described 10 years ago and includes EA1 involved in pollen tubes attraction by the female gametophyte and EAL1-regulating germ cell identity in maize. EALs consist of an N-terminal endoplasmic reticulum-targeting motif, the highly conserved EA1-box and a short C-terminal alanine-rich domain. Whereas EAL peptides are exclusively found in the Gramineae, the EA1-box is widely distributed throughout the plant kingdom. Based on in silico analysis and subcellular localization studies, we report here a new classification of EA1-box proteins in flowering plants. They can be distinguished into three protein classes: the already defined EAL proteins, the EAG (EA1-box glycine-rich) proteins and the EAC (EA1-box containing)proteins. While fusion proteins of EAL and EAC classes locate to the secretory pathway, EAGs are cytoplasmic and locate also to the nucleus. Moreover, we further show that the third EAL protein of Zea mays, EAL2, appears to be also involved in processes related to late embryogenic development as its peptide level increases after formation of leaf primordia. Immunohistochemical studies indicate its presence in the scutellar parenchyma and around the vasculature, where it is secreted to the extracellular space. In conclusion, the members of the maize EAL family possess very diverse functions during reproduction and it will now be exciting to elucidate the functions of EAGs and EACs in plants.
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Li Y, Xiang Q, Zhang Q, Huang Y, Su Z. Overview on the recent study of antimicrobial peptides: origins, functions, relative mechanisms and application. Peptides 2012; 37:207-15. [PMID: 22800692 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2012.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 316] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2012] [Revised: 06/30/2012] [Accepted: 07/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are produced by several species including insects, other animals, micro-organisms and synthesis, are a critical component of the natural defense system. With the growing problem of pathogenic organisms resistant to conventional antibiotics, especially with the emergence of NDM-1, there is increased interest in the pharmacological application of AMPs. They can protect against a broad array of infectious agents, such as bacteria, fungi, parasite, virus and cancer cells. AMPs have a very good future in the application in pharmaceuticals industry and food additive. This review focuses on the AMPs from different origins in these recent years, and discusses their various functions and relative mechanisms of action. It will provide some detailed files for clinical research of pharmaceuticals industry and food additive in application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmei Li
- Biopharmaceutical Research and Development Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
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