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Barros ALAN, Silva VC, Ribeiro-Junior AF, Cardoso MG, Costa SR, Moraes CB, Barbosa CG, Coleone AP, Simões RP, Cabral WF, Falcão RM, Vasconcelos AG, Rocha JA, Arcanjo DDR, Batagin-Neto A, Borges TKS, Gonçalves J, Brand GD, Freitas-Junior LHG, Eaton P, Marani M, Kato MJ, Plácido A, Leite JRSA. Antiviral Action against SARS-CoV-2 of a Synthetic Peptide Based on a Novel Defensin Present in the Transcriptome of the Fire Salamander ( Salamandra salamandra). Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:190. [PMID: 38399250 PMCID: PMC10892092 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16020190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The potential emergence of zoonotic diseases has raised significant concerns, particularly in light of the recent pandemic, emphasizing the urgent need for scientific preparedness. The bioprospection and characterization of new molecules are strategically relevant to the research and development of innovative drugs for viral and bacterial treatment and disease management. Amphibian species possess a diverse array of compounds, including antimicrobial peptides. This study identified the first bioactive peptide from Salamandra salamandra in a transcriptome analysis. The synthetic peptide sequence, which belongs to the defensin family, was characterized through MALDI TOF/TOF mass spectrometry. Molecular docking assays hypothesized the interaction between the identified peptide and the active binding site of the spike WT RBD/hACE2 complex. Although additional studies are required, the preliminary evaluation of the antiviral potential of synthetic SS-I was conducted through an in vitro cell-based SARS-CoV-2 infection assay. Additionally, the cytotoxic and hemolytic effects of the synthesized peptide were assessed. These preliminary findings highlighted the potential of SS-I as a chemical scaffold for drug development against COVID-19, hindering viral infection. The peptide demonstrated hemolytic activity while not exhibiting cytotoxicity at the antiviral concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Luisa A N Barros
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Morfologia e Imunologia Aplicada, NuPMIA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, UnB, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Tropical, PGMT, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, UnB, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Vladimir C Silva
- Laboratório de Vigilância Genômica e Biologia Molecular-Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Piauí, Teresina 64001-350, PI, Brazil
| | - Atvaldo F Ribeiro-Junior
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Morfologia e Imunologia Aplicada, NuPMIA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, UnB, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Miguel G Cardoso
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Morfologia e Imunologia Aplicada, NuPMIA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, UnB, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil
- imed.ULisboa-Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Samuel R Costa
- Instituto de Química, IQ, Universidade de Brasília, UnB, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Carolina B Moraes
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Diadema 09913-030, SP, Brazil
| | - Cecília G Barbosa
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Alex P Coleone
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência e Tecnologia de Materiais (POSMAT), School of Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Bauru 17033-360, SP, Brazil
| | - Rafael P Simões
- School of Agriculture, Department of Bioprocess and Biotechnology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, SP, Brazil
| | - Wanessa F Cabral
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Morfologia e Imunologia Aplicada, NuPMIA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, UnB, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Raul M Falcão
- Bioinformatics Postgraduate Program, Metrópole Digital Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-900, RN, Brazil
| | - Andreanne G Vasconcelos
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Morfologia e Imunologia Aplicada, NuPMIA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, UnB, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil
- People&Science Pesquisa Desenvolvimento e Inovação LTDA, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico (CDT), Universidade de Brasília, UnB, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Jefferson A Rocha
- Campus São Bernardo, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, UFMA, São Bernardo 65550-000, MA, Brazil
| | - Daniel D R Arcanjo
- Department of Biophysics and Physiology, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina 64049-550, PI, Brazil
| | - Augusto Batagin-Neto
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência e Tecnologia de Materiais (POSMAT), School of Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Bauru 17033-360, SP, Brazil
- Institute of Sciences and Engineering, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Itapeva 18409-010, SP, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Karla S Borges
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Morfologia e Imunologia Aplicada, NuPMIA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, UnB, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - João Gonçalves
- imed.ULisboa-Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Guilherme D Brand
- Instituto de Química, IQ, Universidade de Brasília, UnB, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Lucio H G Freitas-Junior
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Peter Eaton
- Laboratório Associado para a Química Verde/Rede de Química e Tecnologia (LAQV/REQUIMTE), Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
- School of Chemistry, The Bridge, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7EL, UK
| | - Mariela Marani
- IPEEC-CONICET, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Puerto Madryn 9120, Argentina
| | - Massuo J Kato
- Instituto de Química (IQ), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexandra Plácido
- Laboratório Associado para a Química Verde/Rede de Química e Tecnologia (LAQV/REQUIMTE), Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - José Roberto S A Leite
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Morfologia e Imunologia Aplicada, NuPMIA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, UnB, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil
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Abbasi M, Behmard E, Yousefi MH, Shekarforoush SS, Mahmoodi S. Expression, purification and investigation of antibacterial activity of a novel hybrid peptide LL37/hBD-129 by applied comprehensive computational and experimental approaches. Arch Microbiol 2023; 205:199. [PMID: 37069440 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03529-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic-resistant pathogens have become a great universal health concern. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small amphipathic and cationic polypeptides with high therapeutic potential against various microorganisms containing drug-resistant strains. Two major groups of these peptides, which have antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, antiviral activity, and even antifungal activity, are defensins and cathelicidins. Hybridization of various AMPs is an appropriate approach to achieving new fusion AMPs with high antibacterial activity but low cellular toxicity. In the current research, the amino-acid sequence of human cathelicidin LL-37 (2-31) and Human beta-defensin (hBD)-129 were combined, and the fusion protein was evaluated by bioinformatics tool. The designed AMP gene sequence was commercially synthesized and cloned in the pET-28a expression vector. The LL-37/hBD-129 fusion protein was expressed in E.coli BL21-gold (DE3). The expression of the recombinant protein was evaluated using the SDS-PAGE method. The LL37/hBD-129 was successfully expressed as a recombinant hybrid AMP in E.coli BL21-gold (DE3) strain. Purification of the expressed AMP was performed by Ni-NTA column affinity chromatography, and the purified AMP was validated using the Western blot technic. Finally, the antimicrobial activity of the fusion AMP against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria was assessed. Based on the in silico analysis and experimental evaluations, the fusion AMP showed a significant antimicrobial effect on E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Abbasi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Esmail Behmard
- School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hashem Yousefi
- Department of Food Hygiene and Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyed Shahram Shekarforoush
- Department of Food Hygiene and Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shirin Mahmoodi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran.
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Henao Arias DC, Toro LJ, Téllez Ramirez GA, Osorio-Méndez JF, Rodríguez-Carlos A, Valle J, Marín-Luevano SP, Rivas-Santiago B, Andreu D, Castaño Osorio JC. Novel antimicrobial cecropins derived from O. curvicornis and D. satanas dung beetles. Peptides 2021; 145:170626. [PMID: 34391826 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is an increasing global problem and therapeutic alternatives to traditional antibiotics are needed. Antimicrobial and host defense peptides represent an attractive source for new therapeutic strategies, given their wide range of activities including antimicrobial, antitumoral and immunomodulatory. Insects produce several families of these peptides, including cecropins. Herein, we characterized the sequence, structure, and biological activity of three cecropins called satanin 1, 2, and curvicin, found in the transcriptome of two dung beetle species Dichotomius satanas and Onthophagus curvicornis. Sequence and circular dichroism analyses show that they have typical features of the cecropin family: short length (38-39 amino acids), positive charge, and amphipathic α-helical structure. They are active mainly against Gram-negative bacteria (3.12-12.5 μg/mL), with low toxicity on eukaryotic cells resulting in high therapeutic indexes (TI > 30). Peptides also showed effects on TNFα production in LPS-stimulated PBMCs. The biological activity of Satanin 1, 2 and Curvicin makes them interesting leads for antimicrobial strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Carolina Henao Arias
- Center of Biomedical Research, Group of Molecular Immunology, Universidad del Quindío, Cra, 15 calle 12 norte, Armenia, Quindío, Colombia
| | - Lily Johana Toro
- Center of Biomedical Research, Group of Molecular Immunology, Universidad del Quindío, Cra, 15 calle 12 norte, Armenia, Quindío, Colombia
| | - Germán Alberto Téllez Ramirez
- Center of Biomedical Research, Group of Molecular Immunology, Universidad del Quindío, Cra, 15 calle 12 norte, Armenia, Quindío, Colombia.
| | - Juan Felipe Osorio-Méndez
- Center of Biomedical Research, Group of Molecular Immunology, Universidad del Quindío, Cra, 15 calle 12 norte, Armenia, Quindío, Colombia
| | - Adrián Rodríguez-Carlos
- Medical Research Unit Zacatecas, IMSS, Interior de la Alameda #45, col. Centro, Zacatecas, Cp. 98000, Mexico
| | - Javier Valle
- Proteomics and Protein Chemistry Unit, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park Dr Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sara Paulina Marín-Luevano
- Medical Research Unit Zacatecas, IMSS, Interior de la Alameda #45, col. Centro, Zacatecas, Cp. 98000, Mexico
| | - Bruno Rivas-Santiago
- Medical Research Unit Zacatecas, IMSS, Interior de la Alameda #45, col. Centro, Zacatecas, Cp. 98000, Mexico.
| | - David Andreu
- Proteomics and Protein Chemistry Unit, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park Dr Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Jhon Carlos Castaño Osorio
- Center of Biomedical Research, Group of Molecular Immunology, Universidad del Quindío, Cra, 15 calle 12 norte, Armenia, Quindío, Colombia
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Silva-Carvalho AÉ, Cardoso MH, Alencar-Silva T, Bogéa GMR, Carvalho JL, Franco OL, Saldanha-Araujo F. Dissecting the relationship between antimicrobial peptides and mesenchymal stem cells. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 233:108021. [PMID: 34637839 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.108021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Among the various biological properties presented by Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), their ability to control the immune response and fight pathogen infection through the production of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been the subject of intense research in recent years. AMPs secreted by MSCs exhibit activity against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and viruses. The main AMPs produced by these cells are hepcidin, cathelicidin LL-37, and β-defensin-2. In addition to acting against pathogens, those AMPs have also been shown to interact with MSCs to modulate MSC proliferation, migration, and regeneration, indicating that such peptides exert a more diverse biological effect than initially thought. In the present review, we discuss the production of AMPs by MSCs, revise the multiple functions of these peptides, including their influence over MSCs, and present an overview of clinical situations in which the antimicrobial properties of MSCs may be explored for therapy. Finally, we discuss possibilities of combining MSCs and AMPs to generate improved therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandda Évelin Silva-Carvalho
- Laboratório de Hematologia e Células-Tronco, Departamento de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Marlon Henrique Cardoso
- S-Inova Biotech, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Thuany Alencar-Silva
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Muller Reche Bogéa
- Laboratório de Hematologia e Células-Tronco, Departamento de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Juliana Lott Carvalho
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil; Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Octávio Luiz Franco
- S-Inova Biotech, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil; Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Felipe Saldanha-Araujo
- Laboratório de Hematologia e Células-Tronco, Departamento de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
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Santana FL, Arenas I, Haney EF, Estrada K, Hancock REW, Corzo G. Identification of a crocodylian β-defensin variant from Alligator mississippiensis with antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity. Peptides 2021; 141:170549. [PMID: 33865931 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
β-defensin host defense peptides are important components of the innate immune system of vertebrates. Although evidence of their broad antimicrobial, antibiofilm and immunomodulatory activities in mammals have been presented, β-defensins from other vertebrate species, like crocodylians, remain largely unexplored. In this study, five new crocodylian β-defensin variants from Alligator mississippiensis and Crocodylus porosus were selected for synthesis and characterization based on their charge and hydrophobicity values. Linear peptides were synthesized, folded, purified and then evaluated for their antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities against the bacterial pathogens, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter cloacae and Acinetobacter baumannii. The Am23SK variant (SCRFSGGYCIWNWERCRSGHFLVALCPFRKRCCK) from A. mississippiensis displayed promising activity against both planktonic cells and bacterial biofilms, outperforming the human β-defensin 3 under the experimental conditions. Moreover, Am23SK exhibited no cytotoxicity towards mammalian cells and exerted immunomodulatory effects in vitro, moderately suppressing the production of proinflammatory mediators from stimulated human bronchial epithelial cells. Overall, our results have expanded the activity landscape of crocodylian and reptilian β-defensin in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix L Santana
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, A.P. 510-3, Cuernavaca, Mor., 62250, Mexico; Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, 2259 Lower Mall Research Station, Vancouver, BC, V6T1Z4, Canada
| | - Iván Arenas
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, A.P. 510-3, Cuernavaca, Mor., 62250, Mexico
| | - Evan F Haney
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, 2259 Lower Mall Research Station, Vancouver, BC, V6T1Z4, Canada
| | - Karel Estrada
- Unidad de Secuenciación Masiva y Bioinformática, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Robert E W Hancock
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, 2259 Lower Mall Research Station, Vancouver, BC, V6T1Z4, Canada
| | - Gerardo Corzo
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, A.P. 510-3, Cuernavaca, Mor., 62250, Mexico.
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Yu W, Ning N, Xue Y, Huang Y, Guo F, Li T, Yang B, Luo D, Sun Y, Li Z, Wang J, He Z, Cheng S, Zhang X, Wang H. A Chimeric Cationic Peptide Composed of Human β-Defensin 3 and Human β-Defensin 4 Exhibits Improved Antibacterial Activity and Salt Resistance. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:663151. [PMID: 34025617 PMCID: PMC8137984 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.663151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Human beta-defensins (hBDs) play an important role in the host defense against various microbes, showing different levels of antibacterial activity and salt resistance in vitro. It is of interest to investigate whether can chimeric hBD analogs enhanced antibacterial activity and salt resistance. In this study, we designed a chimeric human defensin, named H4, by combining sequences of human beta-defensin-3 (hBD-3) and human beta-defensin-4 (hBD-4), then evaluated its antibacterial activity, salt resistance, and cytotoxic effects. The result showed that the antibacterial activity of H4 against most tested strains, including Klebsiella pneumonia, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphyloccocus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Acinetobacter baumannii was significantly improved compared to that of hBD-3 and hBD-4. Notably, H4 exhibited significantly better antibacterial activity against multidrug resistant isolate A. baumannii MDR-ZJ06 than commonly used antibiotics. Chimeric H4 still showed more than 80% antibacterial activity at high salt concentration (150 μM), which proves its good salt tolerance. The cytotoxic effect assay showed that the toxicity of H4 to Hela, Vero, A549 cells and erythrocytes at a low dose (<10 μg/ml) was similar to that of hBD-3 and hBD-4. In conclusion, given its broad spectrum of antibacterial activity and high salt resistance, chimeric H4 could serve as a promising template for new therapeutic antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Nianzhi Ning
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China.,College of Life Science, Ludong University, Yantai, China
| | - Yanyu Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Boning Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Deyan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Yakun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Zhan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Jianxin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Zhili He
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Shiwei Cheng
- College of Life Science, Ludong University, Yantai, China
| | - Xingxiao Zhang
- College of Life Science, Ludong University, Yantai, China
| | - Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
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Ali ZA, Mankhi AA, Ad'hiah AH. Significance of the chemokine CXCL10 and human beta-defensin-3 as biomarkers of pulmonary tuberculosis. Tuberculosis (Edinb) 2021; 128:102078. [PMID: 33773403 DOI: 10.1016/j.tube.2021.102078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The biomarker significance of IL-35, chemokines (CXCL9 and CXCL10) and human beta-defensins (hBD2 and hBD3) was determined in pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) of 105 Iraqi patients; 37 had active disease, 41 had multi-drug resistant (MDR) PTB and 27 had a relapse of TB. A control sample of 79 healthy persons was also included. Serum levels of markers were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Kruskal-Wallis test together with Dunn-Bonferroni post hoc test revealed significance differences between patients and controls in levels of IL-35, CXCL9, CXCL10 and hBD3, while hBD2 showed no significant difference. Receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated that CXCL10 and hBD3 were the most significant markers in predicting TB, particularly active disease. Logistic regression analysis proposed the susceptibility role of CXCL10 in TB. Gender- and age-dependent variations were also observed. Spearman's rank correlation analysis showed different correlations between markers in each group of patients and controls. In conclusion, CXCL10 was up-regulated in serum of TB patients, while hBD3 showed down-regulated level. Both serum proteins are possible candidate biomarkers for evaluation of TB progression, particularly in active disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zainab A Ali
- Biotechnology Department, College of Science, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ahmed A Mankhi
- National Specialized Center for Chest and Respiratory Diseases, Ministry of Health and Environment, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ali H Ad'hiah
- Tropical-Biological Research Unit, College of Science, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq.
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Expression and Functional Characterization of a Novel Antimicrobial Peptide: Human Beta-Defensin 118. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:1395304. [PMID: 33224970 PMCID: PMC7673234 DOI: 10.1155/2020/1395304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Purpose β-Defensin 118 (DEFB118) is a novel host defense peptide (HDP) identified in humans. To evaluate its potentials for future utilization, the DEFB118 gene was expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and the recombinant protein was fully characterized. Methods The DEFB118 protein was obtained by heterologous expression using E. coli Rosetta (DE3). Antibacterial activity of DEFB118 was determined by using various bacterial strains. IPEC-J cells challenged by E. coli K88 were used to determine its influences on inflammatory responses. Results The E. coli transformants yielded more than 250 μg/mL DEFB118 protein after 4 h induction by 1.0 mM IPTG. The DEFB118 was estimated by SDS-PAGE to be 30 kDa, and MALDI-TOF analysis verified that it is a human β-defensin 118. Importantly, the DEFB118 showed antimicrobial activities against both Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli K88 and E. coli DH5α) and Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus and B. subtilis), with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 4 μg/mL. Hemolytic assays showed that DEFB118 had no detrimental impact on cell viability. Additionally, DEFB118 was found to elevate the viability of IPEC-J2 cells upon E. coli K88 challenge. Moreover, DEFB118 significantly decreased cell apoptosis in the late apoptosis phase and downregulated the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and TNF-α in IPEC-J2 cell exposure to E. coli K88. Conclusions These results suggested a novel function of the mammalian defensins, and the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of DEFB118 may allow it as a potential substitute for conventionally used antibiotics or drugs.
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Di Natale C, De Benedictis I, De Benedictis A, Marasco D. Metal-Peptide Complexes as Promising Antibiotics to Fight Emerging Drug Resistance: New Perspectives in Tuberculosis. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9060337. [PMID: 32570779 PMCID: PMC7344629 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9060337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In metal-peptide interactions, cations form stable complexes through bonds with coordinating groups as side chains of amino acids. These compounds, among other things, exert a wide variety of antimicrobial activities through structural changes of peptides upon metal binding and redox chemistry. They exhibit different mechanisms of action (MOA), including the modification of DNA/RNA, protein and cell wall synthesis, permeabilization and modulation of gradients of cellular membranes. Nowadays, the large increase in antibiotic resistance represents a crucial problem to limit progression at the pandemic level of the diseases that seemed nearly eradicated, such as tuberculosis (Tb). Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is intrinsically resistant to many antibiotics due to chromosomal mutations which can lead to the onset of novel strains. Consequently, the maximum pharmaceutical effort should be focused on the development of new therapeutic agents and antimicrobial peptides can represent a valuable option as a copious source of potential bioactive compounds. The introduction of a metal center can improve chemical diversity and hence specificity and bioavailability while, in turn, the coordination to peptides of metal complexes can protect them and enhance their poor water solubility and air stability: the optimization of these parameters is strictly required for drug prioritization and to obtain potent inhibitors of Mtb infections with novel MOAs. Here, we present a panoramic review of the most recent findings in the field of metal complex-peptide conjugates and their delivery systems with the potential pharmaceutical application as novel antibiotics in Mtb infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Di Natale
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy; (C.D.N.); (I.D.B.); (A.D.B.)
- Center for Advanced Biomaterial for Health Care (CABHC), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 80125 Naples, Italy
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Biomaterials (CRIB) and Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica, dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale, University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Ilaria De Benedictis
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy; (C.D.N.); (I.D.B.); (A.D.B.)
| | - Arianna De Benedictis
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy; (C.D.N.); (I.D.B.); (A.D.B.)
| | - Daniela Marasco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy; (C.D.N.); (I.D.B.); (A.D.B.)
- Correspondence:
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