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Chen W, Han LM, Chen XZ, Yi PC, Li H, Ren YY, Gao JH, Zhang CY, Huang J, Wang WX, Hu ZL, Hu CM. Engineered endolysin of Klebsiella pneumoniae phage is a potent and broad-spectrum bactericidal agent against "ESKAPEE" pathogens. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1397830. [PMID: 38784808 PMCID: PMC11112412 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1397830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The rise of antimicrobial resistance in ESKAPEE pathogens poses significant clinical challenges, especially in polymicrobial infections. Bacteriophage-derived endolysins offer promise in combating this crisis, but face practical hurdles. Our study focuses on engineering endolysins from a Klebsiella pneumoniae phage, fusing them with ApoE23 and COG133 peptides. We assessed the resulting chimeric proteins' bactericidal activity against ESKAPEE pathogens in vitro. ApoE23-Kp84B (CHU-1) reduced over 3 log units of CFU for A. baumannii, E. faecalis, K. pneumoniae within 1 h, while COG133-Kp84B (CHU-2) showed significant efficacy against S. aureus. COG133-L1-Kp84B, with a GS linker insertion in CHU-2, exhibited outstanding bactericidal activity against E. cloacae and P. aeruginosa. Scanning electron microscopy revealed alterations in bacterial morphology after treatment with engineered endolysins. Notably, CHU-1 demonstrated promising anti-biofilm and anti-persister cell activity against A. baumannii and E. faecalis but had limited efficacy in a bacteremia mouse model of their coinfection. Our findings advance the field of endolysin engineering, facilitating the customization of these proteins to target specific bacterial pathogens. This approach holds promise for the development of personalized therapies tailored to combat ESKAPEE infections effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- Department of Tuberculosis, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Li-Mei Han
- Department of Tuberculosis, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Clinical Research Center, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiu-Zhen Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Peng-Cheng Yi
- Department of Tuberculosis, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yun-Yao Ren
- Department of Tuberculosis, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing-Han Gao
- Clinical Research Center, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Cai-Yun Zhang
- Clinical Research Center, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei-Xiao Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhi-Liang Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chun-Mei Hu
- Department of Tuberculosis, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Innovation Center for Infectious Diseases of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, China
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2
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Wang C, Ren YY, Han LM, Yi PC, Wang WX, Zhang CY, Chen XZ, Chi MZ, Wang A, Chen W, Hu CM. ApoE Mimetic Peptide COG1410 Kills Mycobacterium smegmatis via Directly Interfering ClpC's ATPase Activity. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:278. [PMID: 38534713 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13030278] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) hold promise as alternatives to combat bacterial infections, addressing the urgent global threat of antibiotic resistance. COG1410, a synthetic peptide derived from apolipoprotein E, has exhibited potent antimicrobial properties against various bacterial strains, including Mycobacterium smegmatis. However, our study reveals a previously unknown resistance mechanism developed by M. smegmatis against COG1410 involving ClpC. Upon subjecting M. smegmatis to serial passages in the presence of sub-MIC COG1410, resistance emerged. The comparative genomic analysis identified a point mutation in ClpC (S437P), situated within its middle domain, which led to high resistance to COG1410 without compromising bacterial fitness. Complementation of ClpC in mutant restored bacterial sensitivity. In-depth analyses, including transcriptomic profiling and in vitro assays, uncovered that COG1410 interferes with ClpC at both transcriptional and functional levels. COG1410 not only stimulated the ATPase activity of ClpC but also enhanced the proteolytic activity of Clp protease. SPR analysis confirmed that COG1410 directly binds with ClpC. Surprisingly, the identified S437P mutation did not impact their binding affinity. This study sheds light on a unique resistance mechanism against AMPs in mycobacteria, highlighting the pivotal role of ClpC in this process. Unraveling the interplay between COG1410 and ClpC enriches our understanding of AMP-bacterial interactions, offering potential insights for developing innovative strategies to combat antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Wang
- Department of Tuberculosis, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210003, China
| | - Yun-Yao Ren
- Clinical Research Center, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210003, China
| | - Li-Mei Han
- Department of Tuberculosis, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210003, China
| | - Peng-Cheng Yi
- Department of Tuberculosis, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210003, China
| | - Wei-Xiao Wang
- Clinical Research Center, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210003, China
| | - Cai-Yun Zhang
- Clinical Research Center, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210003, China
| | - Xiu-Zhen Chen
- Clinical Research Center, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210003, China
| | - Ming-Zhe Chi
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Apeng Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Clinical Research Center, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210003, China
| | - Chun-Mei Hu
- Department of Tuberculosis, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210003, China
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Cai J, Nielsen MW, Kalogeropoulos K, auf dem Keller U, van der Plas MJ. Peptidomic analysis of endogenous and bacterial protease activity in human plasma and wound fluids. iScience 2024; 27:109005. [PMID: 38333691 PMCID: PMC10850760 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109005] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Endogenous and bacterial proteases play important roles in wound healing and infection. Analysis of alterations in the low-molecular-weight peptidome by individual enzymes could therefore provide insight into proteolytic events occurring in wounds and may aid in the discovery of biomarkers. Using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry, we characterized the peptidome of plasma and acute wound fluids digested ex vivo with human (neutrophil elastase and cathepsin G) and bacterial proteases (Pseudomonas aeruginosa LasB and Staphyloccocus aureus V8). We identified over 100 protein targets for each enzyme and characterized enzyme specific peptides and cleavage patterns. Moreover, we found unique peptide regions in V8 digested samples that were also present in dressing extracts from S. aureus infected wounds. Finally, the work indicates that peptidomic analysis of qualitative differences of proteolytic activity of individual enzymes may aid in the discovery of potential diagnostic biomarkers for wound healing status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Cai
- LEO Foundation Center for Cutaneous Drug Delivery, Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Maike W. Nielsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Ulrich auf dem Keller
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Mariena J.A. van der Plas
- LEO Foundation Center for Cutaneous Drug Delivery, Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
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Catalano F, Vlaar EC, Katsavelis D, Dammou Z, Huizer TF, van den Bosch JC, Hoogeveen-Westerveld M, van den Hout HJ, Oussoren E, Ruijter GJ, Schaaf G, Pike-Overzet K, Staal FJ, van der Ploeg AT, Pijnappel WP. Tagged IDS causes efficient and engraftment-independent prevention of brain pathology during lentiviral gene therapy for Mucopolysaccharidosis type II. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 31:101149. [PMID: 38033460 PMCID: PMC10684800 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.101149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (OMIM 309900) is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by iduronate 2-sulfatase (IDS) deficiency and accumulation of glycosaminoglycans, leading to progressive neurodegeneration. As intravenously infused enzyme replacement therapy cannot cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), it fails to treat brain pathology, highlighting the unmet medical need to develop alternative therapies. Here, we test modified versions of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC)-mediated lentiviral gene therapy (LVGT) using IDS tagging in combination with the ubiquitous MND promoter to optimize efficacy in brain and to investigate its mechanism of action. We find that IDS tagging with IGF2 or ApoE2, but not RAP12x2, improves correction of brain heparan sulfate and neuroinflammation at clinically relevant vector copy numbers. HSPC-derived cells engrafted in brain show efficiencies highest in perivascular areas, lower in choroid plexus and meninges, and lowest in parenchyma. Importantly, the efficacy of correction was independent of the number of brain-engrafted cells. These results indicate that tagged versions of IDS can outperform untagged IDS in HSPC-LVGT for the correction of brain pathology in MPS II, and they imply both cell-mediated and tag-mediated correction mechanisms, including passage across the BBB and increased uptake, highlighting their potential for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Catalano
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
| | - Eva C. Vlaar
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
| | - Drosos Katsavelis
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
| | - Zina Dammou
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
| | - Tessa F. Huizer
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen C. van den Bosch
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
| | - Marianne Hoogeveen-Westerveld
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
| | - Hannerieke J.M.P. van den Hout
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
| | - Esmeralda Oussoren
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
| | - George J.G. Ruijter
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
| | - Gerben Schaaf
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
| | - Karin Pike-Overzet
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Frank J.T. Staal
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333ZA, the Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden 2333ZA, the Netherlands
| | - Ans T. van der Ploeg
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
| | - W.W.M. Pim Pijnappel
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
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5
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Petrlova J, Hartman E, Petruk G, Lim JCH, Adav SS, Kjellström S, Puthia M, Schmidtchen A. Selective protein aggregation confines and inhibits endotoxins in wounds: Linking host defense to amyloid formation. iScience 2023; 26:107951. [PMID: 37817942 PMCID: PMC10561040 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces rapid protein aggregation in human wound fluid. We aimed to characterize these LPS-induced aggregates and their functional implications using a combination of mass spectrometry analyses, biochemical assays, biological imaging, cell experiments, and animal models. The wound-fluid aggregates encompass diverse protein classes, including sequences from coagulation factors, annexins, histones, antimicrobial proteins/peptides, and apolipoproteins. We identified proteins and peptides with a high aggregation propensity and verified selected components through Western blot analysis. Thioflavin T and Amytracker staining revealed amyloid-like aggregates formed after exposure to LPS in vitro in human wound fluid and in vivo in porcine wound models. Using NF-κB-reporter mice and IVIS bioimaging, we demonstrate that such wound-fluid LPS aggregates induce a significant reduction in local inflammation compared with LPS in plasma. The results show that protein/peptide aggregation is a mechanism for confining LPS and reducing inflammation, further emphasizing the connection between host defense and amyloidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitka Petrlova
- Division of Dermatology and Venereology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Erik Hartman
- Division of Dermatology and Venereology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Ganna Petruk
- Division of Dermatology and Venereology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Jeremy Chun Hwee Lim
- Division of Dermatology and Venereology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Sunil Shankar Adav
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sven Kjellström
- Department of Clinical Sciences, BioMS, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Manoj Puthia
- Division of Dermatology and Venereology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Artur Schmidtchen
- Division of Dermatology and Venereology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
- Dermatology, Skane University Hospital, 22185 Lund, Sweden
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Wang C, Yin L, Fu P, Lu G, Zhai X, Yang C. Anti-inflammatory effect of ApoE23 on Salmonella typhimurium-induced sepsis in mice. Open Med (Wars) 2023; 18:20230767. [PMID: 37533741 PMCID: PMC10390754 DOI: 10.1515/med-2023-0767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Two independent experiments were performed with three groups each (sepsis control, sepsis, and sepsis with apoE23 treatment) to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of apolipoprotein 23 (apoE23) in a mouse model of sepsis induced by S. typhimurium. Survival rates; plasma level variations in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS); S. typhimurium colony-forming units in the spleen tissue; and mRNA and protein expression levels of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), LDLR-related protein (LRP), syndecan-1, and scavenger receptor B1 were evaluated in the livers of mice from the three groups. Results found that the survival rate of septic mice treated with apoE23 was 100% within 48 h, while it was only 40% in septic mice without apoE23 treatment (P < 0.001). The plasma LPS, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels and the S. typhimurium load in mice in the apoE23-treated group were significantly lower than those in septic mice (P < 0.05). Moreover, apoE23 restored the downregulated expression of LDLR and LRP in the liver tissue of septic mice. So apoE23 exhibits an anti-inflammatory effect in the mouse model of S. typhimurium-induced sepsis. Further studies are required to understand the mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of apoE23.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanqing Wang
- Department of Nosocomial Infection Control and the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
- Department of Nosocomial Infection Control, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Lijun Yin
- Department of Nosocomial Infection Control, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Pan Fu
- Department of the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Guoping Lu
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Xiaowen Zhai
- Department of Hematology, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 399 Wanyuan Road, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Changsheng Yang
- The Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases of Shanghai, Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Ministry of Health, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai200032, China
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Zhao YY, Wang C, Wang WX, Han LM, Zhang C, Yu JY, Chen W, Hu CM. ApoE Mimetic Peptide COG1410 Exhibits Strong Additive Interaction with Antibiotics Against Mycobacterium smegmatis. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:1801-1812. [PMID: 37013167 PMCID: PMC10066718 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s403232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) is an emerging threat to public health worldwide. Antimicrobial peptide (AMP) is a promising solution to solve the antimicrobial resistance crisis. The apolipoprotein E mimetic peptide COG1410 has been confirmed to simultaneously have neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activity. However, whether it is effective to inhibit growth of mycobacteria has not been investigated yet. Methods The peptide COG1410 was synthesized with conventional solid-phase peptide synthesis and qualified by HPLC and mass spectrometry. Micro-dilution method was used to determine the minimal inhibitory concentration. A time-kill assay was used to determine the bactericidal dynamics of antimicrobial peptide and relative antibiotics. Static biofilm formation was conducted in 24-well plate and the biofilm was separated from planktonic cells and collected. The mechanism of action of COG1410 was explored by TEM observation and ATP leak assay. The localization of COG1410 was observed by confocal laser scan microscopy. The drug-drug interaction was determined by a checkerboard assay. Results COG1410 was a potent bactericidal agent against M. smegmatis in vitro and within the macrophages with MIC 16 μg/mL, but invalid against M. abscess and M. tuberculosis. A time-kill assay showed that COG1410 killed M. smegmatis as potent as clarithromycin, but faster than LL-37, another short synthetic cationic peptide. 1× MIC COG1410 almost reduced 90% biofilm formation of M. smegmatis. Additionally, COG1410 was able to penetrate the cell membrane of macrophage and inhibit intracellular M. smegmatis growth. TEM observation and ATP leak assay found that COG1410 disrupted cell membrane and caused release of cell contents. Confocal fluorescence microscopy showed that FITC-COG1410 aggregated around cell membrane instead of entering the cytoplasm. Although COG1410 had relative high cytotoxicity, it exhibited strong additive interaction with regular anti-TB antibiotics, which reduced the working concentration of COG1410 and expanding safety window. After 30 passages, there was no induced drug resistance for COG1410. Conclusion COG1410 was a novel and potent AMP against M. smegmatis by disrupting the integrity of cell membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Yan Zhao
- Department of Tuberculosis, the Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210003, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chun Wang
- Department of Tuberculosis, the Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210003, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei-Xiao Wang
- Clinical Research Center, the Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210003, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li-Mei Han
- Department of Tuberculosis, the Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210003, People’s Republic of China
| | - Caiyun Zhang
- Clinical Research Center, the Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210003, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiao-Yang Yu
- Key Laboratory of Resources Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, 710069, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Chen
- Clinical Research Center, the Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210003, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Wei Chen; Chun-Mei Hu, Email ;
| | - Chun-Mei Hu
- Department of Tuberculosis, the Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210003, People’s Republic of China
- The Clinical Infectious Disease Center of Nanjing, Nanjing, 210003, People’s Republic of China
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8
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Hu Y, Zhang X, Deng S, Yue C, Jia X, Lyu Y. Non-antibiotic prevention and treatment against Acinetobacter baumannii infection: Are vaccines and adjuvants effective strategies? Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1049917. [PMID: 36760499 PMCID: PMC9905804 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1049917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) is a Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen widely attached to the surface of medical instruments, making it one of the most common pathogens of nosocomial infection, and often leading to cross-infection and co-infection. Due to the extensive antibiotic and pan-resistance, A. baumannii infection is facing fewer treatment options in the clinic. Therefore, the prevention and treatment of A. baumannii infection have become a tricky global problem. The requirement for research and development of the new strategy is urgent. Now, non-antibiotic treatment strategies are urgently needed. This review describes the research on A. baumannii vaccines and antibacterial adjuvants, discusses the advantages and disadvantages of different candidate vaccines tested in vitro and in vivo, especially subunit protein vaccines, and shows the antibacterial efficacy of adjuvant drugs in monotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Hu
- Yan'an Key Laboratory of Microbial Drug Innovation and Transformation, School of Basic Medicine, Yan'an University, Yan'An, China,Non-coding RNA and Drug Discovery Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Xianqin Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Shanshan Deng
- Non-coding RNA and Drug Discovery Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Changwu Yue
- Yan'an Key Laboratory of Microbial Drug Innovation and Transformation, School of Basic Medicine, Yan'an University, Yan'An, China,*Correspondence: Changwu Yue ✉
| | - Xu Jia
- Non-coding RNA and Drug Discovery Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China,Xu Jia ✉
| | - Yuhong Lyu
- Yan'an Key Laboratory of Microbial Drug Innovation and Transformation, School of Basic Medicine, Yan'an University, Yan'An, China,Yuhong Lyu ✉
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9
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Wang B, Zhang FW, Wang WX, Zhao YY, Sun SY, Yu JH, Vitek MP, Li GF, Ma R, Wang S, Hu Z, Chen W. Apolipoprotein E mimetic peptide COG1410 combats pandrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:934765. [PMID: 36081797 PMCID: PMC9445589 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.934765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of pandrug-resistant bacteria breaks through the last line of defense and raises fear among people of incurable infections. In the post-antibiotic era, the pharmaceutical field turns to seek non-conventional anti-infective agents. Antimicrobial peptides are considered a prospective solution to the crisis of antimicrobial resistance. In this study, we evaluated the antimicrobial efficiency of an ApoE mimetic peptide, COG1410, which has been confirmed to exhibit strong neural protective activity and immunomodulatory function. COG1410 showed potent antimicrobial activity against pandrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, even eliminating large inocula (108 CFU/ml) within 30 min. LC99.9 in PBS and 50% pooled human plasma was 2 μg/ml (1.4 μM) and 8 μg/ml (5.6 μM), respectively. Moreover, COG1410 exhibited biofilm inhibition and eradication activity, excellent stability in human plasma, and a low propensity to induce resistance. Although COG1410 easily entered bacterial cytoplasm and bound to DNA nonspecifically, the major mechanism of COG1410 killing was to disrupt the integrity of cell membrane and lead to leakage of cytoplasmic contents, without causing obvious pores on the cell surface or cell lysis. Additionally, transcriptome analysis showed that treatment with COG1410-enriched genes involved a series of oxidation–reduction processes. DCFH-DA probe detected an increased ROS level in the presence of COG1410, indicating ROS was another hit of this AMP. Furthermore, the action of COG1410 did not depend on the electronic interaction with the LPS layer, in contrast to polymyxin B. The strong synergistic interaction between COG1410 and polymyxin B dramatically reduced the working concentration of COG1410, expanding the safety window of the application. C. elegans infection model showed that combined therapy of COG1410 and polymyxin B was capable of significantly rescuing the infected nematodes. Taken together, our study demonstrates that COG1410 is a promising drug candidate in the battle against pandrug-resistant A. baumannii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Feng-Wan Zhang
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei-Xiao Wang
- Clinical Research Center, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan-Yan Zhao
- Clinical Research Center, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Su-Yue Sun
- Clinical Research Center, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jin-Hong Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | | | | | - Rui Ma
- Shanghai Nanoport, Thermofisher Scientific, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiwei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Resources Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhiliang Hu
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Zhiliang Hu
| | - Wei Chen
- Clinical Research Center, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Wei Chen
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10
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HDL, ApoA-I and ApoE-Mimetic Peptides: Potential Broad Spectrum Agent for Clinical Use? Int J Pept Res Ther 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-021-10352-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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11
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Petruk G, Elvén M, Hartman E, Davoudi M, Schmidtchen A, Puthia M, Petrlova J. The role of full-length apoE in clearance of Gram-negative bacteria and their endotoxins. J Lipid Res 2021; 62:100086. [PMID: 34019903 PMCID: PMC8225977 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2021.100086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
ApoE is a well-known lipid-binding protein that plays a main role in the metabolism and transport of lipids. More recently, apoE-derived peptides have been shown to exert antimicrobial effects. Here, we investigated the antibacterial activity of apoE using in vitro assays, advanced imaging techniques, and in vivo mouse models. The formation of macromolecular complexes of apoE and endotoxins from Gram-negative bacteria was explored using gel shift assays, transmission electron microscopy, and CD spectroscopy followed by calculation of the α-helical content. The binding affinity of apoE to endotoxins was also confirmed by fluorescent spectroscopy detecting the quenching and shifting of tryptophan intrinsic fluorescence. We showed that apoE exhibits antibacterial activity particularly against Gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. ApoE protein folding was affected by binding of bacterial endotoxin components such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipid A, yielding similar increases in the apoE α-helical content. Moreover, high-molecular-weight complexes of apoE were formed in the presence of LPS, but not to the same extent as with lipid A. Together, our results demonstrate the ability of apoE to kill Gram-negative bacteria, interact with their endotoxins, which leads to the structural changes in apoE and the formation of aggregate-like complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganna Petruk
- Division of Dermatology and Venereology, Institution of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Malin Elvén
- Division of Dermatology and Venereology, Institution of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Erik Hartman
- Division of Dermatology and Venereology, Institution of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Mina Davoudi
- Division of Dermatology and Venereology, Institution of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Division of Cancer and Infection Medicine, Institution of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Artur Schmidtchen
- Division of Dermatology and Venereology, Institution of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Copenhagen Wound Healing Center, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Dermatology, Skane University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Manoj Puthia
- Division of Dermatology and Venereology, Institution of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jitka Petrlova
- Division of Dermatology and Venereology, Institution of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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12
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Gaglione R, Pizzo E, Notomista E, de la Fuente-Nunez C, Arciello A. Host Defence Cryptides from Human Apolipoproteins: Applications in Medicinal Chemistry. Curr Top Med Chem 2021; 20:1324-1337. [PMID: 32338222 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200427091454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Several eukaryotic proteins with defined physiological roles may act as precursors of cryptic bioactive peptides released upon protein cleavage by the host and/or bacterial proteases. Based on this, the term "cryptome" has been used to define the unique portion of the proteome encompassing proteins with the ability to generate bioactive peptides (cryptides) and proteins (crypteins) upon proteolytic cleavage. Hence, the cryptome represents a source of peptides with potential pharmacological interest. Among eukaryotic precursor proteins, human apolipoproteins play an important role, since promising bioactive peptides have been identified and characterized from apolipoproteins E, B, and A-I sequences. Human apolipoproteins derived peptides have been shown to exhibit antibacterial, anti-biofilm, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic, antioxidant, or anticancer activities in in vitro assays and, in some cases, also in in vivo experiments on animal models. The most interesting Host Defence Peptides (HDPs) identified thus far in human apolipoproteins are described here with a focus on their biological activities applicable to biomedicine. Altogether, reported evidence clearly indicates that cryptic peptides represent promising templates for the generation of new drugs and therapeutics against infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Gaglione
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Elio Pizzo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Eugenio Notomista
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Cesar de la Fuente-Nunez
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, and Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Angela Arciello
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy.,Istituto Nazionale di Biostrutture e Biosistemi (INBB), 00136 Rome, Italy
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13
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Criscitiello MF, Kraev I, Petersen LH, Lange S. Deimination Protein Profiles in Alligator mississippiensis Reveal Plasma and Extracellular Vesicle-Specific Signatures Relating to Immunity, Metabolic Function, and Gene Regulation. Front Immunol 2020; 11:651. [PMID: 32411128 PMCID: PMC7198796 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alligators are crocodilians and among few species that endured the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event. With long life spans, low metabolic rates, unusual immunological characteristics, including strong antibacterial and antiviral ability, and cancer resistance, crocodilians may hold information for molecular pathways underlying such physiological traits. Peptidylarginine deiminases (PADs) are a group of calcium-activated enzymes that cause posttranslational protein deimination/citrullination in a range of target proteins contributing to protein moonlighting functions in health and disease. PADs are phylogenetically conserved and are also a key regulator of extracellular vesicle (EV) release, a critical part of cellular communication. As little is known about PAD-mediated mechanisms in reptile immunology, this study was aimed at profiling EVs and protein deimination in Alligator mississippiensis. Alligator plasma EVs were found to be polydispersed in a 50-400-nm size range. Key immune, metabolic, and gene regulatory proteins were identified to be posttranslationally deiminated in plasma and plasma EVs, with some overlapping hits, while some were unique to either plasma or plasma EVs. In whole plasma, 112 target proteins were identified to be deiminated, while 77 proteins were found as deiminated protein hits in plasma EVs, whereof 31 were specific for EVs only, including proteins specific for gene regulatory functions (e.g., histones). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis revealed KEGG pathways specific to deiminated proteins in whole plasma related to adipocytokine signaling, while KEGG pathways of deiminated proteins specific to EVs included ribosome, biosynthesis of amino acids, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways as well as core histones. This highlights roles for EV-mediated export of deiminated protein cargo with roles in metabolism and gene regulation, also related to cancer. The identification of posttranslational deimination and EV-mediated communication in alligator plasma revealed here contributes to current understanding of protein moonlighting functions and EV-mediated communication in these ancient reptiles, providing novel insight into their unusual immune systems and physiological traits. In addition, our findings may shed light on pathways underlying cancer resistance, antibacterial and antiviral resistance, with translatable value to human pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael F. Criscitiello
- Comparative Immunogenetics Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Igor Kraev
- Electron Microscopy Suite, Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Open University, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
| | - Lene H. Petersen
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galvestone, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Sigrun Lange
- Tissue Architecture and Regeneration Research Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom
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14
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Criscitiello MF, Kraev I, Lange S. Post-Translational Protein Deimination Signatures in Serum and Serum-Extracellular Vesicles of Bos taurus Reveal Immune, Anti-Pathogenic, Anti-Viral, Metabolic and Cancer-Related Pathways for Deimination. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E2861. [PMID: 32325910 PMCID: PMC7215346 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The bovine immune system is known for its unusual traits relating to immunoglobulin and antiviral responses. Peptidylarginine deiminases (PADs) are phylogenetically conserved enzymes that cause post-translational deimination, contributing to protein moonlighting in health and disease. PADs also regulate extracellular vesicle (EV) release, forming a critical part of cellular communication. As PAD-mediated mechanisms in bovine immunology and physiology remain to be investigated, this study profiled deimination signatures in serum and serum-EVs in Bos taurus. Bos EVs were poly-dispersed in a 70-500 nm size range and showed differences in deiminated protein cargo, compared with whole sera. Key immune, metabolic and gene regulatory proteins were identified to be post-translationally deiminated with some overlapping hits in sera and EVs (e.g., immunoglobulins), while some were unique to either serum or serum-EVs (e.g., histones). Protein-protein interaction network analysis of deiminated proteins revealed KEGG pathways common for serum and serum-EVs, including complement and coagulation cascades, viral infection (enveloped viruses), viral myocarditis, bacterial and parasitic infections, autoimmune disease, immunodeficiency intestinal IgA production, B-cell receptor signalling, natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity, platelet activation and hematopoiesis, alongside metabolic pathways including ferroptosis, vitamin digestion and absorption, cholesterol metabolism and mineral absorption. KEGG pathways specific to EVs related to HIF-1 signalling, oestrogen signalling and biosynthesis of amino acids. KEGG pathways specific for serum only, related to Epstein-Barr virus infection, transcription mis-regulation in cancer, bladder cancer, Rap1 signalling pathway, calcium signalling pathway and ECM-receptor interaction. This indicates differences in physiological and pathological pathways for deiminated proteins in serum-EVs, compared with serum. Our findings may shed light on pathways underlying a number of pathological and anti-pathogenic (viral, bacterial, parasitic) pathways, with putative translatable value to human pathologies, zoonotic diseases and development of therapies for infections, including anti-viral therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael F. Criscitiello
- Comparative Immunogenetics Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA;
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Igor Kraev
- Electron Microscopy Suite, Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Open University, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, UK;
| | - Sigrun Lange
- Tissue Architecture and Regeneration Research Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London W1W 6XH, UK
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15
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Zanfardino A, Bosso A, Gallo G, Pistorio V, Di Napoli M, Gaglione R, Dell'Olmo E, Varcamonti M, Notomista E, Arciello A, Pizzo E. Human apolipoprotein E as a reservoir of cryptic bioactive peptides: The case of ApoE 133-167. J Pept Sci 2018; 24:e3095. [PMID: 29900637 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Bioactive peptides derived from the receptor-binding region of human apolipoprotein E have previously been reported. All these peptides, encompassing fragments of this region or designed on the basis of short repeated cationic sequences identified in the same region, show toxic activities against a broad spectrum of bacteria and interesting immunomodulatory effects. However, the ability of these molecules to exert antibiofilm properties has not been described so far. In the present work, we report the characterization of a novel peptide, corresponding to residues 133 to 167 of human apolipoprotein E, here named ApoE (133-167). This peptide, besides presenting interesting properties comparable with those reported for other ApoE-derived peptides, such as a direct killing activity against a broad spectrum of bacteria or the ability to downregulate lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokine release, is also endowed with significant antibiofilm properties. Indeed, the peptide is able to strongly affect the formation of the extracellular matrix and also the viability of encapsulated bacteria. Noteworthy, ApoE (133-167) is not toxic toward human and murine cell lines and is able to assume ordered conformations in the presence of membrane mimicking agents. Taken together, collected evidences about biological and structural properties of ApoE (133-167) open new perspectives in the design of therapeutic agents based on human-derived bioactive peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Zanfardino
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Bosso
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Gallo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Pistorio
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Michela Di Napoli
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Gaglione
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Eliana Dell'Olmo
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Varcamonti
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Eugenio Notomista
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Arciello
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126, Naples, Italy.,INBB-Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi, Rome, Italy
| | - Elio Pizzo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126, Naples, Italy
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16
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Pane K, Durante L, Crescenzi O, Cafaro V, Pizzo E, Varcamonti M, Zanfardino A, Izzo V, Di Donato A, Notomista E. Antimicrobial potency of cationic antimicrobial peptides can be predicted from their amino acid composition: Application to the detection of “cryptic” antimicrobial peptides. J Theor Biol 2017; 419:254-265. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2017.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Revised: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/11/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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17
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Human Cathelicidin Compensates for the Role of Apolipoproteins in Hepatitis C Virus Infectious Particle Formation. J Virol 2016; 90:8464-77. [PMID: 27440892 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00471-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Exchangeable apolipoproteins (ApoA, -C, and -E) have been shown to redundantly participate in the formation of infectious hepatitis C virus (HCV) particles during the assembly process, although their precise role in the viral life cycle is not well understood. Recently, it was shown that the exogenous expression of only short sequences containing amphipathic α-helices from various apolipoproteins is sufficient to restore the formation of infectious HCV particles in ApoB and ApoE double-gene-knockout Huh7 (BE-KO) cells. In this study, through the expression of a small library of human secretory proteins containing amphipathic α-helix structures, we identified the human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (CAMP), the only known member of the cathelicidin family of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in humans and expressed mainly in bone marrow and leukocytes. We showed that CAMP is able to rescue HCV infectious particle formation in BE-KO cells. In addition, we revealed that the LL-37 domain in CAMP containing amphipathic α-helices is crucial for the compensation of infectivity in BE-KO cells, and the expression of CAMP in nonhepatic 293T cells expressing claudin 1 and microRNA miR-122 confers complete propagation of HCV. These results suggest the possibility of extrahepatic propagation of HCV in cells with low-level or no expression of apolipoproteins but expressing secretory proteins containing amphipathic α-helices such as CAMP. IMPORTANCE Various exchangeable apolipoproteins play a pivotal role in the formation of infectious HCV during the assembly of viral particles, and amphipathic α-helix motifs in the apolipoproteins have been shown to be a key factor. To the best of our knowledge, we have identified for the first time the human cathelicidin CAMP as a cellular protein that can compensate for the role of apolipoproteins in the life cycle of HCV. We have also identified the domain in CAMP that contains amphipathic α-helices crucial for compensation and show that the expression of CAMP in nonhepatic cells expressing claudin 1 and miR-122 confers complete propagation of HCV. We speculate that low levels of HCV propagation might be possible in extrahepatic tissues expressing secretory proteins containing amphipathic α-helices without the expression of apolipoproteins.
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18
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Barksdale SM, Hrifko EJ, Chung EMC, van Hoek ML. Peptides from American alligator plasma are antimicrobial against multi-drug resistant bacterial pathogens including Acinetobacter baumannii. BMC Microbiol 2016; 16:189. [PMID: 27542832 PMCID: PMC4992317 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-016-0799-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our group has developed a new process for isolating and identifying novel cationic antimicrobial peptides from small amounts of biological samples. Previously, we identified several active antimicrobial peptides from 100 μl of plasma from Alligator mississippiensis. These peptides were found to have in vitro antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. In this work, we further characterize three of the novel peptides discovered using this process: Apo5, Apo6, and A1P. RESULTS We examined the activity of these peptides against multi-drug resistant strains and clinical isolates of common human pathogens. We investigated their structural characteristics using circular dichroism and tested for membrane disruption and DNA binding. These peptides were found to have strong in vitro activity against multi-drug resistant and clinically isolated strains of S. aureus, Escherichia coli, P. aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii. Apo5 and Apo6, peptides derived from alligator apolipoprotein C-1, depolarized the bacterial membrane. A1P, a peptide from the serpin proteinase inhibitor, did not permeabilize membranes. Performing circular dichroism analysis, Apo5 and Apo6 were found to be predominantly helical in SDS and TFE buffer, while A1P has significantly different structures in phosphate buffer, SDS, and TFE. None of these peptides were found to be hemolytic to sheep red blood cells or significantly cytotoxic up to 100 μg/ml after 24 h exposure. CONCLUSIONS Overall, we suggest that Apo5 and Apo6 have a different mode of action than A1P, and that all three peptides make promising candidates for the treatment of drug-resistant bacteria, such as A. baumannii.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Evelyn J Hrifko
- College of Science, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Ezra Myung-Chul Chung
- National Center of Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, George Mason University, 10920 George Mason Cir, 10920 George Mason Circle, MSN 1H8, Manassas, VA, 20110, USA.,Present Address: STCube Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 401 Professional Dr. Suite 108, Gaithersburg, MD, 20879-3429, USA
| | - Monique L van Hoek
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA. .,National Center of Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, George Mason University, 10920 George Mason Cir, 10920 George Mason Circle, MSN 1H8, Manassas, VA, 20110, USA.
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19
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Smani Y, Pachón-Ibáñez ME, Pachón J. New molecules and adjuvants in the treatment of infections by Acinetobacter baumannii. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2016; 17:1207-14. [PMID: 27067283 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2016.1176144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The current problems of the treatment of infections by Acinetobacter baumannii are linked with the increase of multidrug- and extensive-drug resistance and the lack of development of new antimicrobial drugs for Gram-negative bacilli. For these reasons, new alternatives for the treatment and control of severe infections by A. baumannii are necessary. Several studies have reported the effect of adjuvants to restore the efficacy of existing antimicrobial agents. AREAS COVERED In the present review, the authors describe the main results in the development of adjuvant drugs as well as new data on antimicrobial peptides, in monotherapy or in combination therapy with existing antimicrobial agents, which have shown promising preclinical results in vitro and in vivo. EXPERT OPINION The preclinical evaluation of adjuvants and antimicrobial peptides, in monotherapy or in combination therapy, for A. baumannii infections has shown promising results. However, caution is needed and further extensive in vivo studies and clinical trials have to be performed to confirm the potential use of these adjuvants as true therapeutic alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Younes Smani
- a Clinical Unit of Infectious Diseases, Microbiology, and Preventive Medicine , Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville , Seville , Spain
| | - María Eugenia Pachón-Ibáñez
- a Clinical Unit of Infectious Diseases, Microbiology, and Preventive Medicine , Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville , Seville , Spain
| | - Jerónimo Pachón
- a Clinical Unit of Infectious Diseases, Microbiology, and Preventive Medicine , Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville , Seville , Spain
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20
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Pane K, Sgambati V, Zanfardino A, Smaldone G, Cafaro V, Angrisano T, Pedone E, Di Gaetano S, Capasso D, Haney EF, Izzo V, Varcamonti M, Notomista E, Hancock REW, Di Donato A, Pizzo E. A new cryptic cationic antimicrobial peptide from human apolipoprotein E with antibacterial activity and immunomodulatory effects on human cells. FEBS J 2016; 283:2115-31. [PMID: 27028511 DOI: 10.1111/febs.13725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Revised: 02/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) possess fast and broad-spectrum activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, as well as fungi. It has become increasingly evident that many AMPs, including those that derive from fragments of host proteins, are multifunctional and able to mediate various immunomodulatory functions and angiogenesis. Among these, synthetic apolipoprotein-derived peptides are safe and well tolerated in humans and have emerged as promising candidates in the treatment of various inflammatory conditions. Here, we report the characterization of a new AMP corresponding to residues 133-150 of human apolipoprotein E. Our results show that this peptide, produced either by chemical synthesis or by recombinant techniques in Escherichia coli, possesses a broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. As shown for several other AMPs, ApoE (133-150) is structured in the presence of TFE and of membrane-mimicking agents, like SDS, or bacterial surface lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and an anionic polysaccharide, alginate, which mimics anionic capsular exo-polysaccharides of several pathogenic microorganisms. Noteworthy, ApoE (133-150) is not toxic toward several human cell lines and triggers a significant innate immune response, assessed either as decreased expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines in differentiated THP-1 monocytic cells or by the induction of chemokines released from PBMCs. This novel bioactive AMP also showed a significant anti-inflammatory effect on human keratinocytes, suggesting its potential use as a model for designing new immunomodulatory therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia Pane
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Valeria Sgambati
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Zanfardino
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Valeria Cafaro
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Tiziana Angrisano
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Emilia Pedone
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, C.N.R., Naples, Italy
| | - Sonia Di Gaetano
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, C.N.R., Naples, Italy
| | - Domenica Capasso
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Evan F Haney
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Viviana Izzo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy
| | - Mario Varcamonti
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Eugenio Notomista
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Robert E W Hancock
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Alberto Di Donato
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Elio Pizzo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Pachón-Ibáñez ME, Smani Y, Pachón J. Use of adjuvants in the treatment of Acinetobacter baumannii. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2015; 14:153-5. [PMID: 26620637 DOI: 10.1586/14787210.2016.1126508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The current antibiotic crisis to treat infections by Acinetobacter baumannii is linked with the increase of antimicrobial resistance and the lack of development of new antimicrobial drugs. For this reason, new alternatives for the treatment and control of infections by A. baumannii are necessary. Several studies have reported the effect of adjuvants to restore the efficacy of existing antimicrobial agents. Herein, we analyzed the main results on the development of adjuvant drugs, as monotherapy or in combination therapy with existing antimicrobial agents, which have shown promising results in vitro and in vivo. However, caution is needed and further extensive in vivo studies have to be performed to confirm the potential use of these adjuvants as true therapeutic alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Eugenia Pachón-Ibáñez
- a Clinical Unit of Infectious Diseases, microbiology, and Preventive Medicine , Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville , Seville , Spain
| | - Younes Smani
- a Clinical Unit of Infectious Diseases, microbiology, and Preventive Medicine , Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville , Seville , Spain
| | - Jerónimo Pachón
- a Clinical Unit of Infectious Diseases, microbiology, and Preventive Medicine , Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville , Seville , Spain
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