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Xu W, Rustenhoven J, Nelson CA, Dykstra T, Ferreiro A, Papadopoulos Z, Burnham CAD, Dantas G, Fremont DH, Kipnis J. A novel immune modulator IM33 mediates a glia-gut-neuronal axis that controls lifespan. Neuron 2023; 111:3244-3254.e8. [PMID: 37582366 PMCID: PMC10592285 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Aging is a complex process involving various systems and behavioral changes. Altered immune regulation, dysbiosis, oxidative stress, and sleep decline are common features of aging, but their interconnection is poorly understood. Using Drosophila, we discover that IM33, a novel immune modulator, and its mammalian homolog, secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), are upregulated in old flies and old mice, respectively. Knockdown of IM33 in glia elevates the gut reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and alters gut microbiota composition, including increased Lactiplantibacillus plantarum abundance, leading to a shortened lifespan. Additionally, dysbiosis induces sleep fragmentation through the activation of insulin-producing cells in the brain, which is mediated by the binding of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum-produced DAP-type peptidoglycan to the peptidoglycan recognition protein LE (PGRP-LE) receptor. Therefore, IM33 plays a role in the glia-microbiota-neuronal axis, connecting neuroinflammation, dysbiosis, and sleep decline during aging. Identifying molecular mediators of these processes could lead to the development of innovative strategies for extending lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangchao Xu
- Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG) Center, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Justin Rustenhoven
- Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG) Center, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Centre for Brain Research, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Christopher A Nelson
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Taitea Dykstra
- Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG) Center, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Aura Ferreiro
- The Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Zachary Papadopoulos
- Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG) Center, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Carey-Ann D Burnham
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Gautam Dantas
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; The Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Daved H Fremont
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; The Andrew M. and Jane M. Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jonathan Kipnis
- Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG) Center, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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Chen X, Su S, Yan Y, Yin L, Liu L. Anti- Pseudomonas aeruginosa activity of natural antimicrobial peptides when used alone or in combination with antibiotics. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1239540. [PMID: 37731929 PMCID: PMC10508351 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1239540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization has recently published a list of 12 drug-resistant bacteria that posed a significant threat to human health, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) was among them. In China, P. aeruginosa is a common pathogen in hospital acquired pneumonia, accounting for 16.9-22.0%. It is a ubiquitous opportunistic pathogen that can infect individuals with weakened immune systems, leading to hospital-acquired acute and systemic infections. The excessive use of antibiotics has led to the development of various mechanisms in P. aeruginosa to resist conventional drugs. Thus, there is an emergence of multidrug-resistant strains, posing a major challenge to conventional antibiotics and therapeutic approaches. Antimicrobial peptides are an integral component of host defense and have been found in many living organisms. Most antimicrobial peptides are characterized by negligible host toxicity and low resistance rates, making them become promising for use as antimicrobial products. This review particularly focuses on summarizing the inhibitory activity of natural antimicrobial peptides against P. aeruginosa planktonic cells and biofilms, as well as the drug interactions when these peptides used in combination with conventional antibiotics. Moreover, the underlying mechanism of these antimicrobial peptides against P. aeruginosa strains was mainly related to destroy the membrane structure through interacting with LPS or increasing ROS levels, or targeting cellular components, leaded to cell lysis. Hopefully, this analysis will provide valuable experimental data on developing novel compounds to combat P. aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqi Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shan Su
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Taian City Central Hospital of Qingdao University, Taian, China
| | - Yan Yan
- Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Limei Yin
- Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lihong Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
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3
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Mittli D, Tukacs V, Micsonai A, Ravasz L, Kardos J, Juhász G, Kékesi KA. The Single-Cell Transcriptomic Analysis of Prefrontal Pyramidal Cells and Interneurons Reveals the Neuronal Expression of Genes Encoding Antimicrobial Peptides and Immune Proteins. Front Immunol 2021; 12:749433. [PMID: 34759929 PMCID: PMC8574171 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.749433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The investigation of the molecular background of direct communication of neurons and immune cells in the brain is an important issue for understanding physiological and pathological processes in the nervous system. Direct contacts between brain-infiltrating immune cells and neurons, and the neuromodulatory effect of immune cell-derived regulatory peptides are well established. Several aspects of the role of immune and glial cells in the direct neuro-immune communication are also well known; however, there remain many questions regarding the molecular details of signaling from neurons to immune cells. Thus, we report here on the neuronal expression of genes encoding antimicrobial and immunomodulatory peptides, as well as proteins of immune cell-specific activation and communication mechanisms. In the present study, we analyzed the single-cell sequencing data of our previous transcriptomic work, obtained from electrophysiologically identified pyramidal cells and interneurons of the murine prefrontal cortex. We filtered out the genes that may be associated with the direct communication between immune cells and neurons and examined their expression pattern in the neuronal transcriptome. The expression of some of these genes by cortical neurons has not yet been reported. The vast majority of antimicrobial (~53%) and immune cell protein (~94%) transcripts was identified in the transcriptome of the 84 cells, owing to the high sensitivity of ultra-deep sequencing. Several of the antimicrobial and immune process-related protein transcripts showed cell type-specific or enriched expression. Individual neurons transcribed only a fraction of the investigated genes with low copy numbers probably due to the bursting kinetics of gene expression; however, the comparison of our data with available transcriptomic datasets from immune cells and neurons suggests the functional relevance of the reported findings. Accordingly, we propose further experimental and in silico studies on the neuronal expression of immune system-related genes and the potential role of the encoded proteins in neuroimmunological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dániel Mittli
- ELTE NAP Neuroimmunology Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Vanda Tukacs
- ELTE NAP Neuroimmunology Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - András Micsonai
- ELTE NAP Neuroimmunology Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lilla Ravasz
- ELTE NAP Neuroimmunology Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Clinical Research Units (CRU) Hungary Ltd., Göd, Hungary
| | - József Kardos
- ELTE NAP Neuroimmunology Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Juhász
- ELTE NAP Neuroimmunology Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Clinical Research Units (CRU) Hungary Ltd., Göd, Hungary
- InnoScience Ltd., Mátranovák, Hungary
| | - Katalin Adrienna Kékesi
- ELTE NAP Neuroimmunology Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- InnoScience Ltd., Mátranovák, Hungary
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
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4
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Kraus A, Buckley KM, Salinas I. Sensing the world and its dangers: An evolutionary perspective in neuroimmunology. eLife 2021; 10:66706. [PMID: 33900197 PMCID: PMC8075586 DOI: 10.7554/elife.66706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Detecting danger is key to the survival and success of all species. Animal nervous and immune systems cooperate to optimize danger detection. Preceding studies have highlighted the benefits of bringing neurons into the defense game, including regulation of immune responses, wound healing, pathogen control, and survival. Here, we summarize the body of knowledge in neuroimmune communication and assert that neuronal participation in the immune response is deeply beneficial in each step of combating infection, from inception to resolution. Despite the documented tight association between the immune and nervous systems in mammals or invertebrate model organisms, interdependence of these two systems is largely unexplored across metazoans. This review brings a phylogenetic perspective of the nervous and immune systems in the context of danger detection and advocates for the use of non-model organisms to diversify the field of neuroimmunology. We identify key taxa that are ripe for investigation due to the emergence of key evolutionary innovations in their immune and nervous systems. This novel perspective will help define the primordial principles that govern neuroimmune communication across taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurora Kraus
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, United States
| | | | - Irene Salinas
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, United States
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5
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Liang W, Diana J. The Dual Role of Antimicrobial Peptides in Autoimmunity. Front Immunol 2020; 11:2077. [PMID: 32983158 PMCID: PMC7492638 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.02077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases (AiDs) are characterized by the destruction of host tissues by the host immune system. The etiology of AiDs is complex, with the implication of multiple genetic defects and various environmental factors (pathogens, antibiotic use, pollutants, stress, and diet). The interaction between these two compartments results in the rupture of tolerance against self-antigens and the unwanted activation of the immune system. Thanks to animal models, the immunopathology of many AiDs is well described, with the implication of both the innate and adaptive immune systems. This progress toward the understanding of AiDs led to several therapies tested in patients. However, the results from these clinical trials have not been satisfactory, from reversing the course of AiDs to preventing them. The need for a cure has prompted many investigators to explore alternative aspects in the immunopathology of these diseases. Among these new aspects, the role of antimicrobial host defense peptides (AMPs) is growing. Indeed, beyond their antimicrobial activity, AMPs are potent immunomodulatory molecules and consequently are implicated in the development of numerous AiDs. Importantly, according to the disease considered, AMPs appear to play a dual role in autoimmunity with either anti- or pro-inflammatory abilities. Here, we aimed to summarize the current knowledge about the role of AMPs in the development of AiDs and attempt to provide some hypotheses explaining their dual role. Definitely, a complete understanding of this aspect is mandatory before the design of AMP-based therapies against AiDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Liang
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut Necker Enfants Malades, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Julien Diana
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut Necker Enfants Malades, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Université de Paris, Paris, France
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6
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Kwiatek-Majkusiak J, Geremek M, Koziorowski D, Tomasiuk R, Szlufik S, Friedman A. Serum levels of hepcidin and interleukin 6 in Parkinson’s disease. Acta Neurobiol Exp (Wars) 2020. [DOI: 10.21307/ane-2020-026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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7
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Malan-Müller S, Fairbairn L, Daniels WMU, Dashti MJS, Oakeley EJ, Altorfer M, Kidd M, Seedat S, Gamieldien J, Hemmings SMJ. Molecular mechanisms of D-cycloserine in facilitating fear extinction: insights from RNAseq. Metab Brain Dis 2016; 31:135-56. [PMID: 26400817 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-015-9727-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
D-cycloserine (DCS) has been shown to be effective in facilitating fear extinction in animal and human studies, however the precise mechanisms whereby the co-administration of DCS and behavioural fear extinction reduce fear are still unclear. This study investigated the molecular mechanisms of intrahippocampally administered D-cycloserine in facilitating fear extinction in a contextual fear conditioning animal model. Male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 120) were grouped into four experimental groups (n = 30) based on fear conditioning and intrahippocampal administration of either DCS or saline. The light/dark avoidance test was used to differentiate maladapted (MA) (anxious) from well-adapted (WA) (not anxious) subgroups. RNA extracted from the left dorsal hippocampus was used for RNA sequencing and gene expression data was compared between six fear-conditioned + saline MA (FEAR + SALINE MA) and six fear-conditioned + DCS WA (FEAR + DCS WA) animals. Of the 424 significantly downregulated and 25 significantly upregulated genes identified in the FEAR + DCS WA group compared to the FEAR + SALINE MA group, 121 downregulated and nine upregulated genes were predicted to be relevant to fear conditioning and anxiety and stress-related disorders. The majority of downregulated genes transcribed immune, proinflammatory and oxidative stress systems molecules. These molecules mediate neuroinflammation and cause neuronal damage. DCS also regulated genes involved in learning and memory processes, and genes associated with anxiety, stress-related disorders and co-occurring diseases (e.g., cardiovascular diseases, digestive system diseases and nervous system diseases). Identifying the molecular underpinnings of DCS-mediated fear extinction brings us closer to understanding the process of fear extinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Malan-Müller
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
- SA MRC Centre for TB Research, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Lorren Fairbairn
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Willie M U Daniels
- Department of Human Physiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Edward J Oakeley
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Biomarker Development - Human Genetics and Genomics, Genome Technologies, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marc Altorfer
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Biomarker Development - Human Genetics and Genomics, Genome Technologies, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Kidd
- Centre for Statistical Consultation, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Soraya Seedat
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Junaid Gamieldien
- University of the Western Cape, South African National Bioinformatics Institute, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sîan Megan Joanna Hemmings
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- SA MRC Centre for TB Research, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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8
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Lipopolysaccharides upregulate hepcidin in neuron via microglia and the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 50:811-20. [PMID: 24659348 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-014-8671-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2013] [Accepted: 02/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is closely related to brain iron homeostasis. Our previous study demonstrated that lipopolysaccharides (LPS) can regulate expression of iron-regulatory peptide hepcidin; however, the mechanism is undefined. Here, we demonstrated that intracerebroventricular injection of LPS in rat brain upregulated hepcidin and downregulated ferroportin 1 in the cortex and substantia nigra. LPS increased hepcidin expression in neurons only when they were co-cultured with BV-2 microglia, and the upregulation was suppressed by IL-6 neutralizing antibody in vitro. In addition, IL-6 but not IL-1α, IL-1β, or tumor necrosis factor-alpha increased hepcidin expression and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation in cortical neurons and MES23.5 dopaminergic neurons. These effects were blocked by the STAT3 inhibitor, stattic. Our results show that neurons are the major source of increased hepcidin expression in response to LPS challenge but microglia play a key mediator role by releasing IL-6 and recruiting the STAT3 pathway. We conclude that LPS upregulates hepcidin expression in neurons via microglia and the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway.
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9
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Asoodeh A, Sepahi S, Ghorani-Azam A. Purification and modeling amphipathic alpha helical antimicrobial peptides from skin secretions of Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis. Chem Biol Drug Des 2015; 83:411-7. [PMID: 24168384 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2013] [Revised: 10/09/2013] [Accepted: 10/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides as ancient immune system are found in almost all types of living organisms. Amphibian's skin is an important source of bioactive peptides with strong antibacterial, antiviral, and antitumor properties. They have important role in inducing apoptosis as well as cancer therapy in vitro. In this study, we extracted and purified antimicrobial peptides from skin secretions of Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis and named them brevinin-Eu and cyanophlyctin β. They showed favorable antibacterial properties on both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria with ignorable hemolytic activity of <1.9% and 0.7% at very high concentrations of brevinin-Eu and cyanophlyctin β, respectively. For antibacterial activity and MIC determination, two Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus PTCC1431 and B. cereus PTCC1247) and two Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli HP101BA 7601c and Klebsiella pneumoniae PTCC1388) were assayed. MIC values of extracted peptides demonstrated that they can inhibit bacterial growth at very low concentration (17 and 12 μg/mL) for brevinin-Eu and cyanophlyctin β, respectively. Structural prediction suggested that the brevinin-Eu can efficiently bind and destroy bacterial membrane, but cyanophlyctin β uses a diverse mode of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Asoodeh
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Vakil Abad Blvd., Azadi Square, Mashhad, PO Box 9177948974, Iran; Biomolecules Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Vakil Abad Blvd., Azadi Square, Mashhad, PO Box 9177948974, Iran
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10
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Welling MM, Nabuurs RJA, van der Weerd L. Potential role of antimicrobial peptides in the early onset of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement 2014; 11:51-7. [PMID: 24637300 DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2013.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2013] [Revised: 11/19/2013] [Accepted: 12/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral aggregation of amyloid-β (Aβ) is thought to play a major role in the etiology of Alzheimer's disease. Environmental influences, including chronic bacterial or viral infections, are thought to alter the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and thereby facilitate cerebral colonization by opportunistic pathogens. This may eventually trigger Aβ overproduction and aggregation. Host biomolecules that target and combat these pathogens, for instance, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) such as Aβ itself, are an interesting option for the detection and diagnostic follow-up of such cerebral infections. As part of the innate immune system, AMPs are defensive peptides that efficiently penetrate infected cells and tissues beyond many endothelial barriers, most linings, including the BBB, and overall specifically target pathogens. Based on existing literature, we postulate a role for labeled AMPs as a marker to target pathogens that play a role in the aggregation of amyloid in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mick M Welling
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Rob J A Nabuurs
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Louise van der Weerd
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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11
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Merres J, Höss J, Albrecht LJ, Kress E, Soehnlein O, Jansen S, Pufe T, Tauber SC, Brandenburg LO. Role of the cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide in inflammation and mortality in a mouse model of bacterial meningitis. J Innate Immun 2013; 6:205-18. [PMID: 23969854 DOI: 10.1159/000353645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2013] [Accepted: 06/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AP) are important components of the innate immune system, yet little is known about their expression and function in the brain. Our previous work revealed upregulated gene expression of cathelicidin-related AP (CRAMP) following bacterial meningitis in primary rat glial cells as well as bactericidal activity against frequent meningitis-causing bacteria. However, the effect of cathelicidin expression on the progression of inflammation and mortality in bacterial meningitis remains unknown. Therefore, we used CRAMP-deficient mice to investigate the effect of CRAMP on bacterial growth, inflammatory responses and mortality in meningitis. Meningitis was induced by intracerebral injection of type 3 Streptococcus pneumoniae. The degree of inflammation was analyzed in various brain regions by means of immunohistochemistry and real-time RT-PCR. CRAMP deficiency led to a higher mortality rate that was associated with increased bacterial titers in the cerebellum, blood and spleen as well as decreased meningeal neutrophil infiltration. CRAMP-deficient mice displayed a higher degree of glial cell activation that was accompanied by a more pronounced proinflammatory response. Taken together, this work provides insight into the important role of CRAMP as part of the innate immune defense against pathogens in bacterial CNS infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julika Merres
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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12
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Metal dyshomeostasis and inflammation in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases: possible impact of environmental exposures. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2013; 2013:726954. [PMID: 23710288 PMCID: PMC3654362 DOI: 10.1155/2013/726954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2012] [Revised: 02/06/2013] [Accepted: 02/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A dysregulated metal homeostasis is associated with both Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's (PD) diseases; AD patients have decreased cortex and elevated serum copper levels along with extracellular amyloid-beta plaques containing copper, iron, and zinc. For AD, a putative hepcidin-mediated lowering of cortex copper mechanism is suggested. An age-related mild chronic inflammation and/or elevated intracellular iron can trigger hepcidin production followed by its binding to ferroportin which is the only neuronal iron exporter, thereby subjecting it to lysosomal degradation. Subsequently raised neuronal iron levels can induce translation of the ferroportin assisting and copper binding amyloid precursor protein (APP); constitutive APP transmembrane passage lowers the copper pool which is important for many enzymes. Using in silico gene expression analyses, we here show significantly decreased expression of copper-dependent enzymes in AD brain and metallothioneins were upregulated in both diseases. Although few AD exposure risk factors are known, AD-related tauopathies can result from cyanobacterial microcystin and β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) intake. Several environmental exposures may represent risk factors for PD; for this disease neurodegeneration is likely to involve mitochondrial dysfunction, microglial activation, and neuroinflammation. Administration of metal chelators and anti-inflammatory agents could affect disease outcomes.
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13
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Expression and function of psoriasin (S100A7) and koebnerisin (S100A15) in the brain. Infect Immun 2013; 81:1788-97. [PMID: 23478321 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01265-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The expression and function of psoriasin in the brain have been insufficiently characterized. Here, we show the induction of psoriasin expression in the central nervous system (CNS) after bacterial and viral stimulation. We used a pneumococcal meningitis in vivo model that revealed S100A15 expression in astrocytes and meningeal cells. These results were confirmed by a cell-based in vivo assay using primary rat glial and meningeal cell cultures. We investigated psoriasin expression in glial and meningeal cells using polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid, a synthetic analog of double-stranded RNA that mimics viral infection. Furthermore, previous results showed that antimicrobial peptides have not only bactericidal but also immunomodulatory functions. To test this statement, we used recombinant psoriasin as a stimulus. Glial and meningeal cells were treated with recombinant psoriasin at concentrations from 25 to 500 ng/ml. Treated microglia and meningeal cells showed phosphorylation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 (ERK1)/ERK2 (ERK1/2) signal transduction pathway. We demonstrated that this activation of ERK depends on RAGE, the receptor for advanced glycation end products. Furthermore, microglia cells treated with recombinant psoriasin change their phenotype to an enlarged shape. In conclusion, our results indicate an occurrence of psoriasin in the brain. An involvement of psoriasin as an antimicrobial protein that modulates the innate immune system after bacterial or viral stimulation is possible.
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Kim SJ, Kim JS, Lee YS, Sim DW, Lee SH, Bahk YY, Lee KH, Kim EH, Park SJ, Lee BJ, Won HS. Structural characterization of de novo designed L5K5W model peptide isomers with potent antimicrobial and varied hemolytic activities. Molecules 2013; 18:859-76. [PMID: 23344198 PMCID: PMC6270530 DOI: 10.3390/molecules18010859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2012] [Revised: 01/04/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In an effort to develop short antimicrobial peptides with simple amino acid compositions, we generated a series of undecapeptide isomers having the L5K5W formula. Amino acid sequences were designed to be perfectly amphipathic when folded into a helical conformation by converging leucines onto one side and lysines onto the other side of the helical axis. The single tryptophans, whose positions were varied in the primary structures, were located commonly at the critical amphipathic interface in the helical wheel projection. Helical conformations and the tryptophanyl environments of the 11 L5K5W peptides were confirmed and characterized by circular dichroism, fluorescence and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. All of the isomers exhibited a potent, broad-spectrum of antibacterial activity with just a slight variance in individual potency, whereas their hemolytic activities against human erythrocytes were significantly diversified. Interestingly, helical dispositions and fluorescence blue shifts of the peptides in aqueous trifluoroethanol solutions, rather than in detergent micelles, showed a marked linear correlation with their hemolytic potency. These results demonstrate that our de novo design strategy for amphipathic helical model peptides is effective for developing novel antimicrobial peptides and their hemolytic activities can be estimated in correlation with structural parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seo-Jin Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, Research Institute for Biomedical and Health Science, College of Biomedical and Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju, Chungbuk 380-701, Korea
| | - Jae-Seok Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, Research Institute for Biomedical and Health Science, College of Biomedical and Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju, Chungbuk 380-701, Korea
| | - Yoo-Sup Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, Research Institute for Biomedical and Health Science, College of Biomedical and Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju, Chungbuk 380-701, Korea
| | - Dae-Won Sim
- Department of Biotechnology, Research Institute for Biomedical and Health Science, College of Biomedical and Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju, Chungbuk 380-701, Korea
| | - Sung-Hee Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, Research Institute for Biomedical and Health Science, College of Biomedical and Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju, Chungbuk 380-701, Korea
| | - Young-Yil Bahk
- Department of Biotechnology, Research Institute for Biomedical and Health Science, College of Biomedical and Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju, Chungbuk 380-701, Korea
| | - Kwang-Ho Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, Research Institute for Biomedical and Health Science, College of Biomedical and Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju, Chungbuk 380-701, Korea
| | - Eun-Hee Kim
- Division of Magnetic Resonance, Korea Basic Science Institute, Ochang, Chungbuk 363-883, Korea
| | - Sung-Jean Park
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, 534-2 Yeonsu 3-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 406-799, Korea
| | - Bong-Jin Lee
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Korea
| | - Hyung-Sik Won
- Department of Biotechnology, Research Institute for Biomedical and Health Science, College of Biomedical and Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju, Chungbuk 380-701, Korea
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +82-43-840-3589; Fax: +82-43-852-3616
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15
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Brandenburg LO, Jansen S, Albrecht LJ, Merres J, Gerber J, Pufe T, Tauber SC. CpG oligodeoxynucleotides induce the expression of the antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin in glial cells. J Neuroimmunol 2012; 255:18-31. [PMID: 23141747 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2012.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2012] [Revised: 10/18/2012] [Accepted: 10/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
During bacterial infections, antimicrobial peptides are synthesised as an important part of the innate immune system. However, expression and function in the central nervous system (CNS) need further investigations. The aim of this study was to examine the involvement of the pattern-recognition-receptor toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) in the expression of the cathelin-related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP) and to characterise the participating signal transduction pathways. In primary TLR9 deficient and wildtype mice astrocytes as well as microglia cells, the expression of CRAMP after treatment with the TLR9 agonist unmethylated cytosine-guanine oligodeoxynucleotide motifs (CpG-DNA) was examined in vitro. In vivo CRAMP expression after intraventricular infusion of CpG-DNA in TLR9 deficient and wildtype mice as well as in mice with pneumococcal meningitis localised in glial cells was determined. Furthermore, the regulation of different signal transduction pathways involved in CpG-DNA-induced CRAMP expression in glial cells was analysed. An in vitro and in vivo CpG-DNA-induced increase of CRAMP expression in astrocytes and microglia cells using real time RT-PCR and immunofluorescence was demonstrated. Different signal transduction pathways such as mitogen-activated protein kinases and inflammatory mediated pathways are involved in the expression of CRAMP in primary glial cells. Interestingly, TLR9-deficient glial cells showed a reduced but not completely abolished CRAMP mRNA expression and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in response to CpG-DNA treatment. On the other side in vivo, TLR9 deletion did not change CRAMP expression after bacterial infection. In conclusion, our results show that TLR9 can induce the expression of antimicrobial peptides such as CRAMP in response to bacterial DNA motifs in primary glial cells. Additional findings suggest also that CpG-DNA-induced effects are not only mediated by TLR9, but also mediated by other pattern recognition receptors.
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16
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Baker DG, Nievergelt CM, O'Connor DT. Biomarkers of PTSD: Neuropeptides and immune signaling. Neuropharmacology 2012; 62:663-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2011.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2011] [Revised: 02/23/2011] [Accepted: 02/27/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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17
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Silva ON, Mulder KCL, Barbosa AEAD, Otero-Gonzalez AJ, Lopez-Abarrategui C, Rezende TMB, Dias SC, Franco OL. Exploring the pharmacological potential of promiscuous host-defense peptides: from natural screenings to biotechnological applications. Front Microbiol 2011; 2:232. [PMID: 22125552 PMCID: PMC3222093 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2011.00232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2011] [Accepted: 11/01/2011] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last few years, the number of bacteria with enhanced resistance to conventional antibiotics has dramatically increased. Most of such bacteria belong to regular microbial flora, becoming a real challenge, especially for immune-depressed patients. Since the treatment is sometimes extremely expensive, and in some circumstances completely inefficient for the most severe cases, researchers are still determined to discover novel compounds. Among them, host-defense peptides (HDPs) have been found as the first natural barrier against microorganisms in nearly all living groups. This molecular class has been gaining attention every day for multiple reasons. For decades, it was believed that these defense peptides had been involved only with the permeation of the lipid bilayer in pathogen membranes, their main target. Currently, it is known that these peptides can bind to numerous targets, as well as lipids including proteins and carbohydrates, from the surface to deep within the cell. Moreover, by using in vivo models, it was shown that HDPs could act both in pathogens and cognate hosts, improving immunological functions as well as acting through multiple pathways to control infections. This review focuses on structural and functional properties of HDP peptides and the additional strategies used to select them. Furthermore, strategies to avoid problems in large-scale manufacture by using molecular and biochemical techniques will also be explored. In summary, this review intends to construct a bridge between academic research and pharmaceutical industry, providing novel insights into the utilization of HDPs against resistant bacterial strains that cause infections in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osmar N Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Centro de Análises Protômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília Brasília, Brazil
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18
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Maria-Neto S, Honorato RV, Costa FT, Almeida RG, Amaro DS, Oliveira JTA, Vasconcelos IM, Franco OL. Bactericidal activity identified in 2S Albumin from sesame seeds and in silico studies of structure-function relations. Protein J 2011; 30:340-50. [PMID: 21691771 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-011-9337-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pathogenic bacteria constitute an important cause of hospital-acquired infections. However, the misuse of available bactericidal agents has led to the appearance of antibiotic-resistant strains. Thus, efforts to seek new antimicrobials with different action mechanisms would have an enormous impact. Here, a novel antimicrobial protein (SiAMP2) belonging to the 2S albumin family was isolated from Sesamum indicum kernels and evaluated against several bacteria and fungi. Furthermore, in silico analysis was conducted in order to identify conserved residues through other 2S albumin antimicrobial proteins (2S-AMPs). SiAMP2 specifically inhibited Klebsiella sp. Specific regions in the molecule surface where cationic (RR/RRRK) and hydrophobic (MEYWPR) residues are exposed and conserved were proposed as being involved in antimicrobial activity. This study reinforces the hypothesis that plant storage proteins might also play as pathogen protection providing an insight into the mechanism of action for this novel 2S-AMP and evolutionary relations between antimicrobial activity and 2S albumins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Maria-Neto
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, SGAN Quadra, Modulo B, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil.
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