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Taheri-Araghi S. Synergistic action of antimicrobial peptides and antibiotics: current understanding and future directions. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1390765. [PMID: 39144233 PMCID: PMC11322369 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1390765] [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: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a growing global problem that requires innovative therapeutic approaches and strategies for administering antibiotics. One promising approach is combination therapy, in which two or more drugs are combined to combat an infection. Along this line, the combination of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with conventional antibiotics has gained attention mainly due to the complementary mechanisms of action of AMPs and conventional antibiotics. In this article, we review both in vitro and in vivo studies that explore the synergy between AMPs and antibiotics. We highlight several mechanisms through which synergy is observed in in vitro experiments, including increasing membrane permeability, disrupting biofilms, directly potentiating antibiotic efficacy, and inhibiting resistance development. Moreover, in vivo studies reveal additional mechanisms such as enhanced/modulated immune responses, reduced inflammation, and improved tissue regeneration. Together, the current literature demonstrates that AMP-antibiotic combinations can substantially enhance efficacy of antibiotic therapies, including therapies against resistant bacteria, which represents a valuable enhancement to current antimicrobial strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sattar Taheri-Araghi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, California State University, Northridge, CA, United States
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2
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Butler MS, Vollmer W, Goodall ECA, Capon RJ, Henderson IR, Blaskovich MAT. A Review of Antibacterial Candidates with New Modes of Action. ACS Infect Dis 2024. [PMID: 39018341 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
There is a lack of new antibiotics to combat drug-resistant bacterial infections that increasingly threaten global health. The current pipeline of clinical-stage antimicrobials is primarily populated by "new and improved" versions of existing antibiotic classes, supplemented by several novel chemical scaffolds that act on traditional targets. The lack of fresh chemotypes acting on previously unexploited targets (the "holy grail" for new antimicrobials due to their scarcity) is particularly unfortunate as these offer the greatest opportunity for innovative breakthroughs to overcome existing resistance. In recognition of their potential, this review focuses on this subset of high value antibiotics, providing chemical structures where available. This review focuses on candidates that have progressed to clinical trials, as well as selected examples of promising pioneering approaches in advanced stages of development, in order to stimulate additional research aimed at combating drug-resistant infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S Butler
- Centre for Superbug Solutions and ARC Training Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Waldemar Vollmer
- Centre for Superbug Solutions and ARC Training Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Emily C A Goodall
- Centre for Superbug Solutions and ARC Training Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Robert J Capon
- Centre for Superbug Solutions and ARC Training Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Ian R Henderson
- Centre for Superbug Solutions and ARC Training Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Mark A T Blaskovich
- Centre for Superbug Solutions and ARC Training Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
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3
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Wei Y, Li Y, Li X, Zhao Y, Xu J, Wang H, Rong X, Xiong J, Chen X, Luo G, Lv G, Lin C, Han C, Yu H, Zhang Y, Tang S, Fan Y, Tu J, Xia C, Zu H, Liu W, Liu C, Liu J, Zhang B, Nong Q, Li T, Wang L, Song G, Su Y, Chen Z, Lai W, Fu Y, Yu J, Zhang P, Yang W, Yao G, Zhang H, Fan K, Dong H, Chen Y, Wu J. Peceleganan Spray for the Treatment of Skin Wound Infections: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2415310. [PMID: 38861260 PMCID: PMC11167495 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.15310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Peceleganan spray is a novel topical antimicrobial agent targeted for the treatment of skin wound infections. However, its efficacy and safety remain unclear. Objective To assess the safety and efficacy of peceleganan spray for the treatment of wound infections. Design, Setting, and Participants This multicenter, open-label, phase 3 randomized clinical trial recruited and followed up 570 adult patients diagnosed with secondary open wound infections from 37 hospitals in China from August 23, 2021, to July 16, 2022. Interventions Patients were randomized to 2 groups with a 2:1 allocation. One group received treatment with 2% peceleganan spray (n = 381) and the other with 1% silver sulfadiazine (SSD) cream (n = 189). Main Outcomes and Measures The primary efficacy outcome was the clinical efficacy rate (the number of patients fulfilling the criteria for efficacy of the number of patients receiving the treatment) on the first day following the end of treatment (day 8). The secondary outcomes included the clinical efficacy rate on day 5 and the bacterial clearance rate (cases achieving negative bacteria cultures after treatment of all cases with positive bacteria cultures before treatment) on days 5 and 8. The safety outcomes included patients' vital signs, physical examination results, electrocardiographic findings, blood test results, and adverse reactions. Results Among the 570 patients randomized to 1 of the 2 groups, 375 (98.4%) in the 2% peceleganan treatment group and 183 (96.8%) in the 1% SSD control group completed the trial (n = 558). Of these, 361 (64.7%) were men, and the mean (SD) age was 48.6 (15.3) years. The demographic characteristics were similar between groups. On day 8, clinical efficacy was achieved by 339 patients (90.4%) in the treatment group and 144 (78.7%) in the control group (P < .001). On day 5, clinical efficacy was achieved by 222 patients (59.2%) in the treatment group and 90 (49.2%) in the control group (P = .03). On day 8, bacterial clearance was achieved by 80 of 334 patients (24.0%) in the treatment group and in 75 of 163 (46.0%) in the control group (P < .001). On day 5, bacterial clearance was achieved by 55 of 334 patients (16.5%) in the treatment group and 50 of 163 (30.7%) in the control group (P < .001). The adverse events related to the application of peceleganan spray and SSD cream were similar. Conclusions and Relevance This randomized clinical trial found that peceleganan spray is a safe topical antimicrobial agent with a satisfactory clinical efficacy rate for the treatment of skin wound infections, while the effectiveness of bacterial clearance remains uncertain. Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Identifier: ChiCTR2100047202.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Wei
- Departments of Burn and Plastic Surgery and Wound Repair, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yi Li
- Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital, Xining, China
| | - Xiaojian Li
- Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaohua Zhao
- Jiangyin People’s Hospital, Jiangyin, Wuxi, China
| | - Junci Xu
- Huizhou Municipal Central Hospital, Huizhou, China
| | | | - Xinzhou Rong
- Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Xiaodong Chen
- The First People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | | | - Guozhong Lv
- Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Cai Lin
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, New District of the First Hospital of Wenyi Hospital, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chunmao Han
- The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | | | - Yi Zhang
- Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Shijie Tang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Youfen Fan
- Ningbo Huamei Hospital of University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China
| | - Jiajin Tu
- Ganzhou People’s Hospital, Ganzhou, China
| | - Chengde Xia
- Zhengzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hongxu Zu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Wenjun Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jinhui Liu
- Jilin Province People’s Hospital, Changchun, China
| | - Baolin Zhang
- First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Qingwen Nong
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Tianyu Li
- Nanshi Hospital of Nanyang, Nanyang, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Yongtao Su
- Peking University Care Luzhong Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Zhaohong Chen
- Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wen Lai
- Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanjie Fu
- Linyi People’s Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - Jia’ao Yu
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Pihong Zhang
- Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Weixi Yang
- The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, China
| | - Gang Yao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongyan Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Kunwu Fan
- Departments of Burn and Plastic Surgery and Wound Repair, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hu Dong
- Jiangsu Protelight Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Co, Ltd, Jiangyin, China
| | - Yuxin Chen
- Jiangsu Protelight Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Co, Ltd, Jiangyin, China
| | - Jun Wu
- Departments of Burn and Plastic Surgery and Wound Repair, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Human Histology and Embryology Section, Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynecology, University of Verona Medical School, Verona, Italy
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4
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Karapetian M, Alimbarashvili E, Vishnepolsky B, Gabrielian A, Rosenthal A, Hurt DE, Tartakovsky M, Mchedlishvili M, Arsenadze D, Pirtskhalava M, Zaalishvili G. Evaluation of the synergistic potential and mechanisms of action for de novo designed cationic antimicrobial peptides. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27852. [PMID: 38560672 PMCID: PMC10979160 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27852] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as promising candidates in combating antimicrobial resistance - a growing issue in healthcare. However, to develop AMPs into effective therapeutics, a thorough analysis and extensive investigations are essential. In this study, we employed an in silico approach to design cationic AMPs de novo, followed by their experimental testing. The antibacterial potential of de novo designed cationic AMPs, along with their synergistic properties in combination with conventional antibiotics was examined. Furthermore, the effects of bacterial inoculum density and metabolic state on the antibacterial activity of AMPs were evaluated. Finally, the impact of several potent AMPs on E. coli cell envelope and genomic DNA integrity was determined. Collectively, this comprehensive analysis provides insights into the unique characteristics of cationic AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Karapetian
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Agricultural University of Georgia, 240 David Aghmashenebeli Alley, 0159, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Evgenia Alimbarashvili
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Agricultural University of Georgia, 240 David Aghmashenebeli Alley, 0159, Tbilisi, Georgia
- Ivane Beritashvili Center of Experimental Biomedicine, 0160, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Boris Vishnepolsky
- Ivane Beritashvili Center of Experimental Biomedicine, 0160, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Andrei Gabrielian
- Office of Cyber Infrastructure and Computational Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Alex Rosenthal
- Office of Cyber Infrastructure and Computational Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Darrell E. Hurt
- Office of Cyber Infrastructure and Computational Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Michael Tartakovsky
- Office of Cyber Infrastructure and Computational Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Mariam Mchedlishvili
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Agricultural University of Georgia, 240 David Aghmashenebeli Alley, 0159, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Davit Arsenadze
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Agricultural University of Georgia, 240 David Aghmashenebeli Alley, 0159, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Malak Pirtskhalava
- Ivane Beritashvili Center of Experimental Biomedicine, 0160, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Giorgi Zaalishvili
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Agricultural University of Georgia, 240 David Aghmashenebeli Alley, 0159, Tbilisi, Georgia
- Ivane Beritashvili Center of Experimental Biomedicine, 0160, Tbilisi, Georgia
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5
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Chen Z, Wang L, He D, Liu Q, Han Q, Zhang J, Zhang AM, Song Y. Exploration of the Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of a Novel Antimicrobial Peptide Brevinin-1BW. Molecules 2024; 29:1534. [PMID: 38611812 PMCID: PMC11013252 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29071534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance has emerged as a grave threat to global public health, leading to an increasing number of treatment failures. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are widely regarded as potential substitutes for traditional antibiotics since they are less likely to induce resistance when used. A novel AMP named Brevinin-1BW (FLPLLAGLAASFLPTIFCKISRKC) was obtained by the Research Center of Molecular Medicine of Yunnan Province from the skin of the Pelophylax nigromaculatus. Brevinia-1BW had effective inhibitory effects on Gram-positive bacteria, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 3.125 μg/mL against Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212) and 6.25 μg/mL against both Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213) but had weaker inhibitory effects on Gram-negative bacteria, with a MIC of ≥100 μg/mL. Studies using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and flow cytometry have revealed that it exerts its antibacterial activity by disrupting bacterial membranes. Additionally, it possesses strong biofilm inhibitory and eradication activities as well as significant lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding activity. Furthermore, Brevinin-1BW has shown a significant anti-inflammatory effect in LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells. In conclusion, Brevinin-1BW is anticipated to be a promising clinical agent with potent anti-Gram-positive bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhizhi Chen
- Research Center of Molecular Medicine of Yunnan Province, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650504, China; (Z.C.); (L.W.); (D.H.); (Q.L.); (Q.H.); (J.Z.); (A.-M.Z.)
| | - Lei Wang
- Research Center of Molecular Medicine of Yunnan Province, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650504, China; (Z.C.); (L.W.); (D.H.); (Q.L.); (Q.H.); (J.Z.); (A.-M.Z.)
| | - Dongxia He
- Research Center of Molecular Medicine of Yunnan Province, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650504, China; (Z.C.); (L.W.); (D.H.); (Q.L.); (Q.H.); (J.Z.); (A.-M.Z.)
| | - Qi Liu
- Research Center of Molecular Medicine of Yunnan Province, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650504, China; (Z.C.); (L.W.); (D.H.); (Q.L.); (Q.H.); (J.Z.); (A.-M.Z.)
| | - Qinqin Han
- Research Center of Molecular Medicine of Yunnan Province, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650504, China; (Z.C.); (L.W.); (D.H.); (Q.L.); (Q.H.); (J.Z.); (A.-M.Z.)
| | - Jinyang Zhang
- Research Center of Molecular Medicine of Yunnan Province, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650504, China; (Z.C.); (L.W.); (D.H.); (Q.L.); (Q.H.); (J.Z.); (A.-M.Z.)
| | - A-Mei Zhang
- Research Center of Molecular Medicine of Yunnan Province, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650504, China; (Z.C.); (L.W.); (D.H.); (Q.L.); (Q.H.); (J.Z.); (A.-M.Z.)
| | - Yuzhu Song
- Research Center of Molecular Medicine of Yunnan Province, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650504, China; (Z.C.); (L.W.); (D.H.); (Q.L.); (Q.H.); (J.Z.); (A.-M.Z.)
- School of Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650504, China
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6
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Yao L, Liu Q, Lei Z, Sun T. Development and challenges of antimicrobial peptide delivery strategies in bacterial therapy: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:126819. [PMID: 37709236 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
The escalating global prevalence of antimicrobial resistance poses a critical threat, prompting concerns about its impact on public health. This predicament is exacerbated by the acute shortage of novel antimicrobial agents, a scarcity attributed to the rapid surge in bacterial resistance. This review delves into the realm of antimicrobial peptides, a diverse class of compounds ubiquitously present in plants and animals across various natural organisms. Renowned for their intrinsic antibacterial activity, these peptides provide a promising avenue to tackle the intricate challenge of bacterial resistance. However, the clinical utility of peptide-based drugs is hindered by limited bioavailability and susceptibility to rapid degradation, constraining efforts to enhance the efficacy of bacterial infection treatments. The emergence of nanocarriers marks a transformative approach poised to revolutionize peptide delivery strategies. This review elucidates a promising framework involving nanocarriers within the realm of antimicrobial peptides. This paradigm enables meticulous and controlled peptide release at infection sites by detecting dynamic shifts in microenvironmental factors, including pH, ROS, GSH, and reactive enzymes. Furthermore, a glimpse into the future reveals the potential of targeted delivery mechanisms, harnessing inflammatory responses and intricate signaling pathways, including adenosine triphosphate, macrophage receptors, and pathogenic nucleic acid entities. This approach holds promise in fortifying immunity, thereby amplifying the potency of peptide-based treatments. In summary, this review spotlights peptide nanosystems as prospective solutions for combating bacterial infections. By bridging antimicrobial peptides with advanced nanomedicine, a new therapeutic era emerges, poised to confront the formidable challenge of antimicrobial resistance head-on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longfukang Yao
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan 430070, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qianying Liu
- School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Zhixin Lei
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan 430070, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Taolei Sun
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan 430070, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan 430070, China.
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7
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Rossino G, Marchese E, Galli G, Verde F, Finizio M, Serra M, Linciano P, Collina S. Peptides as Therapeutic Agents: Challenges and Opportunities in the Green Transition Era. Molecules 2023; 28:7165. [PMID: 37894644 PMCID: PMC10609221 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28207165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptides are at the cutting edge of contemporary research for new potent, selective, and safe therapeutical agents. Their rise has reshaped the pharmaceutical landscape, providing solutions to challenges that traditional small molecules often cannot address. A wide variety of natural and modified peptides have been obtained and studied, and many others are advancing in clinical trials, covering multiple therapeutic areas. As the demand for peptide-based therapies grows, so does the need for sustainable and environmentally friendly synthesis methods. Traditional peptide synthesis, while effective, often involves environmentally draining processes, generating significant waste and consuming vast resources. The integration of green chemistry offers sustainable alternatives, prioritizing eco-friendly processes, waste reduction, and energy conservation. This review delves into the transformative potential of applying green chemistry principles to peptide synthesis by discussing relevant examples of the application of such approaches to the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) with a peptide structure and how these efforts are critical for an effective green transition era in the pharmaceutical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Rossino
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.R.); (E.M.); (M.S.); (P.L.)
| | - Emanuela Marchese
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.R.); (E.M.); (M.S.); (P.L.)
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giovanni Galli
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.R.); (E.M.); (M.S.); (P.L.)
| | - Francesca Verde
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.R.); (E.M.); (M.S.); (P.L.)
| | - Matteo Finizio
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.R.); (E.M.); (M.S.); (P.L.)
| | - Massimo Serra
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.R.); (E.M.); (M.S.); (P.L.)
| | - Pasquale Linciano
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.R.); (E.M.); (M.S.); (P.L.)
| | - Simona Collina
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.R.); (E.M.); (M.S.); (P.L.)
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8
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Mhlongo JT, Waddad AY, Albericio F, de la Torre BG. Antimicrobial Peptide Synergies for Fighting Infectious Diseases. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2300472. [PMID: 37407512 PMCID: PMC10502873 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202300472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are essential elements of thehost defense system. Characterized by heterogenous structures and broad-spectrumaction, they are promising candidates for combating multidrug resistance. Thecombined use of AMPs with other antimicrobial agents provides a new arsenal ofdrugs with synergistic action, thereby overcoming the drawback of monotherapiesduring infections. AMPs kill microbes via pore formation, thus inhibitingintracellular functions. This mechanism of action by AMPs is an advantage overantibiotics as it hinders the development of drug resistance. The synergisticeffect of AMPs will allow the repurposing of conventional antimicrobials andenhance their clinical outcomes, reduce toxicity, and, most significantly,prevent the development of resistance. In this review, various synergies ofAMPs with antimicrobials and miscellaneous agents are discussed. The effect ofstructural diversity and chemical modification on AMP properties is firstaddressed and then different combinations that can lead to synergistic action,whether this combination is between AMPs and antimicrobials, or AMPs andmiscellaneous compounds, are attended. This review can serve as guidance whenredesigning and repurposing the use of AMPs in combination with other antimicrobialagents for enhanced clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica T. Mhlongo
- KwaZulu‐Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP)School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical SciencesCollege of Health SciencesUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurban4041South Africa
- Peptide Science LaboratorySchool of Chemistry and PhysicsUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalWestvilleDurban4000South Africa
| | - Ayman Y. Waddad
- Peptide Science LaboratorySchool of Chemistry and PhysicsUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalWestvilleDurban4000South Africa
| | - Fernando Albericio
- Peptide Science LaboratorySchool of Chemistry and PhysicsUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalWestvilleDurban4000South Africa
- CIBER‐BBNNetworking Centre on BioengineeringBiomaterials and Nanomedicineand Department of Organic ChemistryUniversity of BarcelonaBarcelona08028Spain
| | - Beatriz G. de la Torre
- KwaZulu‐Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP)School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical SciencesCollege of Health SciencesUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurban4041South Africa
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9
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Suchi SA, Lee DY, Kim YK, Kang SS, Bilkis T, Yoo JC. Synergistic Effect, Improved Cell Selectivity, and Elucidating the Action Mechanism of Antimicrobial Peptide YS12. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13522. [PMID: 37686328 PMCID: PMC10487915 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have attracted considerable attention as potential substitutes for traditional antibiotics. In our previous research, a novel antimicrobial peptide YS12 derived from the Bacillus velezensis strain showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In this study, the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) indicated that combining YS12 with commercial antibiotics produced a synergistic effect. Following these findings, the combination of YS12 with an antibiotic resulted in a faster killing effect against bacterial strains compared to the treatment with the peptide YS12 or antibiotic alone. The peptide YS12 maintained its antimicrobial activity under different physiological salts (Na+, Mg2+, and Fe3+). Most importantly, YS12 exhibited no cytotoxicity towards Raw 264.7 cells and showed low hemolytic activity, whereas positive control melittin indicated extremely high toxicity. In terms of mode of action, we found that peptide YS12 was able to bind with LPS through electrostatic interaction. The results from fluorescent measurement revealed that peptide YS12 damaged the integrity of the bacterial membrane. Confocal laser microscopy further confirmed that the localization of peptide YS12 was almost in the cytoplasm of the cells. Peptide YS12 also exhibited anti-inflammatory activity by reducing the release of LPS-induced pro-inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and NO. Collectively, these properties strongly suggest that the antimicrobial peptide YS12 may be a promising candidate for treating microbial infections and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzia Aktar Suchi
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Young Lee
- Department of Herbal Crop Research, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, RDA, Eumseong 27709, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Kyun Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Soo Kang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and BK21 Four Program, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Tahmina Bilkis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Cheol Yoo
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
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10
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Butler MS, Henderson IR, Capon RJ, Blaskovich MAT. Antibiotics in the clinical pipeline as of December 2022. J Antibiot (Tokyo) 2023; 76:431-473. [PMID: 37291465 PMCID: PMC10248350 DOI: 10.1038/s41429-023-00629-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The need for new antibacterial drugs to treat the increasing global prevalence of drug-resistant bacterial infections has clearly attracted global attention, with a range of existing and upcoming funding, policy, and legislative initiatives designed to revive antibacterial R&D. It is essential to assess whether these programs are having any real-world impact and this review continues our systematic analyses that began in 2011. Direct-acting antibacterials (47), non-traditional small molecule antibacterials (5), and β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations (10) under clinical development as of December 2022 are described, as are the three antibacterial drugs launched since 2020. Encouragingly, the increased number of early-stage clinical candidates observed in the 2019 review increased in 2022, although the number of first-time drug approvals from 2020 to 2022 was disappointingly low. It will be critical to monitor how many Phase-I and -II candidates move into Phase-III and beyond in the next few years. There was also an enhanced presence of novel antibacterial pharmacophores in early-stage trials, and at least 18 of the 26 phase-I candidates were targeted to treat Gram-negative bacteria infections. Despite the promising early-stage antibacterial pipeline, it is essential to maintain funding for antibacterial R&D and to ensure that plans to address late-stage pipeline issues succeed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S Butler
- Centre for Superbug Solutions, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, 4072, Australia.
| | - Ian R Henderson
- Centre for Superbug Solutions, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
| | - Robert J Capon
- Centre for Superbug Solutions, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
| | - Mark A T Blaskovich
- Centre for Superbug Solutions, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, 4072, Australia.
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11
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Khan ZUH, Gul NS, Mehmood F, Sabahat S, Muhammad N, Rahim A, Iqbal J, Khasim S, Salam MA, Khan TM, Wu J. Green synthesis of lead oxide nanoparticles for photo-electrocatalytic and antimicrobial applications. Front Chem 2023; 11:1175114. [PMID: 37601905 PMCID: PMC10435987 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2023.1175114] [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: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) for many different uses requires the development of environmentally friendly synthesis protocols. In this article, we present a simple and environmentally friendly method to synthesize lead oxide (PbO) NPs from the plant material of the Mangifera indica. Analytical techniques such as spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and microscopy were used to characterize the synthesized PbO NPs, and their photo-electrocatalytic and antifungal properties were also evaluated. H2O2 was used to investigate the efficacy of removing methylene blue dye. At a range of pH values, H2O2 was used to study the role of hydroxyl radicals in the breakdown of methylene blue dye. Methylene blue dyes are more easily eliminated due to increased generation of the *OH radical during removal. Dye degradation was also significantly affected by the aqueous medium's pH. Additionally, the electrocatalytic properties of the PbO NPs adapted electrode were studied in CH3COONa aqueous solution using cyclic voltammetry. Excellent electrocatalytic properties of the PbO NPs are shown by the unity of the anodic and cathodic peaks of the modified electrode in comparison to the stranded electrode. Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, and Candida glabrata were some fungi tested with the PbO NPs. Against A. flavus (40%) and A. niger (50%), and C. glabrata (75%), the PbO NPs display an excellent inhibition zone. Finally, PbO NPs were used in antioxidant studies with the powerful antioxidant 2, 2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). This study presents a simple and environmentally friendly method for synthesizing PbO NPs with multiple uses, including photo-electrocatalytic and antimicrobial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zia Ul Haq Khan
- Department of Chemistry, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Noor Shad Gul
- Drug Discovery Research Center, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Department of Pharmacology, Laboratory of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, The School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Faisal Mehmood
- Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sana Sabahat
- Department of Chemistry, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Nawshad Muhammad
- Department of Dental Materials, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Abdur Rahim
- Department of Chemistry, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Jibran Iqbal
- College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Syed Khasim
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Abdel Salam
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Taj Malook Khan
- Drug Discovery Research Center, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Department of Pharmacology, Laboratory of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, The School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jianbo Wu
- Drug Discovery Research Center, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Department of Pharmacology, Laboratory of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, The School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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12
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Scieuzo C, Giglio F, Rinaldi R, Lekka ME, Cozzolino F, Monaco V, Monti M, Salvia R, Falabella P. In Vitro Evaluation of the Antibacterial Activity of the Peptide Fractions Extracted from the Hemolymph of Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae). INSECTS 2023; 14:insects14050464. [PMID: 37233092 DOI: 10.3390/insects14050464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a chemically and structurally heterogeneous family of molecules produced by a large variety of living organisms, whose expression is predominant in the sites most exposed to microbial invasion. One of the richest natural sources of AMPs is insects which, over the course of their very long evolutionary history, have adapted to numerous and different habitats by developing a powerful innate immune system that has allowed them to survive but also to assert themselves in the new environment. Recently, due to the increase in antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, interest in AMPs has risen. In this work, we detected AMPs in the hemolymph of Hermetia illucens (Diptera, Stratiomyidae) larvae, following infection with Escherichia coli (Gram negative) or Micrococcus flavus (Gram positive) and from uninfected larvae. Peptide component, isolated via organic solvent precipitation, was analyzed by microbiological techniques. Subsequent mass spectrometry analysis allowed us to specifically identify peptides expressed in basal condition and peptides differentially expressed after bacterial challenge. We identified 33 AMPs in all the analyzed samples, of which 13 are specifically stimulated by Gram negative and/or Gram positive bacterial challenge. AMPs mostly expressed after bacterial challenge could be responsible for a more specific activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Scieuzo
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
- Spinoff XFlies s.r.l., University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Fabiana Giglio
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Roberta Rinaldi
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Marilena E Lekka
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Flora Cozzolino
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Vittoria Monaco
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Monti
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Rosanna Salvia
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
- Spinoff XFlies s.r.l., University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Patrizia Falabella
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
- Spinoff XFlies s.r.l., University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
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13
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Mirnejad R, Fasihi-Ramandi M, Behmard E, Najafi A, Moosazadeh Moghaddam M. Interaction of antibacterial CM11 peptide with the gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial membrane models: a molecular dynamics simulations study. CHEMICAL PAPERS 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s11696-023-02735-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
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14
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Luo X, Chen H, Song Y, Qin Z, Xu L, He N, Tan Y, Dessie W. Advancements, challenges and future perspectives on peptide-based drugs: Focus on antimicrobial peptides. Eur J Pharm Sci 2023; 181:106363. [PMID: 36529161 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2022.106363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Among other health related issues, the rising concerns on drug resistance led to look for alternative pharmaceutical drugs that are effective both against infectious and noninfectious diseases. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) emerged as potential therapeutic molecule with wide range of applications. With their limitations, AMPs have gained reputable attentions in research as well as in the pharmaceutical industry. This review highlighted the historical background, research trends, technological advancements, challenges, and future perspectives in the development and applications of peptide drugs. Some vital questions related with the need for pharmaceutical production, factors for the slow and steady journey, the importance of oral bioavailability, and the drug resistance possibilities of AMPs were raised and addressed accordingly. Therefore, the current study is believed to provide a profound understanding in the past and current scenarios and future directions on the therapeutic impacts of peptide drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Luo
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou 412007, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center for Comprehensive Development and Utilization of Biomass Resources, College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, 425199 Yongzhou, China
| | - Huifang Chen
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou 412007, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center for Comprehensive Development and Utilization of Biomass Resources, College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, 425199 Yongzhou, China
| | - Yannan Song
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou 412007, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center for Comprehensive Development and Utilization of Biomass Resources, College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, 425199 Yongzhou, China
| | - Zuodong Qin
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou 412007, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center for Comprehensive Development and Utilization of Biomass Resources, College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, 425199 Yongzhou, China
| | - Lijian Xu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou 412007, China
| | - Nongyue He
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou 412007, China
| | - Yimin Tan
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou 412007, China.
| | - Wubliker Dessie
- Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center for Comprehensive Development and Utilization of Biomass Resources, College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, 425199 Yongzhou, China.
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15
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Zharkova MS, Komlev AS, Filatenkova TA, Sukhareva MS, Vladimirova EV, Trulioff AS, Orlov DS, Dmitriev AV, Afinogenova AG, Spiridonova AA, Shamova OV. Combined Use of Antimicrobial Peptides with Antiseptics against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria: Pros and Cons. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:291. [PMID: 36678918 PMCID: PMC9863607 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are acknowledged as a promising template for designing new antimicrobials. At the same time, existing toxicity issues and limitations in their pharmacokinetics make topical application one of the less complicated routes to put AMPs-based therapeutics into actual medical practice. Antiseptics are one of the common components for topical treatment potent against antibiotic-resistant pathogens but often with toxicity limitations of their own. Thus, the interaction of AMPs and antiseptics is an interesting topic that is also less explored than combined action of AMPs and antibiotics. Herein, we analyzed antibacterial, antibiofilm, and cytotoxic activity of combinations of both membranolytic and non-membranolytic AMPs with a number of antiseptic agents. Fractional concentration indices were used as a measure of possible effective concentration reduction achievable due to combined application. Cases of both synergistic and antagonistic interaction with certain antiseptics and surfactants were identified, and trends in the occurrence of these types of interaction were discussed. The data may be of use for AMP-based drug development and suggest that the topic requires further attention for successfully integrating AMPs-based products in the context of complex treatment. AMP/antiseptic combinations show promise for creating topical formulations with improved activity, lowered toxicity, and, presumably, decreased chances of inducing bacterial resistance. However, careful assessment is required to avoid AMP neutralization by certain antiseptic classes in either complex drug design or AMP application alongside other therapeutics/care products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria S. Zharkova
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, WCRC “Center for Personalized Medicine”, 12 Academic Pavlov Street, St. Petersburg 197022, Russia
| | - Aleksey S. Komlev
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, WCRC “Center for Personalized Medicine”, 12 Academic Pavlov Street, St. Petersburg 197022, Russia
| | - Tatiana A. Filatenkova
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, WCRC “Center for Personalized Medicine”, 12 Academic Pavlov Street, St. Petersburg 197022, Russia
| | - Maria S. Sukhareva
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, WCRC “Center for Personalized Medicine”, 12 Academic Pavlov Street, St. Petersburg 197022, Russia
| | - Elizaveta V. Vladimirova
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, WCRC “Center for Personalized Medicine”, 12 Academic Pavlov Street, St. Petersburg 197022, Russia
| | - Andrey S. Trulioff
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, WCRC “Center for Personalized Medicine”, 12 Academic Pavlov Street, St. Petersburg 197022, Russia
| | - Dmitriy S. Orlov
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, WCRC “Center for Personalized Medicine”, 12 Academic Pavlov Street, St. Petersburg 197022, Russia
| | - Alexander V. Dmitriev
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, WCRC “Center for Personalized Medicine”, 12 Academic Pavlov Street, St. Petersburg 197022, Russia
| | - Anna G. Afinogenova
- St. Petersburg Pasteur Institute, 14 Mira Street, St. Petersburg 197101, Russia
| | - Anna A. Spiridonova
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, 6/8 Lev Tolstoy Street, St. Petersburg 197022, Russia
| | - Olga V. Shamova
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, WCRC “Center for Personalized Medicine”, 12 Academic Pavlov Street, St. Petersburg 197022, Russia
- Department of Biochemistry, Saint Petersburg State University, 7/9 Universitetskaya Embankment, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia
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16
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Sharma L, Bisht GS. Short Antimicrobial Peptides: Therapeutic Potential and Recent Advancements. Curr Pharm Des 2023; 29:3005-3017. [PMID: 38018196 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128248959231102114334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
There has been a lot of interest in antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as potential next-generation antibiotics. They are components of the innate immune system. AMPs have broad-spectrum action and are less prone to resistance development. They show potential applications in various fields, including medicine, agriculture, and the food industry. However, despite the good activity and safety profiles, AMPs have had difficulty finding success in the clinic due to their various limitations, such as production cost, proteolytic susceptibility, and oral bioavailability. To overcome these flaws, a number of solutions have been devised, one of which is developing short antimicrobial peptides. Short antimicrobial peptides do have an advantage over longer peptides as they are more stable and do not collapse during absorption. They have generated a lot of interest because of their evolutionary success and advantageous properties, such as low molecular weight, selective targets, cell or organelles with minimal toxicity, and enormous therapeutic potential. This article provides an overview of the development of short antimicrobial peptides with an emphasis on those with ≤ 30 amino acid residues as a potential therapeutic agent to fight drug-resistant microorganisms. It also emphasizes their applications in many fields and discusses their current state in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lalita Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Gopal Singh Bisht
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat, Himachal Pradesh, India
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17
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Wei Y, Wu J, Chen Y, Fan K, Yu X, Li X, Zhao Y, Li Y, Lv G, Song G, Rong X, Lin C, Wang H, Chen X, Zhang P, Han C, Zu H, Liu W, Zhang Y, Liu C, Su Y, Zhang B, Sun B, Wang L, Lai W, Liu J, Xia C, Ji G, Zhu F, Yu J, Ahemaiti A, Dong H, Chen M. Efficacy and Safety of PL-5 (Peceleganan) Spray for Wound Infections: A Phase IIb Randomized Clinical Trial. Ann Surg 2023; 277:43-49. [PMID: 35781462 PMCID: PMC9762708 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000005508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the safety and efficacy of antimicrobial peptide PL-5 (Peceleganan) spray in the treatment of wound infections. BACKGROUND Antimicrobial peptide PL-5 spray is a novel topical antimicrobial agent. METHODS We conducted a multicenter, open-label, randomized, controlled phase IIb clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PL-5 spray, as compared with silver sulfadiazine, in patients with skin wound infections. The primary efficacy outcome was the clinical efficacy rate on the first day after ending the treatment (D8). The secondary efficacy outcome was the clinical efficacy rate on the fifth day posttreatment (D5), the bacteria clearance rate, and the overall efficacy rate at the mentioned 2 time points. The safety outcomes included adverse reactions and pharmacokinetic analysis posttreatment. RESULTS A total of 220 patients from 27 hospitals in China were randomly assigned to 4 groups. On D8, the efficacy rate was 100.0%, 96.7%, 96.7% for the 1‰ PL-5, 2‰ PL-5, 4‰ PL-5 groups, respectively, as compared with 87.5% for the control group. The efficacy rate among the 4 groups was significantly different ( P <0.05). On D5, the efficacy rate was 100.0%, 93.4%, 98.3% for the 1‰ PL-5, 2‰ PL-5, 4‰ PL-5 groups, respectively, as compared with 82.5% for the control group. The efficacy rate among the 4 groups was significantly different ( P <0.05). The blood concentration of PL-5 was not detectable in pharmacokinetic analysis. No severe adverse event related to the application of PL-5 was reported. CONCLUSIONS Antimicrobial peptide PL-5 spray is safe and effective for the treatment of skin wound infections. TRIAL REGISTRATION ChiCTR2000033334.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Wei
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Department of Wound Repair, Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Department of Wound Repair, Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Human Histology & Embryology Section, Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatrics, & Gynecology, University of Verona Medical School, Verona, Italy
| | - Yuxin Chen
- Jiangsu Protelight Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Jiangyin, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Kunwu Fan
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Department of Wound Repair, Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xuming Yu
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Department of Wound Repair, Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiaojian Li
- Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yaohua Zhao
- Jiangyin People’s Hospital, Jiangyin, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yi Li
- Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital, Xining, Qinghai Province, China
| | - Guozhong Lv
- Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Guodong Song
- Jinan Central Hospital, Jinan City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xinzhou Rong
- Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Cai Lin
- The First Affiliated Hospital of WMU, New District of the First Hospital of Wenyi Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Haitao Wang
- Weihai Municipal Hospital, Weihai, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiaodong Chen
- The First People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Pihong Zhang
- Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Chunmao Han
- The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hongxu Zu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan Province, China
| | - Wenjun Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yongtao Su
- PKU Care Luzhong Hospital, Zibo, Shandong Province, China
| | - Baolin Zhang
- First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Bingwei Sun
- Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wen Lai
- Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jinhui Liu
- Jilin Province People’s Hospital, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Chengde Xia
- Zhengzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Geng Ji
- Taizhou People’s Hospital, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Feng Zhu
- Sir Run Run Hospital Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jia’ao Yu
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Akebaer Ahemaiti
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Hu Dong
- Jiangsu Protelight Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Jiangyin, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Mingxia Chen
- Jiangsu Protelight Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Jiangyin, Jiangsu Province, China
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18
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Chen X, Han J, Cai X, Wang S. Antimicrobial peptides: Sustainable application informed by evolutionary constraints. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 60:108012. [PMID: 35752270 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.108012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The proliferation and global expansion of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria have deepened the need to develop novel antimicrobials. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are regarded as promising antibacterial agents because of their broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and multifaceted mechanisms of action with non-specific targets. However, if AMPs are to be applied sustainably, knowledge of how they induce resistance in pathogenic bacteria must be mastered to avoid repeating the traditional antibiotic resistance mistakes currently faced. Furthermore, the evolutionary constraints on the acquisition of AMP resistance by microorganisms in the natural environment, such as functional compatibility and fitness trade-offs, inform the translational application of AMPs. Consequently, the shortcut to achieve sustainable utilization of AMPs is to uncover the evolutionary constraints of bacteria on AMP resistance in nature and find the tricks to exploit these constraints, such as applying AMP cocktails to minimize the efficacy of selection for resistance or combining nanomaterials to maximize the costs of AMP resistance. Altogether, this review dissects the benefits, challenges, and opportunities of utilizing AMPs against disease-causing bacteria, and highlights the use of AMP cocktails or nanomaterials to proactively address potential AMP resistance crises in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Chen
- College of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China; College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China
| | - Jinzhi Han
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China
| | - Xixi Cai
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China
| | - Shaoyun Wang
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China.
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19
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Yin R, Cheng J, Wang J, Li P, Lin J. Treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infectious biofilms: Challenges and strategies. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:955286. [PMID: 36090087 PMCID: PMC9459144 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.955286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a Gram-negative bacterium, is one of the major pathogens implicated in human opportunistic infection and a common cause of clinically persistent infections such as cystic fibrosis, urinary tract infections, and burn infections. The main reason for the persistence of P. aeruginosa infections is due to the ability of P. aeruginosa to secrete extracellular polymeric substances such as exopolysaccharides, matrix proteins, and extracellular DNA during invasion. These substances adhere to and wrap around bacterial cells to form a biofilm. Biofilm formation leads to multiple antibiotic resistance in P. aeruginosa, posing a significant challenge to conventional single antibiotic therapeutic approaches. It has therefore become particularly important to develop anti-biofilm drugs. In recent years, a number of new alternative drugs have been developed to treat P. aeruginosa infectious biofilms, including antimicrobial peptides, quorum-sensing inhibitors, bacteriophage therapy, and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy. This article briefly introduces the process and regulation of P. aeruginosa biofilm formation and reviews several developed anti-biofilm treatment technologies to provide new directions for the treatment of P. aeruginosa biofilm infection.
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20
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Nanomaterials-Based Combinatorial Therapy as a Strategy to Combat Antibiotic Resistance. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11060794. [PMID: 35740200 PMCID: PMC9220075 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11060794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of antibiotics, humanity has been able to cope with the battle against bacterial infections. However, the inappropriate use of antibiotics, the lack of innovation in therapeutic agents, and other factors have allowed the emergence of new bacterial strains resistant to multiple antibiotic treatments, causing a crisis in the health sector. Furthermore, the World Health Organization has listed a series of pathogens (ESKAPE group) that have acquired new and varied resistance to different antibiotics families. Therefore, the scientific community has prioritized designing and developing novel treatments to combat these ESKAPE pathogens and other emergent multidrug-resistant bacteria. One of the solutions is the use of combinatorial therapies. Combinatorial therapies seek to enhance the effects of individual treatments at lower doses, bringing the advantage of being, in most cases, much less harmful to patients. Among the new developments in combinatorial therapies, nanomaterials have gained significant interest. Some of the most promising nanotherapeutics include polymers, inorganic nanoparticles, and antimicrobial peptides due to their bactericidal and nanocarrier properties. Therefore, this review focuses on discussing the state-of-the-art of the most significant advances and concludes with a perspective on the future developments of nanotherapeutic combinatorial treatments that target bacterial infections.
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21
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Meng F, Liu Y, Nie T, Tang C, Lyu F, Bie X, Lu Y, Zhao M, Lu Z. Plantaricin A, Derived from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Reduces the Intrinsic Resistance of Gram-Negative Bacteria to Hydrophobic Antibiotics. Appl Environ Microbiol 2022; 88:e0037122. [PMID: 35499329 PMCID: PMC9128514 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00371-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria is one of the major factors contributing to the development of antibiotic resistance, resulting in a lack of effectiveness of several hydrophobic antibiotics. Plantaricin A (PlnA) intensifies the potency of antibiotics by increasing the permeability of the bacterial outer membrane. Moreover, it has been proven to bind to the lipopolysaccharide of Escherichia coli via electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions and to interfere with the integrity of the bacterial outer membrane. Based on this mechanism, we designed a series of PlnA1 analogs by changing the structure, hydrophobicity, and charge to enhance their membrane-permeabilizing ability. Subsequent analyses revealed that among the PlnA1 analogs, OP4 demonstrated the highest penetrating ability, weaker cytotoxicity, and a higher therapeutic index. In addition, it decelerated the development of antibiotic resistance when the E. coli cells were continuously exposed to sublethal concentrations of erythromycin and ciprofloxacin for 30 generations. Further in vivo studies in mice with sepsis showed that OP4 heightens the potency of erythromycin against E. coli and relieves inflammation. In summary, our results showed that the PlnA1 analogs investigated in the present study, especially OP4, reduce the intrinsic antibiotic resistance of Gram-negative pathogens and expand the antibiotic sensitivity spectrum of hydrophobic antibiotics in Gram-negative bacteria. IMPORTANCE Antibiotic resistance is a global health concern due to indiscriminate use of antibiotics, resistance transfer, and intrinsic resistance of certain Gram-negative bacteria. The asymmetric bacterial outer membrane prevents the entry of hydrophobic antibiotics and renders them ineffective. Consequently, these antibiotics could be employed to treat infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria, after increasing their outer membrane permeability. As PlnA reportedly penetrates outer membranes, we designed a series of PlnA1 analogs and proved that OP4, one of these antimicrobial peptides, effectively augmented the permeability of the bacterial outer membrane. Furthermore, OP4 effectively improved the potency of erythromycin and alleviated inflammatory responses caused by Escherichia coli infection. Likewise, OP4 curtailed antibiotic resistance development in E. coli, thereby prolonging exposure to sublethal antibiotic concentrations. Thus, the combined use of hydrophobic antibiotics and OP4 could be used to treat infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria by decreasing their intrinsic antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanqiang Meng
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environmental Microbiology, Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanan Liu
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ting Nie
- School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chao Tang
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fengxia Lyu
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaomei Bie
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yingjian Lu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mingwen Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environmental Microbiology, Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhaoxin Lu
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
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22
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Kim EY, Kumar SD, Ajish C, Lee CW, Shin S, Yang S, Bang JK, Shin SY. Synergistic antimicrobial activity of
TZP4
with conventional antibiotics against antibiotic‐resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa. B KOREAN CHEM SOC 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/bkcs.12517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Eun Young Kim
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Science, School of Medicine Chosun University Gwangju Republic of Korea
| | - S. Dinesh Kumar
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Science, School of Medicine Chosun University Gwangju Republic of Korea
| | - Chelladurai Ajish
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Science, School of Medicine Chosun University Gwangju Republic of Korea
| | - Chul Won Lee
- Department of Chemistry Chonnam National University Gwangju Republic of Korea
| | - Sung‐Heui Shin
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine Chosun University Gwangju Republic of Korea
| | - Sungtae Yang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine Chosun University Gwangju Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Kyu Bang
- Division of Magnetic Resonance Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI) Ochang Republic of Korea
| | - Song Yub Shin
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Science, School of Medicine Chosun University Gwangju Republic of Korea
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23
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Antimicrobial Peptides Epinecidin-1 and Beta-Defesin-3 Are Effective against a Broad Spectrum of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacterial Isolates and Increase Survival Rate in Experimental Sepsis. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11010076. [PMID: 35052952 PMCID: PMC8773371 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11010076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The antimicrobial peptides human Beta-defensin-3 (hBD-3) and Epinecidin-1 (Epi-1; by Epinephelus coioides) could be a promising tool to develop novel antibacterials to combat antibiotic resistance. The antibacterial activity of Epi-1 + vancomycin against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (22 isolates) and Epi-1 + hBD-3 against carbapenem-resistant isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 23), Klebsiella aerogenes (n = 17), Acinetobacter baumannii (n = 9), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 13) was studied in vitro. To evaluate the in vivo efficacy of hBD-3 and Epi-1, ICR (CD-1) mice were injected intraperitoneally with a lethal dose of K. pneumoniae or P. aeruginosa. The animals received a single injection of either sterile saline, hBD-3 monotherapy, meropenem monotherapy, hBD-3 + meropenem, or hBD-3 + Epi-1. Studied peptides showed antibacterial activity in vitro against all studied clinical isolates in a concentration of 2 to 32 mg/L. In both experimental models of murine sepsis, an increase in survival rate was seen with hBD-3 monotherapy, hBD-3 + meropenem, and hBD-3 + Epi-1. For K. pneumoniae-sepsis, hBD-3 was shown to be a promising option in overcoming the resistance of Klebsiella spp. to carbapenems, though more research is needed. In the P. aeruginosa-sepsis model, the addition of Epi-1 to hBD-3 was found to have a slightly reduced mortality rate compared to hBD-3 monotherapy.
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24
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Antimicrobial Resistance and Inorganic Nanoparticles. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312890. [PMID: 34884695 PMCID: PMC8657868 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotics are being less effective, which leads to high mortality in patients with infections and a high cost for the recovery of health, and the projections that are had for the future are not very encouraging which has led to consider antimicrobial resistance as a global health problem and to be the object of study by researchers. Although resistance to antibiotics occurs naturally, its appearance and spread have been increasing rapidly due to the inappropriate use of antibiotics in recent decades. A bacterium becomes resistant due to the transfer of genes encoding antibiotic resistance. Bacteria constantly mutate; therefore, their defense mechanisms mutate, as well. Nanotechnology plays a key role in antimicrobial resistance due to materials modified at the nanometer scale, allowing large numbers of molecules to assemble to have a dynamic interface. These nanomaterials act as carriers, and their design is mainly focused on introducing the temporal and spatial release of the payload of antibiotics. In addition, they generate new antimicrobial modalities for the bacteria, which are not capable of protecting themselves. So, nanoparticles are an adjunct mechanism to improve drug potency by reducing overall antibiotic exposure. These nanostructures can overcome cell barriers and deliver antibiotics to the cytoplasm to inhibit bacteria. This work aims to give a general vision between the antibiotics, the nanoparticles used as carriers, bacteria resistance, and the possible mechanisms that occur between them.
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25
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Wu CL, Peng KL, Yip BS, Chih YH, Cheng JW. Boosting Synergistic Effects of Short Antimicrobial Peptides With Conventional Antibiotics Against Resistant Bacteria. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:747760. [PMID: 34733262 PMCID: PMC8558513 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.747760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The global spread of antibiotic-resistant infections has meant that there is an urgent need to develop new antimicrobial alternatives. In this study, we developed a strategy to boost and/or synergize the activity of conventional antibiotics by combination with antimicrobial peptides tagged with the bulky non-natural amino acid β-naphthylalanine (Nal) to their N- or C-terminus. A checkerboard method was used to evaluate synergistic effects of the parent peptide and the Nal-tagged peptides. Moreover, boron-dipyrro-methene labeled vancomycin was used to characterize the synergistic mechanism of action between the peptides and vancomycin on the bacterial strains. These Nal-tagged antimicrobial peptides also reduced the antibiotic-induced release of lipopolysaccharide from Gram-negative bacteria by more than 99.95%. Our results demonstrate that Nal-tagged peptides could help in developing antimicrobial peptides that not only have enhanced antibacterial activities but also increase the synergistic effects with conventional antibiotics against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Lung Wu
- Department of Medical Science, Institute of Biotechnology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Kuang-Li Peng
- Department of Medical Science, Institute of Biotechnology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Bak-Sau Yip
- Department of Medical Science, Institute of Biotechnology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.,Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsinchu Branch, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Han Chih
- Department of Medical Science, Institute of Biotechnology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Jya-Wei Cheng
- Department of Medical Science, Institute of Biotechnology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
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26
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Jadi PK, Sharma P, Bhogapurapu B, Roy S. Alternative Therapeutic Interventions: Antimicrobial Peptides and Small Molecules to Treat Microbial Keratitis. Front Chem 2021; 9:694998. [PMID: 34458234 PMCID: PMC8386189 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.694998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial keratitis is a leading cause of blindness worldwide and results in unilateral vision loss in an estimated 2 million people per year. Bacteria and fungus are two main etiological agents that cause corneal ulcers. Although antibiotics and antifungals are commonly used to treat corneal infections, a clear trend with increasing resistance to these antimicrobials is emerging at rapid pace. Extensive research has been carried out to determine alternative therapeutic interventions, and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are increasingly recognized for their clinical potential in treating infections. Small molecules targeted against virulence factors of the pathogens and natural compounds are also explored to meet the challenges and growing demand for therapeutic agents. Here we review the potential of AMPs, small molecules, and natural compounds as alternative therapeutic interventions for the treatment of corneal infections to combat antimicrobial resistance. Additionally, we have also discussed about the different formats of drug delivery systems for optimal administration of drugs to treat microbial keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Kumar Jadi
- Prof, Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Prerana Sharma
- Prof, Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
| | - Bharathi Bhogapurapu
- Prof, Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Sanhita Roy
- Prof, Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
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27
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Kim EY, Han SH, Kim JM, Kim SM, Shin SY. Short antimicrobial peptidomimetic SAMP-5 effective against multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria. J Anal Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s40543-021-00281-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractSAMP-5 is a short histidine-derived antimicrobial peptidomimetic with pendant dialkylated tail. In this study, we evaluated the potential of SAMP-5 as an antimicrobial agent to combat multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria. SAMP-5 showed potent antimicrobial activity (minimum inhibitory concentration 16-64 μg/ml) comparable to melittin against multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli (MDREC) and multidrug-resistant (MDRPA). SAMP-5 displayed no cytotoxicity against three mammalian cells such as mouse macrophage RAW264.7, mouse embryonic fibroblast NIH-3T3, and human bone marrow SH-SY5Y cells at the concentration of 128 μg/ml. SAMP-5 showed resistance to proteolytic degradation with pepsin, trypsin, α-chymotrypsin, and proteinase K. Importantly, unlike ciprofloxacin, no antibiotic resistance against SAMP-5 arose for Pseudomonas aeruginosa during 7 days of serial passage at 0.5 × MIC. Moreover, SAMP-5 showed synergy or additive effects against MDRPA and MDREC, when it combined with chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, and oxacillin. Collectively, our results suggested that SAMP-5 is a promising alternative and adjuvant to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria.
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28
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Synergistic effect and antibiofilm activity of an antimicrobial peptide with traditional antibiotics against multi-drug resistant bacteria. Microb Pathog 2021; 158:105056. [PMID: 34153416 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.105056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Combined treatment of AMPs with classical antibiotics has gained interest because it often results in a synergistic antibacterial effect. We demonstrated here that Pt5-1c, an AMP derived from phosvitin, had antibacterial activity against the MDR bacteria (S. aureus USA500, E. coli 577 and K. pneumoniae 2182) in the presence of serum. On this basis, we showed that Pt5-1c was synergistically active with traditional antibiotics (oxacillin, vancomycin, streptomycin and azithromycin) against the three MDR bacteria growing as biofilms in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, Pt5-1c restored sensitivity of S. aureus USA500 to oxacillin and vancomycin, E. coli 577 to streptomycin and K. pneumoniae 2182 to azithromycin. Importantly, long-term exposure to Pt5-1c did not give rise to antimicrobial resistance. Collectively, these data not only suggest a promising combinatorial therapy strategy to combat antibiotics-tolerant infections but also present a possibility of Pt5-1c being used to prolong the application of antibiotics including oxacillin, vancomycin, streptomycin and azithromycin, that are under threat of becoming ineffective due to antibiotic resistance.
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29
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Pirtskhalava M, Vishnepolsky B, Grigolava M, Managadze G. Physicochemical Features and Peculiarities of Interaction of AMP with the Membrane. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:471. [PMID: 34067510 PMCID: PMC8156082 DOI: 10.3390/ph14050471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are anti-infectives that have the potential to be used as a novel and untapped class of biotherapeutics. Modes of action of antimicrobial peptides include interaction with the cell envelope (cell wall, outer- and inner-membrane). A comprehensive understanding of the peculiarities of interaction of antimicrobial peptides with the cell envelope is necessary to perform a rational design of new biotherapeutics, against which working out resistance is hard for microbes. In order to enable de novo design with low cost and high throughput, in silico predictive models have to be invoked. To develop an efficient predictive model, a comprehensive understanding of the sequence-to-function relationship is required. This knowledge will allow us to encode amino acid sequences expressively and to adequately choose the accurate AMP classifier. A shared protective layer of microbial cells is the inner, plasmatic membrane. The interaction of AMP with a biological membrane (native and/or artificial) has been comprehensively studied. We provide a review of mechanisms and results of interactions of AMP with the cell membrane, relying on the survey of physicochemical, aggregative, and structural features of AMPs. The potency and mechanism of AMP action are presented in terms of amino acid compositions and distributions of the polar and apolar residues along the chain, that is, in terms of the physicochemical features of peptides such as hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, and amphiphilicity. The survey of current data highlights topics that should be taken into account to come up with a comprehensive explanation of the mechanisms of action of AMP and to uncover the physicochemical faces of peptides, essential to perform their function. Many different approaches have been used to classify AMPs, including machine learning. The survey of knowledge on sequences, structures, and modes of actions of AMP allows concluding that only possessing comprehensive information on physicochemical features of AMPs enables us to develop accurate classifiers and create effective methods of prediction. Consequently, this knowledge is necessary for the development of design tools for peptide-based antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malak Pirtskhalava
- Ivane Beritashvili Center of Experimental Biomedicine, Tbilisi 0160, Georgia; (B.V.); (M.G.); (G.M.)
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30
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Casciaro B, Cappiello F, Verrusio W, Cacciafesta M, Mangoni ML. Antimicrobial Peptides and their Multiple Effects at Sub-Inhibitory Concentrations. Curr Top Med Chem 2021; 20:1264-1273. [PMID: 32338221 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200427090912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The frequent occurrence of multidrug-resistant strains to conventional antimicrobials has led to a clear decline in antibiotic therapies. Therefore, new molecules with different mechanisms of action are extremely necessary. Due to their unique properties, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent a valid alternative to conventional antibiotics and many of them have been characterized for their activity and cytotoxicity. However, the effects that these peptides cause at concentrations below the minimum growth inhibitory concentration (MIC) have yet to be fully analyzed along with the underlying molecular mechanism. In this mini-review, the ability of AMPs to synergize with different antibiotic classes or different natural compounds is examined. Furthermore, data on microbial resistance induction are reported to highlight the importance of antibiotic resistance in the fight against infections. Finally, the effects that sub-MIC levels of AMPs can have on the bacterial pathogenicity are summarized while showing how signaling pathways can be valid therapeutic targets for the treatment of infectious diseases. All these aspects support the high potential of AMPs as lead compounds for the development of new drugs with antibacterial and immunomodulatory activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Casciaro
- Center For Life Nano Science @ Sapienza, Italian Institute of Technology, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Floriana Cappiello
- Laboratory affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Walter Verrusio
- Department of Clinical Internal, Anesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Mauro Cacciafesta
- Department of Clinical Internal, Anesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Laboratory affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
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31
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Casciaro B, Loffredo MR, Cappiello F, Fabiano G, Torrini L, Mangoni ML. The Antimicrobial Peptide Temporin G: Anti-Biofilm, Anti-Persister Activities, and Potentiator Effect of Tobramycin Efficacy Against Staphylococcus aureus. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249410. [PMID: 33321906 PMCID: PMC7764207 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms are a serious threat for human health, and the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus is one of the microorganisms that can easily switch from a planktonic to a sessile lifestyle, providing protection from a large variety of adverse environmental conditions. Dormant non-dividing cells with low metabolic activity, named persisters, are tolerant to antibiotic treatment and are the principal cause of recalcitrant and resistant infections, including skin infections. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) hold promise as new anti-infective agents to treat such infections. Here for the first time, we investigated the activity of the frog-skin AMP temporin G (TG) against preformed S. aureus biofilm including persisters, as well as its efficacy in combination with tobramycin, in inhibiting S. aureus growth. TG was found to provoke ~50 to 100% reduction of biofilm viability in the concentration range from 12.5 to 100 µM vs ATCC and clinical isolates and to be active against persister cells (about 70–80% killing at 50–100 µM). Notably, sub-inhibitory concentrations of TG in combination with tobramycin were able to significantly reduce S. aureus growth, potentiating the antibiotic power. No critical cytotoxicity was detected when TG was tested in vitro up to 100 µM against human keratinocytes, confirming its safety profile for the development of a new potential anti-infective drug, especially for treatment of bacterial skin infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Casciaro
- Center For Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (B.C.); (M.L.M.); Tel.: +39-0649910838 (M.L.M.)
| | - Maria Rosa Loffredo
- Laboratory Affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.R.L.); (F.C.); (G.F.); (L.T.)
| | - Floriana Cappiello
- Laboratory Affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.R.L.); (F.C.); (G.F.); (L.T.)
| | - Guendalina Fabiano
- Laboratory Affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.R.L.); (F.C.); (G.F.); (L.T.)
| | - Luisa Torrini
- Laboratory Affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.R.L.); (F.C.); (G.F.); (L.T.)
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Laboratory Affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.R.L.); (F.C.); (G.F.); (L.T.)
- Correspondence: (B.C.); (M.L.M.); Tel.: +39-0649910838 (M.L.M.)
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Karbalaei-Heidari HR, Budisa N. Combating Antimicrobial Resistance With New-To-Nature Lanthipeptides Created by Genetic Code Expansion. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:590522. [PMID: 33250877 PMCID: PMC7674664 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.590522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the rapid emergence of multi-resistant bacterial strains in recent decades, the commercially available effective antibiotics are becoming increasingly limited. On the other hand, widespread antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) such as the lantibiotic nisin has been used worldwide for more than 40 years without the appearance of significant bacterial resistance. Lantibiotics are ribosomally synthesized antimicrobials generated by posttranslational modifications. Their biotechnological production is of particular interest to redesign natural scaffolds improving their pharmaceutical properties, which has great potential for therapeutic use in human medicine and other areas. However, conventional protein engineering methods are limited to 20 canonical amino acids prescribed by the genetic code. Therefore, the expansion of the genetic code as the most advanced approach in Synthetic Biology allows the addition of new amino acid building blocks (non-canonical amino acids, ncAAs) during protein translation. We now have solid proof-of-principle evidence that bioexpression with these novel building blocks enabled lantibiotics with chemical properties transcending those produced by natural evolution. The unique scaffolds with novel structural and functional properties are the result of this bioengineering. Here we will critically examine and evaluate the use of the expanded genetic code and its alternatives in lantibiotics research over the last 7 years. We anticipate that Synthetic Biology, using engineered lantibiotics and even more complex scaffolds will be a promising tool to address an urgent problem of antibiotic resistance, especially in a class of multi-drug resistant microbes known as superbugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Reza Karbalaei-Heidari
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Nediljko Budisa
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Institute of Chemistry, Technical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Zhu J, Huang Y, Hu C, Huang Y, Chen M, He X, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Chen Y. Inhibitory Effects and Mechanism of the Combined Use of α-Helical Peptides HPRP-A1/HPRP-A2 and Chlorhexidine Acetate Against Bacterial and Fungal Biofilms. Int J Pept Res Ther 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-020-10102-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Wu CL, Hsueh JY, Yip BS, Chih YH, Peng KL, Cheng JW. Antimicrobial Peptides Display Strong Synergy with Vancomycin Against Vancomycin-Resistant E. faecium, S. aureus, and Wild-Type E. coli. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21134578. [PMID: 32605123 PMCID: PMC7369893 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21134578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent and imminent need to develop new antimicrobials to fight against antibiotic-resistant bacterial and fungal strains. In this study, a checkerboard method was used to evaluate the synergistic effects of the antimicrobial peptide P-113 and its bulky non-nature amino acid substituted derivatives with vancomycin against vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, and wild-type Escherichia coli. Boron-dipyrro-methene (BODIPY) labeled vancomycin was used to characterize the interactions between the peptides, vancomycin, and bacterial strains. Moreover, neutralization of antibiotic-induced releasing of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from E. coli by the peptides was obtained. Among these peptides, Bip-P-113 demonstrated the best minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs), antibiotics synergism, bacterial membrane permeabilization, and supernatant LPS neutralizing activities against the bacteria studied. These results could help in developing antimicrobial peptides that have synergistic activity with large size glycopeptides such as vancomycin in therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Lung Wu
- Institute of Biotechnology and Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan; (C.-L.W.); (J.-Y.H.); (B.-S.Y.); (Y.-H.C.); (K.-L.P.)
| | - Ju-Yun Hsueh
- Institute of Biotechnology and Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan; (C.-L.W.); (J.-Y.H.); (B.-S.Y.); (Y.-H.C.); (K.-L.P.)
| | - Bak-Sau Yip
- Institute of Biotechnology and Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan; (C.-L.W.); (J.-Y.H.); (B.-S.Y.); (Y.-H.C.); (K.-L.P.)
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsinchu Branch, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Han Chih
- Institute of Biotechnology and Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan; (C.-L.W.); (J.-Y.H.); (B.-S.Y.); (Y.-H.C.); (K.-L.P.)
| | - Kuang-Li Peng
- Institute of Biotechnology and Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan; (C.-L.W.); (J.-Y.H.); (B.-S.Y.); (Y.-H.C.); (K.-L.P.)
| | - Jya-Wei Cheng
- Institute of Biotechnology and Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan; (C.-L.W.); (J.-Y.H.); (B.-S.Y.); (Y.-H.C.); (K.-L.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-3-574-2763; Fax: +886-3-571-5934
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Li J, Fernández-Millán P, Boix E. Synergism between Host Defence Peptides and Antibiotics Against Bacterial Infections. Curr Top Med Chem 2020; 20:1238-1263. [DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200303122626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Background:Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to conventional antibiotics is becoming one of the main global health threats and novel alternative strategies are urging. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), once forgotten, are coming back into the scene as promising tools to overcome bacterial resistance. Recent findings have attracted attention to the potentiality of AMPs to work as antibiotic adjuvants.Methods:In this review, we have tried to collect the currently available information on the mechanism of action of AMPs in synergy with other antimicrobial agents. In particular, we have focused on the mechanisms of action that mediate the inhibition of the emergence of bacterial resistance by AMPs.Results and Conclusion:We find in the literature many examples where AMPs can significantly reduce the antibiotic effective concentration. Mainly, the peptides work at the bacterial cell wall and thereby facilitate the drug access to its intracellular target. Complementarily, AMPs can also contribute to permeate the exopolysaccharide layer of biofilm communities, or even prevent bacterial adhesion and biofilm growth. Secondly, we find other peptides that can directly block the emergence of bacterial resistance mechanisms or interfere with the community quorum-sensing systems. Interestingly, the effective peptide concentrations for adjuvant activity and inhibition of bacterial resistance are much lower than the required for direct antimicrobial action. Finally, many AMPs expressed by innate immune cells are endowed with immunomodulatory properties and can participate in the host response against infection. Recent studies in animal models confirm that AMPs work as adjuvants at non-toxic concentrations and can be safely administrated for novel combined chemotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiarui Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Valles, Spain
| | - Pablo Fernández-Millán
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Valles, Spain
| | - Ester Boix
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Valles, Spain
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Antimicrobial Activity of Protein Fraction from Naja ashei Venom Against Staphylococcus epidermidis. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25020293. [PMID: 31936872 PMCID: PMC7024148 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25020293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the key problems of modern infectious disease medicine is the growing number of drug-resistant and multi-drug-resistant bacterial strains. For this reason, many studies are devoted to the search for highly active antimicrobial substances that could be used in therapy against bacterial infections. As it turns out, snake venoms are a rich source of proteins that exert a strong antibacterial effect, and therefore they have become an interesting research material. We analyzed Naja ashei venom for such antibacterial properties, and we found that a specific composition of proteins can act to eliminate individual bacterial cells, as well as the entire biofilm of Staphylococcus epidermidis. In general, we used ion exchange chromatography (IEX) to obtain 10 protein fractions with different levels of complexity, which were then tested against certified and clinical strains of S. epidermidis. One of the fractions (F2) showed exceptional antimicrobial effects both alone and in combination with antibiotics. The protein composition of the obtained fractions was determined using mass spectrometry techniques, indicating a high proportion of phospholipases A2, three-finger toxins, and L-amino acids oxidases in F2 fraction, which are most likely responsible for the unique properties of this fraction. Moreover, we were able to identify a new group of low abundant proteins containing the Ig-like domain that have not been previously described in snake venoms.
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Boparai JK, Sharma PK. Mini Review on Antimicrobial Peptides, Sources, Mechanism and Recent Applications. Protein Pept Lett 2020; 27:4-16. [PMID: 31438824 PMCID: PMC6978648 DOI: 10.2174/0929866526666190822165812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides in recent years have gained increased interest among scientists, health professionals and the pharmaceutical companies owing to their therapeutic potential. These are low molecular weight proteins with broad range antimicrobial and immuno modulatory activities against infectious bacteria (Gram positive and Gram negative), viruses and fungi. Inability of micro-organisms to develop resistance against most of the antimicrobial peptide has made them as an efficient product which can greatly impact the new era of antimicrobials. In addition to this these peptides also demonstrates increased efficacy, high specificity, decreased drug interaction, low toxicity, biological diversity and direct attacking properties. Pharmaceutical industries are therefore conducting appropriate clinical trials to develop these peptides as potential therapeutic drugs. More than 60 peptide drugs have already reached the market and several hundreds of novel therapeutic peptides are in preclinical and clinical development. Rational designing can be used further to modify the chemical and physical properties of existing peptides. This mini review will discuss the sources, mechanism and recent therapeutic applications of antimicrobial peptides in treatment of infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaspreet Kaur Boparai
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, India
| | - Pushpender Kumar Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, India
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38
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Shang D, Liu Y, Jiang F, Ji F, Wang H, Han X. Synergistic Antibacterial Activity of Designed Trp-Containing Antibacterial Peptides in Combination With Antibiotics Against Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2719. [PMID: 31824473 PMCID: PMC6886405 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Multidrug resistance among various bacterial strains is leading to worldwide resistance to a wide range of antibiotics. Combination therapy involving current antibiotics and other biological or chemical molecules represents an attractive novel strategy. In this study, we investigated the synergistic antibacterial activity of a series of Trp-containing antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with four classes of traditional chemical antibiotics that are inactive against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE) in vitro and in vivo. Among the antibiotics that we studied, penicillin, ampicillin and erythromycin showed a distinct synergistic effect in combination with all of the Trp-containing AMPs, represented by a fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) of <0.5. The antibacterial activities were noticeably improved, with 32-to 64-fold reductions in the MIC values for ampicillin and 16- to 32-fold reductions in the MIC values for erythromycin and penicillin. Tetracycline showed synergistic activity with only I1WL5W but additive activity with L11W, L12W, and I4WL5W. Ceftazidime exhibited additive activity with the Trp-containing peptides. In addition, the antibiotics in combination with the peptide significantly inhibited biofilm formation by MRSE 1208. A mechanistic study demonstrated that the Trp-containing peptides, especially I1WL5W and I4WL5W, which contain two tryptophan residues, disrupted bacterial inner and outer membranes, which promoted antibiotic delivery into the cytoplasm and access to cytoplasmic targets; however, L11W and L12W may have increased intracellular antibiotic concentrations by decreasing blaZ, tet(m) and msrA expression. Importantly, strong synergistic activity against the MRSE 1208 strain was observed for the combination of I1WL5W and penicillin in a mouse infection model. Thus, the combination of AMPs and traditional antibiotics could be a promising option for the prevention of acute and chronic infections caused by MRSE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejing Shang
- School of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China.,Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
| | - Yue Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
| | - Fengquan Jiang
- School of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China.,Clinical Laboratory Department of the First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Fangyu Ji
- School of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
| | - He Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
| | - Xue Han
- School of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
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39
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Zharkova MS, Orlov DS, Golubeva OY, Chakchir OB, Eliseev IE, Grinchuk TM, Shamova OV. Application of Antimicrobial Peptides of the Innate Immune System in Combination With Conventional Antibiotics-A Novel Way to Combat Antibiotic Resistance? Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:128. [PMID: 31114762 PMCID: PMC6503114 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Rapidly growing resistance of pathogenic bacteria to conventional antibiotics leads to inefficiency of traditional approaches of countering infections and determines the urgent need for a search of fundamentally new anti-infective drugs. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) of the innate immune system are promising candidates for a role of such novel antibiotics. However, some cytotoxicity of AMPs toward host cells limits their active implementation in medicine and forces attempts to design numerous structural analogs of the peptides with optimized properties. An alternative route for the successful AMPs introduction may be their usage in combination with conventional antibiotics. Synergistic antibacterial effects have been reported for a number of such combinations, however, the molecular mechanisms of the synergy remain poorly understood and little is known whether AMPs cytotoxicy for the host cells increases upon their application with antibiotics. Our study is directed to examination of a combined action of natural AMPs with different structure and mode of action (porcine protegrin 1, caprine bactenecin ChBac3.4, human alpha- and beta-defensins (HNP-1, HNP-4, hBD-2, hBD-3), human cathelicidin LL-37), and egg white lysozyme with varied antibiotic agents (gentamicin, ofloxacin, oxacillin, rifampicin, polymyxin B, silver nanoparticles) toward selected bacteria, including drug-sensitive and drug-resistant strains, as well as toward some mammalian cells (human erythrocytes, PBMC, neutrophils, murine peritoneal macrophages and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells). Using “checkerboard titrations” for fractional inhibitory concentration indexes evaluation, it was found that synergy in antibacterial action mainly occurs between highly membrane-active AMPs (e.g., protegrin 1, hBD-3) and antibiotics with intracellular targets (e.g., gentamicin, rifampcin), suggesting bioavailability increase as the main model of such interaction. In some combinations modulation of dynamics of AMP-bacterial membrane interaction in presence of the antibiotic was also shown. Cytotoxic effects of the same combinations toward normal eukaryotic cells were rarely synergistic. The obtained data approve that combined application of antimicrobial peptides with antibiotics or other antimicrobials is a promising strategy for further development of new approach for combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria by usage of AMP-based therapeutics. Revealing the conventional antibiotics that increase the activity of human endogenous AMPs against particular pathogens is also important for cure strategies elaboration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria S Zharkova
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Biologically Active Peptides, Department of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, FSBSI Institute of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Dmitriy S Orlov
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Biologically Active Peptides, Department of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, FSBSI Institute of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Olga Yu Golubeva
- Laboratory of Nanostructures Research, Institute of Silicate Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Oleg B Chakchir
- Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Saint Petersburg National Research Academic University of the Russian Academy of Science, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Igor E Eliseev
- Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Saint Petersburg National Research Academic University of the Russian Academy of Science, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Tatyana M Grinchuk
- Laboratory of Intracellular Signaling, Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Science, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Olga V Shamova
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Biologically Active Peptides, Department of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, FSBSI Institute of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
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40
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Domalaon R, Brizuela M, Eisner B, Findlay B, Zhanel GG, Schweizer F. Dilipid ultrashort cationic lipopeptides as adjuvants for chloramphenicol and other conventional antibiotics against Gram-negative bacteria. Amino Acids 2018; 51:383-393. [PMID: 30392097 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-018-2673-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The necessity to develop therapeutic agents and strategies to abate the spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens is prominent. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) provide scaffolds and inspiration for antibiotic development. As an AMP of shorter scaffold, eight dilipid ultrashort cationic lipopeptides (dUSCLs) were prepared consisting of only four amino acids and varying dilipids. Lipids were acylated at the peptide N-terminus and the ε-amine side chain of the N-terminal L-lysine. Compounds that possess aliphatic dilipids of ≥ 11 carbons-long showed significant hemolysis and therefore limited therapeutic application. Several non-hemolytic dUSCLs were identified to enhance the activity of chloramphenicol and other conventional antibiotics against Gram-negative bacteria. Compounds 2 and 6 have a short peptide sequence of KKKK and KKGK, respectively, and are both acylated with an aliphatic dilipid of nine carbons-long potentiated chloramphenicol against MDR clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii and Enterobacteriaceae. Both dUSCLs showed comparable adjuvant potency in combination with chloramphenicol. However, dUSCL 2 synergized with a wider span of antibiotic classes against P. aeruginosa relative to dUSCL 6 that included rifampicin, trimethoprim, minocycline, fosfomycin, piperacillin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, linezolid and vancomycin. Our data revealed that dUSCLs can indirectly disrupt active efflux of chloramphenicol in P. aeruginosa. This along with their membrane-permeabilizing properties may explain the dUSCLs synergistic combination with conventional antibiotics against Gram-negative bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Domalaon
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Marc Brizuela
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Benjamin Eisner
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Brandon Findlay
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - George G Zhanel
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Frank Schweizer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada. .,Department of Medical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0J9, Canada.
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41
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Hollmann A, Martinez M, Maturana P, Semorile LC, Maffia PC. Antimicrobial Peptides: Interaction With Model and Biological Membranes and Synergism With Chemical Antibiotics. Front Chem 2018; 6:204. [PMID: 29922648 PMCID: PMC5996110 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2018.00204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising novel antibiotics since they have shown antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacterial species, including multiresistant bacteria; however, toxicity is the major barrier to convert antimicrobial peptides into active drugs. A profound and proper understanding of the complex interactions between these peptides and biological membranes using biophysical tools and model membranes seems to be a key factor in the race to develop a suitable antimicrobial peptide therapy for clinical use. In the search for such therapy, different combined approaches with conventional antibiotics have been evaluated in recent years and demonstrated to improve the therapeutic potential of AMPs. Some of these approaches have revealed promising additive or synergistic activity between AMPs and chemical antibiotics. This review will give an insight into the possibilities that physicochemical tools can give in the AMPs research and also address the state of the art on the current promising combined therapies between AMPs and conventional antibiotics, which appear to be a plausible future opportunity for AMPs treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Hollmann
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Basic and Applied Microbiology, National University of Quilmes, Bernal, Argentina.,Centro de Investigación en Biofísica Aplicada y Alimentos, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas and National University of Santiago del Estero, Santiago del Estero, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Melina Martinez
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Basic and Applied Microbiology, National University of Quilmes, Bernal, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Patricia Maturana
- Centro de Investigación en Biofísica Aplicada y Alimentos, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas and National University of Santiago del Estero, Santiago del Estero, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Liliana C Semorile
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Basic and Applied Microbiology, National University of Quilmes, Bernal, Argentina
| | - Paulo C Maffia
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Basic and Applied Microbiology, National University of Quilmes, Bernal, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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42
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Pfalzgraff A, Brandenburg K, Weindl G. Antimicrobial Peptides and Their Therapeutic Potential for Bacterial Skin Infections and Wounds. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:281. [PMID: 29643807 PMCID: PMC5882822 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 260] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Alarming data about increasing resistance to conventional antibiotics are reported, while at the same time the development of new antibiotics is stagnating. Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are mainly caused by the so called ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species) which belong to the most recalcitrant bacteria and are resistant to almost all common antibiotics. S. aureus and P. aeruginosa are the most frequent pathogens isolated from chronic wounds and increasing resistance to topical antibiotics has become a major issue. Therefore, new treatment options are urgently needed. In recent years, research focused on the development of synthetic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with lower toxicity and improved activity compared to their endogenous counterparts. AMPs appear to be promising therapeutic options for the treatment of SSTIs and wounds as they show a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity, low resistance rates and display pivotal immunomodulatory as well as wound healing promoting activities such as induction of cell migration and proliferation and angiogenesis. In this review, we evaluate the potential of AMPs for the treatment of bacterial SSTIs and wounds and provide an overview of the mechanisms of actions of AMPs that contribute to combat skin infections and to improve wound healing. Bacteria growing in biofilms are more resistant to conventional antibiotics than their planktonic counterparts due to limited biofilm penetration and distinct metabolic and physiological functions, and often result in chronification of infections and wounds. Thus, we further discuss the feasibility of AMPs as anti-biofilm agents. Finally, we highlight perspectives for future therapies and which issues remain to bring AMPs successfully to the market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Pfalzgraff
- Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Günther Weindl
- Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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43
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Bardbari AM, Arabestani MR, Karami M, Keramat F, Aghazadeh H, Alikhani MY, Bagheri KP. Highly synergistic activity of melittin with imipenem and colistin in biofilm inhibition against multidrug-resistant strong biofilm producer strains of Acinetobacter baumannii. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 37:443-454. [DOI: 10.1007/s10096-018-3189-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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44
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Ko SJ, Kim MK, Bang JK, Seo CH, Luchian T, Park Y. Macropis fulvipes Venom component Macropin Exerts its Antibacterial and Anti-Biofilm Properties by Damaging the Plasma Membranes of Drug Resistant Bacteria. Sci Rep 2017; 7:16580. [PMID: 29185466 PMCID: PMC5707368 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-16784-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The abuse of antibiotics for disease treatment has led to the emergence of multidrug resistant bacteria. Antimicrobial peptides, found naturally in various organisms, have received increasing interest as alternatives to conventional antibiotics because of their broad spectrum antimicrobial activity and low cytotoxicity. In a previous report, Macropin, isolated from bee venom, exhibited antimicrobial activity against both gram-positive and negative bacteria. In the present study, Macropin was synthesized and its antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities were tested against bacterial strains, including gram-positive and negative bacteria, and drug resistant bacteria. Moreover, Macropin did not exhibit hemolytic activity and cytotoxicity to keratinocytes, whereas Melittin, as a positive control, showed very high toxicity. Circular dichroism assays showed that Macropin has an α-helical structure in membrane mimic environments. Macropin binds to peptidoglycan and lipopolysaccharide and kills the bacteria by disrupting their membranes. Moreover, the fractional inhibitory concentration index indicated that Macropin has additive and partially synergistic effects with conventional antibiotics against drug resistant bacteria. Thus, our study suggested that Macropin has potential for use of an antimicrobial agent for infectious bacteria, including drug resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Jin Ko
- Department of Biomedical Science, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452, Korea
| | - Min Kyung Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452, Korea
| | - Jeong Kyu Bang
- Division of Magnetic Resonance, Korea Basic Science Institute, Ochang, Chung-Buk, 363-883, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Ho Seo
- Department of Bioinformatics, Kongju National University, Kongju, 314-701, South Korea
| | - Tudor Luchian
- Department of Physics, Alexandru I. Cuza University, Iasi, Romania.
| | - Yoonkyung Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452, Korea. .,Research Center for Proteineous Materials, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452, Korea.
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Sani MA, Carne S, Overall SA, Poulhazan A, Separovic F. One pathogen two stones: are Australian tree frog antimicrobial peptides synergistic against human pathogens? EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL: EBJ 2017; 46:639-646. [PMID: 28478484 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-017-1215-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) may act by targeting the lipid membranes and disrupting the bilayer structure. In this study, three AMPs from the skin of Australian tree frogs, aurein 1.2, maculatin 1.1 and caerin 1.1, were investigated against Gram-negative Escherichia coli, Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, and vesicles that mimic their lipid compositions. Furthermore, equimolar mixtures of the peptides were tested to identify any synergistic interactions in antimicrobial activity. Minimum inhibition concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration assays showed significant activity against S. aureus but not against E. coli. Aurein was the least active while maculatin was the most active peptide and some synergistic effects were observed against S. aureus. Circular dichroism experiments showed that, in the presence of phospholipid vesicles, the peptides transitioned from an unstructured to a predominantly helical conformation (>50%), with greater helicity for POPG/TOCL compared to POPE/POPG vesicles. The helical content, however, was less in the presence of live E. coli and S. aureus, 25 and 5%, respectively. Equimolar concentrations of the peptides did not appear to form greater supramolecular structures. Dye release assays showed that aurein required greater concentration than caerin and maculatin to disrupt the lipid bilayers, and mixtures of the peptides did not cooperate to enhance their lytic activity. Overall, aurein, maculatin, and caerin showed moderate synergy in antimicrobial activity against S. aureus without becoming more structured or enhancement of their membrane-disrupting activity in phospholipid vesicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc-Antoine Sani
- School of Chemistry, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia.
| | - Siobhan Carne
- School of Chemistry, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Sarah A Overall
- School of Chemistry, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Alexandre Poulhazan
- School of Chemistry, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Universite Pierre et Marie Curie (Paris VI), 4 Place Jussieu, 75252, Paris Cedex 5, France
| | - Frances Separovic
- School of Chemistry, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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Synergistic activity of synthetic N-terminal peptide of human lactoferrin in combination with various antibiotics against carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strains. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2017; 36:1739-1748. [PMID: 28470337 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-017-2987-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The spread of multi-drug resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae strains producing carbapenemases points to a pressing need for new antibacterial agents. To this end, the in-vitro antibacterial activity of a synthetic N-terminal peptide of human lactoferrin, further referred to as hLF1-11, was evaluated against K. pneumoniae strains harboring different carbapenemase genes (i.e. OXA-48, KPC-2, KPC-3, VIM-1), with different susceptibility to colistin and other antibiotics, alone or in combination with conventional antibiotics (gentamicin, tigecycline, rifampicin, clindamycin, and clarithromycin). An antimicrobial peptide susceptibility assay was used to assess the bactericidal activity of hLF1-11 against the different K. pneumoniae strains tested. The synergistic activity was evaluated by a checkerboard titration method, and the fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index was calculated for the various combinations. hLF1-11 was more efficient in killing a K. pneumoniae strain susceptible to most antimicrobials (including colistin) than a colistin-susceptible strain and a colistin-resistant MDR K. pneumoniae strain. In addition, hLF1-11 exhibited a synergistic effect with the tested antibiotics against MDR K. pneumoniae strains. The results of this study indicate that resistance to hLF1-11 and colistin are not strictly associated, and suggest an hLF1-11-induced sensitizing effect of K. pneumoniae to antibiotics, especially to hydrophobic antibiotics, which are normally not effective on Gram-negative bacteria. Altogether, these data indicate that hLF1-11 in combination with antibiotics is a promising candidate to treat infections caused by MDR-K. pneumoniae strains.
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47
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Li J, Koh JJ, Liu S, Lakshminarayanan R, Verma CS, Beuerman RW. Membrane Active Antimicrobial Peptides: Translating Mechanistic Insights to Design. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:73. [PMID: 28261050 PMCID: PMC5306396 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 339] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising next generation antibiotics that hold great potential for combating bacterial resistance. AMPs can be both bacteriostatic and bactericidal, induce rapid killing and display a lower propensity to develop resistance than do conventional antibiotics. Despite significant progress in the past 30 years, no peptide antibiotic has reached the clinic yet. Poor understanding of the action mechanisms and lack of rational design principles have been the two major obstacles that have slowed progress. Technological developments are now enabling multidisciplinary approaches including molecular dynamics simulations combined with biophysics and microbiology toward providing valuable insights into the interactions of AMPs with membranes at atomic level. This has led to increasingly robust models of the mechanisms of action of AMPs and has begun to contribute meaningfully toward the discovery of new AMPs. This review discusses the detailed action mechanisms that have been put forward, with detailed atomistic insights into how the AMPs interact with bacterial membranes. The review further discusses how this knowledge is exploited toward developing design principles for novel AMPs. Finally, the current status, associated challenges, and future directions for the development of AMP therapeutics are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianguo Li
- Ocular Chemistry and Anti-Infectives, Singapore Eye Research InstituteSingapore, Singapore
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Bioinformatics InstituteSingapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, SRP Neuroscience and BDSingapore, Singapore
| | - Jun-Jie Koh
- Ocular Chemistry and Anti-Infectives, Singapore Eye Research InstituteSingapore, Singapore
| | - Shouping Liu
- Ocular Chemistry and Anti-Infectives, Singapore Eye Research InstituteSingapore, Singapore
| | | | - Chandra S. Verma
- Ocular Chemistry and Anti-Infectives, Singapore Eye Research InstituteSingapore, Singapore
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Bioinformatics InstituteSingapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of SingaporeSingapore, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological UniversitySingapore, Singapore
| | - Roger W. Beuerman
- Ocular Chemistry and Anti-Infectives, Singapore Eye Research InstituteSingapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, SRP Neuroscience and BDSingapore, Singapore
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Lim MP, Firdaus-Raih M, Nathan S. Nematode Peptides with Host-Directed Anti-inflammatory Activity Rescue Caenorhabditis elegans from a Burkholderia pseudomallei Infection. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1436. [PMID: 27672387 PMCID: PMC5019075 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis, is among a growing number of bacterial pathogens that are increasingly antibiotic resistant. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been investigated as an alternative approach to treat microbial infections, as generally, there is a lower likelihood that a pathogen will develop resistance to AMPs. In this study, 36 candidate Caenorhabditis elegans genes that encode secreted peptides of <150 amino acids and previously shown to be overexpressed during infection by B. pseudomallei were identified from the expression profile of infected nematodes. RNA interference (RNAi)-based knockdown of 12/34 peptide-encoding genes resulted in enhanced nematode susceptibility to B. pseudomallei without affecting worm fitness. A microdilution test demonstrated that two peptides, NLP-31 and Y43C5A.3, exhibited anti-B. pseudomallei activity in a dose dependent manner on different pathogens. Time kill analysis proposed that these peptides were bacteriostatic against B. pseudomallei at concentrations up to 8× MIC90. The SYTOX green assay demonstrated that NLP-31 and Y43C5A.3 did not disrupt the B. pseudomallei membrane. Instead, gel retardation assays revealed that both peptides were able to bind to DNA and interfere with bacterial viability. In parallel, microscopic examination showed induction of cellular filamentation, a hallmark of DNA synthesis inhibition, of NLP-31 and Y43C5A.3 treated cells. In addition, the peptides also regulated the expression of inflammatory cytokines in B. pseudomallei infected macrophage cells. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the potential of NLP-31 and Y43C5A.3 as anti-B. pseudomallei peptides based on their function as immune modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Perng Lim
- School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Firdaus-Raih
- School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Sheila Nathan
- School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan MalaysiaBangi, Malaysia; Malaysia Genome InstituteKajang, Malaysia
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49
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Heimlich DR, Harrison A, Mason KM. Host Antimicrobial Peptides in Bacterial Homeostasis and Pathogenesis of Disease. Antibiotics (Basel) 2014; 3:645-76. [PMID: 26029470 PMCID: PMC4448142 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics3040645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Revised: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 11/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Innate immune responses function as a first line of host defense against the development of bacterial infection, and in some cases to preserve the sterility of privileged sites in the human host. Bacteria that enter these sites must counter host responses for colonization. From the host's perspective, the innate immune system works expeditiously to minimize the bacterial threat before colonization and subsequent dysbiosis. The multifactorial nature of disease further challenges predictions of how each independent variable influences bacterial pathogenesis. From bacterial colonization to infection and through disease, the microenvironments of the host are in constant flux as bacterial and host factors contribute to changes at the host-pathogen interface, with the host attempting to eradicate bacteria and the bacteria fighting to maintain residency. A key component of this innate host response towards bacterial infection is the production of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). As an early component of the host response, AMPs modulate bacterial load and prevent establishment of infection. Under quiescent conditions, some AMPs are constitutively expressed by the epithelium. Bacterial infection can subsequently induce production of other AMPs in an effort to maintain sterility, or to restrict colonization. As demonstrated in various studies, the absence of a single AMP can influence pathogenesis, highlighting the importance of AMP concentration in maintaining homeostasis. Yet, AMPs can increase bacterial virulence through the co-opting of the peptides or alteration of bacterial virulence gene expression. Further, bacterial factors used to subvert AMPs can modify host microenvironments and alter colonization of the residential flora that principally maintain homeostasis. Thus, the dynamic interplay between host defense peptides and bacterial factors produced to quell peptide activity play a critical role in the progression and outcome of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek R. Heimlich
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; E-Mails: (D.R.H.); (A.H.)
| | - Alistair Harrison
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; E-Mails: (D.R.H.); (A.H.)
| | - Kevin M. Mason
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; E-Mails: (D.R.H.); (A.H.)
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
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