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Zielke C, Nielsen JE, Lin JS, Barron AE. Between good and evil: Complexation of the human cathelicidin LL-37 with nucleic acids. Biophys J 2024; 123:1316-1328. [PMID: 37919905 PMCID: PMC11163296 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.10.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The innate immune system provides a crucial first line of defense against invading pathogens attacking the body. As the only member of the human cathelicidin family, the antimicrobial peptide LL-37 has been shown to have antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. In complexation with nucleic acids, LL-37 is suggested to maintain its beneficial health effects while also acting as a condensation agent for the nucleic acid. Complexes formed by LL-37 and nucleic acids have been shown to be immunostimulatory with a positive impact on the human innate immune system. However, some studies also suggest that in some circumstances, LL-37/nucleic acid complexes may be a contributing factor to autoimmune disorders such as psoriasis and systemic lupus erythematosus. This review provides a comprehensive discussion of research highlighting the beneficial health effects of LL-37/nucleic acid complexes, as well as discussing observed detrimental effects. We will emphasize why it is important to investigate and elucidate structural characteristics, such as condensation patterns of nucleic acids within complexation, and their mechanisms of action, to shed light on the intricate physiological effects of LL-37 and the seemingly contradictory role of LL-37/nucleic acid complexes in the innate immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Zielke
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Schools of Medicine and of Engineering, Stanford, California
| | - Josefine Eilsø Nielsen
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Schools of Medicine and of Engineering, Stanford, California; Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jennifer S Lin
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Schools of Medicine and of Engineering, Stanford, California
| | - Annelise E Barron
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Schools of Medicine and of Engineering, Stanford, California.
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Zhao Y, Zhang H, Zhao Z, Liu F, Dong M, Chen L, Shen M, Luan Z, Zhang H, Wu J, Li C, Chen J, Li C, Liu Z, Chen Y, Zheng A, Li H, Wang S, Jin W, Sun G. Efficacy and safety of Oral LL-37 against the Omicron BA.5.1.3 variant of SARS-COV-2: A randomized trial. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29035. [PMID: 37605995 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29035] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant LL-37 Lactococcus lactis (Oral LL-37) was designed to prevent progression of COVID-19 by targeting virus envelope, however, effectiveness and safety of Oral LL-37 in clinical application was unclear. A total of 238 adult inpatients, open-labelled, randomized, placebo-controlled, single-center study was conducted to investigate the primary end points, including negative conversion time (NCT) of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and adverse events (AEs). As early as intervened on 6th day of case confirmed, Oral LL-37 could significantly shorten NCT (LL-37 9.80 ± 2.67 vs. placebo 14.04 ± 5.89, p < 0.01). For Oral LL-37, as early as treated in 6 days, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for a primary event of nucleic acid negative outcome was 6.27-fold higher than 7-day-later (HR: 6.276, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.631-10.848, p < 0.0001), and the adjusted HR of Oral LL-37 within 6 days is higher than placebo (HR: 2.427 95% CI: 1.239-4.751, p = 0.0097). No severe AEs were observed during hospitalization and follow-up investigation. This study shows that early intervention of Oral LL-37 incredibly reduces NCT implying a potential for clearance of Omicron BA.5.1.3 without evident safety concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hainan Hospital, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Sanya, Hainan, China
| | - Hanlin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhizhuang Zhao
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Hainan Hospital, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Sanya, Hainan, China
| | - Fangfang Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Dong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mingzhi Shen
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hainan Hospital, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Sanya, Hainan, China
| | - Zhe Luan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hanwen Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Junling Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Congyong Li
- Department of Geriatric Gastroenterology, Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hainan Hospital, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Sanya, Hainan, China
| | - Zhiwei Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Hainan Hospital, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Sanya, Hainan, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Aihua Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huiling Li
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Hospital, PLA General Hospital, Sanya, Hainan, China
| | - Shufang Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wanzhu Jin
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Gang Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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Matsumura Y. Inadequate therapeutic responses to glucocorticoid treatment in bronchial asthma. J Int Med Res 2023; 51:3000605231175746. [PMID: 37296513 DOI: 10.1177/03000605231175746] [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: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Bronchial asthma (BA) is a heterogeneous disease. Some patients benefit greatly from glucocorticoid (GC) treatment, whereas others are non-responders. This could be attributable to differences in pathobiology. Thus, predicting the responses to GC treatment in patients with BA is necessary to increase the success rates of GC therapy and avoid adverse effects. The sustained inflammation in BA decreases glucocorticoid receptor (GR, NR3C1) function. Meanwhile, GRβ overexpression might contribute to GC resistance. Important factors in decreased GR function include p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent GR phosphorylated at Ser226, reduced expression of histone deacetylase 2 following activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-δ signaling pathway, and increased nuclear factor-kappa B activity. MicroRNAs, which are involved in GC sensitivity, are considered biomarkers of the response to inhaled GCs. Some studies revealed that inflammatory phenotypes and disease-related modifiable factors, including infections, the airway microbiome, mental stress, smoking, and obesity, regulate individual sensitivity to GCs. Therefore, future investigations are warranted to improve treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Matsumura
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sasaki Foundation Kyoundo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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Takahashi T, Jobe AH, Fee EL, Newnham JP, Schmidt AF, Usuda H, Kemp MW. The complex challenge of antenatal steroid therapy nonresponsiveness. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 227:696-704. [PMID: 35932879 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Antenatal steroid therapy is standard care for women at imminent risk of preterm delivery. When deliveries occur within 7 days of treatment, antenatal steroid therapy reduces the risk of neonatal death and improves preterm outcomes by exerting diverse developmental effects on the fetal organs, in particular the preterm lung and cardiovascular system. There is, however, sizable variability in antenatal steroid treatment efficacy, and an important percentage of fetuses exposed to antenatal steroid therapy do not respond sufficiently to derive benefit. Respiratory distress syndrome, for example, is a central metric of clinical trials to assess antenatal steroid outcomes. In the present analysis, we addressed the concept of antenatal steroid nonresponsiveness, and defined a failed or suboptimal response to antenatal steroids as death or a diagnosis of respiratory distress syndrome following treatment. For deliveries at 24 to 35 weeks' gestation, the number needed to treat to prevent 1 case of respiratory distress syndrome was 19 (95% confidence interval, 14-28). Reflecting gestation-dependent risk, for deliveries at >34 weeks' gestation the number needed to treat was 55 (95% confidence interval, 30-304), whereas for elective surgical deliveries at term this number was 106 (95% confidence interval, 61-421). We reviewed data from clinical and animal studies investigating antenatal steroid therapy to highlight the significant incidence of antenatal steroid therapy nonresponsiveness (ie, residual mortality or respiratory distress syndrome after treatment), and the potential mechanisms underpinning this outcome variability. The origins of this variability may be related to both the manner in which the therapy is applied (ie, the treatment regimen itself) and factors specific to the individual (ie, genetic variation, stress, infection). The primary aims of this review were: (1) to emphasize to the obstetrical and neonatal communities the extent of antenatal steroid response variability and its potential impact; (2) to propose approaches by which antenatal steroid therapy may be better applied to improve overall benefit; and (3) to stimulate further research toward the empirical optimization of this important antenatal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsukasa Takahashi
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Center for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Alan H Jobe
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Erin L Fee
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - John P Newnham
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | | | - Haruo Usuda
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Center for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Matthew W Kemp
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Center for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan; School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
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5
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Sabbatinelli J, Matacchione G, Giuliani A, Ramini D, Rippo MR, Procopio AD, Bonafè M, Olivieri F. Circulating biomarkers of inflammaging as potential predictors of COVID-19 severe outcomes. Mech Ageing Dev 2022; 204:111667. [PMID: 35341896 PMCID: PMC8949647 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2022.111667] [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] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection has been of unprecedented clinical and socio-economic worldwide relevance. The case fatality rate for COVID-19 grows exponentially with age and the presence of comorbidities. In the older patients, COVID-19 manifests predominantly as a systemic disease associated with immunological, inflammatory, and procoagulant responses. Timely diagnosis and risk stratification are crucial steps to define appropriate therapies and reduce mortality, especially in the older patients. Chronically and systemically activated innate immune responses and impaired antiviral responses have been recognized as the results of a progressive remodeling of the immune system during aging, which can be described by the words 'immunosenescence' and 'inflammaging'. These age-related features of the immune system were highlighted in patients affected by COVID-19 with the poorest clinical outcomes, suggesting that the mechanisms underpinning immunosenescence and inflammaging could be relevant for COVID-19 pathogenesis and progression. Increasing evidence suggests that senescent myeloid and endothelial cells are characterized by the acquisition of a senescence-associated pro-inflammatory phenotype (SASP), which is considered as the main culprit of both immunosenescence and inflammaging. Here, we reviewed this evidence and highlighted several circulating biomarkers of inflammaging that could provide additional prognostic information to stratify COVID-19 patients based on the risk of severe outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Sabbatinelli
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Laboratory Medicine, AOU Ospedali Riuniti, Ancona, Italy
| | - Giulia Matacchione
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Angelica Giuliani
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Deborah Ramini
- Center of Clinical Pathology and Innovative Therapy, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Rippo
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Antonio Domenico Procopio
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Center of Clinical Pathology and Innovative Therapy, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Bonafè
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabiola Olivieri
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Center of Clinical Pathology and Innovative Therapy, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy.
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Crosstalk between p38 MAPK and GR Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063322. [PMID: 35328742 PMCID: PMC8953609 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The p38 MAPK is a signaling pathway important for cells to respond to environmental and intracellular stress. Upon activation, the p38 kinase phosphorylates downstream effectors, which control the inflammatory response and coordinate fundamental cellular processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. Dysregulation of this signaling pathway has been linked to inflammatory diseases and cancer. Secretion of glucocorticoids (GCs) is a classical endocrine response to stress. The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is the primary effector of GCs and plays an important role in the regulation of cell metabolism and immune response by influencing gene expression in response to hormone-dependent activation. Its ligands, the GCs or steroids, in natural or synthetic variation, are used as standard therapy for anti-inflammatory treatment, severe asthma, autoimmune diseases, and several types of cancer. Several years ago, the GR was identified as one of the downstream targets of p38, and, at the same time, it was shown that glucocorticoids could influence p38 signaling. In this review, we discuss the role of the crosstalk between the p38 and GR in the regulation of gene expression in response to steroids and comprehend the importance and potential of this interplay in future clinical applications.
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Are Host Defense Peptides and Their Derivatives Ready to be Part of the Treatment of the Next Coronavirus Pandemic? Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2021; 69:25. [PMID: 34529143 PMCID: PMC8444179 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-021-00630-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The term host defense peptides arose at the beginning to refer to those peptides that are part of the host’s immunity. Because of their broad antimicrobial capacity and immunomodulatory activity, nowadays, they emerge as a hope to combat resistant multi-drug microorganisms and emerging viruses, such as the case of coronaviruses. Since the beginning of this century, coronaviruses have been part of different outbreaks and a pandemic, and they will be surely part of the next pandemics, this review analyses whether these peptides and their derivatives are ready to be part of the treatment of the next coronavirus pandemic.
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Kurpe SR, Grishin SY, Surin AK, Panfilov AV, Slizen MV, Chowdhury SD, Galzitskaya OV. Antimicrobial and Amyloidogenic Activity of Peptides. Can Antimicrobial Peptides Be Used against SARS-CoV-2? Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9552. [PMID: 33333996 PMCID: PMC7765370 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
At present, much attention is paid to the use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) of natural and artificial origin to combat pathogens. AMPs have several points that determine their biological activity. We analyzed the structural properties of AMPs, as well as described their mechanism of action and impact on pathogenic bacteria and viruses. Recently published data on the development of new AMP drugs based on a combination of molecular design and genetic engineering approaches are presented. In this article, we have focused on information on the amyloidogenic properties of AMP. This review examines AMP development strategies from the perspective of the current high prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and the potential prospects and challenges of using AMPs against infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislav R. Kurpe
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (S.R.K.); (S.Y.G.); (A.K.S.); (A.V.P.); (M.V.S.)
| | - Sergei Yu. Grishin
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (S.R.K.); (S.Y.G.); (A.K.S.); (A.V.P.); (M.V.S.)
| | - Alexey K. Surin
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (S.R.K.); (S.Y.G.); (A.K.S.); (A.V.P.); (M.V.S.)
- The Branch of the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 142279 Obolensk, Russia
| | - Alexander V. Panfilov
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (S.R.K.); (S.Y.G.); (A.K.S.); (A.V.P.); (M.V.S.)
| | - Mikhail V. Slizen
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (S.R.K.); (S.Y.G.); (A.K.S.); (A.V.P.); (M.V.S.)
| | - Saikat D. Chowdhury
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur 741246, West Bengal, India;
| | - Oxana V. Galzitskaya
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (S.R.K.); (S.Y.G.); (A.K.S.); (A.V.P.); (M.V.S.)
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia
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