1
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Li S, Mu R, Guo X. Defensins regulate cell cycle: Insights of defensins on cellular proliferation and division. Life Sci 2024; 349:122740. [PMID: 38777302 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122740] [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: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Defensins are a class of small antimicrobial peptides that play a crucial role against pathogens. However, recent research has highlighted defensins exhibit the ability to influence cell cycle checkpoints, promoting or inhibiting specific phases such as G1 arrest or S/M transition. By regulating the cell cycle, defensins impact the proliferation of normal and cancerous cells, with implications for cancer development and progression. Dysregulation of defensin expression can disrupt the delicate balance of cell cycle regulation, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and an increased risk of tumor formation. Defensins contribute to the resolution of inflammation, stimulate angiogenesis, and enhance the migration and proliferation of cells involved in tissue repair. Furthermore, The ability of defensins to respond to microenvironmental changes further demonstrates the significance of these peptides in host defense mechanisms and immune function. By adjusting their expression, defensins continue to combat pathogens effectively and maintain homeostasis within the body. This review highlights the multifaceted role of defensins in regulating the cell cycle and their broader implications in cancer progression, tissue repair, and microenvironmental response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Li
- Institute of Wound Prevention and Treatment, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China.
| | - Rongrong Mu
- Affiliated Hospital of Sichuan Nursing Vocational College, The Third People's Hospital of Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xueqin Guo
- Department of Pathology, Gaomi City People's Hospital, Gaomi 261500, China
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2
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Gao X, Feng J, Wei L, Dong P, Chen J, Zhang L, Yang Y, Xu L, Wang H, Luo J, Qin M. Defensins: A novel weapon against Mycobacterium tuberculosis? Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 127:111383. [PMID: 38118315 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111383] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious airborne communicable disease caused by organisms of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) complex. Although the standard treatment antimicrobials, including isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol, have made great progress in the treatment of TB, problems including the rising incidence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB), the severe toxicity and side effects of antimicrobials, and the low immunity of TB patients have become the bottlenecks of the current TB treatments. Therefore, both safe and effective new strategies to prevent and treat TB have become a top priority. As a subfamily of cationic antimicrobial peptides, defensins are rich in cysteine and play a vital role in resisting the invasion of microorganisms and regulating the immune response. Inspired by studies on the roles of defensins in host defence, we describe their research history and then review their structural features and antimicrobial mechanisms, specifically for fighting Mtb in detail. Finally, we discuss the clinical relevance, therapeutic potential, and potential challenges of defensins in anti-TB therapy. We further debate the possible solutions of the current application of defensins to provide new insights for eliminating Mtb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuehan Gao
- Department of Immunology, Center of Immunomolecular Engineering, Innovation & Practice Base for Graduate Students Education, Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection & Therapy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China
| | - Jihong Feng
- Department of Oncology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui People's Hospital, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Linna Wei
- Department of Immunology, Center of Immunomolecular Engineering, Innovation & Practice Base for Graduate Students Education, Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection & Therapy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China
| | - Pinzhi Dong
- Department of Immunology, Center of Immunomolecular Engineering, Innovation & Practice Base for Graduate Students Education, Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection & Therapy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China
| | - Jin Chen
- Department of Immunology, Center of Immunomolecular Engineering, Innovation & Practice Base for Graduate Students Education, Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection & Therapy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China
| | - Langlang Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Center of Immunomolecular Engineering, Innovation & Practice Base for Graduate Students Education, Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection & Therapy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China
| | - Yuhan Yang
- Department of Immunology, Center of Immunomolecular Engineering, Innovation & Practice Base for Graduate Students Education, Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection & Therapy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China
| | - Lin Xu
- Department of Immunology, Center of Immunomolecular Engineering, Innovation & Practice Base for Graduate Students Education, Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection & Therapy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China
| | - Haiyan Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China
| | - Junmin Luo
- Department of Immunology, Center of Immunomolecular Engineering, Innovation & Practice Base for Graduate Students Education, Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection & Therapy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China.
| | - Ming Qin
- Department of Immunology, Center of Immunomolecular Engineering, Innovation & Practice Base for Graduate Students Education, Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection & Therapy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China; Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China.
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3
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Loffredo MR, Nencioni L, Mangoni ML, Casciaro B. Antimicrobial peptides for novel antiviral strategies in the current post-COVID-19 pandemic. J Pept Sci 2024; 30:e3534. [PMID: 37501572 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The recent pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has highlighted how urgent and necessary the discovery of new antiviral compounds is for novel therapeutic approaches. Among the various classes of molecules with antiviral activity, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) of innate immunity are among the most promising ones, mainly due to their different mechanisms of action against viruses and additional biological properties. In this review, the main physicochemical characteristics of AMPs are described, with particular interest toward peptides derived from amphibian skin. Living in aquatic and terrestrial environments, amphibians are one of the richest sources of AMPs with different primary and secondary structures. Besides describing the various antiviral activities of these peptides and the underlying mechanism, this review aims at emphasizing the high potential of these small molecules for the development of new antiviral agents that likely reduce the selection of resistant strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosa Loffredo
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Nencioni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Bruno Casciaro
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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4
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Chan LC, Mat Yassim AS, Ahmad Fuaad AAH, Leow TC, Sabri S, Radin Yahaya RS, Abu Bakar AMS. Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease by the anti-viral chimeric protein RetroMAD1. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20178. [PMID: 37978223 PMCID: PMC10656507 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47511-z] [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: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 results from SARS-CoV-2, which mutates frequently, challenging current treatments. Therefore, it is critical to develop new therapeutic drugs against this disease. This study explores the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro and RetroMAD1, a well-characterized coronavirus protein and potential drug target, using in-silico methods. The analysis through the HDOCK server showed stable complex formation with a binding energy of -12.3, the lowest among reference drugs. The RetroMAD1-3CLpro complex underwent a 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) in an explicit solvation system, generating various trajectories, including RMSD, RMSF, hydrogen bonding, radius of gyration, and ligand binding energy. MDS results confirmed intact interactions within the RetroMAD1-3CLpro complex during simulations. In vitro experiments validated RetroMAD1's ability to inhibit 3CLpro enzyme activity and prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection in human bronchial cells. RetroMAD1 exhibited antiviral efficacy comparable to Remdesivir without cytotoxicity at effective concentrations. These results suggest RetroMAD1 as a potential drug candidate against SARS-CoV-2, warranting further in vivo and clinical studies to assess its efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee-Chin Chan
- Biovalence Sdn. Bhd., 22, Jalan SS 25/34, Taman Mayang, 47301, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
- Biovalence Technologies Pte. Ltd., #06-307 The Plaza, 7500A Beach Road, Singapore, 199591, Singapore
| | - Aini Syahida Mat Yassim
- Biovalence Sdn. Bhd., 22, Jalan SS 25/34, Taman Mayang, 47301, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
- Biovalence Technologies Pte. Ltd., #06-307 The Plaza, 7500A Beach Road, Singapore, 199591, Singapore.
- School of Health Science, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
| | - Abdullah Al Hadi Ahmad Fuaad
- Centre of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences in Self-Assembly (FSSA), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Thean Chor Leow
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology Research Center, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Suriana Sabri
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology Research Center, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Radin Shafierul Radin Yahaya
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Awang Muhammad Sagaf Abu Bakar
- Jabatan Perkhidmatan Veterinar Sabah, Aras 3, Blok B, Wisma Pertanian Sabah, Jalan Tasik, Luyang (Off Jln Maktab Gaya), Beg Berkunci 2051, 88999, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
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5
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Fu J, Zong X, Jin M, Min J, Wang F, Wang Y. Mechanisms and regulation of defensins in host defense. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:300. [PMID: 37574471 PMCID: PMC10423725 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01553-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
As a family of cationic host defense peptides, defensins are mainly synthesized by Paneth cells, neutrophils, and epithelial cells, contributing to host defense. Their biological functions in innate immunity, as well as their structure and activity relationships, along with their mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential, have been of great interest in recent years. To highlight the key research into the role of defensins in human and animal health, we first describe their research history, structural features, evolution, and antimicrobial mechanisms. Next, we cover the role of defensins in immune homeostasis, chemotaxis, mucosal barrier function, gut microbiota regulation, intestinal development and regulation of cell death. Further, we discuss their clinical relevance and therapeutic potential in various diseases, including infectious disease, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes and obesity, chronic inflammatory lung disease, periodontitis and cancer. Finally, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the nutrient-dependent regulation of defensins, including fatty acids, amino acids, microelements, plant extracts, and probiotics, while considering the clinical application of such regulation. Together, the review summarizes the various biological functions, mechanism of actions and potential clinical significance of defensins, along with the challenges in developing defensins-based therapy, thus providing crucial insights into their biology and potential clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Fu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xin Zong
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Mingliang Jin
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Junxia Min
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Fudi Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Public Health, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Basic Medical Sciences, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China.
| | - Yizhen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
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6
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Gao B, Zhu S. Enhancement of SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain activity by two microbial defensins. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1195156. [PMID: 37405160 PMCID: PMC10315472 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1195156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptide binders are of great interest to both basic and biomedical research due to their unique properties in manipulating protein functions in a precise spatial and temporal manner. The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein is a ligand that captures human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) to initiate infection. The development of binders of RBDs has value either as antiviral leads or as versatile tools to study the functional properties of RBDs dependent on their binding positions on the RBDs. In this study, we report two microbe-derived antibacterial defensins with RBD-binding activity. These two naturally occurring binders bind wild-type RBD (WT RBD) and RBDs from various variants with moderate-to-high affinity (7.6-1,450 nM) and act as activators that enhance the ACE2-binding activity of RBDs. Using a computational approach, we mapped an allosteric pathway in WT RBD that connects its ACE2-binding sites to other distal regions. The latter is targeted by the defensins, in which a cation-π interaction could trigger the peptide-elicited allostery in RBDs. The discovery of the two positive allosteric peptides of SARS-CoV-2 RBD will promote the development of new molecular tools for investigating the biochemical mechanisms of RBD allostery.
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7
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Tyler TJ, Durek T, Craik DJ. Native and Engineered Cyclic Disulfide-Rich Peptides as Drug Leads. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28073189. [PMID: 37049950 PMCID: PMC10096437 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28073189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioactive peptides are a highly abundant and diverse group of molecules that exhibit a wide range of structural and functional variation. Despite their immense therapeutic potential, bioactive peptides have been traditionally perceived as poor drug candidates, largely due to intrinsic shortcomings that reflect their endogenous heritage, i.e., short biological half-lives and poor cell permeability. In this review, we examine the utility of molecular engineering to insert bioactive sequences into constrained scaffolds with desired pharmaceutical properties. Applying lessons learnt from nature, we focus on molecular grafting of cyclic disulfide-rich scaffolds (naturally derived or engineered), shown to be intrinsically stable and amenable to sequence modifications, and their utility as privileged frameworks in drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan J. Tyler
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Thomas Durek
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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8
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Yang M, Liu S, Zhang C. Antimicrobial peptides with antiviral and anticancer properties and their modification and nanodelivery systems. CURRENT RESEARCH IN BIOTECHNOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.crbiot.2023.100121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
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9
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Antiviral Peptides in Antimicrobial Surface Coatings—From Current Techniques to Potential Applications. Viruses 2023; 15:v15030640. [PMID: 36992349 PMCID: PMC10051592 DOI: 10.3390/v15030640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The transmission of pathogens through contact with contaminated surfaces is an important route for the spread of infections. The recent outbreak of COVID-19 highlights the necessity to attenuate surface-mediated transmission. Currently, the disinfection and sanitization of surfaces are commonly performed in this regard. However, there are some disadvantages associated with these practices, including the development of antibiotic resistance, viral mutation, etc.; hence, a better strategy is necessary. In recent years, peptides have been studied to be utilized as a potential alternative. They are part of the host immune defense and have many potential in vivo applications in drug delivery, diagnostics, immunomodulation, etc. Additionally, the ability of peptides to interact with different molecules and membrane surfaces of microorganisms has made it possible to exploit them in ex vivo applications such as antimicrobial (antibacterial and antiviral) coatings. Although antibacterial peptide coatings have been studied extensively and proven to be effective, antiviral coatings are a more recent development. Therefore, this study aims to highlight antiviral coating strategies and the current practices and application of antiviral coating materials in personal protective equipment, healthcare devices, and textiles and surfaces in public settings. Here, we have presented a review on potential techniques to incorporate peptides in current surface coating strategies that will serve as a guide for developing cost-effective, sustainable and coherent antiviral surface coatings. We further our discussion to highlight some challenges of using peptides as a surface coating material and to examine future perspectives.
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10
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Bilezikian JP, Binkley N, De Luca HF, Fassio A, Formenti AM, Fuleihan GEH, Heijboer AC, Giustina A. Consensus and Controversial Aspects of Vitamin D and COVID-19. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 108:1034-1042. [PMID: 36477486 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This work aims to review and discuss controversial topics in the field of vitamin D, SARS-CoV-2 infection, and COVID-19. PARTICIPANTS The International Conferences "Controversies in Vitamin D" are a series of workshops that started in 2017 featuring international experts and leaders in vitamin D research and clinical practice. The 5th annual conference was held in Stresa, Italy, from 15 to 18 September 2021. EVIDENCE Before the event, participants reviewed available studies on their assigned topic, drafted a related abstract, and presented their findings at the time of the conference. Relevant literature that became available since was also discussed within the panel and updated accordingly. CONSENSUS Before the event, the drafted abstracts had been merged to prepare a preliminary document. After the conference presentations, in-depth discussions in open sessions led to consensus. The document was subsequently modified according to discussions and up-to-date literature inclusion. CONCLUSIONS There is quite consistent evidence for an association between low 25 OH vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and poor COVID-19 outcomes, despite heterogeneous publications of variable quality. However, the low vitamin D status in COVID-19 patients might also reflect reverse causality. Vitamin D supplementation might have a positive role in COVID-19 prevention. The evidence supporting a beneficial effect of vitamin D treatment in decreasing the risk of COVID-19 complications is conflicting. Conclusive statement regarding the beneficial effect of vitamin D in this context await high-quality randomized controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Bilezikian
- Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Neil Binkley
- Department of Medicine, Geriatrics Faculty, Medical Sciences Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Hector F De Luca
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Angelo Fassio
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Formenti
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Sciences (IEMS), San Raffaele Vita-Salute University, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Ghada El-Hajj Fuleihan
- Calcium Metabolism and Osteoporosis Program, WHO Collaborating Center for Metabolic Bone Disorders, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Annemieke C Heijboer
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Endocrine Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Endocrine Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea Giustina
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Sciences (IEMS), San Raffaele Vita-Salute University, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
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11
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Zhao H, To KKW, Lam H, Zhang C, Peng Z, Meng X, Wang X, Zhang AJ, Yan B, Cai J, Yeung ML, Chan JFW, Yuen KY. A trifunctional peptide broadly inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron variants in hamsters. Cell Discov 2022; 8:62. [PMID: 35768416 PMCID: PMC9243000 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-022-00428-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of highly transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variants has led to the waves of the resurgence of COVID-19 cases. Effective antivirals against variants are required. Here we demonstrate that a human-derived peptide 4H30 has broad antiviral activity against the ancestral virus and four Variants of Concern (VOCs) in vitro. Mechanistically, 4H30 can inhibit three distinct steps of the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle. Specifically, 4H30 blocks viral entry by clustering SARS-CoV-2 virions; prevents membrane fusion by inhibiting endosomal acidification; and inhibits the release of virions by cross-linking SARS-CoV-2 with cellular glycosaminoglycans. In vivo studies show that 4H30 significantly reduces the lung viral titers in hamsters, with a more potent reduction for the Omicron variant than the Delta variant. This is likely because the entry of the Omicron variant mainly relies on the endocytic pathway which is targeted by 4H30. Moreover, 4H30 reduces syncytia formation in infected hamster lungs. These findings provide a proof of concept that a single antiviral can inhibit viral entry, fusion, and release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanjun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China. .,Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China. .,Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Kelvin Kai-Wang To
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.,Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, China.,Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.,Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangdong, China
| | - Hoiyan Lam
- Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chuyuan Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zheng Peng
- Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xinjie Meng
- Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.,Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiankun Wang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Anna Jinxia Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.,Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - Bingpeng Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jianpiao Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Man Lung Yeung
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.,Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jasper Fuk-Woo Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.,Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, China.,Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.,Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangdong, China
| | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China. .,Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China. .,Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, China. .,Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China. .,Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangdong, China.
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12
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Li X, Zuo S, Wang B, Zhang K, Wang Y. Antimicrobial Mechanisms and Clinical Application Prospects of Antimicrobial Peptides. Molecules 2022; 27:2675. [PMID: 35566025 PMCID: PMC9104849 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27092675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are a type of small-molecule peptide that widely exist in nature and are components of the innate immunity of almost all living things. They play an important role in resisting foreign invading microorganisms. Antimicrobial peptides have a wide range of antibacterial activities against bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microorganisms. They are active against traditional antibiotic-resistant strains and do not easily induce the development of drug resistance. Therefore, they have become a hot spot of medical research and are expected to become a new substitute for fighting microbial infection and represent a new method for treating drug-resistant bacteria. This review briefly introduces the source and structural characteristics of antimicrobial peptides and describes those that have been used against common clinical microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, and especially coronaviruses), focusing on their antimicrobial mechanism of action and clinical application prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; (X.L.); (B.W.)
| | - Siyao Zuo
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China;
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; (X.L.); (B.W.)
| | - Kaiyu Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; (X.L.); (B.W.)
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; (X.L.); (B.W.)
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13
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Human α-Defensin-6 Neutralizes Clostridioides difficile Toxins TcdA and TcdB by Direct Binding. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094509. [PMID: 35562899 PMCID: PMC9101188 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Rising incidences and mortalities have drawn attention to Clostridioides difficile infections (CDIs) in recent years. The main virulence factors of this bacterium are the exotoxins TcdA and TcdB, which glucosylate Rho-GTPases and thereby inhibit Rho/actin-mediated processes in cells. This results in cell rounding, gut barrier disruption and characteristic clinical symptoms. So far, treatment of CDIs is limited and mainly restricted to some antibiotics, often leading to a vicious circle of antibiotic-induced disease recurrence. Here, we demonstrate the protective effect of the human antimicrobial peptide α-defensin-6 against TcdA, TcdB and the combination of both toxins in vitro and in vivo and unravel the underlying molecular mechanism. The defensin prevented toxin-mediated glucosylation of Rho-GTPases in cells and protected human cells, model epithelial barriers as well as zebrafish embryos from toxic effects. In vitro analyses revealed direct binding to TcdB in an SPR approach and the rapid formation of TcdB/α-defensin-6 complexes, as analyzed with fluorescent TcdB by time-lapse microscopy. In conclusion, the results imply that α-defensin-6 rapidly sequesters the toxin into complexes, which prevents its cytotoxic activity. These findings extend the understanding of how human peptides neutralize bacterial protein toxins and might be a starting point for the development of novel therapeutic options against CDIs.
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14
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Diagnostic and Therapeutic Potential for HNP-1, HBD-1 and HBD-4 in Pregnant Women with COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073450. [PMID: 35408809 PMCID: PMC8998699 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy is characterized by significant immunological changes and a cytokine profile, as well as vitamin deficiencies that can cause problems for the correct development of a fetus. Defensins are small antimicrobial peptides that are part of the innate immune system and are involved in several biological activities. Following that, this study aims to compare the levels of various cytokines and to investigate the role of defensins between pregnant women with confirmed COVID-19 infection and pregnant women without any defined risk factor. TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-2 and IL-10, β-defensins, have been evaluated by gene expression in our population. At the same time, by ELISA assay IL-6, IL-8, defensin alpha 1, defensin beta 1 and defensin beta 4 have been measured. The data obtained show that mothers affected by COVID-19 have an increase in pro-inflammatory factors (TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8) compared to controls; this increase could generate a sort of “protection of the fetus” from virus attacks. Contemporarily, we have an increase in the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and an increase in AMPs, which highlights how the mother’s body is responding to the viral attack. These results allow us to hypothesize a mechanism of “trafficking” of antimicrobial peptides from the mother to the fetus that would help the fetus to protect itself from the infection in progress.
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15
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Qi S, Gao B, Zhu S. A Fungal Defensin Inhibiting Bacterial Cell-Wall Biosynthesis with Non-Hemolysis and Serum Stability. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8020174. [PMID: 35205928 PMCID: PMC8877149 DOI: 10.3390/jof8020174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Defensins are a class of cationic disulfide-bridged antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) present in many eukaryotic organisms and even in bacteria. They primarily include two distinct but evolutionarily related superfamilies (cis and trans). Defensins in fungi belong to the members of the cis-superfamily with the cysteine-stabilized α-helical and β-sheet fold. To date, many fungal defensin-like peptides (fDLPs) have been found through gene mining of the genome resource, but only a few have been experimentally characterized. Here, we report the structural and functional characterization of Pyronesin4 (abbreviated as Py4), a fDLP previously identified by genomic sequencing of the basal filamentous ascomycete Pyronema confluens. Chemically, synthetic Py4 adopts a native-like structure and exhibits activity on an array of Gram-positive bacteria including some clinical isolates of Staphylococcus and Staphylococcus warneri, a conditioned pathogen inhabiting in human skin. Py4 markedly altered the bacterial morphology and caused cytoplasmic accumulation of the cell-wall synthesis precursor through binding to the membrane-bound Lipid II, indicating that it works as an inhibitor of cell-wall biosynthesis. Py4 showed no hemolysis and high mammalian serum stability. This work identified a new fungal defensin with properties relevant to drug exploration. Intramolecular epistasis between mutational sites of fDLPs is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudong Qi
- Group of Peptide Biology and Evolution, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China; (S.Q.); (B.G.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Bin Gao
- Group of Peptide Biology and Evolution, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China; (S.Q.); (B.G.)
| | - Shunyi Zhu
- Group of Peptide Biology and Evolution, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China; (S.Q.); (B.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-010-6480-7112
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16
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Zhu S, Gao B, Umetsu Y, Peigneur S, Li P, Ohki S, Tytgat J. Adaptively evolved human oral actinomyces-sourced defensins show therapeutic potential. EMBO Mol Med 2021; 14:e14499. [PMID: 34927385 PMCID: PMC8819291 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202114499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of eukaryote‐derived antimicrobial peptides as systemically administered drugs has proven a challenging task. Here, we report the first human oral actinomyces‐sourced defensin—actinomycesin—that shows promise for systemic therapy. Actinomycesin and its homologs are only present in actinobacteria and myxobacteria, and share similarity with a group of ancient invertebrate‐type defensins reported in fungi and invertebrates. Signatures of natural selection were detected in defensins from the actinomyces colonized in human oral cavity and ruminant rumen and dental plaque, highlighting their role in adaptation to complex multispecies bacterial communities. Consistently, actinomycesin exhibited potent antibacterial activity against oral bacteria and clinical isolates of Staphylococcus and synergized with two classes of human salivary antibacterial factors. Actinomycesin specifically inhibited bacterial peptidoglycan synthesis and displayed weak immunomodulatory activity and low toxicity on human and mammalian cells and ion channels in the heart and central nervous system. Actinomycesin was highly efficient in mice infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae and mice with MRSA‐induced experimental peritoneal infection. This work identifies human oral bacteria as a new source of systemic anti‐infective drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunyi Zhu
- Group of Peptide Biology and Evolution, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Gao
- Group of Peptide Biology and Evolution, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yoshitaka Umetsu
- Center for Nano Materials and Technology (CNMT), Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), Nomi, Japan
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ping Li
- Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety (Chinese Academy of Sciences), National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Shinya Ohki
- Center for Nano Materials and Technology (CNMT), Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), Nomi, Japan
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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