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Fingerhut L, Yücel L, Strutzberg-Minder K, von Köckritz-Blickwede M, Ohnesorge B, de Buhr N. Ex Vivo and In Vitro Analysis Identify a Detrimental Impact of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps on Eye Structures in Equine Recurrent Uveitis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:830871. [PMID: 35251020 PMCID: PMC8896353 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.830871] [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: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) is a common ocular disease of horses and described as a model for human autoimmune uveitis. This immune-mediated, inflammatory condition progressively destroys the eye, ultimately leading to blindness. Genetic and autoimmune factors, next to infections with Leptospira, are discussed as key factors in the pathogenesis. Furthermore, a release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) by activated neutrophils is involved. NETs are composed of decondensed chromatin and proteins that can immobilize invading pathogens. However, if NETs accumulate, they can contribute to detrimental autoimmune processes. Thus, we aimed to investigate the impact of NETs in ERU patients. Therefore, we quantified several NET-markers (cell-free DNA, nucleosomes, citrullinated histone H3, histone-myeloperoxidase complexes, interleukin-17, equine cathelicidin 1 and DNase I activity) and NET-autoantibodies in sera and vitreous body fluids (VBF) of ERU-diseased horses and correlated the data with the disease status (signalment, ERU scores and Leptospira infection status). NET markers were detected to varying degrees in VBF of diseased horses, and partially correlated to disease severity and the presence of Leptospira spp. Cell-free DNA and nucleosomes as NET markers correlate with ERU severity in total and VBF scores, despite the presence of active DNases. Additionally, a significant correlation between fundus affection in the eye and NET autoantibodies was detectable. Therefore, we further investigated the influence of VBF samples from equine patients and isolated NETs on the blood-retina barrier in a cell culture model. VBF of diseased horses significantly induced cytotoxicity in retinal pigment epithelial cells. Moreover, partially digested NETs also resulted in cytotoxic effects. In the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the main component of the leptospiral surface, both undigested and completely digested NETs were cytotoxic. Correlations between the ERU-scores and Leptospira were also calculated. Detection of leptospiral DNA, and antibody titers of the serovar Grippotyphosa correlated with disease severity. In addition, a correlation between Leptospira and several NET markers was observed in VBF. Altogether, our findings suggest a positive correlation between NET markers with disease severity and involvement of Leptospira in the VBF of ERU-diseased horses, as well as a cytotoxic effect of NETs in eyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Fingerhut
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.,Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.,Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Leyla Yücel
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.,Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Maren von Köckritz-Blickwede
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.,Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Bernhard Ohnesorge
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nicole de Buhr
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.,Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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Valdez-Miramontes CE, De Haro-Acosta J, Aréchiga-Flores CF, Verdiguel-Fernández L, Rivas-Santiago B. Antimicrobial peptides in domestic animals and their applications in veterinary medicine. Peptides 2021; 142:170576. [PMID: 34033877 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are molecules with a broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses. These peptides are widely distributed in insects, amphibians and mammals. Indeed, they are key molecules of the innate immune system with remarkable antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activity. Besides, these peptides have also shown regulatory activity for gut microbiota and have been considered inductors of growth performance. The current review describes the updated findings of antimicrobial peptides in domestic animals, such as bovines, goats, sheep, pigs, horses, canines and felines, analyzing the most relevant aspects of their use as potential therapeutics and their applications in Veterinary medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Valdez-Miramontes
- Academic Unit of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Zacatecas, Zacatecas, Mexico.
| | - Jeny De Haro-Acosta
- Medical Research Unit-Zacatecas, Mexican Institute for Social Security- IMSS, Zacatecas, Mexico
| | - C F Aréchiga-Flores
- Academic Unit of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Zacatecas, Zacatecas, Mexico
| | - L Verdiguel-Fernández
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Veterinary, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico
| | - B Rivas-Santiago
- Medical Research Unit-Zacatecas, Mexican Institute for Social Security- IMSS, Zacatecas, Mexico
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Zong X, Fu J, Xu B, Wang Y, Jin M. Interplay between gut microbiota and antimicrobial peptides. ANIMAL NUTRITION (ZHONGGUO XU MU SHOU YI XUE HUI) 2020; 6:389-396. [PMID: 33364454 PMCID: PMC7750803 DOI: 10.1016/j.aninu.2020.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The gut microbiota is comprised of a diverse array of microorganisms that interact with immune system and exert crucial roles for the health. Changes in the gut microbiota composition and functionality are associated with multiple diseases. As such, mobilizing a rapid and appropriate antimicrobial response depending on the nature of each stimulus is crucial for maintaining the balance between homeostasis and inflammation in the gut. Major players in this scenario are antimicrobial peptides (AMP), which belong to an ancient defense system found in all organisms and participate in a preservative co-evolution with a complex microbiome. Particularly increasing interactions between AMP and microbiota have been found in the gut. Here, we focus on the mechanisms by which AMP help to maintain a balanced microbiota and advancing our understanding of the circumstances of such balanced interactions between gut microbiota and host AMP. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview on the interplay of diverse antimicrobial responses with enteric pathogens and the gut microbiota, which should have therapeutic implications for different intestinal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zong
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jie Fu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Bocheng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yizhen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Mingliang Jin
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in the Pathogenesis of Equine Recurrent Uveitis (ERU). Cells 2019; 8:cells8121528. [PMID: 31783639 PMCID: PMC6953072 DOI: 10.3390/cells8121528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) is considered one of the most important eye diseases in horses and typically appears with relapsing inflammatory episodes without systemic effects. Various disorders have been described as an initial trigger, including infections. Independent of the initiating cause, there are numerous indications that ERU is an immune-mediated disease. We investigated whether neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are part of the ERU pathogenesis. Therefore, vitreous body fluids (VBF), sera, and histological sections of the eye from ERU-diseased horses were analyzed for the presence of NET markers and compared with horses with healthy eyes. In addition, NET formation by blood derived neutrophils was investigated in the presence of VBF derived from horses with healthy eyes versus ERU-diseased horses using immunofluorescence microscopy. Interestingly, NET markers like free DNA, histone-complexes, and myeloperoxidase were detected in higher amounts in samples from ERU-diseased horses. Furthermore, in vitro NET formation was higher in neutrophils incubated with VBF from diseased horses compared with those animals with healthy eyes. Finally, we characterized the ability of equine cathelicidins to induce NETs, as potential NET inducing factors in ERU-diseased horses. In summary, our findings lead to the hypothesis that ERU-diseased horses develop more NETs and that these may contribute to the pathogenesis of ERU.
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Grilz-Seger G, Druml T, Neuditschko M, Dobretsberger M, Horna M, Brem G. High-resolution population structure and runs of homozygosity reveal the genetic architecture of complex traits in the Lipizzan horse. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:174. [PMID: 30836959 PMCID: PMC6402180 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-5564-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The sample ascertainment bias due to complex population structures remains a major challenge in genome-wide investigations of complex traits. In this study we derived the high-resolution population structure and levels of autozygosity of 377 Lipizzan horses originating from five different European stud farms utilizing the SNP genotype information of the high density 700 k Affymetrix Axiom™ Equine genotyping array. Scanning the genome for overlapping runs of homozygosity (ROH) shared by more than 50% of horses, we identified homozygous regions (ROH islands) in order to investigate the gene content of those candidate regions by gene ontology and enrichment analyses. RESULTS The high-resolution population network approach revealed well-defined substructures according to the origin of the horses (Austria, Slovakia, Croatia and Hungary). The highest mean genome coverage of ROH (SROH) was identified in the Austrian (SROH = 342.9), followed by Croatian (SROH = 214.7), Slovakian (SROH = 205.1) and Hungarian (SROH = 171.5) subpopulations. ROH island analysis revealed five common islands on ECA11 and ECA14, hereby confirming a closer genetic relationship between the Hungarian and Croatian as well as between the Austrian and Slovakian samples. Private islands were detected for the Hungarian and the Austrian Lipizzan subpopulations. All subpopulations shared a homozygous region on ECA11, nearly identical in position and length containing among other genes the homeobox-B cluster, which was also significantly (p < 0.001) highlighted by enrichment analysis. Gene ontology terms were mostly related to biological processes involved in embryonic morphogenesis and anterior/posterior specification. Around the STX17 gene (causative for greying), we identified a ROH island harbouring the genes NR4A3, STX17, ERP44 and INVS. Within further islands on ECA14, ECA16 and ECA20 we detected the genes SPRY4, NDFIP1, IMPDH2, HSP90AB1, whereas SPRY4 and HSP90AB1 are involved in melanoma metastasis and survival rate of melanoma patients in humans. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that the assessment of high-resolution population structures within one single breed supports the downstream genetic analyses (e.g. the identification of ROH islands). By means of ROH island analyses, we identified the genes SPRY4, NDFIP1, IMPDH2, HSP90AB1, which might play an important role for further studies on equine melanoma. Furthermore, our results highlighted the impact of the homeobox-A and B cluster involved in morphogenesis of Lipizzan horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gertrud Grilz-Seger
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Department for Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Druml
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Department for Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Neuditschko
- Agroscope, Swiss National Stud Farm, Les Longs Prés, CH-1580 Avenches, Switzerland
| | - Max Dobretsberger
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Department for Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michaela Horna
- Department of Animal Husbandry, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Nitra-Chrenová, Slovak Republic
| | - Gottfried Brem
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Department for Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
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Ageitos J, Sánchez-Pérez A, Calo-Mata P, Villa T. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs): Ancient compounds that represent novel weapons in the fight against bacteria. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 133:117-138. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2016.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 328] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Giulotto E, Raimondi E, Sullivan KF. The Unique DNA Sequences Underlying Equine Centromeres. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR AND SUBCELLULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 56:337-354. [PMID: 28840244 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-58592-5_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Centromeres are highly distinctive genetic loci whose function is specified largely by epigenetic mechanisms. Understanding the role of DNA sequences in centromere function has been a daunting task due to the highly repetitive nature of centromeres in animal chromosomes. The discovery of a centromere devoid of satellite DNA in the domestic horse consolidated observations on the epigenetic nature of centromere identity, showing that entirely natural chromosomes could function without satellite DNA cues. Horses belong to the genus Equus which exhibits a very high degree of evolutionary plasticity in centromere position and DNA sequence composition. Examination of horses has revealed that the position of the satellite-free centromere is variable among individuals. Analysis of centromere location and composition in other Equus species, including domestic donkey and zebras, confirms that the satellite-less configuration of centromeres is common in this group which has undergone particularly rapid karyotype evolution. These features have established the equids as a new mammalian system in which to investigate the molecular organization, dynamics and evolutionary behaviour of centromeres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Giulotto
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie, Università di Pavia, Via Ferrata 1, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Elena Raimondi
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie, Università di Pavia, Via Ferrata 1, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Kevin F Sullivan
- National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland
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Killing of Trypanozoon Parasites by the Equine Cathelicidin eCATH1. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2016; 60:2610-9. [PMID: 26824936 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01127-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanozoon parasites infect both humans, causing sleeping sickness, and animals, causing nagana, surra, and dourine. Control of nagana and surra depends to a great extent on chemotherapy. However, drug resistance to several of the front-line drugs is rising. Furthermore, there is no official treatment for dourine. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop antiparasitic agents with novel modes of action. Host defense peptides have recently gained attention as promising candidates. We have previously reported that one such peptide, the equine antimicrobial peptide eCATH1, is highly active against equine Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, without cytotoxicity against mammalian cells at bacteriolytic concentrations. In the present study, we show that eCATH1 exhibits an in vitro 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 9.5 μM against Trypanosoma brucei brucei, Trypanosoma evansi, and Trypanosoma equiperdum Its trypanocidal mechanism involves plasma membrane permeabilization and mitochondrial alteration based on the following data: (i) eCATH1 induces the rapid influx of the vital dye SYTOX Green; (ii) it rapidly disrupts mitochondrial membrane potential, as revealed by immunofluorescence microscopy using the fluorescent dye rhodamine 123; (iii) it severely damages the membrane and intracellular structures of the parasites as early as 15 min after exposure at 9.5 μM and 5 min after exposure at higher concentrations (19 μM), as evidenced by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. We also demonstrate that administration of eCATH1 at a dose of 10 mg/kg to T. equiperdum-infected mice delays mortality. Taken together, our findings suggest that eCATH1 is an interesting template for the development of novel therapeutic agents in the treatment of trypanosome infections.
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Chemistry and Antimicrobial Potential of the Buffalo Myeloid Cathelicidin, BuMAP-34. Int J Pept Res Ther 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-016-9520-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Lee SI, Jang HJ, Jeon MH, Lee MO, Kim JS, Jeon IS, Byun SJ. Transcriptional regulation of cathelicidin genes in chicken bone marrow cells. Poult Sci 2016; 95:912-9. [PMID: 26908883 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pev361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cathelicidins form a family of vertebrate-specific immune molecules with an evolutionarily conserved gene structure. We analyzed the expression patterns of cathelicidin genes (CAMP, CATH3, and CATHB1) in chicken bone marrow cells (BMCs) and chicken embryonic fibroblasts (CEFs). We found that CAMP and CATHB1 were significantly up-regulated in BMCs, whereas the expression of CATH3 did not differ significantly between BMCs and CEFs. To study the mechanism underlying the up-regulation of cathelicidin genes in BMCs, we predicted the transcription factors (TFs) that bind to the 5'-flanking regions of cathelicidin genes. CEBPA, EBF1, HES1, MSX1, and ZIC3 were up-regulated in BMCs compared to CEFs. Subsequently, when a siRNA-mediated knockdown assay was performed for MSX1, the expression of CAMP and CATHB1 was decreased in BMCs. We also showed that the transcriptional activity of the CAMP promoter was decreased by mutation of the MSX1-binding sites present within the 5'-flanking region of CAMP. These results increase our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms controlling cathelicidin genes in BMCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang In Lee
- Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, 1500, Kongjwipatjwi-ro, Iseo-myeon, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do, 565-851, Republic of Korea Department of Animal Resource and Science, Dankook University, Cheonan, Choongnam, 330-714, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun June Jang
- College of Pharmacy, Dankook University, 119 Dandae-ro, Cheonan, Chungnam 330-714, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-hyang Jeon
- Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, 1500, Kongjwipatjwi-ro, Iseo-myeon, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do, 565-851, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Ock Lee
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4467
| | - Jeom Sun Kim
- Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, 1500, Kongjwipatjwi-ro, Iseo-myeon, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do, 565-851, Republic of Korea
| | - Ik-Soo Jeon
- Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, 1500, Kongjwipatjwi-ro, Iseo-myeon, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do, 565-851, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung June Byun
- Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, 1500, Kongjwipatjwi-ro, Iseo-myeon, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do, 565-851, Republic of Korea
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Dhaliwal KK, Arora JS, Mukhopadhyay CS, Dubey PP. In Silico Characterization of Functional Divergence of Two Cathelicidin Variants in Indian Sheep. Evol Bioinform Online 2015; 11:189-96. [PMID: 26380546 PMCID: PMC4559185 DOI: 10.4137/ebo.s29779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Revised: 07/05/2015] [Accepted: 07/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The present work focuses on the in silico characterization of functional divergence of two ovine cathelicidin coding sequence (cds) variants (ie, Cath1 and Cath2) of Indian sheep. Overlapping partial cds of both the cathelicidin variants were cloned in pJet1.2/blunt vector and sequenced. Evolutionary analysis of the Cath2 and Cath1 indicated that the mammalian cathelicidins clustered separately from avian fowlicidins. The avian fowlicidins, which are very different from mammalian cathelicidins (Caths), clearly displayed signatures of purifying selection. The pairwise sequence alignments of translated amino acid sequences of these two sheep cathelicidins showed gaps in the antimicrobial domain of Cath1 variant; however, the amino terminal cathelin regions of both the Caths were conserved. Amino acid sequence analysis of full-length cathelicidins available at public database revealed that Cath1, Cath2, and Cath7 of different ruminant species (including our Cath1 and Cath2 variants) formed individual clads, suggesting that these types have evolved to target specific types of microbes. In silico analysis of Cath1 and Cath2 peptide sequences indicated that the C-terminal antimicrobial peptide domain of Cath2 is more immunogenic than that of the ovine Cath1 due to its higher positive antigenic index, making Cath1 a promising antigen for production of monoclonal antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamaljeet K Dhaliwal
- School of Animal Biotechnology, Post Graduate Institute of Veterinary Education and Research, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Jaspreet S Arora
- School of Animal Biotechnology, Post Graduate Institute of Veterinary Education and Research, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Chandra S Mukhopadhyay
- School of Animal Biotechnology, Post Graduate Institute of Veterinary Education and Research, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Prem P Dubey
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Veterinary Sciences, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
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Ferreira L, Pereira L, Faria R. Fluorescent dyes as a reliable tool in P2X7 receptor-associated pore studies. J Bioenerg Biomembr 2015; 47:283-307. [PMID: 26076670 DOI: 10.1007/s10863-015-9613-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Since the nineteenth century, a great amount of different biological structures and processes have been assessed by fluorescent dyes. Along with the uses of these compounds as vital and histological dyes, some fluorescent dyes have become valuable tools for the study of the pore phenomenon in plasma membranes. Some ion channels capable of forming large conductance channels, such as P2X7, TRPV1, VDAC-1 and the maxi-anion channels transiently alter the plasma membrane permeability, producing pores, which permit the passage of molecules of up to 1,000 Da. In this review, we discuss the uses of the fluorescent dyes chosen in diverse studies of this topic up to now.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Ferreira
- Laboratory of Cellular Communication, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Av. Brazil 4365, pavilion 108, room 28B Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, CEP 21040-360,
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Complexity of antimicrobial peptide regulation during pathogen-host interactions. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2014; 45:447-54. [PMID: 25532742 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2014.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2014] [Revised: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 11/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a key component of the immune system and are expressed by a large variety of organisms. AMPs are capable of eliminating a broad range of micro-organisms, illustrated by murine models where lack of AMP expression resulted in enhanced susceptibility to infection. Despite the importance of AMPs in immune defences, it is not clear whether a change in AMP expression is pathogen-specific or reflects a general response to groups of pathogens. Furthermore, it is unclear how the evoked change in AMP expression affects the host. To fully exploit the therapeutic potential of AMPs - by direct application of peptides or by using AMP-inducers - it is crucial to gain an insight into the complexity involved in pathogen-mediated regulation of AMP expression. This review summarises current knowledge on how AMP expression is affected by pathogens. In addition, the relevance and specificity of these changes in AMPs during infection will be discussed.
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14
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Wang G. Human antimicrobial peptides and proteins. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2014; 7:545-94. [PMID: 24828484 PMCID: PMC4035769 DOI: 10.3390/ph7050545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 337] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2014] [Revised: 04/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
As the key components of innate immunity, human host defense antimicrobial peptides and proteins (AMPs) play a critical role in warding off invading microbial pathogens. In addition, AMPs can possess other biological functions such as apoptosis, wound healing, and immune modulation. This article provides an overview on the identification, activity, 3D structure, and mechanism of action of human AMPs selected from the antimicrobial peptide database. Over 100 such peptides have been identified from a variety of tissues and epithelial surfaces, including skin, eyes, ears, mouths, gut, immune, nervous and urinary systems. These peptides vary from 10 to 150 amino acids with a net charge between -3 and +20 and a hydrophobic content below 60%. The sequence diversity enables human AMPs to adopt various 3D structures and to attack pathogens by different mechanisms. While α-defensin HD-6 can self-assemble on the bacterial surface into nanonets to entangle bacteria, both HNP-1 and β-defensin hBD-3 are able to block cell wall biosynthesis by binding to lipid II. Lysozyme is well-characterized to cleave bacterial cell wall polysaccharides but can also kill bacteria by a non-catalytic mechanism. The two hydrophobic domains in the long amphipathic α-helix of human cathelicidin LL-37 lays the basis for binding and disrupting the curved anionic bacterial membrane surfaces by forming pores or via the carpet model. Furthermore, dermcidin may serve as ion channel by forming a long helix-bundle structure. In addition, the C-type lectin RegIIIα can initially recognize bacterial peptidoglycans followed by pore formation in the membrane. Finally, histatin 5 and GAPDH(2-32) can enter microbial cells to exert their effects. It appears that granulysin enters cells and kills intracellular pathogens with the aid of pore-forming perforin. This arsenal of human defense proteins not only keeps us healthy but also inspires the development of a new generation of personalized medicine to combat drug-resistant superbugs, fungi, viruses, parasites, or cancer. Alternatively, multiple factors (e.g., albumin, arginine, butyrate, calcium, cyclic AMP, isoleucine, short-chain fatty acids, UV B light, vitamin D, and zinc) are able to induce the expression of antimicrobial peptides, opening new avenues to the development of anti-infectious drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangshun Wang
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986495 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6495, USA.
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15
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A comprehensive summary of LL-37, the factotum human cathelicidin peptide. Cell Immunol 2012; 280:22-35. [PMID: 23246832 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2012.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 400] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2012] [Revised: 11/09/2012] [Accepted: 11/15/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cathelicidins are a group of antimicrobial peptides. Since their discovery, it has become clear that they are an exceptional class of peptides, with some members having pleiotropic effects. Not only do they possess an antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral function, they also show a chemotactic and immunostimulatory/-modulatory effect. Moreover, they are capable of inducing wound healing, angiogenesis and modulating apoptosis. Recent insights even indicate for a role of these peptides in cancer. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the most recent and relevant insights concerning the human cathelicidin LL-37.
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Cathelicidins: family of antimicrobial peptides. A review. Mol Biol Rep 2012; 39:10957-70. [PMID: 23065264 PMCID: PMC3487008 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-012-1997-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 340] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2012] [Accepted: 10/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cathelicidins are small, cationic, antimicrobial peptides found in humans and other species, including farm animals (cattle, horses, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, rabbits and in some species of fish). These proteolytically activated peptides are part of the innate immune system of many vertebrates. These peptides show a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity against bacteria, enveloped viruses and fungi. Apart from exerting direct antimicrobial effects, cathelicidins can also trigger specific defense responses in the host. Their roles in various pathophysiological conditions have been studied in mice and humans, but there are limited information about their expression sites and activities in livestock. The aim of the present review is to summarize current information about these antimicrobial peptides in farm animals, highlighting peptide expression sites, activities, and future applications for human and veterinary medicine.
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17
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Schlusselhuber M, Jung S, Bruhn O, Goux D, Leippe M, Leclercq R, Laugier C, Grötzinger J, Cauchard J. In vitro potential of equine DEFA1 and eCATH1 as alternative antimicrobial drugs in rhodococcosis treatment. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2012; 56:1749-55. [PMID: 22232283 PMCID: PMC3318344 DOI: 10.1128/aac.05797-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2011] [Accepted: 12/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhodococcus equi, the causal agent of rhodococcosis, is a severe pathogen of foals but also of immunodeficient humans, causing bronchopneumonia. The pathogen is often found together with Klebsiella pneumoniae or Streptococcus zooepidemicus in foals. Of great concern is the fact that some R. equi strains are already resistant to commonly used antibiotics. In the present study, we evaluated the in vitro potential of two equine antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), eCATH1 and DEFA1, as new drugs against R. equi and its associated pathogens. The peptides led to growth inhibition and death of R. equi and S. zooepidemicus at low micromolar concentrations. Moreover, eCATH1 was able to inhibit growth of K. pneumoniae. Both peptides caused rapid disruption of the R. equi membrane, leading to cell lysis. Interestingly, eCATH1 had a synergic effect together with rifampin. Furthermore, eCATH1 was not cytotoxic against mammalian cells at bacteriolytic concentrations and maintained its high killing activity even at physiological salt concentrations. Our data suggest that equine AMPs, especially eCATH1, may be promising candidates for alternative drugs to control R. equi in mono- and coinfections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margot Schlusselhuber
- Bacteriology and Parasitology Unit, Dozulé Laboratory for Equine Diseases, ANSES, Goustranville, Dozulé, France.
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18
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Bruhn O, Grötzinger J, Cascorbi I, Jung S. Antimicrobial peptides and proteins of the horse--insights into a well-armed organism. Vet Res 2011; 42:98. [PMID: 21888650 PMCID: PMC3179947 DOI: 10.1186/1297-9716-42-98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2011] [Accepted: 09/02/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides play a pivotal role as key effectors of the innate immune system in plants and animals and act as endogenous antibiotics. The molecules exhibit an antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, and eukaryotic pathogens with different specificities and potencies depending on the structure and amino-acid composition of the peptides. Several antimicrobial peptides were comprehensively investigated in the last three decades and some molecules with remarkable antimicrobial properties have reached the third phase of clinical studies. Next to the peptides themselves, numerous organisms were examined and analyzed regarding their repertoire of antimicrobial peptides revealing a huge number of candidates with potencies and properties for future medical applications. One of these organisms is the horse, which possesses numerous peptides that are interesting candidates for therapeutical applications in veterinary medicine. Here we summarize investigations and knowledge on equine antimicrobial peptides, point to interesting candidates, and discuss prospects for therapeutical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Bruhn
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Hospitalstraße 4, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany.
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19
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Leonard BC, Chu H, Johns JL, Gallo RL, Moore PF, Marks SL, Bevins CL. Expression and activity of a novel cathelicidin from domestic cats. PLoS One 2011; 6:e18756. [PMID: 21533281 PMCID: PMC3075274 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0018756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2010] [Accepted: 03/17/2011] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cathelicidins are small cationic antimicrobial peptides found in many species including primates, mammals, marsupials, birds and even more primitive vertebrates, such as the hagfish. Some animals encode multiple cathelicidins in their genome, whereas others have only one. This report identifies and characterizes feline cathelicidin (feCath) as the sole cathelicidin in domestic cats (Felis catus). Expression of feCath is predominantly found in the bone marrow, with lower levels of expression in the gastrointestinal tract and skin. By immunocytochemistry, feCath localizes to the cytoplasm of neutrophils in feline peripheral blood. Structurally, the mature feCath sequence is most similar to a subgroup of cathelicidins that form linear α-helices. feCath possesses antimicrobial activity against E. coli D31, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (IR715), Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (clinical isolate) similar to that of the human ortholog, LL-37. In contrast, feCath lacks the DNA binding activity seen with LL-37. Given its similarity in sequence, structure, tissue expression, and antimicrobial activity, the cathelicidin encoded by cats, feCath, belongs to the subgroup of linear cathelicidins found not only in humans, but also non-human primates, dogs, mice, and rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian C. Leonard
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Hiutung Chu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Jennifer L. Johns
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Richard L. Gallo
- Division of Dermatology, University of California San Diego and VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Peter F. Moore
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Stanley L. Marks
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Charles L. Bevins
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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20
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Lu Z, Wang Y, Zhai L, Che Q, Wang H, Du S, Wang D, Feng F, Liu J, Lai R, Yu H. Novel cathelicidin-derived antimicrobial peptides from Equus asinus. FEBS J 2010; 277:2329-39. [PMID: 20423460 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2010.07648.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, EA-CATH1 and EA-CATH2 were identified from a constructed lung cDNA library of donkey (Equus asinus) as members of cathelicidin-derived antimicrobial peptides, using a nested PCR-based cloning strategy. Composed of 25 and 26 residues, respectively, EA-CATH1 and EA-CATH2 are smaller than most other cathelicidins and have no sequence homology to other cathelicidins identified to date. Chemically synthesized EA-CATH1 exerted potent antimicrobial activity against most of the 32 strains of bacteria and fungi tested, especially the clinically isolated drug-resistant strains, and minimal inhibitory concentration values against Gram-positive bacteria were mostly in the range of 0.3-2.4 microg mL(-1). EA-CATH1 showed an extraordinary serum stability and no haemolytic activity against human erythrocytes in a dose up to 20 microg mL(-1). CD spectra showed that EA-CATH1 mainly adopts an alpha-helical conformation in a 50% trifluoroethanol/water solution, but a random coil in aqueous solution. Scanning electron microscope observations of Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC2592) treated with EA-CATH1 demonstrated that EA-CATH could cause rapid disruption of the bacterial membrane, and in turn lead to cell lysis. This might explain the much faster killing kinetics of EA-CATH1 than conventional antibiotics revealed by killing kinetics data. In the presence of CaCl(2), EA-CATH1 exerted haemagglutination activity, which might potentiate an inhibition against the bacterial polyprotein interaction with the host erythrocyte surface, thereby possibly restricting bacterial colonization and spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zekuan Lu
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
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21
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van Dijk A, Tersteeg-Zijderveld MH, Tjeerdsma-van Bokhoven JL, Jansman AJ, Veldhuizen EJ, Haagsman HP. Chicken heterophils are recruited to the site of Salmonella infection and release antibacterial mature Cathelicidin-2 upon stimulation with LPS. Mol Immunol 2009; 46:1517-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2008.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2008] [Revised: 12/23/2008] [Accepted: 12/24/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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22
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Abstract
The sequencing of the platypus genome has spurred investigations into the characterisation of the monotreme immune response. As the most divergent of extant mammals, the characterisation of the monotreme immune repertoire allows us to trace the evolutionary history of immunity in mammals and provide insights into the immune gene complement of ancestral mammals. The immune system of monotremes has remained largely uncharacterised due to the lack of specific immunological reagents and limited access to animals for experimentation. Early immunological studies focussed on the anatomy and physiology of the lymphoid system in the platypus. More recent molecular studies have focussed on characterisation of individual immunoglobulin, T-cell receptor and MHC genes in both the platypus and short-beaked echidna. Here, we review the published literature on the monotreme immune gene repertoire and provide new data generated from genome analysis on cytokines, Fc receptors and immunoglobulins. We present an overview of key gene families responsible for innate and adaptive immunity including the cathelicidins, defensins, T-cell receptors and the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Class I and Class II antigens. We comment on the usefulness of these sequences for future studies into immunity, health and disease in monotremes.
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23
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Di Nardo A, Yamasaki K, Dorschner RA, Lai Y, Gallo RL. Mast cell cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide prevents invasive group A Streptococcus infection of the skin. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2008; 180:7565-73. [PMID: 18490758 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.180.11.7565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Mast cells (MC) express cathelicidin antimicrobial peptides that act as broad-spectrum antibiotics and influence the immune defense of multiple epithelial surfaces. We hypothesized that MC help protect against skin infection through the expression of cathelicidin. The susceptibility of MC-deficient mice (Kit Wsh(-/-)) to invasive group A streptococcus (GAS) was compared with control mice. Following s.c. injection of GAS, MC-deficient mice had 30% larger skin lesions, 80% more lesional bacteria, and 30% more spleens positive for bacteria. In contrast to results obtained when GAS was injected into skin, no significant differences were noted between MC-deficient mice and control mice after GAS was applied topically, indicating that MC activity is most important after barrier penetration. To determine whether these differences were due to MC expression of cathelicidin, MC-deficient mice were reconstituted with MC derived from either wild-type or cathelicidin-deficient (Camp(-/-)) mice and challenged with GAS. Forty-eight hours after bacterial injection, mice that did not receive MC had an average lesion size of 200 mm(2), mice reconstituted with wild-type MC showed lesions comparable to control mice (25 mm(2)), while mice reconstituted with Camp(-/-) MC showed an average lesion size of 120 mm(2). Surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS) analysis of cathelicidin peptide purified from mast cells defined this as a unique 28-aa peptide. Combined, these results show that MC confer defense against Gram-positive bacterial infection in the skin, a function mediated in part by the expression of a unique cathelicidin peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Di Nardo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of California, San Diego and Veteran's Affairs Medical Center San Diego, CA 92161, USA
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24
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Das H, Sharma B, Kumar A. Identification and Molecular Characterization of Cathelin-like Prepro Region from Bubalus bubalis. JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL RESEARCH 2007. [DOI: 10.1080/09712119.2007.9706667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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25
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Chang CI, Zhang YA, Zou J, Nie P, Secombes CJ. Two cathelicidin genes are present in both rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2006; 50:185-95. [PMID: 16377685 PMCID: PMC1346769 DOI: 10.1128/aac.50.1.185-195.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Further to the previous finding of the rainbow trout rtCATH_1 gene, this paper describes three more cathelicidin genes found in salmonids: two in Atlantic salmon, named asCATH_1 and asCATH_2, and one in rainbow trout, named rtCATH_2. All the three new salmonid cathelicidin genes share the common characteristics of mammalian cathelicidin genes, such as consisting of four exons and possessing a highly conserved preproregion and four invariant cysteines clustered in the C-terminal region of the cathelin-like domain. The asCATH_1 gene is homologous to the rainbow trout rtCATH_1 gene, in that it possesses three repeat motifs of TGGGGGTGGC in exon IV and two cysteine residues in the predicted mature peptide, while the asCATH_2 gene and rtCATH_2 gene are homologues of each other, with 96% nucleotide identity. Salmonid cathelicidins possess the same elastase-sensitive residue, threonine, as hagfish cathelicidins and the rabbit CAP18 molecule. The cleavage site of the four salmonid cathelicidins is within a conserved amino acid motif of QKIRTRR, which is at the beginning of the sequence encoded by exon IV. Two 36-residue peptides corresponding to the core part of rtCATH_1 and rtCATH_2 were chemically synthesized and shown to exhibit potent antimicrobial activity. rtCATH_2 was expressed constitutively in gill, head kidney, intestine, skin and spleen, while the expression of rtCATH_1 was inducible in gill, head kidney, and spleen after bacterial challenge. Four cathelicidin genes have now been characterized in salmonids and two were identified in hagfish, confirming that cathelicidin genes evolved early and are likely present in all vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-I Chang
- Scottish Fish Immunology Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Zoology Building, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, United Kingdom
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26
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Goetz FW, Iliev DB, McCauley LAR, Liarte CQ, Tort LB, Planas JV, Mackenzie S. Analysis of genes isolated from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) macrophages. Mol Immunol 2005; 41:1199-210. [PMID: 15482855 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2004.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2004] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
A primary cell culture system was used to obtain differentiated rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) macrophages that were stimulated with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS-10 microg/ml) for 12 h in vitro. Messenger RNA from the LPS-stimulated cells was used to create two cDNA libraries from which a total of 1048 sequences were analyzed. A large number of cDNAs were obtained that could be related to immune function including structural proteins, proteases and antiproteases, regulators of transcription and translation, cell death regulators, receptors, lectins and immunoglobulins, cytokines and chemokines, cell surface antigens, signal transduction proteins, antimicrobial peptides, and enzymes involved in eicosanoid synthesis. Selected genes that were analyzed by RT-PCR and real time PCR and found to be upregulated by LPS, included vascular cell adhesion molecule, the CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta, the inhibitor of NF-kB alpha, CD209, a major histocompatibility class II-invariant chain protein, cyclin L1, acute phase serum amyloid A, and prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick W Goetz
- Marine Biological Laboratory, Program in Scientific Aquaculture, Woods Hole 02543, USA.
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27
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Brogden KA, Ackermann M, McCray PB, Tack BF. Antimicrobial peptides in animals and their role in host defences. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2004; 22:465-78. [PMID: 14602364 DOI: 10.1016/s0924-8579(03)00180-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 303] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Domesticated animals have a large variety of antimicrobial peptides that serve as natural innate barriers limiting microbial infection or, in some instances, act as an integral component in response to inflammation or microbial infection. These peptides differ in size, composition, mechanisms of activity and range of antimicrobial specificities. They are expressed in many tissues, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, macrophages and mucosal epithelial cells. There is a small group of anionic antimicrobial peptides found in ruminants and a much larger group of cationic antimicrobial peptides found in all domesticated animals. The cationic peptides include linear, helical peptides, linear peptides rich in proline and cysteine-stabilized peptides with a beta-sheet and are commonly referred to as cathelicidins and defensins. These peptides are generally broad-spectrum for Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria and fungi (e.g. myeloid antimicrobial peptides, alpha-, beta-defensins, and protegrins) or are specific to one of these groups (e.g. porcine cecropin P1, Bac5, Bac7, PR-39 and prophenin).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim A Brogden
- Respiratory Diseases of Livestock Research Unit, US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, National Animal Disease Center, PO Box 70, Ames, Iowa 50010, USA.
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28
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Abstract
Cathelicidins comprise a family of mammalian proteins containing a C-terminal cationic antimicrobial domain that becomes active after being freed from the N-terminal cathelin portion of the holoprotein. Many other members of this family have been identified since the first cathelicidin sequences were reported 10 years ago. The mature peptides generally show a wide spectrum of antimicrobial activity and, more recently, some of them have also been found to exert other biological activities. The human cathelicidin peptide LL-37 is chemotactic for neutrophils, monocytes, mast cells, and T cells; induces degranulation of mast cells; alters transcriptional responses in macrophages; stimulates wound vascularization and re-epithelialization of healing skin. The porcine PR-39 has also been involved in a variety of processes, including promotion of wound repair, induction of angiogenesis, neutrophils chemotaxis, and inhibition of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase activity, whereas the bovine BMAP-28 induces apoptosis in transformed cell lines and activated lymphocytes and may thus help with clearance of unwanted cells at inflammation sites. These multiple actions provide evidence for active participation of cathelicidin peptides in the regulation of the antimicrobial host defenses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Zanetti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, University of Udine, I-33100 Udine, Italy.
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29
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Uzzell T, Stolzenberg ED, Shinnar AE, Zasloff M. Hagfish intestinal antimicrobial peptides are ancient cathelicidins. Peptides 2003; 24:1655-67. [PMID: 15019197 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2003.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2003] [Accepted: 08/18/2003] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Three potent broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptides (HFIAP-1, -2, and -3) isolated from intestinal tissues of Myxine glutinosa (Atlantic hagfish) are identified as ancient members of the cathelicidin family of antimicrobial peptides, hitherto known only from mammals. In situ hybridization reveals that HFIAPs are produced in nests of myeloid cells within the loose connective tissue of the gut wall, a tissue reminiscent of both gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) and vertebrate spleen. We suggest that this tissue organization provides local defense of the hagfish gastrointestinal tract via innate immunity and possibly served as the architectural plan upon which the adaptive immune system evolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Uzzell
- Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA.
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30
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Ramanathan B, Davis EG, Ross CR, Blecha F. Cathelicidins: microbicidal activity, mechanisms of action, and roles in innate immunity. Microbes Infect 2002; 4:361-72. [PMID: 11909747 DOI: 10.1016/s1286-4579(02)01549-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are important host-defense molecules of innate immunity. Cathelicidins are a diverse family of potent, rapidly acting and broadly effective antimicrobial peptides, which are produced by a variety of cells. This review examines the classification, antimicrobial spectrum, mechanism of action, and regulation of cathelicidins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balaji Ramanathan
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506-5802, USA
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31
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Dorschner RA, Pestonjamasp VK, Tamakuwala S, Ohtake T, Rudisill J, Nizet V, Agerberth B, Gudmundsson GH, Gallo RL. Cutaneous injury induces the release of cathelicidin anti-microbial peptides active against group A Streptococcus. J Invest Dermatol 2001; 117:91-7. [PMID: 11442754 DOI: 10.1046/j.1523-1747.2001.01340.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 440] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Cathelicidins are a family of peptides thought to provide an innate defensive barrier against a variety of potential microbial pathogens. The human and mouse cathelicidins (LL-37 and CRAMP, respectively) are expressed at select epithelial interfaces where they have been proposed to kill a number of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. To determine if these peptides play a part in the protection of skin against wound infections, the anti-microbial activity of LL-37 and CRAMP was determined against the common wound pathogen group A Streptococcus, and their expression was examined after cutaneous injury. We observed a large increase in the expression of cathelicidins in human and murine skin after sterile incision, or in mouse following infection by group A Streptococcus. The appearance of cathelicidins in skin was due to both synthesis within epidermal keratinocytes and deposition from granulocyctes that migrate to the site of injury. Synthesis and deposition in the wound was accompanied by processing from the inactive prostorage form to the mature C-terminal peptide. Analysis of anti-microbial activity of this C-terminal peptide against group A Streptococcus revealed that both LL-37 and CRAMP potently inhibited bacterial growth. Action against group A Streptococcus occurred in conditions that typically abolish the activity of anti-microbial peptides against other organisms. Thus, cathelicidins are well suited to provide defense against infections due to group A Streptococcus, and represent an important element of cutaneous innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Dorschner
- Division of Dermatology, University of California San Diego, and VA San Diego Healthcare Center, San Diego, California, USA
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32
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Skerlavaj B, Scocchi M, Gennaro R, Risso A, Zanetti M. Structural and functional analysis of horse cathelicidin peptides. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2001; 45:715-22. [PMID: 11181349 PMCID: PMC90362 DOI: 10.1128/aac.45.3.715-722.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cathelicidin-derived antimicrobial peptides are a component of the peptide-based host defense of neutrophils and epithelia, with a widespread distribution in mammals. We recently reported the cDNA sequences of three putative horse myeloid cathelicidins, named eCATH-1, -2, and -3. A Western analysis was performed to investigate their presence in neutrophils and processing to mature peptides. eCATH-2 and eCATH-3, but not eCATH-1, were found to be present in uncleaved forms in horse neutrophils. The corresponding mature peptides were detected in inflammatory sites, suggesting that processing of the propeptides takes place upon neutrophil activation. A functional characterization was then performed with synthetic eCATH peptides. Circular dichroism measurements indicated an amphipathic alpha-helical conformation of these peptides in an anisotropic environment, and in vitro assays revealed a potent activity and a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity for eCATH-1 and a somewhat more restricted spectrum of activity for eCATH-2. Conversely, a strong dependence on salt concentration was observed when the activity of eCATH-3 was tested. This peptide efficiently killed bacteria and some fungal species, i.e., Cryptococcus neoformans and Rhodotorula rubra, in low-ionic-strength media, but the activity was inhibited in the presence of physiological salt medium. This behavior could be modified by modulating the amphipathicity of the molecule. In fact, the synthetic analogue LLK-eCATH-3, with a slightly modified sequence that increases the hydrophobic moment of the peptide, displayed a potent activity in physiological salt medium against the strains resistant to eCATH-3 under these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Skerlavaj
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biomediche, Università di Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
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33
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Risso A. Leukocyte antimicrobial peptides: multifunctional effector molecules of innate immunity. J Leukoc Biol 2000. [DOI: 10.1189/jlb.68.6.785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Risso
- Department of Biomedical Science and Biotechnology, University of Udine, Italy
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34
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Zanetti M, Gennaro R, Scocchi M, Skerlavaj B. Structure and biology of cathelicidins. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2000; 479:203-18. [PMID: 10897421 DOI: 10.1007/0-306-46831-x_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M Zanetti
- Department of Sciences and Medical Technologies, University of Udine, Italy
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35
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Abstract
Cathelicidins are a numerous group of mammalian proteins that carry diverse antimicrobial peptides at the C-terminus of a highly conserved preproregion. These peptides, which become active when released from the proregion, display a remarkable variety of sizes, sequences, and structures, and in fact comprise representatives of all the structural groups in which the known antimicrobial peptides have been classified. Most of the cathelicidin-derived peptides exert a broad spectrum and potent antimicrobial activity and also bind to lipopolysaccharide and neutralize its effects. In addition, some of them have recently been shown to exert other activities and might participate in host defense also by virtue of their ability to induce expression of molecules involved in a variety of biological processes. This review is aimed at providing a general overview of the cathelicidins and of the peptides derived therefrom, with emphasis on aspects such as structure, biological activities in vitro and in vivo, and structure/activity relationship studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Gennaro
- Dipartimento di Biochimica, Biofisica e Chimica delle Macromolecole, Università di Trieste, Via Giorgieri, 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
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36
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Wu H, Zhang G, Minton JE, Ross CR, Blecha F. Regulation of cathelicidin gene expression: induction by lipopolysaccharide, interleukin-6, retinoic acid, and Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium infection. Infect Immun 2000; 68:5552-8. [PMID: 10992453 PMCID: PMC101505 DOI: 10.1128/iai.68.10.5552-5558.2000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cathelicidins are a family of antimicrobial peptides prominent in the host defense mechanisms of several mammalian species. In addition to their antimicrobial activities, these peptides have been implicated in wound healing, angiogenesis, and other innate immune mechanisms. To investigate the regulatory mechanisms of cathelicidin gene expression, we conducted in vitro experiments evaluating the bone marrow cell expression of two porcine cathelicidins, PR-39 and protegrin, and cloned and evaluated the promoter sequence of PR-39. In addition, we evaluated in vivo kinetics of cathelicidin gene expression in pigs during an infection with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) increased PR-39 and protegrin mRNA expression, which was ameliorated by polymyxin B. Concentrations of PR-39 in supernatants from bone marrow cell cultures were increased 10-fold after LPS stimulation. Similarly, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and all-trans retinoic acid (RA) markedly induced cathelicidin gene expression. To verify the transcriptional activation of the PR-39 gene by these agents, we made a PR-39 promoter-luciferase construct containing the full-length PR-39 promoter driving luciferase gene expression and transiently transfected PK-15 epithelial cells. RA and IL-6 increased luciferase activity in PK-15 cells transfected with the PR-39 promoter-luciferase reporter. Similarly, Salmonella-challenged pigs showed increased expression of PR-39 and protegrin mRNA in bone marrow cells at 6 and 24 h postchallenge. Taken together, these findings show that bacterial products (LPS), IL-6, RA, and Salmonella infection enhance the expression of the cathelicidins, PR-39 and protegrin, in bone marrow progenitor cells, and we suggest that extrinsic modulation of this innate host defense mechanism may be possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Wu
- Departments of Anatomy and Physiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
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