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Nabi Afjadi M, Aziziyan F, Farzam F, Dabirmanesh B. Biotechnological applications of amyloid fibrils. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2024; 206:435-472. [PMID: 38811087 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2024.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Protein aggregates and amyloid fibrils have special qualities and are used in a variety of biotechnological applications. They are extensively employed in bioremediation, biomaterials, and biocatalysis. Because of their capacity to encapsulate and release pharmaceuticals and their sensitivity to certain molecules, respectively, they are also used in drug delivery and biosensor applications. They have also demonstrated potential in the domains of food and bioremediation. Additionally, amyloid peptides have drawn interest in biological applications, especially in the investigation of illnesses like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The unique characteristics of amyloid fibrils, namely their mechanical strength and β-sheet structure, make them adaptable to a wide range of biotechnological uses. Even with their promise, one important factor to keep in mind before widely using modified amyloid materials is their potential toxicity. Thus, current research aims to overcome safety concerns while maximizing their potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Nabi Afjadi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Aziziyan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farnoosh Farzam
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahareh Dabirmanesh
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
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2
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Monroe MK, Wang H, Anderson CF, Jia H, Flexner C, Cui H. Leveraging the therapeutic, biological, and self-assembling potential of peptides for the treatment of viral infections. J Control Release 2022; 348:1028-1049. [PMID: 35752254 PMCID: PMC11022941 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Peptides and peptide-based materials have an increasing role in the treatment of viral infections through their use as active pharmaceutical ingredients, targeting moieties, excipients, carriers, or structural components in drug delivery systems. The discovery of peptide-based therapeutic compounds, coupled with the development of new stabilization and formulation strategies, has led to a resurgence of antiviral peptide therapeutics over the past two decades. The ability of peptides to bind cell receptors and to facilitate membrane penetration and subsequent intracellular trafficking enables their use in various antiviral systems for improved targeting efficiency and treatment efficacy. Importantly, the self-assembly of peptides into well-defined nanostructures provides a vast library of discrete constructs and supramolecular biomaterials for systemic and local delivery of antiviral agents. We review here the recent progress in exploiting the therapeutic, biological, and self-assembling potential of peptides, peptide conjugates, and their supramolecular assemblies in treating human viral infections, with an emphasis on the treatment strategies for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya K Monroe
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States of America; Institute for NanoBioTechnology, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States of America
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States of America; Institute for NanoBioTechnology, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States of America
| | - Caleb F Anderson
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States of America; Institute for NanoBioTechnology, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States of America
| | - Hongpeng Jia
- Department of Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, United States of America
| | - Charles Flexner
- Divisions of Clinical Pharmacology and Infectious Diseases, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America.
| | - Honggang Cui
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States of America; Institute for NanoBioTechnology, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States of America; Deptartment of Oncology and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America; Center for Nanomedicine, The Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 400 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States of America.
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Van Holsbeeck K, Martins JC, Ballet S. Downsizing antibodies: Towards complementarity-determining region (CDR)-based peptide mimetics. Bioorg Chem 2021; 119:105563. [PMID: 34942468 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies emerged as an important therapeutic drug class with remarkable specificity and binding affinity. Nonetheless, these heterotetrameric immunoglobulin proteins come with high manufacturing and therapeutic costs which can take extraordinary proportions, besides other limitations such as their limited in cellulo access imposed by their molecular size (ca. 150 kDa). These drawbacks stimulated the development of downsized functional antibody fragments (ca. 15-50 kDa), together with smaller synthetic peptides (ca. 1-3 kDa) derived from the antibodies' crucial complementarity-determining regions (CDR). Despite the general lack of success in the literal translation of CDR loops in peptide mimetics, rational structure-based and computational approaches have shown their potential for obtaining functional CDR-based peptide mimetics. In this review, we describe the efforts made in the development of antibody and nanobody paratope-derived peptide mimetics with particular focus on the used design strategies, in addition to highlighting the challenges associated with their development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Van Holsbeeck
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; NMR and Structure Analysis Unit, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - José C Martins
- NMR and Structure Analysis Unit, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Steven Ballet
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
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Activity of Two Antimicrobial Peptides against Enterococcus faecalis in a Model of Biofilm-Mediated Endodontic Infection. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10101220. [PMID: 34680801 PMCID: PMC8532894 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10101220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus faecalis is a common cause of biofilm-associated opportunistic infections, which are often difficult to treat. The formation of E. faecalis biofilms on the dentinal walls of the root canal is frequently the cause of endodontic treatment failure and secondary apical periodontitis. In a preliminary work, two recognized antifungal peptides, KP and L18R, showed antibacterial activity against planktonic E. faecalis cells at micromolar concentrations. Moreover, L18R proved to reduce the biomass in the early stage of E. faecalis biofilm development on polystyrene plates, while a qualitative biofilm inhibition was demonstrated on hydroxyapatite disks by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The aim of this study was to better characterize the effect of both peptides on E. faecalis biofilm. A reduction in metabolic activity after peptide treatment was detected by Alamar Blue assay, while a remarkable impairment in the architecture of E. faecalis biofilms on hydroxyapatite disks, along with a significant reduction in viable bacteria, was caused mostly by L18R, as assessed by CLSM and scanning electron microscopy. The lack of cytotoxicity of the investigated peptides against L929 murine fibroblasts was also determined. Obtained results suggest L18R as a promising candidate for the development of new strategies for endodontic infection control.
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Kumar V, Sinha N, Thakur AK. Necessity of regulatory guidelines for the development of amyloid based biomaterials. Biomater Sci 2021; 9:4410-4422. [PMID: 34018497 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm00059d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Amyloid diseases are caused due to protein homeostasis failure where incorrectly folded proteins/peptides form cross-β-sheet rich amyloid fibrillar structures. Besides proteins/peptides, small metabolite assemblies also exhibit amyloid-like features. These structures are linked to several human and animal diseases. In addition, non-toxic amyloids with diverse physiological roles are characterized as a new functional class. This finding, along with the unique properties of amyloid like stability and mechanical strength, led to a surge in the development of amyloid-based biomaterials. However, the usage of these materials by humans and animals may pose a health risk such as the development of amyloid diseases and toxicity. This is possible because amyloid-based biomaterials and their fragments may assist seeding and cross-seeding mechanisms of amyloid formation in the body. This review summarizes the potential uses of amyloids as biomaterials, the concerns regarding their usage, and a prescribed workflow to initiate a regulatory approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Kumar
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Nabodita Sinha
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, UP-208016, India.
| | - Ashwani Kumar Thakur
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, UP-208016, India.
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Ciociola T, Pertinhez TA, De Simone T, Magliani W, Ferrari E, Belletti S, D’Adda T, Conti S, Giovati L. In Vitro and In Vivo Anti- Candida Activity and Structural Analysis of Killer Peptide (KP)-Derivatives. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:129. [PMID: 33578728 PMCID: PMC7916522 DOI: 10.3390/jof7020129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The previously described decapeptide AKVTMTCSAS (killer peptide, KP), derived from the variable region of a recombinant yeast killer toxin-like anti-idiotypic antibody, proved to exert a variety of antimicrobial, antiviral, and immunomodulatory activities. It also showed a peculiar self-assembly ability, likely responsible for the therapeutic effect in animal models of systemic and mucosal candidiasis. The present study analyzed the biological and structural properties of peptides derived from KP by substitution or deletion of the first residue, leaving unchanged the remaining amino acids. The investigated peptides proved to exert differential in vitro and/or in vivo anti-Candida activity without showing toxic effects on mammalian cells. The change of the first residue in KP amino acidic sequence affected the conformation of the resulting peptides in solution, as assessed by circular dichroism spectroscopy. KP-derivatives, except one, were able to induce apoptosis in yeast cells, like KP itself. ROS production and changes in mitochondrial transmembrane potential were also observed. Confocal and transmission electron microscopy studies allowed to establish that selected peptides could penetrate within C. albicans cells and cause gross morphological alterations. Overall, the physical and chemical properties of the first residue were found to be important for peptide conformation, candidacidal activity and possible mechanism of action. Small antimicrobial peptides could be exploited for the development of a new generation of antifungal drugs, given their relative low cost and ease of production as well as the possibility of devising novel delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tecla Ciociola
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (T.C.); (T.A.P.); (T.D.S.); (W.M.); (E.F.); (S.B.); (T.D.); (L.G.)
| | - Thelma A. Pertinhez
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (T.C.); (T.A.P.); (T.D.S.); (W.M.); (E.F.); (S.B.); (T.D.); (L.G.)
- Transfusion Medicine Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Tiziano De Simone
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (T.C.); (T.A.P.); (T.D.S.); (W.M.); (E.F.); (S.B.); (T.D.); (L.G.)
| | - Walter Magliani
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (T.C.); (T.A.P.); (T.D.S.); (W.M.); (E.F.); (S.B.); (T.D.); (L.G.)
| | - Elena Ferrari
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (T.C.); (T.A.P.); (T.D.S.); (W.M.); (E.F.); (S.B.); (T.D.); (L.G.)
| | - Silvana Belletti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (T.C.); (T.A.P.); (T.D.S.); (W.M.); (E.F.); (S.B.); (T.D.); (L.G.)
| | - Tiziana D’Adda
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (T.C.); (T.A.P.); (T.D.S.); (W.M.); (E.F.); (S.B.); (T.D.); (L.G.)
| | - Stefania Conti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (T.C.); (T.A.P.); (T.D.S.); (W.M.); (E.F.); (S.B.); (T.D.); (L.G.)
| | - Laura Giovati
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (T.C.); (T.A.P.); (T.D.S.); (W.M.); (E.F.); (S.B.); (T.D.); (L.G.)
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Ciociola T, Giovati L, Conti S, Magliani W. Anti-Infective Antibody-Derived Peptides Active against Endogenous and Exogenous Fungi. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9010143. [PMID: 33435157 PMCID: PMC7827253 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9010143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycoses still represent relevant opportunistic infections worldwide, although overshadowed in recent years by other severe and more widespread infections. Moreover, deep-seated mycoses are often accompanied by unacceptably high mortality rates. Etiologic agents include endogenous components of the mycobiota, Candida and Malassezia species above all, and exogenous species, both yeasts and filamentous fungi. Old and new fungal pathogens are increasingly characterized by resistance to the existing antifungal agents, making imperative the search for effective and safe new therapeutics. Among the candidate molecules proposed in recent decades, synthetic peptides derived from the complementarity determining and constant regions of diverse antibodies (Abs), as well as the translated products of Ab-encoding genes, have proved of considerable interest. Their anti-infective activities, regardless of the specificity and isotype of the originating Ab, will be briefly presented and discussed in the light of their different mechanisms of action. Intriguing suggestions on the possible function of Abs after their half-life will be presented, following the recent detection, in human serum, of an antimicrobial Ab-derived peptide. Overall, Abs could represent a source of biologically active, highly flexible peptides, devoid of detectable toxicity, which can be easily synthesized and manipulated to be used, alone or in association with already available drugs, for new anti-infective strategies.
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Concentration- and pH-Dependent Oligomerization of the Thrombin-Derived C-Terminal Peptide TCP-25. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10111572. [PMID: 33228042 PMCID: PMC7699335 DOI: 10.3390/biom10111572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptide oligomerization dynamics affects peptide structure, activity, and pharmacodynamic properties. The thrombin C-terminal peptide, TCP-25 (GKYGFYTHVFRLKKWIQKVIDQFGE), is currently in preclinical development for improved wound healing and infection prevention. It exhibits turbidity when formulated at pH 7.4, particularly at concentrations of 0.3 mM or more. We used biochemical and biophysical approaches to explore whether the peptide self-associates and forms oligomers. The peptide showed a dose-dependent increase in turbidity as well as α-helical structure at pH 7.4, a phenomenon not observed at pH 5.0. By analyzing the intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence, we demonstrate that TCP-25 is more stable at high concentrations (0.3 mM) when exposed to high temperatures or a high concentration of denaturant agents, which is compatible with oligomer formation. The denaturation process was reversible above 100 µM of peptide. Dynamic light scattering demonstrated that TCP-25 oligomerization is sensitive to changes in pH, time, and temperature. Computational modeling with an active 18-mer region of TCP-25 showed that the peptide can form pH-dependent higher-order end-to-end oligomers and micelle-like structures, which is in agreement with the experimental data. Thus, TCP-25 exhibits pH- and temperature-dependent dynamic changes involving helical induction and reversible oligomerization, which explains the observed turbidity of the pharmacologically developed formulation.
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Ferrari L, Martelli P, Saleri R, De Angelis E, Ferrarini G, Cavalli V, Passeri B, Bazzoli G, Ogno G, Magliani W, Borghetti P. An engineered anti-idiotypic antibody-derived killer peptide (KP) early activates swine inflammatory monocytes, CD3 +CD16 + natural killer T cells and CD4 +CD8α + double positive CD8β + cytotoxic T lymphocytes associated with TNF-α and IFN-γ secretion. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 72:101523. [PMID: 32758800 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2020.101523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated the early modulation of the phenotype and cytokine secretion in swine immune cells treated with an engineered killer peptide (KP) based on an anti-idiotypic antibody functionally mimicking a yeast killer toxin. The influence of KP on specific immunity was investigated using porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) as ex vivo antigens. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy pigs were stimulated with KP and with a scramble peptide for 20 min, 1, 4 and 20 h or kept unstimulated. The cells were analyzed using flow cytometry and ELISA. The same time-periods were used for KP pre-incubation/co-incubation to determine the effect on virus-recalled interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) secreting cell (SC) frequencies and single cell IFN-γ productivity using ELISPOT. KP induced an early dose-dependent shift to pro-inflammatory CD172α+CD14+high monocytes and an increase of CD3+CD16+ natural killer (NK) T cells. KP triggered CD8α and CD8β expression on classical CD4-CD8αβ+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and double positive (DP) CD4+CD8α+ Th memory cells (CD4+CD8α+low CD8β+low). A fraction of DP cells also expressed high levels of CD8α. The two identified DP CD4+CD8α+high CD8β+low/+high CTL subsets were associated with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and IFN-γ secretion. KP markedly boosted the reactivity and cross-reactivity of PRRSV type-1- and PCV2b-specific IFN-γ SC. The results indicate the efficacy of KP in stimulating Th1-biased immunomodulation and support studies of KP as an immunomodulator or vaccine adjuvant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Ferrari
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio, 10 - 43126, Parma, Italy.
| | - Paolo Martelli
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio, 10 - 43126, Parma, Italy.
| | - Roberta Saleri
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio, 10 - 43126, Parma, Italy.
| | - Elena De Angelis
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio, 10 - 43126, Parma, Italy.
| | - Giulia Ferrarini
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio, 10 - 43126, Parma, Italy.
| | - Valeria Cavalli
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio, 10 - 43126, Parma, Italy.
| | - Benedetta Passeri
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio, 10 - 43126, Parma, Italy.
| | - Gianluca Bazzoli
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio, 10 - 43126, Parma, Italy.
| | - Giulia Ogno
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio, 10 - 43126, Parma, Italy.
| | - Walter Magliani
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci, 14 - 43126, Parma, Italy.
| | - Paolo Borghetti
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio, 10 - 43126, Parma, Italy.
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Poma AB, Guzman HV, Li MS, Theodorakis PE. Mechanical and thermodynamic properties of Aβ 42, Aβ 40, and α-synuclein fibrils: a coarse-grained method to complement experimental studies. BEILSTEIN JOURNAL OF NANOTECHNOLOGY 2019; 10:500-513. [PMID: 30873322 PMCID: PMC6404408 DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.10.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
We perform molecular dynamics simulation on several relevant biological fibrils associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Aβ40, Aβ42, and α-synuclein systems to obtain a molecular understanding and interpretation of nanomechanical characterization experiments. The computational method is versatile and addresses a new subarea within the mechanical characterization of heterogeneous soft materials. We investigate both the elastic and thermodynamic properties of the biological fibrils in order to substantiate experimental nanomechanical characterization techniques that are quickly developing and reaching dynamic imaging with video rate capabilities. The computational method qualitatively reproduces results of experiments with biological fibrils, validating its use in extrapolation to macroscopic material properties. Our computational techniques can be used for the co-design of new experiments aiming to unveil nanomechanical properties of biological fibrils from a point of view of molecular understanding. Our approach allows a comparison of diverse elastic properties based on different deformations , i.e., tensile (Y L), shear (S), and indentation (Y T) deformation. From our analysis, we find a significant elastic anisotropy between axial and transverse directions (i.e., Y T > Y L) for all systems. Interestingly, our results indicate a higher mechanostability of Aβ42 fibrils compared to Aβ40, suggesting a significant correlation between mechanical stability and aggregation propensity (rate) in amyloid systems. That is, the higher the mechanical stability the faster the fibril formation. Finally, we find that α-synuclein fibrils are thermally less stable than β-amyloid fibrils. We anticipate that our molecular-level analysis of the mechanical response under different deformation conditions for the range of fibrils considered here will provide significant insights for the experimental observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adolfo B Poma
- Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5B, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Horacio V Guzman
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Mai Suan Li
- Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Al. Lotników 32/46, 02-668 Warsaw, Poland
- Institute for Computational Science and Technology, Quang Trung Software City, Tan Chanh Hiep Ward, District 12, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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Protein Nanofibrils as Storage Forms of Peptide Drugs and Hormones. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1174:265-290. [PMID: 31713202 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-9791-2_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyloids are highly organized cross β-sheet protein nanofibrils that are associated with both diseases and functions. Thermodynamically amyloids are stable structures as they represent the lowest free energy state that proteins can attain. However, recent studies suggest that amyloid fibrils can be dissociated by a change in environmental parameters such as pH and ionic strength. This reversibility of amyloids can not only be associated with disease, but function as well. In disease-associated amyloids, fibrils can act as reservoirs of cytotoxic oligomers. Recently, in higher organisms such as mammals, hormones were found to be stored in amyloid-like state, where these were reported to act as a reservoir of functional monomers. These hormone amyloids can dissociate to monomers upon release from the secretory granules, and subsequently bind to their respective receptors and perform their functions. In this book chapter, we describe in detail how these protein nanofibrils represent the densest possible peptide packing and are suitable for long-term storage. Thus, mimicking the feature of amyloids to release functional monomers, it is possible to formulate amyloid-based peptide/protein drugs, which can be used for sustained release.
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12
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Iavarone F, Desiderio C, Vitali A, Messana I, Martelli C, Castagnola M, Cabras T. Cryptides: latent peptides everywhere. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 53:246-263. [PMID: 29564928 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2018.1447543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Proteomic surveys with top-down platforms are today revealing thousands of naturally occurring fragments of bigger proteins. Some of them have not functional meaning because they derive from pathways responsible for protein degradation, but many have specific functions, often completely different from that one of the parent proteins. These peptides encrypted in the protein sequence are nowadays called cryptides. They are frequent in the animal and plant kingdoms and represent a new interesting -omic field of investigation. To point out how much widespread is their presence, we describe here the most studied cryptides from very common sources such as serum albumin, immunoglobulins, hemoglobin, and from saliva and milk proteins. Given its vastness, it is unfeasible to cover the topic exhaustively, therefore only several selected examples of cryptides from other sources are thereafter reported. Demanding is the development of new -omic platforms for the functional screening of new cryptides, which could provide suggestion for peptides and peptido-mimetics with variegate fields of application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Iavarone
- a Istituto di Biochimica e Biochimica Clinica, Università Cattolica , Roma , Italy
| | - Claudia Desiderio
- b Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare, CNR , Roma , Italy
| | - Alberto Vitali
- b Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare, CNR , Roma , Italy
| | - Irene Messana
- b Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare, CNR , Roma , Italy
| | - Claudia Martelli
- a Istituto di Biochimica e Biochimica Clinica, Università Cattolica , Roma , Italy
| | - Massimo Castagnola
- a Istituto di Biochimica e Biochimica Clinica, Università Cattolica , Roma , Italy.,b Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare, CNR , Roma , Italy
| | - Tiziana Cabras
- c Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente , Università di Cagliari , Cagliari , Italy
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Ranganathan S, Maji SK, Padinhateeri R. Defining a Physical Basis for Diversity in Protein Self-Assemblies Using a Minimal Model. J Am Chem Soc 2016; 138:13911-13922. [DOI: 10.1021/jacs.6b06433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Srivastav Ranganathan
- Department of Biosciences
and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Samir K. Maji
- Department of Biosciences
and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Ranjith Padinhateeri
- Department of Biosciences
and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India
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Dissecting the Structure-Function Relationship of a Fungicidal Peptide Derived from the Constant Region of Human Immunoglobulins. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2016; 60:2435-42. [PMID: 26856836 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01753-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic peptides encompassing sequences related to the complementarity-determining regions of antibodies or derived from their constant region (Fc peptides) were proven to exert differential antimicrobial, antiviral, antitumor, and/or immunomodulatory activitiesin vitroand/orin vivo, regardless of the specificity and isotype of the parental antibody. Alanine substitution derivatives of these peptides exhibited unaltered, increased, or decreased candidacidal activitiesin vitro The bioactive IgG-derived Fc N10K peptide (NQVSLTCLVK) spontaneously self-assembles, a feature previously recognized as relevant for the therapeutic activity of another antibody-derived peptide. We evaluated the contribution of each residue to the peptide self-assembling capability by circular-dichroism spectroscopy. The interaction of the N10K peptide and its derivatives withCandida albicanscells was studied by confocal, transmission, and scanning electron microscopy. The apoptosis and autophagy induction profiles in yeast cells treated with the peptides were evaluated by flow cytometry, and the therapeutic efficacy against candidal infection was studied in aGalleria mellonellamodel. Overall, the results indicate a critical role for some residues in the self-assembly process and a correlation of that capability with the candidacidal activities of the peptidesin vitroand their therapeutic effectsin vivo.
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Du X, Zhou J, Shi J, Xu B. Supramolecular Hydrogelators and Hydrogels: From Soft Matter to Molecular Biomaterials. Chem Rev 2015; 115:13165-307. [PMID: 26646318 PMCID: PMC4936198 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.5b00299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1278] [Impact Index Per Article: 142.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In this review we intend to provide a relatively comprehensive summary of the work of supramolecular hydrogelators after 2004 and to put emphasis particularly on the applications of supramolecular hydrogels/hydrogelators as molecular biomaterials. After a brief introduction of methods for generating supramolecular hydrogels, we discuss supramolecular hydrogelators on the basis of their categories, such as small organic molecules, coordination complexes, peptides, nucleobases, and saccharides. Following molecular design, we focus on various potential applications of supramolecular hydrogels as molecular biomaterials, classified by their applications in cell cultures, tissue engineering, cell behavior, imaging, and unique applications of hydrogelators. Particularly, we discuss the applications of supramolecular hydrogelators after they form supramolecular assemblies but prior to reaching the critical gelation concentration because this subject is less explored but may hold equally great promise for helping address fundamental questions about the mechanisms or the consequences of the self-assembly of molecules, including low molecular weight ones. Finally, we provide a perspective on supramolecular hydrogelators. We hope that this review will serve as an updated introduction and reference for researchers who are interested in exploring supramolecular hydrogelators as molecular biomaterials for addressing the societal needs at various frontiers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuewen Du
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454, United States
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454, United States
| | - Junfeng Shi
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454, United States
| | - Bing Xu
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454, United States
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Magliani W, Giovati L, Ciociola T, Sperindè M, Santinoli C, Conti G, Conti S, Polonelli L. Antibodies as a source of anti-infective peptides: an update. Future Microbiol 2015; 10:1163-75. [PMID: 26119210 DOI: 10.2217/fmb.15.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on antibodies (Abs) and their function in immune protection, with particular emphasis on microbicidal Abs. Some aspects of Abs and Ab-drug conjugates as targeting therapeutic agents are also discussed. The main aim, however, is devoted to Ab-derived peptides modulating functions of the immune system and to the latest experimental evidence of Abs as a source of anti-infective and antitumor peptides derived from their complementarity determining regions and constant regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Magliani
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological & Translational Sciences, Microbiology & Virology Unit, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Laura Giovati
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological & Translational Sciences, Microbiology & Virology Unit, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Tecla Ciociola
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological & Translational Sciences, Microbiology & Virology Unit, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Martina Sperindè
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological & Translational Sciences, Microbiology & Virology Unit, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Claudia Santinoli
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological & Translational Sciences, Microbiology & Virology Unit, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Giorgio Conti
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological & Translational Sciences, Microbiology & Virology Unit, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Stefania Conti
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological & Translational Sciences, Microbiology & Virology Unit, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Luciano Polonelli
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological & Translational Sciences, Microbiology & Virology Unit, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
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Ciociola T, Giovati L, Sperindè M, Magliani W, Santinoli C, Conti G, Conti S, Polonelli L. Peptides from the inside of the antibodies are active against infectious agents and tumours. J Pept Sci 2015; 21:370-8. [DOI: 10.1002/psc.2748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2014] [Revised: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tecla Ciociola
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological and Translational Sciences; University of Parma; Parma Italy
| | - Laura Giovati
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological and Translational Sciences; University of Parma; Parma Italy
| | - Martina Sperindè
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological and Translational Sciences; University of Parma; Parma Italy
| | - Walter Magliani
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological and Translational Sciences; University of Parma; Parma Italy
| | - Claudia Santinoli
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological and Translational Sciences; University of Parma; Parma Italy
| | - Giorgio Conti
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological and Translational Sciences; University of Parma; Parma Italy
| | - Stefania Conti
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological and Translational Sciences; University of Parma; Parma Italy
| | - Luciano Polonelli
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological and Translational Sciences; University of Parma; Parma Italy
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Hauser CAE, Maurer-Stroh S, Martins IC. Amyloid-based nanosensors and nanodevices. Chem Soc Rev 2014; 43:5326-45. [DOI: 10.1039/c4cs00082j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Ciociola T, Magliani W, Giovati L, Sperindè M, Santinoli C, Conti G, Conti S, Polonelli L. Antibodies as an unlimited source of anti-infective, anti-tumour and immunomodulatory peptides. Sci Prog 2014; 97:215-33. [PMID: 25549407 PMCID: PMC10365341 DOI: 10.3184/003685014x14049273183515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Antibodies (Abs) are emerging as an important class of therapeutic agents for the treatment of various human diseases, often conjugated to drugs or toxic substances. In recent years, the incidence of cancer and infectious diseases has increased dramatically making it imperative to discover new effective therapeutic molecules. Among these, small peptides are arousing great interest. Synthetic peptides, representative of variable and constant region fragments of Abs, were proved to exert in vitro, ex vivo and/or in vivo anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-tumour and/or immunomodulatory activities, mediated by different mechanisms of action and regardless of the specificity and isotype of the Ab. Some of these synthetic peptides possess the ability to spontaneously and reversibly self-assemble in an organised network of fibril-like structure. Ab fragments may represent a novel model of targeted anti-infective and anti-tumour auto-delivering drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tecla Ciociola
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological, and Translational Sciences, Microbiology and Virology Unit, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Walter Magliani
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological, and Translational Sciences, Microbiology and Virology Unit, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Laura Giovati
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological, and Translational Sciences, Microbiology and Virology Unit, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Martina Sperindè
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological, and Translational Sciences, Microbiology and Virology Unit, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Claudia Santinoli
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological, and Translational Sciences, Microbiology and Virology Unit, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Giorgio Conti
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological, and Translational Sciences, Microbiology and Virology Unit, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Stefania Conti
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological, and Translational Sciences, Microbiology and Virology Unit, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Luciano Polonelli
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological, and Translational Sciences, Microbiology and Virology Unit, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
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Cirioni O, Silvestri C, Pierpaoli E, Barucca A, Kamysz W, Ghiselli R, Scalise A, Brescini L, Castelli P, Orlando F, Kamysz E, Guerrieri M, Giacometti A, Provinciali M. IB-367 pre-treatment improves the in vivo efficacy of teicoplanin and daptomycin in an animal model of wounds infected with meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. J Med Microbiol 2013; 62:1552-1558. [DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.057414-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are known as immunomodulators and antibiotic enhancers. We report that administration of an antimicrobial peptide, IB-367, was efficacious in increasing the antimicrobial activity of daptomycin and teicoplanin in a mouse model of wound infection caused by meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Mice were assigned to seven groups: an IB-367 pre-treated group with no antibiotics given after challenge, two IB-367 pre-treated groups plus daptomycin or teicoplanin given after challenge, two groups treated with daptomycin or teicoplanin only after challenge, and two control groups without infection or that did not receive any treatment. The main outcome measures were quantitative bacterial culture and analysis of natural killer (NK) cytotoxicity and leukocyte phenotype. The wound, established through the panniculus carnosus muscle of mice, was infected by MRSA. Bacterial cultures of mice receiving antibiotics alone showed a −2 log decrease, whilst those for IB-367 plus daptomycin or teicoplanin showed a −4 log decrease. IB-367 plus daptomycin showed the highest efficacy. The higher antimicrobial effect exerted by IB-367 was associated with increased levels of NK cytotoxicity but not of NK cell number. IB-367 increased the number of both CD11b and Gr-1 cells 3 days after MRSA challenge, whereas both of these leukocyte populations were reduced at 10 days after challenge. Our data suggest that a combination of IB-367 with antibiotic exerts a therapeutic effect and may be useful for the management of staphylococcal wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Cirioni
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Carmela Silvestri
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Elisa Pierpaoli
- Experimental Animal Models for Aging Unit, Scientific Technological Area, INRCA – IRRCS, Ancona, Italy
| | - Alessandra Barucca
- Experimental Animal Models for Aging Unit, Scientific Technological Area, INRCA – IRRCS, Ancona, Italy
| | - Wojciech Kamysz
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Roberto Ghiselli
- General Surgery and Surgery Methodology Clinic, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Alessandro Scalise
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery General Surgery, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Lucia Brescini
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Pamela Castelli
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Fiorenza Orlando
- Experimental Animal Models for Aging Unit, Scientific Technological Area, INRCA – IRRCS, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Mario Guerrieri
- General Surgery and Surgery Methodology Clinic, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Andrea Giacometti
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Mauro Provinciali
- Experimental Animal Models for Aging Unit, Scientific Technological Area, INRCA – IRRCS, Ancona, Italy
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Nie H, Li M, Hao Y, Wang X, Zhang SXA. Time-resolved monitoring of dynamic self-assembly of Au(i)-thiolate coordination polymers. Chem Sci 2013. [DOI: 10.1039/c3sc22215b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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22
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Magliani W, Conti S, Giovati L, Zanello PP, Sperindè M, Ciociola T, Polonelli L. Antibody Peptide based antifungal immunotherapy. Front Microbiol 2012; 3:190. [PMID: 22675322 PMCID: PMC3365853 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2012.00190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2012] [Accepted: 05/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections still represent relevant human illnesses worldwide and some are accompanied by unacceptably high mortality rates. The limited current availability of effective and safe antifungal agents makes the development of new drugs and approaches of antifungal vaccination/immunotherapy every day more needed. Among them, small antibody(Ab)-derived peptides are arousing great expectations as new potential antifungal agents. In this topic, the search path from the study of the yeast killer phenomenon to the production of Ab-derived peptides characterized by in vitro and in vivo fungicidal activity will be focused. In particular, Abs that mimic the antimicrobial activity of a killer toxin (“antibiobodies”) and antifungal peptides derived from antibiobodies (killer peptide) and other unrelated Abs [complementarity determining regions (CDR)-based and constant region (Fc)-based synthetic peptides] are described. Mycological implications in terms of reevaluation of the yeast killer phenomenon, roles of antibiobodies in antifungal immunity, of β-glucans as antifungal targets and vaccines, and of Abs as sources of an unlimited number of sequences potentially active as new immunotherapeutic tools against fungal agents and related mycoses, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Magliani
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Parma Parma, Italy
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23
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Polonelli L, Ciociola T, Magliani W, Zanello PP, D'Adda T, Galati S, De Bernardis F, Arancia S, Gabrielli E, Pericolini E, Vecchiarelli A, Arruda DC, Pinto MR, Travassos LR, Pertinhez TA, Spisni A, Conti S. Peptides of the constant region of antibodies display fungicidal activity. PLoS One 2012; 7:e34105. [PMID: 22470523 PMCID: PMC3312352 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0034105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2011] [Accepted: 02/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic peptides with sequences identical to fragments of the constant region of different classes (IgG, IgM, IgA) of antibodies (Fc-peptides) exerted a fungicidal activity in vitro against pathogenic yeasts, such as Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Malassezia furfur, including caspofungin and triazole resistant strains. Alanine-substituted derivatives of fungicidal Fc-peptides, tested to evaluate the critical role of each residue, displayed unaltered, increased or decreased candidacidal activity in vitro. An Fc-peptide, included in all human IgGs, displayed a therapeutic effect against experimental mucosal and systemic candidiasis in mouse models. It is intriguing to hypothesize that some Fc-peptides may influence the antifungal immune response and constitute the basis for devising new antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano Polonelli
- Sezione di Microbiologia, Dipartimento di Patologia e Medicina di Laboratorio, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parma, Italy
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Killer peptide: a novel paradigm of antimicrobial, antiviral and immunomodulatory auto-delivering drugs. Future Med Chem 2012; 3:1209-31. [PMID: 21806382 DOI: 10.4155/fmc.11.71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of life-threatening viral and microbial infections has dramatically increased over recent decades. Despite significant developments in anti-infective chemotherapy, many issues have increasingly narrowed the therapeutic options, making it imperative to discover new effective molecules. Among them, small peptides are arousing great interest. This review will focus in particular on a killer peptide, engineered from an anti-idiotypic recombinant antibody that mimics the activity of a wide-spectrum antimicrobial yeast killer toxin targeting β-glucan cell-wall receptors. The in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial, antiviral and immunomodulatory activities of killer peptide and its ability to spontaneously and reversibly self-assemble and slowly release its active dimeric form over time will be discussed as a novel paradigm of targeted auto-delivering drugs.
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Mankar S, Anoop A, Sen S, Maji SK. Nanomaterials: amyloids reflect their brighter side. NANO REVIEWS 2011; 2:NANO-2-6032. [PMID: 22110868 PMCID: PMC3215191 DOI: 10.3402/nano.v2i0.6032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2011] [Revised: 04/20/2011] [Accepted: 04/26/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Amyloid fibrils belong to the group of ordered nanostructures that are self-assembled from a wide range of polypeptides/proteins. Amyloids are highly rigid structures possessing a high mechanical strength. Although amyloids have been implicated in the pathogenesis of several human diseases, growing evidence indicates that amyloids may also perform native functions in host organisms. Discovery of such amyloids, referred to as functional amyloids, highlight their possible use in designing novel nanostructure materials. This review summarizes recent advances in the application of amyloids for the development of nanomaterials and prospective applications of such materials in nanotechnology and biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Mankar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay
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26
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From Pichia anomala killer toxin through killer antibodies to killer peptides for a comprehensive anti-infective strategy. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 2010; 99:35-41. [PMID: 20714805 DOI: 10.1007/s10482-010-9496-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2010] [Accepted: 08/04/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
"Antibiobodies", antibodies (Abs) with antibiotic activity, internal image of a Pichia anomala killer toxin (PaKT) characterized by microbicidal activity against microorganisms expressing β-glucans cell-wall receptors (PaKTRs), were produced by idiotypic vaccination with a PaKT-neutralizing monoclonal Ab (PaKT-like Abs) or induced by a protein-conjugated β-glucan. Human natural PaKT-like Abs (PaKTAbs) were found in the vaginal fluid of women infected with KT-sensitive microorganisms. Monoclonal and recombinant PaKT-like Abs, and PaKTAbs proved to be protective against experimental candidiasis, cryptococcosis and aspergillosis. A killer decapeptide (KP), synthesized from the sequence of a recombinant PaKT-like Ab or produced in transgenic plants, showed a microbicidal activity in vitro, neutralized by β-glucans, a therapeutic effect in vivo, against experimental mucosal and systemic mycoses, and a prophylactic role in planta, against phytopathogenic microorganisms, respectively. KP showed fungicidal properties against all the defective mutants of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae library, inclusive of strains recognized to be resistant to conventional antifungal drugs. KP inhibited in vitro, ex vivo and/or in vivo HIV-1 and Influenza A virus replication, owing to down-regulation of CCR5 co-receptors, physical block of the gp120-receptor interaction and reduction in the synthesis of glycoproteins, HA and M1 in particular. KP modulated the expression of costimulatory and MHC molecules on murine dendritic cells, improving their capacity to induce lymphocyte proliferation. KP, proven to be devoid of cytotoxicity on human cells, showed self-assembly-releasing hydrogel-like properties, catalyzed by β 1,3 glucan. PaKT's biotechnological derivatives may represent the prototypes of novel antifungal vaccines and anti-infective drugs characterized by different mechanisms of action.
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Gabrielli E, Pericolini E, Cenci E, Ortelli F, Magliani W, Ciociola T, Bistoni F, Conti S, Vecchiarelli A, Polonelli L. Antibody complementarity-determining regions (CDRs): a bridge between adaptive and innate immunity. PLoS One 2009; 4:e8187. [PMID: 19997599 PMCID: PMC2781551 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0008187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2009] [Accepted: 11/12/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been documented that, independently from the specificity of the native antibody (Ab) for a given antigen (Ag), complementarity determining regions (CDR)-related peptides may display differential antimicrobial, antiviral and antitumor activities. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In this study we demonstrate that a synthetic peptide with sequence identical to V(H)CDR3 of a mouse monoclonal Ab (mAb) specific for difucosyl human blood group A is easily taken up by macrophages with subsequent stimulation of: i) proinflammatory cytokine production; ii) PI3K-Akt pathway and iii) TLR-4 expression. Significantly, V(H)CDR3 exerts therapeutic effect against systemic candidiasis without possessing direct candidacidal properties. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE These results open a new scenario about the possibility that, beyond the half life of immunoglobulins, Ab fragments may effectively influence the antiinfective cellular immune response in a way reminiscent of regulatory peptides of innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Gabrielli
- Microbiology Section, Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Eva Pericolini
- Microbiology Section, Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Elio Cenci
- Microbiology Section, Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Federica Ortelli
- Microbiology Section, Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Walter Magliani
- Microbiology Section, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Tecla Ciociola
- Microbiology Section, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Francesco Bistoni
- Microbiology Section, Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Stefania Conti
- Microbiology Section, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Anna Vecchiarelli
- Microbiology Section, Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Luciano Polonelli
- Microbiology Section, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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