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Chen M, Hu Z, Shi J, Xie Z. Human β-defensins and their synthetic analogs: Natural defenders and prospective new drugs of oral health. Life Sci 2024; 346:122591. [PMID: 38548013 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
As a family of cationic host defense peptides, human β-defensins (HBDs) are ubiquitous in the oral cavity and are mainly synthesized primarily by epithelial cells, serving as the primary barrier and aiming to prevent microbial invasion, inflammation, and disease while maintaining physiological homeostasis. In recent decades, there has been great interest in their biological functions, structure-activity relationships, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic potential in oral diseases. Meanwhile, researchers are dedicated to improving the properties of HBDs for clinical application. In this review, we first describe the classification, structural characteristics, functions, and mechanisms of HBDs. Next, we cover the role of HBDs and their synthetic analogs in oral diseases, including dental caries and pulp infections, periodontitis, peri-implantitis, fungal/viral infections and oral mucosal diseases, and oral squamous cell carcinoma. Finally, we discuss the limitations and challenges of clinical translation of HBDs and their synthetic analogs, including, but not limited to, stability, bioavailability, antimicrobial activity, resistance, and toxicity. Above all, this review summarizes the biological functions, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic potential of both natural HBDs and their synthetic analogs in oral diseases, as well as the challenges associated with clinical translation, thus providing substantial insights into the laboratory development and clinical application of HBDs in oral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mumian Chen
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, China.
| | - Zihe Hu
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, China.
| | - Jue Shi
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, China.
| | - Zhijian Xie
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, China.
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2
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Stange EF. Dysbiosis in inflammatory bowel diseases: egg, not chicken. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1395861. [PMID: 38846142 PMCID: PMC11153678 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1395861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
There is agreement that inflammatory bowel diseases are, both in terms of species composition and function, associated with an altered intestinal microbiome. This is usually described by the term "dysbiosis," but this is a vague definition lacking quantitative precision. In this brief narrative review, the evidence concerning the primary or secondary role of this dysbiotic state is critically evaluated. Among others, the following facts argue against a primary etiological impact: 1) There is no specific dysbiotic microbiome in IBD, 2) the presence or absence of mucosal inflammation has a profound impact on the composition of the microbiome, 3) dysbiosis is not specific for IBD but linked to many unrelated diseases, 4) antibiotics, probiotics, and microbiome transfer have a very limited therapeutic effect, 5) the microbiome in concordant twins is similar to disease-discordant twins, and 6) the microbiome in relatives of IBD patients later developing IBD is altered, but these individuals already display subclinical inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduard F. Stange
- Klinik für Innere Medizin I, Universitätsklinik Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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3
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Filipe Rosa L, Rings A, Stolzer I, Koeninger L, Wehkamp J, Beisner J, Günther C, Nordkild P, Jensen BAH, Bischoff SC. Human α-Defensin 5 1-9 and Human β-Defensin 2 Improve Metabolic Parameters and Gut Barrier Function in Mice Fed a Western-Style Diet. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13878. [PMID: 37762180 PMCID: PMC10531064 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity and metabolic comorbidities are associated with gut permeability. While high-fructose and Western-style diet (WSD) disrupt intestinal barrier function, oral administration of human α-defensin 5 (HD5) and β-defensin 2 (hBD2) is believed to improve intestinal integrity and metabolic disorders. Eighty-four male C57BL/6J mice were fed a WSD or a control diet (CD) ± fructose (F) for 18 weeks. In week 13, mice were randomly divided into three intervention groups, receiving defensin fragment HD51-9, full-length hBD2, or bovine serum albumin (BSA)-control for six weeks. Subsequently, parameters of hepatic steatosis, glucose metabolism, and gut barrier function were assessed. WSDF increased body weight and hepatic steatosis (p < 0.01) compared to CD-fed mice, whereas peptide intervention decreased liver fat (p < 0.05) and number of hepatic lipid droplets (p < 0.01) compared to BSA-control. In addition, both peptides attenuated glucose intolerance by reducing blood glucose curves in WSDF-fed mice. Evaluation of gut barrier function revealed that HD51-9 and hBD2 improve intestinal integrity by upregulating tight junction and mucin expression. Moreover, peptide treatment restored ileal host defense peptides (HDP) expression, likely by modulating the Wnt, Myd88, p38, and Jak/STAT pathways. These findings strongly suggest that α- and β-defensin treatment improve hepatic steatosis, glucose metabolism, and gut barrier function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa Filipe Rosa
- Institute of Nutritional Medicine, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 12, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Andreas Rings
- Institute of Nutritional Medicine, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 12, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Iris Stolzer
- Department of Medicine 1, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Louis Koeninger
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Tübingen, 72016 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jan Wehkamp
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Tübingen, 72016 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Julia Beisner
- Institute of Nutritional Medicine, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 12, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Claudia Günther
- Department of Medicine 1, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Benjamin A. H. Jensen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1353 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stephan C. Bischoff
- Institute of Nutritional Medicine, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 12, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
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4
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Bello-Madruga R, Valle J, Jiménez MÁ, Torrent M, Montero-Alejo V, Andreu D. The C-Terminus of Panusin, a Lobster β-Defensin, Is Crucial for Optimal Antimicrobial Activity and Serum Stability. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1777. [PMID: 37376223 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
β-defensins are one of the most abundant and studied families of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Because of their selective toxicity to bacterial membranes and a broad spectrum of microbicidal action, β-defensins are regarded as potential therapeutic agents. This work focuses on a β-defensin-like AMP from the spiny lobster Panulirus argus (hereafter referred to as panusin or PaD). This AMP is structurally related to mammalian defensins via the presence of an αβ domain stabilized by disulfide bonds. Previous studies of PaD suggest that its C-terminus (Ct_PaD) contains the main structural determinants of antibacterial activity. To confirm this hypothesis, we made synthetic versions of PaD and Ct_PaD to determine the influence of the C-terminus on antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity, proteolytic stability, and 3D structure. After successful solid-phase synthesis and folding, antibacterial assays of both peptides showed truncated Ct_PaD to be more active than native PaD, confirming the role of the C-terminus in activity and suggesting that cationic residues in that region enhance binding to negatively charged membranes. On the other hand, neither PaD nor Ct_PaD were hemolytic or cytotoxic in human cells. Proteolysis in human serum was also studied, showing high (>24 h) t1/2 values for PaD and lower but still considerable for Ct_PaD, indicating that the missing native disulfide bond in Ct_PaD alters protease resistance, albeit not decisively. NMR-2D experiments in water agree with the results obtained by circular dichroism (CD), where in SDS micelles, CD showed both peptides adopting an increasingly ordered structure in a hydrophobic environment, in tune with their ability to perturb bacterial membrane systems. In conclusion, while the β-defensin features of PaD are confirmed as advantageous in terms of antimicrobial activity, toxicity, and protease stability, the results of the present work suggest that these same features are preserved, even enhanced, in the structurally simpler Ct_PaD, which must therefore be viewed as a valuable lead for the development of novel anti-infectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Bello-Madruga
- Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- Systems Biology of Infection Lab, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, (CIDEM), La Habana 10400, Cuba
| | - Javier Valle
- Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Ángeles Jiménez
- Instituto de Química Física Blas Cabrera-CSIC, Serrano 119, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marc Torrent
- Systems Biology of Infection Lab, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Vivian Montero-Alejo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, (CIDEM), La Habana 10400, Cuba
| | - David Andreu
- Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
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5
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Deo S, Turton KL, Kainth T, Kumar A, Wieden HJ. Strategies for improving antimicrobial peptide production. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 59:107968. [PMID: 35489657 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.107968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) found in a wide range of animal, insect, and plant species are host defense peptides forming an integral part of their innate immunity. Although the exact mode of action of some AMPs is yet to be deciphered, many exhibit membrane lytic activity or interact with intracellular targets. The ever-growing threat of antibiotic resistance has brought attention to research on AMPs to enhance their clinical use as a therapeutic alternative. AMPs have several advantages over antibiotics such as broad range of antimicrobial activities including anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial, and have not reported to contribute to resistance development. Despite the numerous studies to develop efficient production methods for AMPs, limitations including low yield, degradation, and loss of activity persists in many recombinant approaches. In this review, we outline available approaches for AMP production and various expression systems used to achieve higher yield and quality. In addition, recent advances in recombinant strategies, suitable fusion protein partners, and other molecular engineering strategies for improved AMP production are surveyed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumya Deo
- Department of Microbiology, Buller building, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Kristi L Turton
- Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Dr. W., Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Tajinder Kainth
- Department of Microbiology, Buller building, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Ayush Kumar
- Department of Microbiology, Buller building, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Hans-Joachim Wieden
- Department of Microbiology, Buller building, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada.
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6
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Henriques-Pons A, Beghini DG, Silva VDS, Iwao Horita S, da Silva FAB. Pulmonary Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Mild Cases of COVID-19 Are Dedicated to Proliferation; In Severe Cases, They Control Inflammation, Make Cell Dispersion, and Tissue Regeneration. Front Immunol 2022; 12:780900. [PMID: 35095855 PMCID: PMC8793136 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.780900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent adult stem cells present in virtually all tissues; they have potent self-renewal capacity and differentiate into multiple cell types. For many reasons, these cells are a promising therapeutic alternative to treat patients with severe COVID-19 and pulmonary post-COVID sequelae. These cells are not only essential for tissue regeneration; they can also alter the pulmonary environment through the paracrine secretion of several mediators. They can control or promote inflammation, induce other stem cells differentiation, restrain the virus load, and much more. In this work, we performed single-cell RNA-seq data analysis of MSCs in bronchoalveolar lavage samples from control individuals and COVID-19 patients with mild and severe clinical conditions. When we compared samples from mild cases with control individuals, most genes transcriptionally upregulated in COVID-19 were involved in cell proliferation. However, a new set of genes with distinct biological functions was upregulated when we compared severely affected with mild COVID-19 patients. In this analysis, the cells upregulated genes related to cell dispersion/migration and induced the γ-activated sequence (GAS) genes, probably triggered by IFNGR1 and IFNGR2. Then, IRF-1 was upregulated, one of the GAS target genes, leading to the interferon-stimulated response (ISR) and the overexpression of many signature target genes. The MSCs also upregulated genes involved in the mesenchymal-epithelial transition, virus control, cell chemotaxis, and used the cytoplasmic RNA danger sensors RIG-1, MDA5, and PKR. In a non-comparative analysis, we observed that MSCs from severe cases do not express many NF-κB upstream receptors, such as Toll-like (TLRs) TLR-3, -7, and -8; tumor necrosis factor (TNFR1 or TNFR2), RANK, CD40, and IL-1R1. Indeed, many NF-κB inhibitors were upregulated, including PPP2CB, OPTN, NFKBIA, and FHL2, suggesting that MSCs do not play a role in the "cytokine storm" observed. Therefore, lung MSCs in COVID-19 sense immune danger and act protectively in concert with the pulmonary environment, confirming their therapeutic potential in cell-based therapy for COVID-19. The transcription of MSCs senescence markers is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Henriques-Pons
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Inovações em Terapias, Ensino e Bioprodutos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniela Gois Beghini
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Inovações em Terapias, Ensino e Bioprodutos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Samuel Iwao Horita
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Inovações em Terapias, Ensino e Bioprodutos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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7
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Jensen SK, Pærregaard SI, Brandum EP, Jørgensen AS, Hjortø GM, Jensen BAH. OUP accepted manuscript. Gastroenterol Rep (Oxf) 2022; 10:goac008. [PMID: 35291443 PMCID: PMC8915887 DOI: 10.1093/gastro/goac008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Organismal survival depends on a well-balanced immune system and maintenance of host–microbe mutualism. The fine-tuned relationship between the gut microbiota and host immunity is constantly challenged by opportunistic bacteria testing the integrity of gastrointestinal (GI) barrier defenses. Barrier dysfunction reduces immunological tolerance towards otherwise innocuous microbes; it is a process that may instigate chronic inflammation. Paradoxically, sustained inflammation further diminishes barrier function, enabling bacterial translocation to extra-intestinal tissues. Once translocated, these bacteria stimulate systemic inflammation, thereby compromising organ function. While genetic risk alleles associate with barrier dysfunction, environmental stressors are key triggers of GI inflammation and associated breakdown in immune tolerance towards resident gut microbes. As dietary components dictate substrate availability, they also orchestrate microbiota composition and function, including migratory and pro-inflammatory potential, thus holding the capacity to fuel both GI and extra-intestinal inflammation. Additionally, Western diet consumption may weaken barrier defenses via curbed Paneth cell function and diminished host-defense peptide secretion. This review focuses on intervenable niches of host–microbe interactions and mucosal immunity with the ambition to provide a framework of plausible strategies to improve barrier function and regain tolerance in the inflamed mucosa via nutritional intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sune K Jensen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Simone I Pærregaard
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Emma P Brandum
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Astrid S Jørgensen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gertrud M Hjortø
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Benjamin A H Jensen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Corresponding author. Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, Build. 22.5.39, Copenhagen N 2200, Denmark. Tel: +45-35330188;
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8
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Chiou SJ, Ko HJ, Hwang CC, Hong YR. The Double-Edged Sword of Beta2-Microglobulin in Antibacterial Properties and Amyloid Fibril-Mediated Cytotoxicity. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126330. [PMID: 34199259 PMCID: PMC8231965 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Beta2-microglobulin (B2M) a key component of major histocompatibility complex class I molecules, which aid cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) immune response. However, the majority of studies of B2M have focused only on amyloid fibrils in pathogenesis to the neglect of its role of antimicrobial activity. Indeed, B2M also plays an important role in innate defense and does not only function as an adjuvant for CTL response. A previous study discovered that human aggregated B2M binds the surface protein structure in Streptococci, and a similar study revealed that sB2M-9, derived from native B2M, functions as an antibacterial chemokine that binds Staphylococcus aureus. An investigation of sB2M-9 exhibiting an early lymphocyte recruitment in the human respiratory epithelium with bacterial challenge may uncover previously unrecognized aspects of B2M in the body’s innate defense against Mycobactrium tuberculosis. B2M possesses antimicrobial activity that operates primarily under pH-dependent acidic conditions at which B2M and fragmented B2M may become a nucleus seed that triggers self-aggregation into distinct states, such as oligomers and amyloid fibrils. Modified B2M can act as an antimicrobial peptide (AMP) against a wide range of microbes. Specifically, these AMPs disrupt microbe membranes, a feature similar to that of amyloid fibril mediated cytotoxicity toward eukaryotes. This study investigated two similar but nonidentical effects of B2M: the physiological role of B2M, in which it potentially acts against microbes in innate defense and the role of B2M in amyloid fibrils, in which it disrupts the membrane of pathological cells. Moreover, we explored the pH-governing antibacterial activity of B2M and acidic pH mediated B2M amyloid fibrils underlying such cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shean-Jaw Chiou
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (H.-J.K.); (C.-C.H.)
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (S.-J.C.); (Y.-R.H.)
| | - Huey-Jiun Ko
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (H.-J.K.); (C.-C.H.)
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Ching Hwang
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (H.-J.K.); (C.-C.H.)
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ren Hong
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (H.-J.K.); (C.-C.H.)
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (S.-J.C.); (Y.-R.H.)
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9
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Rueda-Mejia MP, Nägeli L, Lutz S, Hayes RD, Varadarajan AR, Grigoriev IV, Ahrens CH, Freimoser FM. Genome, transcriptome and secretome analyses of the antagonistic, yeast-like fungus Aureobasidium pullulans to identify potential biocontrol genes. MICROBIAL CELL 2021; 8:184-202. [PMID: 34395586 PMCID: PMC8329847 DOI: 10.15698/mic2021.08.757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Aureobasidium pullulans is an extremotolerant, cosmopolitan yeast-like fungus that successfully colonises vastly different ecological niches. The species is widely used in biotechnology and successfully applied as a commercial biocontrol agent against postharvest diseases and fireblight. However, the exact mechanisms that are responsible for its antagonistic activity against diverse plant pathogens are not known at the molecular level. Thus, it is difficult to optimise and improve the biocontrol applications of this species. As a foundation for elucidating biocontrol mechanisms, we have de novo assembled a high-quality reference genome of a strongly antagonistic A. pullulans strain, performed dual RNA-seq experiments, and analysed proteins secreted during the interaction with the plant pathogen Fusarium oxysporum. Based on the genome annotation, potential biocontrol genes were predicted to encode secreted hydrolases or to be part of secondary metabolite clusters (e.g., NRPS-like, NRPS, T1PKS, terpene, and β-lactone clusters). Transcriptome and secretome analyses defined a subset of 79 A. pullulans genes (among the 10,925 annotated genes) that were transcriptionally upregulated or exclusively detected at the protein level during the competition with F. oxysporum. These potential biocontrol genes comprised predicted secreted hydrolases such as glycosylases, esterases, and proteases, as well as genes encoding enzymes, which are predicted to be involved in the synthesis of secondary metabolites. This study highlights the value of a sequential approach starting with genome mining and consecutive transcriptome and secretome analyses in order to identify a limited number of potential target genes for detailed, functional analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Paula Rueda-Mejia
- Agroscope, Research Division Plant Protection, Müller-Thurgau-Strasse 29, 8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland
| | - Lukas Nägeli
- Agroscope, Research Division Plant Protection, Müller-Thurgau-Strasse 29, 8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie Lutz
- Agroscope, Competence Division Method Development and Analytics, Müller-Thurgau-Strasse 29, 8820, Wädenswil, Switzerland
| | - Richard D Hayes
- U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute (JGI), Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Rd., Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Adithi R Varadarajan
- Agroscope, Competence Division Method Development and Analytics, Müller-Thurgau-Strasse 29, 8820, Wädenswil, Switzerland
| | - Igor V Grigoriev
- U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute (JGI), Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Rd., Berkeley, California 94720, USA.,Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California Berkeley, Koshland Hall, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Christian H Ahrens
- Agroscope, Competence Division Method Development and Analytics, Müller-Thurgau-Strasse 29, 8820, Wädenswil, Switzerland.,SIB, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Wädenswil, Switzerland
| | - Florian M Freimoser
- Agroscope, Research Division Plant Protection, Müller-Thurgau-Strasse 29, 8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland
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10
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Yu W, Ning N, Xue Y, Huang Y, Guo F, Li T, Yang B, Luo D, Sun Y, Li Z, Wang J, He Z, Cheng S, Zhang X, Wang H. A Chimeric Cationic Peptide Composed of Human β-Defensin 3 and Human β-Defensin 4 Exhibits Improved Antibacterial Activity and Salt Resistance. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:663151. [PMID: 34025617 PMCID: PMC8137984 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.663151] [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: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Human beta-defensins (hBDs) play an important role in the host defense against various microbes, showing different levels of antibacterial activity and salt resistance in vitro. It is of interest to investigate whether can chimeric hBD analogs enhanced antibacterial activity and salt resistance. In this study, we designed a chimeric human defensin, named H4, by combining sequences of human beta-defensin-3 (hBD-3) and human beta-defensin-4 (hBD-4), then evaluated its antibacterial activity, salt resistance, and cytotoxic effects. The result showed that the antibacterial activity of H4 against most tested strains, including Klebsiella pneumonia, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphyloccocus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Acinetobacter baumannii was significantly improved compared to that of hBD-3 and hBD-4. Notably, H4 exhibited significantly better antibacterial activity against multidrug resistant isolate A. baumannii MDR-ZJ06 than commonly used antibiotics. Chimeric H4 still showed more than 80% antibacterial activity at high salt concentration (150 μM), which proves its good salt tolerance. The cytotoxic effect assay showed that the toxicity of H4 to Hela, Vero, A549 cells and erythrocytes at a low dose (<10 μg/ml) was similar to that of hBD-3 and hBD-4. In conclusion, given its broad spectrum of antibacterial activity and high salt resistance, chimeric H4 could serve as a promising template for new therapeutic antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Nianzhi Ning
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China.,College of Life Science, Ludong University, Yantai, China
| | - Yanyu Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Boning Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Deyan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Yakun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Zhan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Jianxin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Zhili He
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Shiwei Cheng
- College of Life Science, Ludong University, Yantai, China
| | - Xingxiao Zhang
- College of Life Science, Ludong University, Yantai, China
| | - Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogens and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
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11
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Borchers NS, Santos-Valente E, Toncheva AA, Wehkamp J, Franke A, Gaertner VD, Nordkild P, Genuneit J, Jensen BAH, Kabesch M. Human β-Defensin 2 Mutations Are Associated With Asthma and Atopy in Children and Its Application Prevents Atopic Asthma in a Mouse Model. Front Immunol 2021; 12:636061. [PMID: 33717182 PMCID: PMC7946850 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.636061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma and allergies are complex, chronic inflammatory diseases in which genetic and environmental factors are crucial. Protection against asthma and allergy development in the context of farming environment is established by early animal contact, unpasteurized milk consumption and gut microbiota maturation. The human β-defensin 2 (hBD-2) is a host defense peptide present almost exclusively in epithelial tissues, with pronounced immunomodulatory properties, which has recently been shown to ameliorate asthma and IBD in animal models. We hypothesized that adequate hBD-2 secretion plays a role in the protection against asthma and allergy development and that genetic variations in the complex gene locus coding for hBD-2 may be a risk factor for developing these diseases, if as a consequence, hBD-2 is insufficiently produced. We used MALDI-TOF MS genotyping, sequencing and a RFLP assay to study the genetic variation including mutations, polymorphisms and copy number variations in the locus harboring both genes coding for hBD-2 (DEFB4A and DEFB4B). We administered hBD-2 orally in a mouse model of house dust mite (HDM)-asthma before allergy challenge to explore its prophylactic potential, thereby mimicking a protective farm effect. Despite the high complexity of the region harboring DEFB4A and DEFB4B we identified numerous genetic variants to be associated with asthma and allergy in the GABRIELA Ulm population of 1,238 children living in rural areas, including rare mutations, polymorphisms and a lack of the DEFB4A. Furthermore, we found that prophylactic oral administration of hBD-2 significantly curbed lung resistance and pulmonary inflammation in our HDM mouse model. These data indicate that inadequate genetic capacity for hBD-2 is associated with increased asthma and allergy risk while adequate and early hBD-2 administration (in a mouse model) prevents atopic asthma. This suggests that hBD-2 could be involved in the protective farm effect and may be an excellent candidate to confer protection against asthma development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natascha S. Borchers
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Allergy, University Children’s Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) at Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Elisangela Santos-Valente
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Allergy, University Children’s Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) at Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Antoaneta A. Toncheva
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Allergy, University Children’s Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) at Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Jan Wehkamp
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andre Franke
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology (IKMB), Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Vincent D. Gaertner
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Allergy, University Children’s Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) at Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, Regensburg, Germany
- Newborn Research Zürich, University Hospital and University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Jon Genuneit
- Pediatric Epidemiology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Benjamin A. H. Jensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Kabesch
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Allergy, University Children’s Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) at Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, Regensburg, Germany
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12
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Koeninger L, Osbelt L, Berscheid A, Wendler J, Berger J, Hipp K, Lesker TR, Pils MC, Malek NP, Jensen BAH, Brötz-Oesterhelt H, Strowig T, Jan Wehkamp. Curbing gastrointestinal infections by defensin fragment modifications without harming commensal microbiota. Commun Biol 2021; 4:47. [PMID: 33420317 PMCID: PMC7794397 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01582-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The occurrence and spread of multidrug-resistant pathogens, especially bacteria from the ESKAPE panel, increases the risk to succumb to untreatable infections. We developed a novel antimicrobial peptide, Pam-3, with antibacterial and antibiofilm properties to counter this threat. The peptide is based on an eight-amino acid carboxyl-terminal fragment of human β-defensin 1. Pam-3 exhibited prominent antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant ESKAPE pathogens and additionally eradicated already established biofilms in vitro, primarily by disrupting membrane integrity of its target cell. Importantly, prolonged exposure did not result in drug-resistance to Pam-3. In mouse models, Pam-3 selectively reduced acute intestinal Salmonella and established Citrobacter infections, without compromising the core microbiota, hence displaying an added benefit to traditional broad-spectrum antibiotics. In conclusion, our data support the development of defensin-derived antimicrobial agents as a novel approach to fight multidrug-resistant bacteria, where Pam-3 appears as a particularly promising microbiota-preserving candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Koeninger
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Lisa Osbelt
- Department of Microbial Immune Regulation, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
- ESF International Graduate School on Analysis, Imaging and Modelling of Neuronal and Inflammatory Processes, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Anne Berscheid
- Department for Microbial Bioactive Compounds, Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Judith Wendler
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jürgen Berger
- Max-Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Electron Microscopy, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Katharina Hipp
- Max-Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Electron Microscopy, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Till R Lesker
- Department of Microbial Immune Regulation, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Marina C Pils
- Mouse Pathology and Histology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Nisar P Malek
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Benjamin A H Jensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Human Genomics and Metagenomics in Metabolism, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Heike Brötz-Oesterhelt
- Department for Microbial Bioactive Compounds, Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence - Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Till Strowig
- Department of Microbial Immune Regulation, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence - Resolving Infection Susceptibility, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jan Wehkamp
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence - Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections, Tübingen, Germany
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13
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Feldman C, Anderson R. Platelets and Their Role in the Pathogenesis of Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Community-Acquired Pneumonia. Front Immunol 2020; 11:577303. [PMID: 33042161 PMCID: PMC7527494 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.577303] [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: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world with much recent and ongoing research focused on the occurrence of cardiovascular events (CVEs) during the infection, which are associated with adverse short-term and long-term survival. Much of the research directed at unraveling the pathogenesis of these events has been undertaken in the settings of experimental and clinical CAP caused by the dangerous, bacterial respiratory pathogen, Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), which remains the most common bacterial cause of CAP. Studies of this type have revealed that although platelets play an important role in host defense against infection, there is also increasing recognition that hyperactivation of these cells contributes to a pro-inflammatory, prothrombotic systemic milieu that contributes to the etiology of CVEs. In the case of the pneumococcus, platelet-driven myocardial damage and dysfunction is exacerbated by the direct cardiotoxic actions of pneumolysin, a major pore-forming toxin of this pathogen, which also acts as potent activator of platelets. This review is focused on the role of platelets in host defense against infection, including pneumococcal infection in particular, and reviews the current literature describing the potential mechanisms by which platelet activation contributes to cardiovascular complications in CAP. This is preceded by an evaluation of the burden of pneumococcal infection in CAP, the clinical features and putative pathogenic mechanisms of the CVE, and concludes with an evaluation of the potential utility of the anti-platelet activity of macrolides and various adjunctive therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Feldman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ronald Anderson
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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14
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Kapil S, Sharma V. d-Amino acids in antimicrobial peptides: a potential approach to treat and combat antimicrobial resistance. Can J Microbiol 2020; 67:119-137. [PMID: 32783775 DOI: 10.1139/cjm-2020-0142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is one of the leading challenges in the human healthcare segment. Advances in antimicrobial resistance have triggered exploration of natural alternatives to stabilize its seriousness. Antimicrobial peptides are small, positively charged oligopeptides that are as potent as commercially available antibiotics against a wide spectrum of organisms, such as Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, viruses, and fungal strains. In addition to their antibiotic capabilities, these peptides possess anticancer activity, activate the immune response, and regulate inflammation. Peptides have distinct modes of action and fall into various categories due to their amino acid composition. Although antimicrobial peptides specifically target the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane, they can also target the cell nucleus and protein synthesis. Owing to the increasing demand for novel treatments against the threat of antimicrobial resistance, naturally synthesized peptides are a beneficial development concept. Antimicrobial peptides are pervasive and can easily be modified using de-novo synthesis technology. Antimicrobial peptides can be isolated from natural resources such as humans, plants, bacteria, and fungi. This review gives a brief overview of antimicrobial peptides and their diastereomeric composition. Other current trends, the future scope of antimicrobial peptides, and the role of d-amino acids are also discussed, with a specific emphasis on the design and development of new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shikha Kapil
- University Institute of Biotechnology, Chandigarh University, Gharuan Mohali, Punjab 140413, India.,University Institute of Biotechnology, Chandigarh University, Gharuan Mohali, Punjab 140413, India
| | - Vipasha Sharma
- University Institute of Biotechnology, Chandigarh University, Gharuan Mohali, Punjab 140413, India.,University Institute of Biotechnology, Chandigarh University, Gharuan Mohali, Punjab 140413, India
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15
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Puértolas-Balint F, Schroeder BO. Does an Apple a Day Also Keep the Microbes Away? The Interplay Between Diet, Microbiota, and Host Defense Peptides at the Intestinal Mucosal Barrier. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1164. [PMID: 32655555 PMCID: PMC7325984 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A crucial mechanism of intestinal defense includes the production and secretion of host defense peptides (HDPs). HDPs control pathogens and commensals at the intestinal interface by direct killing, by sequestering vital ions, or by causing bacterial cells to aggregate in the mucus layer. Accordingly, the combined activity of various HDPs neutralizes gut bacteria before reaching the mucosa and thus helps to maintain the homeostatic balance between the host and its microbes at the mucosal barrier. Defects in the mucosal barrier have been associated with various diseases that are on the rise in the Western world. These include metabolic diseases, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, and inflammatory intestinal disorders, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, the two major entities of inflammatory bowel disease. While the etiology of these diseases is multifactorial, highly processed Western-style diet (WSD) that is rich in carbohydrates and fat and low in dietary fiber content, is considered to be a contributing lifestyle factor. As such, WSD does not only profoundly affect the resident microbes in the intestine, but can also directly alter HDP function, thereby potentially contributing to intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction. In this review we aim to decipher the complex interaction between diet, microbiota, and HDPs. We discuss how HDP expression can be modulated by specific microbes and their metabolites as well as by dietary factors, including fibers, lipids, polyphenols and vitamins. We identify several dietary compounds that lead to reduced HDP function, but also factors that stimulate HDP production in the intestine. Furthermore, we argue that the effect of HDPs against commensal bacteria has been understudied when compared to pathogens, and that local environmental conditions also need to be considered. In addition, we discuss the known molecular mechanisms behind HDP modulation. We believe that a better understanding of the diet-microbiota-HDP interdependence will provide insights into factors underlying modern diseases and will help to identify potential dietary interventions or probiotic supplementation that can promote HDP-mediated intestinal barrier function in the Western gut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola Puértolas-Balint
- Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS) -The Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Bjoern O Schroeder
- Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS) -The Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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16
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Ehmann D, Koeninger L, Wendler J, Malek NP, Stange EF, Wehkamp J, Jensen BAH. Fragmentation of Human Neutrophil α-Defensin 4 to Combat Multidrug Resistant Bacteria. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1147. [PMID: 32582092 PMCID: PMC7286198 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The occurrence and spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria is a prominent health concern. To curb this urgent threat, new innovative strategies pursuing novel antimicrobial agents are of the utmost importance. Here, we unleashed the antimicrobial activity of human neutrophil peptide-4 (HNP-4) by tryptic digestion. We identified a single 11 amino acid long fragment (HNP-41 - 11) with remarkable antimicrobial potential, exceeding that of the full length peptide on both mass and molar levels. Importantly, HNP-41 - 11 was equally bactericidal against multidrug-resistant and non-resistant strains; a potency that was further enhanced by N- and C-terminus modifications (acetylation and amidation, respectively). These observations, combined with negligible cytotoxicity not exceeding that of the full length peptide, presents proteolytic digestion of innate host-defense-peptides as a novel strategy to overcome the current health crisis related to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Ehmann
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Louis Koeninger
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Judith Wendler
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Nisar P Malek
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Eduard F Stange
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jan Wehkamp
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Benjamin A H Jensen
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Human Genomics and Metagenomics in Metabolism, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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17
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Staniszewska M, Sobiepanek A, Gizińska M, Peña-Cabrera E, Arroyo-Córdoba IJ, Kazek M, Kuryk Ł, Wieczorek M, Koronkiewicz M, Kobiela T, Ochal Z. Sulfone derivatives enter the cytoplasm of Candida albicans sessile cells. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 191:112139. [PMID: 32109777 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Since our study showed that sulfone derivatives' action mode creates a lesser risk of inducing widespread resistance among Candida spp., we continued verifying sulfones' antifungal activity using the following newly synthesized derivatives: bromodichloromethy-4-hydrazinyl-3-nitrophenyl sulfone (S1), difluoroiodomethyl-4-hydrazinyl-3-nitrophenyl sulfone (S2), and chlorodifluoromethyl-4-hydrazinyl-3-nitrophenyl sulfone (S3). As the mechanism by which sulfones gain access to the cytoplasm has not been elucidated yet, in order to track S1-3, we coupled their hydrazine group with BODIPY (final S1-3 BODIPY-labelled were named SB1-3). This approach allowed us to follow the vital internalization and endocytic routing of SB1-3, while BODIPY interacts primarily with fungal surfaces, thus confirming that S1-3 and their counterparts SB1-2 behaved as non-typical agents by damaging the cell membrane and wall after being endocytosed (SB1-3 fluorescence visible inside the unlysed sessile cells). Thus greatly decreasing the likelihood of the appearance of strains resistance. Core sulfones S1-3 are a promising alternative not only to treat planktonic C. albicans but also biofilm-embedded cells. In the flow cytometric analysis, the planktonic cell surface was digested by S1-3, which made the externalized PS accessible to AnnexinV binding and PI input (accidental cell death ACD). The occurrence of ACD as well as apoptosis (crescent-shaped nuclei) and anoikis of sessile cells (regulated cell death by 100%-reduction in attachment to epithelium) was assessed through monitoring the AO/PI/HO342 markers. CLSM revealed the invasion of S1-3 and SB1-3 in C. albicans without inducing cell lysis. This was a novel approach in which QCM-D was used for real-time in situ detection of viscoelastic changes in the C. albicans biofilm, and its interaction with S1 as a representative of the sulfones tested. S1 (not toxic in vivo) is a potent fungicidal agent against C. albicans and could be administered to treat invasive candidiasis as a monotherapy or in combination with antifungal agents of reference to treat C. albicans infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Staniszewska
- Chair of Drug and Cosmetics Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Noakowskiego 3, 00-664, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Anna Sobiepanek
- Chair of Drug and Cosmetics Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Noakowskiego 3, 00-664, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Eduardo Peña-Cabrera
- Departamento de Química, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta S/N, Guanajuato, Guanajuato, 36050, Mexico
| | - Ismael J Arroyo-Córdoba
- Departamento de Química, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta S/N, Guanajuato, Guanajuato, 36050, Mexico
| | - Michalina Kazek
- Laboratory of Physiology, The Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Science, Twarda 51/55, 00-818, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Łukasz Kuryk
- National Institute of Public Health-National Institute of Hygiene, 00-791, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Wieczorek
- National Institute of Public Health-National Institute of Hygiene, 00-791, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mirosława Koronkiewicz
- Department of Drug Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, National Medicines Institute, Warsaw, 00-725, Poland
| | - Tomasz Kobiela
- Chair of Drug and Cosmetics Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Noakowskiego 3, 00-664, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Ochal
- Chair of Drug and Cosmetics Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Noakowskiego 3, 00-664, Warsaw, Poland.
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18
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Abstract
Introduction: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are on the rise worldwide. This review covers the current concepts of the etiology of Crohn´s disease and ulcerative colitis by focusing on an unbalanced interaction between the intestinal microbiota and the mucosal barrier. Understanding these issues is of paramount importance for the development of targeted therapies aiming at the disease cause.Area covered: Gut microbiota alterations and a dysfunctional intestinal mucosa are associated with IBD. Here we focus on specific defense structures of the mucosal barrier, namely antimicrobial peptides and the mucus layer, which keep the gut microbiota at a distance under healthy conditions and are defective in IBD.Expert commentary: The microbiology of both forms of IBD is different but characterized by a reduced bacterial diversity and richness. Abundance of certain bacterial species is altered, and the compositional changes are related to disease activity. In IBD the mucus layer above the epithelium is contaminated by bacteria and the immune reaction is dominated by the antibacterial response. Human genetics suggest that many of the basic deficiencies in the mucosal response, due to Paneth cell, defensin and mucus defects, are primary. Nutrition may also be important but so far there is no therapy targeting the mucosal barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduard F Stange
- Innere Medizin I, Medizinische Universitätsklinik, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Bjoern O Schroeder
- Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS) -The Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, and Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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