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Molecular Identification and Antibacterial Activity Analysis of Blue Fox ( Vulpes lagopus) β-Defensins 108 and 122. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11071857. [PMID: 34206565 PMCID: PMC8300115 DOI: 10.3390/ani11071857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The blue fox (Vulpes lagopus) is an important fur animal in China; its reproductive performance is directly related to the economic benefits of breeding. β-Defensins can protect the male reproductive system from bacterial invasion, maintain the stability of reproductive tract microenvironment and improve semen quality in mammals. Few studies have proposed to investigate the antibacterial effect of Vulpes lagopus beta-defensin (vBDs). In this study, we analyzed the antibacterial activity of recombinant vBD108 and vBD122 protein in vitro by an antibacterial activity analysis experiment. Our preliminary results demonstrate that the two vBDs have good antibacterial activity. The blue fox β-defensins may be used as an extender component of the semen diluent to protect semen from bacterial infection. Abstract The blue fox (Vulpes lagopus), a fur-bearing animal, is an important component of the breeding industry in China. Semen quality is a key factor for the reproductive process and the breeding effectiveness of the farmed blue fox. However, bacterial contamination in semen samples utilized in artificial fertilization is very common. The β-defensins, a class of important antimicrobial peptides in mammals, could protect the reproductive system of male animals from bacterial invasion, maintain the stability of the genital tract microenvironment and improve semen quality. In this study, molecular cloning and bioinformatics analysis were conducted to analyze the protein structure and function of blue fox β-defensin 108 (Vulpes lagopus beta-defensin 108, vBD108) and 122 (Vulpes lagopus beta-defensin 122, vBD122). To evaluate the bacteriostatic effect of recombinant vBDs (Vulpes lagopus beta-defensins) protein, varying concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100, 200 µg/mL) were taken to evaluate the effects on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus at different times (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 h). The results showed that vBD108 and vBD122 existed in different forms in protein structure and had antibacterial activity. Both proteins, at 50 µg/mL, had efficacious bacteriostatic activity. This study shows that recombinant vBD108 and vBD122 proteins have good antibacterial activity in vitro. This implies a potential role in improving semen quality and hygienic measures in the process of artificial insemination as an extender of semen dilution with antibacterial activity.
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Glycosaminoglycan-Protein Interactions by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23092314. [PMID: 30208595 PMCID: PMC6225283 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23092314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is one of the most utilized and informative analytical techniques for investigating glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-protein complexes. NMR methods that are commonly applied to GAG-protein systems include chemical shift perturbation, saturation transfer difference, and transferred nuclear Overhauser effect. Although these NMR methods have revealed valuable insight into the protein-GAG complexes, elucidating high-resolution structural and dynamic information of these often transient interactions remains challenging. In addition, preparation of structurally homogeneous and isotopically enriched GAG ligands for structural investigations continues to be laborious. As a result, understanding of the structure-activity relationship of GAGs is still primitive. To overcome these deficiencies, several innovative NMR techniques have been developed lately. Here, we review some of the commonly used techniques along with more novel methods such as waterLOGSY and experiments to examine structure and dynamic of lysine and arginine side chains to identify GAG-binding sites. We will also present the latest technology that is used to produce isotopically enriched as well as paramagnetically tagged GAG ligands. Recent results that were obtained from solid-state NMR of amyloid’s interaction with GAG are also presented together with a brief discussion on computer assisted modeling of GAG-protein complexes using sparse experimental data.
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de Paula VS, Valente AP. A Dynamic Overview of Antimicrobial Peptides and Their Complexes. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23082040. [PMID: 30111717 PMCID: PMC6222744 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23082040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In this narrative review, we comprehensively review the available information about the recognition, structure, and dynamics of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Their complex behaviors occur across a wide range of time scales and have been challenging to portray. Recent advances in nuclear magnetic resonance and molecular dynamics simulations have revealed the importance of the molecular plasticity of AMPs and their abilities to recognize targets. We also highlight experimental data obtained using nuclear magnetic resonance methodologies, showing that conformational selection is a major mechanism of target interaction in AMP families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane Silva de Paula
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA.
| | - Ana Paula Valente
- Centro de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Centro Nacional de Ressonância Magnética Nuclear Jiri Jonas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil.
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Park MS, Kim JI, Lee I, Park S, Bae JY, Park MS. Towards the Application of Human Defensins as Antivirals. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2018; 26:242-254. [PMID: 29310427 PMCID: PMC5933891 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2017.172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Defensins are antimicrobial peptides that participate in the innate immunity of hosts. Humans constitutively and/or inducibly express α- and β-defensins, which are known for their antiviral and antibacterial activities. This review describes the application of human defensins. We discuss the extant experimental results, limited though they are, to consider the potential applicability of human defensins as antiviral agents. Given their antiviral effects, we propose that basic research be conducted on human defensins that focuses on RNA viruses, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), influenza A virus (IAV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and dengue virus (DENV), which are considered serious human pathogens but have posed huge challenges for vaccine development for different reasons. Concerning the prophylactic and therapeutic applications of defensins, we then discuss the applicability of human defensins as antivirals that has been demonstrated in reports using animal models. Finally, we discuss the potential adjuvant-like activity of human defensins and propose an exploration of the ‘defensin vaccine’ concept to prime the body with a controlled supply of human defensins. In sum, we suggest a conceptual framework to achieve the practical application of human defensins to combat viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mee Sook Park
- Department of Microbiology, Institute for Viral Diseases, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Il Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Institute for Viral Diseases, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Ilseob Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Institute for Viral Diseases, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Sehee Park
- Department of Microbiology, Institute for Viral Diseases, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon-Yong Bae
- Department of Microbiology, Institute for Viral Diseases, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Man-Seong Park
- Department of Microbiology, Institute for Viral Diseases, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
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5
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Pomin VH, Wang X. Synthetic Oligosaccharide Libraries and Microarray Technology: A Powerful Combination for the Success of Current Glycosaminoglycan Interactomics. ChemMedChem 2018; 13:648-661. [PMID: 29160016 PMCID: PMC5895483 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201700620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are extracellular matrix and/or cell-surface sulfated glycans crucial to the regulation of various signaling proteins, the functions of which are essential in many pathophysiological systems. Because structural heterogeneity is high in GAG chains and purification is difficult, the use of structurally defined GAG oligosaccharides from natural sources as molecular models in both biophysical and pharmacological assays is limited. To overcome this obstacle, GAG-like oligosaccharides of well-defined structures are currently being synthesized by chemical and/or enzymatic means in many research groups around the world. These synthetic GAG oligosaccharides serve as useful molecular tools in studies of GAG-protein interactions. In this review, besides discussing the commonest routes used for the synthesis of GAG oligosaccharides, we also survey some libraries of these synthetic models currently available for research and discuss their activities in interaction studies with functional proteins, especially through the microarray approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitor H Pomin
- Program of Glycobiology, Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis and University Hospital Clementino Fraga Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-913, Brazil
| | - Xu Wang
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
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Fruitwala S, El-Naccache DW, Chang TL. Multifaceted immune functions of human defensins and underlying mechanisms. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2018; 88:163-172. [PMID: 29501617 PMCID: PMC6485945 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2018.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Defensins have been long recognized as natural antimicrobial peptides, but they also possess diverse and versatile immune functions. Defensins can both induce inflammation and suppress inflammatory responses by acting on specific cells through distinct mechanisms. Defensins can also modulate the immune response by forming a complex with cellular molecules including proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates. The mechanisms of defensin-mediated immune modulation appear to be cell-type and context specific. Because the levels of human defensins are often altered in response to infection or disease states, suggesting their clinical relevance, this review summarizes the complex immune functions of human defensins and their underlying mechanisms of action, which have implications for the development of new therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saahil Fruitwala
- Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Darine W El-Naccache
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA; Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Theresa L Chang
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA; Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA.
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Shafee TMA, Lay FT, Phan TK, Anderson MA, Hulett MD. Convergent evolution of defensin sequence, structure and function. Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 74:663-682. [PMID: 27557668 PMCID: PMC11107677 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-016-2344-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Revised: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Defensins are a well-characterised group of small, disulphide-rich, cationic peptides that are produced by essentially all eukaryotes and are highly diverse in their sequences and structures. Most display broad range antimicrobial activity at low micromolar concentrations, whereas others have other diverse roles, including cell signalling (e.g. immune cell recruitment, self/non-self-recognition), ion channel perturbation, toxic functions, and enzyme inhibition. The defensins consist of two superfamilies, each derived from an independent evolutionary origin, which have subsequently undergone extensive divergent evolution in their sequence, structure and function. Referred to as the cis- and trans-defensin superfamilies, they are classified based on their secondary structure orientation, cysteine motifs and disulphide bond connectivities, tertiary structure similarities and precursor gene sequence. The utility of displaying loops on a stable, compact, disulphide-rich core has been exploited by evolution on multiple occasions. The defensin superfamilies represent a case where the ensuing convergent evolution of sequence, structure and function has been particularly extreme. Here, we discuss the extent, causes and significance of these convergent features, drawing examples from across the eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M A Shafee
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Fung T Lay
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Thanh Kha Phan
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Marilyn A Anderson
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia.
| | - Mark D Hulett
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia.
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Fredriksson J, de Paula VS, Valente AP, Almeida FCL, Billeter M. DIADECOMP: A new approach to analyze decompositions from projection spectroscopy. JOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE (SAN DIEGO, CALIF. : 1997) 2016; 273:1-8. [PMID: 27718459 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmr.2016.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Revised: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
We demonstrate for the first time a complete small protein characterization with the projection-decomposition approach, including full assignments as well as determination of the 3D fold. In TOCSY- and NOESY-type 4D experiments, pairing of signals from hydrogens and from their respective heavy atoms in decompositions represents a new problem. An approach, referred to as "DIADECOMP" (diagonal decomposition), is introduced to solve this problem; it consists of two separate decompositions of the input projections, differing in a 45° rotation of the spectral axes. While DIADECOMP requires a somewhat complex formulation, in practice it results in observing signals in the rotated decompositions that correspond to sums or differences of frequencies. When applied to a small protein, human defensin β6, the analysis of a HCC(CO)NH-TOCSY with DIADECOMP results in largely unambiguous assignments of the aliphatic side chain groups. Furthermore, DIADECOMP applied to a 15N-HSQC-NOESY-15N-HSQC provides all expected short distances between amide groups (defined as all HN-HN distances <3.5Å in a reference structure). It is worth noting that short HN-HN distances unambiguously define α-helices, the alignment of β-strands in sheets, as well as the presence of β-bulges. This approach of using a minimal amount of NMR data, namely four projection experiments recorded in ∼2.5days, resulted for the human defensin β6 in complete assignments and a backbone fold with a RMSD of the non-flexible structure of 0.6Å. Uniqueness of decompositions specifically from TOCSY- and NOESY-type 4D experiments is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Fredriksson
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Viviane S de Paula
- Campus Xerem, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Duque de Caxias, Brazil; Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Valente
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, National Center of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Jiri Jonas, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Fabio C L Almeida
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, National Center of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Jiri Jonas, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Martin Billeter
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Mulloy B, Hogwood J, Gray E, Lever R, Page CP. Pharmacology of Heparin and Related Drugs. Pharmacol Rev 2016; 68:76-141. [PMID: 26672027 DOI: 10.1124/pr.115.011247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 216] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Heparin has been recognized as a valuable anticoagulant and antithrombotic for several decades and is still widely used in clinical practice for a variety of indications. The anticoagulant activity of heparin is mainly attributable to the action of a specific pentasaccharide sequence that acts in concert with antithrombin, a plasma coagulation factor inhibitor. This observation has led to the development of synthetic heparin mimetics for clinical use. However, it is increasingly recognized that heparin has many other pharmacological properties, including but not limited to antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antimetastatic actions. Many of these activities are independent of its anticoagulant activity, although the mechanisms of these other activities are currently less well defined. Nonetheless, heparin is being exploited for clinical uses beyond anticoagulation and developed for a wide range of clinical disorders. This article provides a "state of the art" review of our current understanding of the pharmacology of heparin and related drugs and an overview of the status of development of such drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Mulloy
- Sackler Institute of Pulmonary Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, United Kingdom (B.M., C.P.P.); National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom (J.H., E.G.); and University College London School of Pharmacy, London, United Kingdom (R.L.)
| | - John Hogwood
- Sackler Institute of Pulmonary Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, United Kingdom (B.M., C.P.P.); National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom (J.H., E.G.); and University College London School of Pharmacy, London, United Kingdom (R.L.)
| | - Elaine Gray
- Sackler Institute of Pulmonary Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, United Kingdom (B.M., C.P.P.); National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom (J.H., E.G.); and University College London School of Pharmacy, London, United Kingdom (R.L.)
| | - Rebecca Lever
- Sackler Institute of Pulmonary Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, United Kingdom (B.M., C.P.P.); National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom (J.H., E.G.); and University College London School of Pharmacy, London, United Kingdom (R.L.)
| | - Clive P Page
- Sackler Institute of Pulmonary Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, United Kingdom (B.M., C.P.P.); National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom (J.H., E.G.); and University College London School of Pharmacy, London, United Kingdom (R.L.)
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Soares PA, Queiroz IN, Pomin VH. NMR structural biology of sulfated glycans. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2016; 35:1069-1084. [DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2016.1171165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paulo A.G. Soares
- Program of Glycobiology, Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, and University Hospital Clementino Fraga Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-913, Brazil
| | - Ismael N.L. Queiroz
- Program of Glycobiology, Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, and University Hospital Clementino Fraga Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-913, Brazil
| | - Vitor H. Pomin
- Program of Glycobiology, Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, and University Hospital Clementino Fraga Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-913, Brazil
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Pomin VH, Mulloy B. Current structural biology of the heparin interactome. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2015; 34:17-25. [PMID: 26038285 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2015.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Revised: 05/03/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Heparin is the best known therapeutically active carbohydrate. It can bind and regulate multiple functional proteins such as coagulation cofactors, chemokines, and growth factors. This versatility has led to the recently developed concept of the heparin interactome--a group of proteins that, as the name implies, interact with heparin. The heparin interactome is structurally and functionally diverse. Though natural ligands of this class of proteins may be any of the glycosaminoglycans however, their structural biology is generally studied using heparin as a model compound. NMR spectroscopy contributes significantly to structural investigations of the resultant complexes in solution. This review aims therefore at discussing the current status in structural biology of the molecular complexes formed between heparin and its protein partners through the current concept of the heparin interactome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitor H Pomin
- Program of Glycobiology, Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, and University Hospital Clementino Fraga Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-913, Brazil.
| | - Barbara Mulloy
- Glycosciences Laboratory, Imperial College, Department of Medicine, Burlington Danes Building, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK.
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12
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Wang G, Mishra B, Lau K, Lushnikova T, Golla R, Wang X. Antimicrobial peptides in 2014. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2015; 8:123-50. [PMID: 25806720 PMCID: PMC4381204 DOI: 10.3390/ph8010123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Revised: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This article highlights new members, novel mechanisms of action, new functions, and interesting applications of antimicrobial peptides reported in 2014. As of December 2014, over 100 new peptides were registered into the Antimicrobial Peptide Database, increasing the total number of entries to 2493. Unique antimicrobial peptides have been identified from marine bacteria, fungi, and plants. Environmental conditions clearly influence peptide activity or function. Human α-defensin HD-6 is only antimicrobial under reduced conditions. The pH-dependent oligomerization of human cathelicidin LL-37 is linked to double-stranded RNA delivery to endosomes, where the acidic pH triggers the dissociation of the peptide aggregate to release its cargo. Proline-rich peptides, previously known to bind to heat shock proteins, are shown to inhibit protein synthesis. A model antimicrobial peptide is demonstrated to have multiple hits on bacteria, including surface protein delocalization. While cell surface modification to decrease cationic peptide binding is a recognized resistance mechanism for pathogenic bacteria, it is also used as a survival strategy for commensal bacteria. The year 2014 also witnessed continued efforts in exploiting potential applications of antimicrobial peptides. We highlight 3D structure-based design of peptide antimicrobials and vaccines, surface coating, delivery systems, and microbial detection devices involving antimicrobial peptides. The 2014 results also support that combination therapy is preferred over monotherapy in treating biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangshun Wang
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986495 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6495, USA.
| | - Biswajit Mishra
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986495 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6495, USA
| | - Kyle Lau
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986495 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6495, USA
| | - Tamara Lushnikova
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986495 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6495, USA
| | - Radha Golla
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986495 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6495, USA
| | - Xiuqing Wang
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986495 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6495, USA
- Institute of Clinical Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
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Zimmer J, Hobkirk J, Mohamed F, Browning MJ, Stover CM. On the Functional Overlap between Complement and Anti-Microbial Peptides. Front Immunol 2015; 5:689. [PMID: 25646095 PMCID: PMC4298222 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Intriguingly, activated complement and anti-microbial peptides share certain functionalities; lytic, phagocytic, and chemo-attractant activities and each may, in addition, exert cell instructive roles. Each has been shown to have distinct LPS detoxifying activity and may play a role in the development of endotoxin tolerance. In search of the origin of complement, a functional homolog of complement C3 involved in opsonization has been identified in horseshoe crabs. Horseshoe crabs possess anti-microbial peptides able to bind to acyl chains or phosphate groups/saccharides of endotoxin, LPS. Complement activity as a whole is detectable in marine invertebrates. These are also a source of anti-microbial peptides with potential pharmaceutical applicability. Investigating the locality for the production of complement pathway proteins and their role in modulating cellular immune responses are emerging fields. The significance of local synthesis of complement components is becoming clearer from in vivo studies of parenchymatous disease involving specifically generated, complement-deficient mouse lines. Complement C3 is a central component of complement activation. Its provision by cells of the myeloid lineage varies. Their effector functions in turn are increased in the presence of anti-microbial peptides. This may point to a potentiating range of activities, which should serve the maintenance of health but may also cause disease. Because of the therapeutic implications, this review will consider closely studies dealing with complement activation and anti-microbial peptide activity in acute inflammation (e.g., dialysis-related peritonitis, appendicitis, and ischemia).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Zimmer
- Department of Infectious Diseases - Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Ruprecht-Karls-University of Heidelberg , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - James Hobkirk
- Department of Academic Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull , Hull , UK
| | - Fatima Mohamed
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester , Leicester , UK
| | - Michael J Browning
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester , Leicester , UK ; Department of Immunology, Leicester Royal Infirmary , Leicester , UK
| | - Cordula M Stover
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester , Leicester , UK
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