1
|
Zielke C, Nielsen JE, Lin JS, Barron AE. Between good and evil: Complexation of the human cathelicidin LL-37 with nucleic acids. Biophys J 2024; 123:1316-1328. [PMID: 37919905 PMCID: PMC11163296 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.10.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The innate immune system provides a crucial first line of defense against invading pathogens attacking the body. As the only member of the human cathelicidin family, the antimicrobial peptide LL-37 has been shown to have antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. In complexation with nucleic acids, LL-37 is suggested to maintain its beneficial health effects while also acting as a condensation agent for the nucleic acid. Complexes formed by LL-37 and nucleic acids have been shown to be immunostimulatory with a positive impact on the human innate immune system. However, some studies also suggest that in some circumstances, LL-37/nucleic acid complexes may be a contributing factor to autoimmune disorders such as psoriasis and systemic lupus erythematosus. This review provides a comprehensive discussion of research highlighting the beneficial health effects of LL-37/nucleic acid complexes, as well as discussing observed detrimental effects. We will emphasize why it is important to investigate and elucidate structural characteristics, such as condensation patterns of nucleic acids within complexation, and their mechanisms of action, to shed light on the intricate physiological effects of LL-37 and the seemingly contradictory role of LL-37/nucleic acid complexes in the innate immune response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Zielke
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Schools of Medicine and of Engineering, Stanford, California
| | - Josefine Eilsø Nielsen
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Schools of Medicine and of Engineering, Stanford, California; Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jennifer S Lin
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Schools of Medicine and of Engineering, Stanford, California
| | - Annelise E Barron
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Schools of Medicine and of Engineering, Stanford, California.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen Q, Cai P, Chang THW, Burgener E, Kratochvil MJ, Gupta A, Hargill A, Secor PR, Nielsen JE, Barron AE, Milla C, Heilshorn SC, Spakowitz A, Bollyky PL. Pf bacteriophages hinder sputum antibiotic diffusion via electrostatic binding. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadl5576. [PMID: 38820163 PMCID: PMC11141622 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl5576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Despite great progress in the field, chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) infections remain a major cause of mortality in patients with cystic fibrosis (pwCF), necessitating treatment with antibiotics. Pf is a filamentous bacteriophage produced by Pa and acts as a structural element in Pa biofilms. Pf presence has been associated with antibiotic resistance and poor outcomes in pwCF, although the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We have investigated how Pf and sputum biopolymers impede antibiotic diffusion using pwCF sputum and fluorescent recovery after photobleaching. We demonstrate that tobramycin interacts with Pf and sputum polymers through electrostatic interactions. We also developed a set of mathematical models to analyze the complex observations. Our analysis suggests that Pf in sputum reduces the diffusion of charged antibiotics due to a greater binding constant associated with organized liquid crystalline structures formed between Pf and sputum polymers. This study provides insights into antibiotic tolerance mechanisms in chronic Pa infections and may offer potential strategies for novel therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingquan Chen
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Dept. of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Beckman Center, 279 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Pam Cai
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Tony Hong Wei Chang
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Dept. of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Beckman Center, 279 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Elizabeth Burgener
- Center for Excellence in Pulmonary Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
| | - Michael J Kratochvil
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Dept. of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Beckman Center, 279 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, 476 Lomita Mall, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Aditi Gupta
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Dept. of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Beckman Center, 279 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Aviv Hargill
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Dept. of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Beckman Center, 279 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Patrick R Secor
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
| | - Josefine Eilsø Nielsen
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Medicine & School of Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Annelise E Barron
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Medicine & School of Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Carlos Milla
- Center for Excellence in Pulmonary Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Sarah C Heilshorn
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, 476 Lomita Mall, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Andy Spakowitz
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, 476 Lomita Mall, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Paul L Bollyky
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Dept. of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Beckman Center, 279 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chen Q, Cai P, Chang THW, Burgener E, Kratochvil MJ, Gupta A, Hargil A, Secor PR, Nielsen JE, Barron AE, Milla C, Heilshorn SC, Spakowitz A, Bollyky PL. Pf bacteriophages hinder sputum antibiotic diffusion via electrostatic binding. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.10.584330. [PMID: 38496625 PMCID: PMC10942440 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.10.584330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Despite great progress in the field, chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) infections remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cystic fibrosis, necessitating treatment with inhaled antibiotics. Pf phage is a filamentous bacteriophage produced by Pa that has been reported to act as a structural element in Pa biofilms. Pf presence has been associated with resistance to antibiotics and poor outcomes in cystic fibrosis, though the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we have investigated how Pf phages and sputum biopolymers impede antibiotic diffusion using human sputum samples and fluorescent recovery after photobleaching. We demonstrate that tobramycin interacts with Pf phages and sputum polymers through electrostatic interactions. We also developed a set of mathematical models to analyze the complex observations. Our analysis suggests that Pf phages in sputum reduce the diffusion of charged antibiotics due to a greater binding constant associated with organized liquid crystalline structures formed between Pf phages and sputum polymers. This study provides insights into antibiotic tolerance mechanisms in chronic Pa infections and may offer potential strategies for novel therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingquan Chen
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Dept. of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Beckman Center, 279 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Pam Cai
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305
| | - Tony Hong Wei Chang
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Dept. of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Beckman Center, 279 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Elizabeth Burgener
- Center for Excellence in Pulmonary Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027
| | - Michael J. Kratochvil
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Dept. of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Beckman Center, 279 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, 476 Lomita Mall, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Aditi Gupta
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Dept. of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Beckman Center, 279 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Aviv Hargil
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Dept. of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Beckman Center, 279 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Patrick R. Secor
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, United States
| | - Josefine Eilsø Nielsen
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Medicine & School of Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Annelise E. Barron
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Medicine & School of Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Carlos Milla
- Center for Excellence in Pulmonary Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Sarah C. Heilshorn
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, 476 Lomita Mall, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Andy Spakowitz
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, 476 Lomita Mall, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Paul L. Bollyky
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Dept. of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Beckman Center, 279 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nakamura Y, Kulkarni NN, Takahashi T, Alimohamadi H, Dokoshi T, Liu E, Shia M, Numata T, Luo EW, Gombart AF, Yang X, Secrest P, Gordts PL, Tsimikas S, Wong GC, Gallo RL. Increased LL37 in psoriasis and other inflammatory disorders promotes LDL uptake and atherosclerosis. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e172578. [PMID: 38194294 PMCID: PMC10904043 DOI: 10.1172/jci172578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Patients with chronic inflammatory disorders such as psoriasis have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and elevated levels of LL37, a cathelicidin host defense peptide that has both antimicrobial and proinflammatory properties. To explore whether LL37 could contribute to the risk of heart disease, we examined its effects on lipoprotein metabolism and show that LL37 enhanced LDL uptake in macrophages through the LDL receptor (LDLR), scavenger receptor class B member 1 (SR-B1), and CD36. This interaction led to increased cytosolic cholesterol in macrophages and changes in expression of lipid metabolism genes consistent with increased cholesterol uptake. Structure-function analysis and synchrotron small-angle x-ray scattering showed structural determinants of the LL37-LDL complex that underlie its ability to bind its receptors and promote uptake. This function of LDL uptake is unique to cathelicidins from humans and some primates and was not observed with cathelicidins from mice or rabbits. Notably, Apoe-/- mice expressing LL37 developed larger atheroma plaques than did control mice, and a positive correlation between plasma LL37 and oxidized phospholipid on apolipoprotein B (OxPL-apoB) levels was observed in individuals with cardiovascular disease. These findings provide evidence that LDL uptake can be increased via interaction with LL37 and may explain the increased risk of cardiovascular disease associated with chronic inflammatory disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Adrian F. Gombart
- Linus Pauling Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | | | - Patrick Secrest
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, and
| | - Philip L.S.M. Gordts
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, and
- Glycobiology Research and Training Center, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | - Gerard C.L. Wong
- Department of Bioengineering, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Juszczak M, Zawrotniak M, Rapala-Kozik M. Complexation of fungal extracellular nucleic acids by host LL-37 peptide shapes neutrophil response to Candida albicans biofilm. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1295168. [PMID: 38384468 PMCID: PMC10880380 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1295168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans remains the predominant cause of fungal infections, where adhered microbial cells form biofilms - densely packed communities. The central feature of C. albicans biofilms is the production of an extracellular matrix (ECM) consisting of polymers and extracellular nucleic acids (eDNA, eRNA), which significantly impedes the infiltration of host cells. Neutrophils, as crucial players in the innate host defense, employ several mechanisms to eradicate the fungal infection, including NETosis, endocytosis, or the release of granules containing, among others, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). The main representative of these is the positively charged peptide LL-37 formed from an inactive precursor (hCAP18). In addition to its antimicrobial functions, this peptide possesses a propensity to interact with negatively charged molecules, including nucleic acids. Our in vitro studies have demonstrated that LL-37 contacting with C. albicans nucleic acids, isolated from biofilm, are complexed by the peptide and its shorter derivatives, as confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. We indicated that the generation of the complexes induces discernible alterations in the neutrophil response to fungal nucleic acids compared to the effects of unconjugated molecules. Our analyses involving fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and Western blotting revealed that stimulation of neutrophils with DNA:LL-37 or RNA:LL-37 complexes hamper the activation of pro-apoptotic caspases 3 and 7 and fosters increased activation of anti-apoptotic pathways mediated by the Mcl-1 protein. Furthermore, the formation of complexes elicits a dual effect on neutrophil immune response. Firstly, they facilitate increased nucleic acid uptake, as evidenced by microscopic observations, and enhance the pro-inflammatory response, promoting IL-8 production. Secondly, the complexes detection suppresses the production of reactive oxygen species and attenuates NETosis activation. In conclusion, these findings may imply that the neutrophil immune response shifts toward mobilizing the immune system as a whole, rather than inactivating the pathogen locally. Our findings shed new light on the intricate interplay between the constituents of the C. albicans biofilm and the host's immune response and indicate possible reasons for the elimination of NETosis from the arsenal of the neutrophil response during contact with the fungal biofilm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Juszczak
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Marcin Zawrotniak
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Maria Rapala-Kozik
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tanabe G, Mori T, Araki M, Kataoka H, Into T. Role of LL-37 in Oral Bacterial DNA Accumulation in Dental Plaque. J Dent Res 2024; 103:177-186. [PMID: 38093556 DOI: 10.1177/00220345231210767] [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] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Dental plaque, a highly structured polymicrobial biofilm, persistently forms in the oral cavity and is a common problem affecting oral health. The role of oral defense factors in either collaborating or disrupting host-microbiome interactions remains insufficiently elucidated. This study aims to explore the role of LL-37, a critical antimicrobial peptide in the oral cavity, in dental plaque formation. Through immunostaining dental plaque specimens, we observed that LL-37 and DNA colocalized in the samples, appearing as condensed clusters. In vitro experiments revealed that LL-37 binds rapidly to oral bacterial DNA, forming high molecular weight, DNase-resistant complexes. This interaction results in LL-37 losing its inherent antibacterial activity. Further, upon the addition of LL-37, we observed a visible increase in the precipitation of bacterial DNA. We also discovered a significant correlation between the levels of the DNA-LL-37 complex and LL-37 within dental plaque specimens, demonstrating the ubiquity of the complex within the biofilm. By using immunostaining on dental plaque specimens, we could determine that the DNA-LL-37 complex was present as condensed clusters and small bacterial cell-like structures. This suggests that LL-37 immediately associates with the released bacterial DNA to form complexes that subsequently diffuse. We also demonstrated that the complexes exhibited similar Toll-like receptor 9-stimulating activities across different bacterial species, including Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia, and Streptococcus salivarius. However, these complexes prompted dissimilar activities, such as the production of IL-1β in monocytic cells via both NLRP3 pathway-dependent and pathway-independent mechanisms. This study, therefore, reveals the adverse role of LL-37 in dental plaque, where it binds bacterial DNA to form complexes that may precipitate to behave like an extracellular matrix. Furthermore, the unveiled stimulating properties and species-dependent activities of the oral bacterial DNA-LL-37 complexes enrich our understanding of dental plaque pathogenicity and periodontal innate immune responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Tanabe
- Department of Oral Microbiology, Division of Oral Infection Health Sciences, Asahi University School of Dentistry, Mizuho, Gifu, Japan
- Department of Sports Dentistry, Meikai University School of Dentistry, Sakado, Saitama, Japan
| | - T Mori
- Department of Oral Microbiology, Division of Oral Infection Health Sciences, Asahi University School of Dentistry, Mizuho, Gifu, Japan
| | - M Araki
- Department of Oral Microbiology, Division of Oral Infection Health Sciences, Asahi University School of Dentistry, Mizuho, Gifu, Japan
- Asahi University School of Dental Hygienists, Mizuho, Gifu, Japan
| | - H Kataoka
- Department of Oral Microbiology, Division of Oral Infection Health Sciences, Asahi University School of Dentistry, Mizuho, Gifu, Japan
| | - T Into
- Department of Oral Microbiology, Division of Oral Infection Health Sciences, Asahi University School of Dentistry, Mizuho, Gifu, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Loffredo MR, Nencioni L, Mangoni ML, Casciaro B. Antimicrobial peptides for novel antiviral strategies in the current post-COVID-19 pandemic. J Pept Sci 2024; 30:e3534. [PMID: 37501572 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The recent pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has highlighted how urgent and necessary the discovery of new antiviral compounds is for novel therapeutic approaches. Among the various classes of molecules with antiviral activity, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) of innate immunity are among the most promising ones, mainly due to their different mechanisms of action against viruses and additional biological properties. In this review, the main physicochemical characteristics of AMPs are described, with particular interest toward peptides derived from amphibian skin. Living in aquatic and terrestrial environments, amphibians are one of the richest sources of AMPs with different primary and secondary structures. Besides describing the various antiviral activities of these peptides and the underlying mechanism, this review aims at emphasizing the high potential of these small molecules for the development of new antiviral agents that likely reduce the selection of resistant strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosa Loffredo
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Nencioni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Bruno Casciaro
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chang Y, Ou Q, Zhou X, Nie K, Yan H, Liu J, Li J, Zhang S. Mapping the intellectual structure and landscape of nano-drug delivery systems in colorectal cancer. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1258937. [PMID: 37781707 PMCID: PMC10539472 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1258937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent malignancy affecting the digestive tract, and its incidence has been steadily rising over the years. Surgery remains the primary treatment modality for advanced colorectal cancer, complemented by chemotherapy. The development of drug resistance to chemotherapy is a significant contributor to treatment failure in colorectal cancer. Nanodrug delivery systems (NDDS) can significantly improve the delivery and efficacy of antitumor drugs in multiple ways. However, there is a lack of visualization of NDDS research structures and research hotspots in the field of colorectal cancer, and the elaboration of potential research areas remains to be discovered. Objective: To comprehensively explore the current research status and development trend of NDDS in CRC research. Methods: Bibliometric analysis of articles and reviews on NDDS for CRC published between 2002 and 2022 using tools including CiteSpace, VOSviewer, R-bibliometrix, and Microsoft Excel was performed. Results: A total of 1866 publications authored by 9,870 individuals affiliated with 6,126 institutions across 293 countries/regions were included in the analysis. These publications appeared in 456 journals. Abnous Khalil has the highest number of publications in this field. The most published journals are the International Journal of Nanomedicine, International Journal of Pharmaceutics, and Biomaterials. Notably, the Journal of Controlled Release has the highest citation count and the third-highest H-index. Thematic analysis identified "inflammatory bowel disease"," "oral drug delivery," and "ulcerative colitis" as areas requiring further development. Keyword analysis revealed that "ulcerative colitis," "exosomes," and "as1411"have emerged as keywords within the last 2 years. These emerging keywords may become the focal points of future research. Conclusion: Our findings reveal the current research landscape and intellectual structure of NDDS in CRC research which helps researchers understand the research trends and hot spots in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yonglong Chang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qinling Ou
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Changsha, China
| | - Xuhui Zhou
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Hunan Institute of Mental Health, Brain Hospital of Hunan Province (The Second People’s Hospital of Hunan Province), Changsha, China
| | - Kechao Nie
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Haixia Yan
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jinhui Liu
- College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Sifang Zhang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Jayasinghe JNC, Whang I, De Zoysa M. Antifungal Efficacy of Antimicrobial Peptide Octominin II against Candida albicans. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14053. [PMID: 37762357 PMCID: PMC10531694 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Most clinically isolated Candida albicans strains are drug-resistant, emphasizing the urgent need to discover alternative therapies. In this study, the previously characterized Octominin was modified into a shorter peptide with an 18 amino acid sequence (1GWLIRGAIHAGKAIHGLI18) and named Octominin II. The secondary structure of Octominin II is a random coil with a helical turn and a positive charge (+2.46) with a hydrophobic ratio of 0.46. Octominin II inhibited C. albicans, C. auris, and C. glabrata with minimum inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations against C. albicans of 80 and 120 µg/mL, respectively. Field emission scanning electron microscopy confirmed that Octominin II treatment caused ultra-structural changes in C. albicans cells. Furthermore, membrane permeability results for the fluorescent indicator propidium iodide revealed modifications in cell wall integrity in Octominin II-treated C. albicans. Octominin II treatment increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in C. albicans. Gene expression studies revealed that Octominin II suppresses virulence genes of C. albicans such as CDR1, TUP1, AGE3, GSC1, SAP2, and SAP9. In addition, a nucleic acid binding assay revealed that Octominin II degraded genomic DNA and total RNA in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, Octominin II inhibited and eradicated C. albicans biofilm formation. Octominin II showed relatively less cytotoxicity on raw 264.7 cells (0-200 µg/mL) and hemolysis activity on murine erythrocytes (6.25-100 µg/mL). In vivo studies confirmed that Octominin II reduced the pathogenicity of C. albicans. Overall, the data suggests that Octominin II inhibits C. albicans by employing different modes of action and can be a promising candidate for controlling multidrug-resistant Candida infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J. N. C. Jayasinghe
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea;
| | - Ilson Whang
- National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea (MABIK), Janghang-eup 33662, Republic of Korea
| | - Mahanama De Zoysa
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea;
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Blest HTW, Chauveau L. cGAMP the travelling messenger. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1150705. [PMID: 37287967 PMCID: PMC10242147 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1150705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
2'3'-cGAMP is a key molecule in the cGAS-STING pathway. This cyclic dinucleotide is produced by the cytosolic DNA sensor cGAS in response to the presence of aberrant dsDNA in the cytoplasm which is associated with microbial invasion or cellular damage. 2'3'-cGAMP acts as a second messenger and activates STING, the central hub of DNA sensing, to induce type-I interferons and pro-inflammatory cytokines necessary for responses against infection, cancer or cellular stress. Classically, detection of pathogens or danger by pattern recognition receptors (PRR) was thought to signal and induce the production of interferon and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the cell where sensing occurred. These interferon and cytokines then signal in both an autocrine and paracrine manner to induce responses in neighboring cells. Deviating from this dogma, recent studies have identified multiple mechanisms by which 2'3'-cGAMP can travel to neighboring cells where it activates STING independent of DNA sensing by cGAS. This observation is of great importance, as the cGAS-STING pathway is involved in immune responses against microbial invaders and cancer while its dysregulation drives the pathology of a wide range of inflammatory diseases to which antagonists have been elusive. In this review, we describe the fast-paced discoveries of the mechanisms by which 2'3'-cGAMP can be transported. We further highlight the diseases where they are important and detail how this change in perspective can be applied to vaccine design, cancer immunotherapies and treatment of cGAS-STING associated disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henry T. W. Blest
- Medical Research Council Human Immunology Unit, Medical Research Council Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Lise Chauveau
- Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier (IRIM) - CNRS UMR 9004, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Dhiman A, Talukdar S, Chaubey GK, Dilawari R, Modanwal R, Chaudhary S, Patidar A, Boradia VM, Kumbhar P, Raje CI, Raje M. Regulation of Macrophage Cell Surface GAPDH Alters LL-37 Internalization and Downstream Effects in the Cell. J Innate Immun 2023; 15:581-598. [PMID: 37080180 PMCID: PMC10315065 DOI: 10.1159/000530083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb), the major causative agent of tuberculosis, has evolved mechanisms to evade host defenses and persist within host cells. Host-directed therapies against infected cells are emerging as an effective option. Cationic host defense peptide LL-37 is known to internalize into cells and induce autophagy resulting in intracellular killing of M.tb. This peptide also regulates the immune system and interacts with the multifunctional protein glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) inside macrophages. Our investigations revealed that GAPDH moonlights as a mononuclear cell surface receptor that internalizes LL-37. We confirmed that the surface levels of purinergic receptor 7, the receptor previously reported for this peptide, remained unaltered on M.tb infected macrophages. Upon infection or cellular activation with IFNγ, surface recruited GAPDH bound to and internalized LL-37 into endocytic compartments via a lipid raft-dependent process. We also discovered a role for GAPDH in LL-37-mediated autophagy induction and clearance of intracellular pathogens. In infected macrophages wherein GAPDH had been knocked down, we observed an inhibition of LL-37-mediated autophagy which was rescued by GAPDH overexpression. This process was dependent on intracellular calcium and p38 MAPK pathways. Our findings reveal a previously unknown process by which macrophages internalize an antimicrobial peptide via cell surface GAPDH and suggest a moonlighting role of GAPDH in regulating cellular phenotypic responses of LL-37 resulting in reduction of M.tb burden.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asmita Dhiman
- Institute of Microbial Technology, CSIR, Chandigarh, India
| | | | | | - Rahul Dilawari
- Institute of Microbial Technology, CSIR, Chandigarh, India
| | | | | | - Anil Patidar
- Institute of Microbial Technology, CSIR, Chandigarh, India
| | | | - Pradeep Kumbhar
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Punjab, India
| | | | - Manoj Raje
- Institute of Microbial Technology, CSIR, Chandigarh, India
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Agbaria M, Jbara-Agbaria D, Grad E, Ben-David-Naim M, Aizik G, Golomb G. Nanoparticles of VAV1 siRNA combined with LL37 peptide for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. J Control Release 2023; 355:312-326. [PMID: 36736910 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.01.084] [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: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the leading causes of cancer-related death, and it is highly resistant to therapy owing to its unique extracellular matrix. VAV1 protein, overexpressed in several cancer diseases including pancreatic cancer (PC), increases tumor proliferation and enhances metastases formation, which are associated with decreased survival. We hypothesized that an additive anti-tumor effect could be obtained by co-encapsulating in PLGA nanoparticles (NPs), the negatively charged siRNA against VAV1 (siVAV1) with the positively charged anti-tumor LL37 peptide, as a counter-ion. Several types of NPs were formulated and were characterized for their physicochemical properties, cellular internalization, and bioactivity in vitro. NPs' biodistribution, toxicity, and bioactivity were examined in a mice PDAC model. An optimal siVAV1 formulation (siVAV1-LL37 NPs) was characterized with desirable physicochemical properties in terms of nano-size, low polydispersity index (PDI), neutral surface charge, high siVAV1 encapsulation efficiency, spherical shape, and long-term shelf-life stability. Cell assays demonstrated rapid engulfment by PC cells, a specific and significant dose-dependent proliferation inhibition, as well as knockdown of VAV1 mRNA levels and migration inhibition in VAV1+ cells. Treatment with siVAV1-LL37 NPs in the mice PDAC model revealed marked accumulation of NPs in the liver and in the tumor, resulting in an increased survival rate following suppression of tumor growth and metastases, mediated via the knockdown of both VAV1 mRNA and protein levels. This proof-of-concept study validates our hypothesis of an additive effect in the treatment of PC facilitated by co-encapsulating siVAV1 in NPs with LL37 serving a dual role as a counter ion as well as an anti-tumor agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Majd Agbaria
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel
| | - Doaa Jbara-Agbaria
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel
| | - Etty Grad
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel
| | - Meital Ben-David-Naim
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel
| | - Gil Aizik
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel
| | - Gershon Golomb
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel; The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Kato H, Ohta K, Akagi M, Fukada S, Sakuma M, Naruse T, Nishi H, Shigeishi H, Takechi M, Aikawa T. LL-37-dsRNA Complexes Modulate Immune Response via RIG-I in Oral Keratinocytes. Inflammation 2023; 46:808-823. [PMID: 36763254 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-023-01787-5] [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: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Recognition of nucleic acids as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) promotes an inflammatory response. On the other hand, LL-37, an antimicrobial peptide, is a multifunctional modulator of immune response, though whether it modulates inflammatory responses induced by nucleic acids in oral keratinocytes is unknown. In this study, we firstly investigated the effect of LL-37 on CXCL10 induced by DAMPs and PAMPs in immortalized oral keratinocytes, RT7. Furthermore, the effects of LL-37 on translocation of exogenous nucleic acids into cytoplasm as well as cytosolic receptor, RIG-I on immune responses mediated by LL-37-nucleic acid complexes were examined. From these results, LL-37 enhanced necrotic cell supernatant (NCS)-induced CXCL10 expression in RT7, while the response was decreased by RNase. Complexes of LL-37 and double-stranded (ds) RNA, Poly(I:C) enhanced CXCL10 expression in comparison with each alone, which were associated with NF-κB activation. Furthermore, LL-37 was shown to bind with ds nucleotides and translocate into cytoplasm. Knockdown of RIG-I decreased expression of CXCL10 induced by LL-37-Poly(I:C) complexes, and RIG-I were co-localized with Poly(I:C) entered by LL-37 in cytoplasm. LL-37 modulates dsRNA-mediated inflammatory response via RIG-I in oral keratinocytes, which may play an important role in the pathogenesis of oral inflammatory diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Kato
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-Ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
- Department of Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, National Hospital Organization Kure Medical Centerand, Chugoku Cancer Center , 3-1 Aoyama-Cho, Kure, 737-0023, Japan
| | - Kouji Ohta
- Department of Public Oral Health, Program of Oral Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-Ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan.
| | - Misaki Akagi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-Ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Shohei Fukada
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-Ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Miyuki Sakuma
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-Ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Takako Naruse
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-Ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Hiromi Nishi
- Department of General Dentistry, Hiroshima University Hospital, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-Ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Hideo Shigeishi
- Department of Public Oral Health, Program of Oral Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-Ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Masaaki Takechi
- Department of Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, National Hospital Organization Kure Medical Centerand, Chugoku Cancer Center , 3-1 Aoyama-Cho, Kure, 737-0023, Japan
| | - Tomonao Aikawa
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-Ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
LL-37 antimicrobial peptide and heterologous prime-boost vaccination regimen significantly induce HIV-1 Nef-Vpr antigen- and virion-specific immune responses in mice. Biotechnol Lett 2023; 45:33-45. [PMID: 36550339 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-022-03339-7] [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: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES HIV infection still remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The inability of highly-active antiretroviral therapy in HIV-1 eradication led to development of therapeutic vaccines. Exploiting effective immunogenic constructs and potent delivery systems are important to generate effective therapeutic vaccines, and overcome their poor membrane permeability. Among HIV-1 proteins, the Nef and Vpr proteins can be considered as antigen candidates in vaccine design. METHODS In this study, the immunogenicity of Nef-Vpr antigen candidate in different regimens along with antimicrobial peptide LL-37 (as a DNA carrier) and Montanide 720 (as an adjuvant) was studied in mice. Moreover, the secretion of cytokines was assessed in virion-exposed mice lymphocytes in vitro. RESULTS Our data indicated that groups immunized with the homologous protein + Montanide regimen (group 1), and also the heterologous DNA + LL-37 prime/protein + Montanide boost regimen (group 2) could significantly generate strong immune responses as compared to groups immunized with the DNA constructs (groups 3 & 4). Moreover, immunization of mice with the homologous DNA + LL-37 regimen in low dose of DNA (5 µg) could induce higher immune responses than the homologous naked DNA regimen in high dose of DNA (50 µg) indicating the role of LL-37 as a cell penetrating peptide. Additionally, the heterologous DNA + LL-37 prime/protein + Montanide boost regimen (group 2) induced significantly IFN-gamma secretion from virion-exposed lymphocytes in vitro. CONCLUSION Generally, the use of LL-37 for DNA delivery, Montanide 720 as an adjuvant, and heterologous DNA prime/protein boost strategy could significantly increase IgG2a, IFN-gamma, and Granzyme B, and maintain cytokine secretion after exposure to virions. Indeed, the heterologous DNA + LL-37 prime/protein + Montanide boost regimen can be considered as a potent strategy for development of therapeutic HIV vaccines.
Collapse
|
15
|
Stakheev D, Taborska P, Kalkusova K, Bartunkova J, Smrz D. LL-37 as a Powerful Molecular Tool for Boosting the Performance of Ex Vivo-Produced Human Dendritic Cells for Cancer Immunotherapy. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14122747. [PMID: 36559241 PMCID: PMC9780902 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ex vivo-produced dendritic cells (DCs) constitute the core of active cellular immunotherapy (ACI) for cancer treatment. After many disappointments in clinical trials, the current protocols for their preparation are attempting to boost their therapeutic efficacy by enhancing their functionality towards Th1 response and capability to induce the expansion of cytotoxic tumor-specific CD8+ T cells. LL-37 is an antimicrobial peptide with strong immunomodulatory potential. This potential was previously found to either enhance or suppress the desired anti-tumor DC functionality when used at different phases of their ex vivo production. In this work, we show that LL-37 can be implemented during the whole process of DC production in a way that allows LL-37 to enhance the anti-tumor functionality of produced DCs. We found that the supplementation of LL-37 during the differentiation of monocyte-derived DCs showed only a tendency to enhance their in vitro-induced lymphocyte enrichment with CD8+ T cells. The supplementation of LL-37 also during the process of DC antigen loading (pulsation) and maturation significantly enhanced the cell culture enrichment with CD8+ T cells. Moreover, this enrichment was also associated with the downregulated expression of PD-1 in CD8+ T cells, significantly higher frequency of tumor cell-reactive CD8+ T cells, and superior in vitro cytotoxicity against tumor cells. These data showed that LL-37 implementation into the whole process of the ex vivo production of DCs could significantly boost their anti-tumor performance in ACI.
Collapse
|
16
|
Ahmad A, Khan JM. pH-sensitive endosomolytic peptides in gene and drug delivery: Endosomal escape and current challenges. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2022.103786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
|
17
|
Anindya R. Cytoplasmic DNA in cancer cells: Several pathways that potentially limit DNase2 and TREX1 activities. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2022; 1869:119278. [PMID: 35489653 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2022.119278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The presence of DNA in the cytoplasm of tumor cells induces the dendritic cell to produce type-I IFNs. Classically, the presence of foreign DNA in host cells' cytoplasm during viral infection elicits cGAS-STING mediated type-I IFN signaling and cytokine production. It is likely that cytosolic DNA leads to senescence and immune surveillance in transformed cells during the early stages of carcinogenesis. However, multiple factors, such as loss of cell-cycle checkpoint, mitochondrial damage and chromosomal instability, can lead to persistent accumulation of DNA in the cytoplasm of metastatic tumor cells. That is why aberrant activation of the type I IFN pathway is frequently associated with highly aggressive tumors. Intriguingly, two powerful intracellular deoxyribonucleases, DNase2 and TREX1, can target the cytoplasmic DNA for degradation. Yet the tumor cells consistently accumulate cytoplasmic DNA. This review highlights recent work connecting the lack of DNase2 and TREX1 function to innate immune signaling. It also summarizes the possible mechanisms that limit the activity of DNase2 and TREX1 in tumor cells and contributes to chronic inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roy Anindya
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy 502284, India.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Khairkhah N, Bolhassani A, Agi E, Namvar A, Nikyar A. Immunological investigation of a multiepitope peptide vaccine candidate based on main proteins of SARS-CoV-2 pathogen. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268251. [PMID: 35679246 PMCID: PMC9182696 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiepitope vaccines could induce multiantigenic immunity against large complex pathogens with different strain variants. Herein, the in silico, in vitro and in vivo studies were used to design and develop a novel candidate antigenic multiepitope vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 pathogen. The designed multiepitope construct targets the spike glycoprotein (S), membrane protein (M), and nucleocapsid phosphoprotein (N) of SARS-CoV-2 (i.e., the S-N-M construct). This construct contains the cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL)-, helper T lymphocyte (HTL)-, and linear B lymphocyte (LBL)-inducing epitopes. The multiepitope s-n-m fusion gene was subcloned in prokaryotic (pET24a) and eukaryotic (pcDNA3.1) expression vectors. Its expression was evaluated in mammalian cell line using LL37 cell penetrating peptide. Moreover, the recombinant multiepitope S-N-M peptide was produced in E. coli strain. Finally, mice were immunized using homologous and heterologous regimens for evaluation of immune responses. Our data indicated that the multiepitope S-N-M peptide construct combined with Montanide 720 in homologous regimen significantly stimulated total IgG, IgG2a, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-15, IL-21 and IL-6, and Granzyme B secretion as compared to other groups. Moreover, the pcDNA-s-n-m/ LL37 nanoparticles significantly induced higher immune responses than the naked DNA in both homologous and heterologous regimens. In general, our designed multiepitope vaccine construct can be considered as a vaccine candidate in SARS-CoV-2 infection model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niloofar Khairkhah
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Iranian Comprehensive Hemophilia Care Center, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Azam Bolhassani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elnaz Agi
- Iranian Comprehensive Hemophilia Care Center, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Namvar
- Iranian Comprehensive Hemophilia Care Center, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arash Nikyar
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Wei X, Zhang L, Yang Y, Hou Y, Xu Y, Wang Z, Su H, Han F, Han J, Liu P, Hu S, Koci MD, Sun X, Zhang C. LL-37 transports immunoreactive cGAMP to activate STING signaling and enhance interferon-mediated host antiviral immunity. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110880. [PMID: 35649354 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclic 2',3'-GMP-AMP (cGAMP) binds to and activates stimulator of interferon genes (STING), which then induces interferons to drive immune responses against tumors and pathogens. Exogenous cGAMP produced by infected and malignant cells and synthetic cGAMP used in immunotherapy must traverse the cell membrane to activate STING in target cells. However, as an anionic hydrophilic molecule, cGAMP is not inherently membrane permeable. Here, we show that LL-37, a human host defense peptide, can function as a transporter of cGAMP. LL-37 specifically binds cGAMP and efficiently delivers cGAMP into target cells. cGAMP transferred by LL-37 activates robust interferon responses and host antiviral immunity in a STING-dependent manner. Furthermore, we report that LL-37 inducers vitamin D3 and sodium butyrate promote host immunity by enhancing endogenous LL-37 expression and its mediated cGAMP immune response. Collectively, our data uncover an essential role of LL-37 in innate immune activation and suggest new strategies for immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xubiao Wei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lulu Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yinlong Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanfei Hou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yifang Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhimeng Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huili Su
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Fangping Han
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Han
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Peiyuan Liu
- School of Life Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuiqing Hu
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Matthew D Koci
- Prestage Department of Poultry Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Xuxu Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University College of Basic Medical Science, Shanghai, China.
| | - Conggang Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Aloul KM, Nielsen JE, Defensor EB, Lin JS, Fortkort JA, Shamloo M, Cirillo JD, Gombart AF, Barron AE. Upregulating Human Cathelicidin Antimicrobial Peptide LL-37 Expression May Prevent Severe COVID-19 Inflammatory Responses and Reduce Microthrombosis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:880961. [PMID: 35634307 PMCID: PMC9134243 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.880961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is characterized by hyperactivation by inflammatory cytokines and recruitment of macrophages, neutrophils, and other immune cells, all hallmarks of a strong inflammatory response that can lead to severe complications and multi-organ damage. Mortality in COVID-19 patients is associated with a high prevalence of neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation and microthrombosis that are exacerbated by hyperglycemia, diabetes, and old age. SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans and non-human primates have revealed long-term neurological consequences of COVID-19, possibly concomitant with the formation of Lewy bodies in the brain and invasion of the nervous system via the olfactory bulb. In this paper, we review the relevance of the human cathelicidin LL-37 in SARS-CoV-2 infections. LL-37 is an immunomodulatory, host defense peptide with direct anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity, and pleiotropic effects on the inflammatory response, neovascularization, Lewy body formation, and pancreatic islet cell function. The bioactive form of vitamin D and a number of other compounds induce LL-37 expression and one might predict its upregulation, could reduce the prevalence of severe COVID-19. We hypothesize upregulation of LL-37 will act therapeutically, facilitating efficient NET clearance by macrophages, speeding endothelial repair after inflammatory tissue damage, preventing α-synuclein aggregation, and supporting blood-glucose level stabilization by facilitating insulin release and islet β-cell neogenesis. In addition, it has been postulated that LL-37 can directly bind the S1 domain of SARS-CoV-2, mask angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors, and limit SARS-CoV-2 infection. Purposeful upregulation of LL-37 could also serve as a preventative and therapeutic strategy for SARS-CoV-2 infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karim M. Aloul
- Department of Bioengineering, Schools of Medicine and of Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Josefine Eilsø Nielsen
- Department of Bioengineering, Schools of Medicine and of Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Erwin B. Defensor
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Jennifer S. Lin
- Department of Bioengineering, Schools of Medicine and of Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - John A. Fortkort
- Department of Bioengineering, Schools of Medicine and of Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Mehrdad Shamloo
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Jeffrey D. Cirillo
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M College of Medicine, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - Adrian F. Gombart
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
- The Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Annelise E. Barron
- Department of Bioengineering, Schools of Medicine and of Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Nikyar A, Bolhassani A, Rouhollah F, Heshmati M. In Vitro Delivery of HIV-1 Nef-Vpr DNA Construct Using the Human Antimicrobial Peptide LL-37. Curr Drug Deliv 2022; 19:1083-1092. [PMID: 35176981 DOI: 10.2174/1567201819666220217164055] [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: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES DNA-based therapeutic vaccines have been proposed as promising strategy for treatment of established HIV infections. However, these vaccines are often associated with certain shortcomings, such as poor immunogenicity and low transfection efficiency. In this study, we investigated ability of LL-37 to deliver a potential immunogenic fusion construct comprising HIV-1 nef and vpr genes into a mammalian cell line. METHODS First, the pEGFP-N1 eukaryotic expression vector harboring the HIV-1 nef-vpr fusion was produced free of endotoxin on large scale. Then, DNA/LL-37 complexes were prepared by co-incubation of pEGFP-nef-vpr with LL-37 for 45 minutes at different nitrogen to phosphate (N/P) ratios. Formation of DNA/peptide complexes was investigated by gel retardation assay. Next, stability and morphological characteristics of the nanoparticles were evaluated. Toxicity of LL-37 and the nanoparticles in HEK-293T cells was assessed by MTT assay. Transfection efficiency of the DNA/LL-37 complexes was studied by fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and western blot analysis. RESULTS LL-37 formed stable complexes with pEGFP-nef-vpr (diameter of 150-200 nm) while providing good protection against nucleolytic and proteolytic degradation. The peptide significantly affected cell viability even at low concentrations. However, the LL-37/DNA complexes had no significant cytotoxic effect. Treatment of cells with pEGFP-N1/LL-37 and pEGFP-nef-vpr/LL-37 resulted in transfection of 36.32% ± 1.13 and 25.55% ± 2.07 of cells, respectively. CONCLUSION Given these findings and the important immunomodulatory and antiviral activities of LL-37, the use of this peptide can be further exploited in the development of novel gene delivery strategies and vaccine design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arash Nikyar
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Bolhassani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDs, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Rouhollah
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Heshmati
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Relationship Among Blastocystis, the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes Ratio and Chronic Stress in Mexican University Students. Curr Microbiol 2022; 79:72. [PMID: 35067729 PMCID: PMC8784498 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-021-02756-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The role played by Blastocystis in humans has been a subject of discussion due to its intestinal effects and modifications in the intestinal microbiota. We aimed to analyze the relationship between Blastocystis subtypes ST1-4 and 7, the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio (F/B ratio) of fecal microbiota, and chronic stress in university students. This study had a cross-sectional design with a sample of 202 students. We analyzed fecal and hair samples, and stress inventories were applied to the students. The results showed a frequency of Blastocystis-colonized students of 52.97%. Regarding fecal microbiota, a median RAU of 0.801 for Firmicutes and 0.82 of Bacteroidetes were obtained, with an F/B ratio of 0.83. A low F/B ratio (66.04%) was more frequent in Blastocystis-colonized students, whereas a high F/B ratio (68.09%) (p = < 0.0001) was found in the Blastocystis-non-colonized. Only Blastocystis ST3 did not significantly correlate with a low F/B ratio (p = 0.290). The ST4 was associated with lower values of cortisol (p = 0.030), psychological stress (p = 0.040), and lower frequency of constipation (p = 0.010). Only two students with the ST1 had abdominal pain (p = 0.007). Our results suggest that colonization by Blastocystis subtypes can modify the intestinal microbiota due to a decreased ratio between the two most representative phyla (F/B). Also, the results of this study show that ST4 colonization is related to a lower level of chronic stress.
Collapse
|
23
|
Nunes LGP, Reichert T, Machini MT. His-Rich Peptides, Gly- and His-Rich Peptides: Functionally Versatile Compounds with Potential Multi-Purpose Applications. Int J Pept Res Ther 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-021-10302-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
|
24
|
Buri MV, Sperandio LP, de Souza KFS, Antunes F, Rezende MM, Melo CM, Pinhal MAS, Barros CC, Fernig DG, Yates EA, Ide JS, Smaili SS, Riske KA, Nader HB, Luis Dos Santos Tersariol I, Lima MA, Judice WAS, Miranda A, Paredes-Gamero EJ. Endocytosis and the Participation of Glycosaminoglycans Are Important to the Mechanism of Cell Death Induced by β-Hairpin Antimicrobial Peptides. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2021; 4:6488-6501. [PMID: 35006908 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.1c00390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The cytotoxic mode of action of four antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) (gomesin, tachyplesin, protegrin, and polyphemusin) against a HeLa cell tumor model is discussed. A study of cell death by AMP stimulation revealed some similarities, including annexin-V externalization, reduction of mitochondrial potential, insensitivity against inhibitors of cell death, and membrane permeabilization. Evaluation of signaling proteins and gene expression that control cell death revealed wide variation in the responses to AMPs. However, the ability to cross cell membranes emerged as an important characteristic of AMP-dependent cell death, where endocytosis mediated by dynamin is a common mechanism. Furthermore, the affinity between AMPs and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and GAG participation in the cytotoxicity of AMPs were verified. The results show that, despite their primary and secondary structure homology, these peptides present different modes of action, but endocytosis and GAG participation are an important and common mechanism of cytotoxicity for β-hairpin peptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Vinicius Buri
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, R. Três de Maio 100, São Paulo 04044-020, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Letícia Paulino Sperandio
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Bioquímica, Universidade de Mogi Das Cruzes, Av. Dr. Cândido Xavier de Almeida Souza, 200, Mogi Das Cruzes 08780-911, São Paulo, Brazil.,Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, R. Três de Maio 100, São Paulo 04044-020, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kamylla F S de Souza
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, R. Três de Maio 100, São Paulo 04044-020, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Antunes
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, R. Três de Maio 100, São Paulo 04044-020, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marina Mastelaro Rezende
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, R. Três de Maio 100, São Paulo 04044-020, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carina Mucciolo Melo
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, R. Três de Maio 100, São Paulo 04044-020, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria A S Pinhal
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, R. Três de Maio 100, São Paulo 04044-020, São Paulo, Brazil.,Departmento de Bioquímica, Faculdade de Medicina Do ABC, Santo André 09060-870, Brazil
| | - Carlos C Barros
- Departamento de Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, R. Gomes Carneiro, No1, Pelotas 96010-610, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - David G Fernig
- Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, ISMIB, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, U.K
| | - Edwin A Yates
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, R. Três de Maio 100, São Paulo 04044-020, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, ISMIB, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, U.K
| | - Jaime S Ide
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06519, United States
| | - Soraya S Smaili
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, R. Três de Maio 100, São Paulo 04044-020, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Karin A Riske
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, R. Três de Maio 100, São Paulo 04044-020, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Helena B Nader
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, R. Três de Maio 100, São Paulo 04044-020, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Marcelo Andrade Lima
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, R. Três de Maio 100, São Paulo 04044-020, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Wagner A S Judice
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Bioquímica, Universidade de Mogi Das Cruzes, Av. Dr. Cândido Xavier de Almeida Souza, 200, Mogi Das Cruzes 08780-911, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Antonio Miranda
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, R. Três de Maio 100, São Paulo 04044-020, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edgar J Paredes-Gamero
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, R. Três de Maio 100, São Paulo 04044-020, São Paulo, Brazil.,Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Alimentos e Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso Do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Wang C, Hong T, Cui P, Wang J, Xia J. Antimicrobial peptides towards clinical application: Delivery and formulation. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 175:113818. [PMID: 34090965 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides hold promise to supplement small molecules antibiotics and combat the multidrug resistant microbes. There are however technical hurdles towards the clinical applications, largely due to the inherent limitations of peptides including stability, cytotoxicity and bioavailability. Here we review recent studies concerning the delivery and formulation of antimicrobial peptides, by categorizing the different strategies as driven by physical interactions or chemical conjugation reactions, and carriers ranging from inorganic based ones (including gold, silver and silica based solid nanoparticles) to organic ones (including micelle, liposome and hydrogel) are covered. Besides, targeted delivery of antimicrobial peptides or using antimicrobial peptides as the targeting moiety, and responsive release of the peptides after delivery are also reviewed. Lastly, strategies towards the increase of oral bioavailability, from both physical or chemical methods, are highlighted. Altogether, this article provides a comprehensive review of the recent progress of the delivery and formulation of antimicrobial peptides towards clinical application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Catalytic Materials and Technology, School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164, China
| | - Tingting Hong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Catalytic Materials and Technology, School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164, China
| | - Pengfei Cui
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Catalytic Materials and Technology, School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164, China
| | - Jianhao Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Catalytic Materials and Technology, School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164, China.
| | - Jiang Xia
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Zeiders SM, Chmielewski J. Antibiotic-cell-penetrating peptide conjugates targeting challenging drug-resistant and intracellular pathogenic bacteria. Chem Biol Drug Des 2021; 98:762-778. [PMID: 34315189 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The failure to treat everyday bacterial infections is a current threat as pathogens are finding new ways to thwart antibiotics through mechanisms of resistance and intracellular refuge, thus rendering current antibiotic strategies ineffective. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are providing a means to improve antibiotics that are already approved for use. Through coadministration and conjugation of antibiotics with CPPs, improved accumulation and selectivity with alternative and/or additional modes of action against infections have been observed. Herein, we review the recent progress of this antibiotic-cell-penetrating peptide strategy in combatting sensitive and drug-resistant pathogens. We take a closer look into the specific antibiotics that have been enhanced, and in some cases repurposed as broad-spectrum drugs. Through the addition and conjugation of cell-penetrating peptides to antibiotics, increased permeation across mammalian and/or bacterial membranes and a broader range in bacterial selectivity have been achieved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jean Chmielewski
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Boix-Lemonche G, Guillem-Marti J, Lekka M, D'Este F, Guida F, Manero JM, Skerlavaj B. Membrane perturbation, altered morphology and killing of Staphylococcus epidermidis upon contact with a cytocompatible peptide-based antibacterial surface. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2021; 203:111745. [PMID: 33853003 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2021.111745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
One possibility to prevent prosthetic infections is to produce biomaterials resistant to bacterial colonization by anchoring membrane active antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) onto the implant surface. In this perspective, a deeper understanding of the mode of action of the immobilized peptides should improve the development of AMP-inspired infection-resistant biomaterials. The aim of the present study was to characterize the bactericidal mechanism against Staphylococcus epidermidis of the AMP BMAP27(1-18), immobilized on titanium disks and on a model resin support, by applying viability counts, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), and a fluorescence microplate assay with a membrane potential-sensitive dye. The cytocompatibility to osteoblast-like MG-63 cells was investigated in monoculture and in co-culture with bacteria. The impact of peptide orientation was explored by using N- and C- anchored analogues. On titanium, the ∼50 % drop in bacteria viability and dramatically affected morphology indicate a contact-killing action exerted by the N- and C-immobilized peptides to the same extent. As further shown by the fluorescence assay with the resin-anchored peptides, the bactericidal effect was mediated by rapid membrane perturbation, similar to free peptides. However, at peptide MBC resin equivalents the C-oriented analogue proved more effective with more than 99 % killing and maximum fluorescence increase, compared to half-maximum fluorescence with more than 90 % killing produced by the N-orientation. Confocal microscopy analyses revealed 4-5 times better MG-63 cell adhesion on peptide-functionalized titanium both in monoculture and in co-culture with bacteria, regardless of peptide orientation, thus stimulating further studies on the effects of the immobilized BMAP27(1-18) on osteoblast cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Boix-Lemonche
- Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, piazzale Kolbe, 4, 33100, Udine, Italy.
| | - Jordi Guillem-Marti
- Biomaterials, Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Av. Eduard Maristany 14, 08930 Barcelona, Spain; Barcelona Research Center in Multiscale Science and Engineering-UPC, Av. Eduard Maristany 14, 08930, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Maria Lekka
- University of Udine, Polytechnic Department of Engineering and Architecture, Via delle Scienze 206, 33100, Udine, Italy; CIDETEC, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Po. Miramón 196, 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain.
| | - Francesca D'Este
- Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, piazzale Kolbe, 4, 33100, Udine, Italy.
| | - Filomena Guida
- University of Trieste, Department of Life Sciences, Via Giorgieri 5, 34127, Trieste, Italy.
| | - José María Manero
- Biomaterials, Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Av. Eduard Maristany 14, 08930 Barcelona, Spain; Barcelona Research Center in Multiscale Science and Engineering-UPC, Av. Eduard Maristany 14, 08930, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Barbara Skerlavaj
- Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, piazzale Kolbe, 4, 33100, Udine, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Viryasova GM, Golenkina EA, Hianik T, Soshnikova NV, Dolinnaya NG, Gaponova TV, Romanova YM, Sud’ina GF. Magic Peptide: Unique Properties of the LRR11 Peptide in the Activation of Leukotriene Synthesis in Human Neutrophils. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052671. [PMID: 33800897 PMCID: PMC7961786 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neutrophil-mediated innate host defense mechanisms include pathogen elimination through bacterial phagocytosis, which activates the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) product synthesis. Here, we studied the effect of synthetic oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODNs), which mimic the receptor-recognized sites of bacterial (CpG-ODNs) and genomic (G-rich ODNs) DNAs released from the inflammatory area, on the neutrophil functions after cell stimulation with Salmonella typhimurium. A possible mechanism for ODN recognition by Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) and RAGE receptor has been proposed. We found for the first time that the combination of the magic peptide LRR11 from the leucine-rich repeat (LRR) of TLR9 with the CpG-ODNs modulates the uptake and signaling from ODNs, in particular, dramatically stimulates 5-LOX pathway. Using thickness shear mode acoustic method, we confirmed the specific binding of CpG-ODNs, but not G-rich ODN, to LRR11. The RAGE receptor has been shown to play an important role in promoting ODN uptake. Thus, FPS-ZM1, a high-affinity RAGE inhibitor, suppresses the synthesis of 5-LOX products and reduces the uptake of ODNs by neutrophils; the inhibitor effect being abolished by the addition of LRR11. The results obtained revealed that the studied peptide-ODN complexes possess high biological activity and can be promising for the development of effective vaccine adjuvants and antimicrobial therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Galina M. Viryasova
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia; (G.M.V.); (E.A.G.)
| | - Ekaterina A. Golenkina
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia; (G.M.V.); (E.A.G.)
| | - Tibor Hianik
- Department of Nuclear Physics and Biophysics, Comenius University, Mlynska dolina F1, 842 48 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Nataliya V. Soshnikova
- Institute of Gene Biology, Department of Eukaryotic Transcription Factors, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilov Str. 34/5, 119334 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Nina G. Dolinnaya
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Tatjana V. Gaponova
- National Research Center for Hematology, Russia Federation Ministry of Public Health, 125167 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Yulia M. Romanova
- Gamaleya National Research Centre of Epidemiology and Microbiology, 123098 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Galina F. Sud’ina
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia; (G.M.V.); (E.A.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-495-939-3174
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
The neutrophil antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin promotes Th17 differentiation. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1285. [PMID: 33627652 PMCID: PMC7904761 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21533-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The host defence peptide cathelicidin (LL-37 in humans, mCRAMP in mice) is released from neutrophils by de-granulation, NETosis and necrotic death; it has potent anti-pathogen activity as well as being a broad immunomodulator. Here we report that cathelicidin is a powerful Th17 potentiator which enhances aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and RORγt expression, in a TGF-β1-dependent manner. In the presence of TGF-β1, cathelicidin enhanced SMAD2/3 and STAT3 phosphorylation, and profoundly suppressed IL-2 and T-bet, directing T cells away from Th1 and into a Th17 phenotype. Strikingly, Th17, but not Th1, cells were protected from apoptosis by cathelicidin. We show that cathelicidin is released by neutrophils in mouse lymph nodes and that cathelicidin-deficient mice display suppressed Th17 responses during inflammation, but not at steady state. We propose that the neutrophil cathelicidin is required for maximal Th17 differentiation, and that this is one method by which early neutrophilia directs subsequent adaptive immune responses.
Collapse
|
30
|
Liu A, Zhang B, Zhao W, Tu Y, Wang Q, Li J. Catalpol ameliorates psoriasis-like phenotypes via SIRT1 mediated suppression of NF-κB and MAPKs signaling pathways. Bioengineered 2020; 12:183-195. [PMID: 33323018 PMCID: PMC8806253 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2020.1863015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects approximately 2% of worldwide population, and causing long-term troubles to the patients. Therefore, it is urgent to develop safe and effective therapeutic drugs. Catalpol is a natural iridoid glucoside, that has several remarkable pharmacological effects, however, whether catalpol can alleviated psoriasis has not been explored. The goal of the present work is to study the role of catalpol in psoriasis in vivo and in vitro. Imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like mice were applied with different concentrations of catalpol for 8 consecutive days. The severity degree of psoriasis was estimated and the skin pathological changes were detected by H&E staining. Also, TNF-α-stimulated keratinocytes were treated with different concentrations of catalpol, then the oxidative stress and inflammation factors, as well as the expression of SIRT1 and activation of NF-kB and MAPK pathways were measured. The results showed that catalpol reduced the erythema, scaling, ear thickness, and changed pathological phenotypes in the lesioned skin region in mice. Treatment with catalpol significantly suppressed the oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions in vivo and in vitro, as reflected by the decreased secretion or expression of oxidative stress indicators and proinflammatory factors. Furthermore, the SIRT1 was up-regulated and the NF-κB and MAPKs signaling pathways were suppressed by the treatment of catalpol in vivo and in vitro. In summary, our data suggested that catalpol may have a therapeutic property of psoriasis by ameliorating oxidative stress and inflammation partly through SIRT1 mediated suppression of NF-κB and MAPKs pathways. Abbreviation: CAT: catalase; ELISA: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; GSH: glutathione; HRP: horseradish peroxidase; IMQ: imiquimod; JNK: c-Jun NH 2-terminal kinases; MAPKs: mitogen-activated protein kinases; MDA: malondialdehyde; NC: negative control group; NF-kB: nuclear factor kappa B; PASI: psoriasis area and severity index; PVDF: polyvinylidene difluoride membranes; qRT-PCR: quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction; ROS: reactive oxygen species; SDS-PAGE: sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel; SIRT1: silent information regulator 1; SOD: Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aimin Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine , Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Buxin Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine , Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine , Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanhui Tu
- Department of Dermatology, Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine , Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingxing Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine , Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Dermatology, Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine , Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Deshpande D, Grieshober M, Wondany F, Gerbl F, Noschka R, Michaelis J, Stenger S. Super-Resolution Microscopy Reveals a Direct Interaction of Intracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis with the Antimicrobial Peptide LL-37. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186741. [PMID: 32937921 PMCID: PMC7555347 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The antimicrobial peptide LL-37 inhibits the growth of the major human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), but the mechanism of the peptide–pathogen interaction inside human macrophages remains unclear. Super-resolution imaging techniques provide a novel opportunity to visualize these interactions on a molecular level. Here, we adapt the super-resolution technique of stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy to study the uptake, intracellular localization and interaction of LL-37 with macrophages and virulent Mtb. We demonstrate that LL-37 is internalized by both uninfected and Mtb infected primary human macrophages. The peptide localizes in the membrane of early endosomes and lysosomes, the compartment in which mycobacteria reside. Functionally, LL-37 disrupts the cell wall of intra- and extracellular Mtb, resulting in the killing of the pathogen. In conclusion, we introduce STED microscopy as an innovative and informative tool for studying host–pathogen–peptide interactions, clearly extending the possibilities of conventional confocal microscopy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dhruva Deshpande
- Institute of Biophysics, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (D.D.); (F.W.)
| | - Mark Grieshober
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (M.G.); (F.G.); (R.N.)
| | - Fanny Wondany
- Institute of Biophysics, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (D.D.); (F.W.)
| | - Fabian Gerbl
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (M.G.); (F.G.); (R.N.)
| | - Reiner Noschka
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (M.G.); (F.G.); (R.N.)
| | - Jens Michaelis
- Institute of Biophysics, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (D.D.); (F.W.)
- Correspondence: (J.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Steffen Stenger
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (M.G.); (F.G.); (R.N.)
- Correspondence: (J.M.); (S.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Scheenstra MR, van Harten RM, Veldhuizen EJA, Haagsman HP, Coorens M. Cathelicidins Modulate TLR-Activation and Inflammation. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1137. [PMID: 32582207 PMCID: PMC7296178 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cathelicidins are short cationic peptides that are part of the innate immune system. At first, these peptides were studied mostly for their direct antimicrobial killing capacity, but nowadays they are more and more appreciated for their immunomodulatory functions. In this review, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the various effects cathelicidins have on the detection of damage- and microbe-associated molecular patterns, with a special focus on their effects on Toll-like receptor (TLR) activation. We review the available literature based on TLR ligand types, which can roughly be divided into lipidic ligands, such as LPS and lipoproteins, and nucleic-acid ligands, such as RNA and DNA. For both ligand types, we describe how direct cathelicidin-ligand interactions influence TLR activation, by for instance altering ligand stability, cellular uptake and receptor interaction. In addition, we will review the more indirect mechanisms by which cathelicidins affect downstream TLR-signaling. To place all this information in a broader context, we discuss how these cathelicidin-mediated effects can have an impact on how the host responds to infectious organisms as well as how these effects play a role in the exacerbation of inflammation in auto-immune diseases. Finally, we discuss how these immunomodulatory activities can be exploited in vaccine development and cancer therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maaike R Scheenstra
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Roel M van Harten
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Edwin J A Veldhuizen
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Henk P Haagsman
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Maarten Coorens
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska University Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Role of DNA-LL37 complexes in the activation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells and monocytes in subjects with type 1 diabetes. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8896. [PMID: 32483133 PMCID: PMC7264208 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65851-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Initiation of type 1 diabetes (T1D) is marked by the infiltration of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and monocytes in pancreatic islets. Dying beta cells release self-DNA, which forms complexes with antimicrobial peptide, LL37, and its delayed clearance can activate pDCs and monocytes. Here, we studied the phenotypic effects of DNA-LL37 complexes on pDCs and monocytes in 55 recently diagnosed T1D and 25 healthy control (HC) subjects. Following in vitro stimulation with DNA-LL37 complexes, T1D group demonstrated higher frequency and mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of pDCs expressing IFN-α. Similarly, the monocytes in T1D group showed an increase in MFI of IFN-α. Post-stimulation, an increase in the antigen presentation and co-stimulatory ability of pDCs and monocytes was observed in T1D group, as indicated by higher expression of HLA-DR, CD80 and CD86. Upon co-culture, the stimulated monocytes and pDCs, particularly in the T1D group were able to further activate autologous CD4 + T cells, with increase in expression of CD69 and CD71. Finally, in a transwell assay, the stimulated pDCs and monocytes induced an increase in apoptosis of 1.1B4 beta cells. Additionally, we observed reduced expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) in pDCs and monocytes of T1D subjects. Our results suggest that DNA-LL37 complexes activate pDCs and monocytes towards a proinflammatory phenotype during pathogenesis of T1D.
Collapse
|
34
|
Mookherjee N, Anderson MA, Haagsman HP, Davidson DJ. Antimicrobial host defence peptides: functions and clinical potential. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2020; 19:311-332. [DOI: 10.1038/s41573-019-0058-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 425] [Impact Index Per Article: 106.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
|
35
|
Lathe R, Darlix JL. Prion protein PrP nucleic acid binding and mobilization implicates retroelements as the replicative component of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy. Arch Virol 2020; 165:535-556. [PMID: 32025859 PMCID: PMC7024060 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-020-04529-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The existence of more than 30 strains of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) and the paucity of infectivity of purified PrPSc, as well as considerations of PrP structure, are inconsistent with the protein-only (prion) theory of TSE. Nucleic acid is a strong contender as a second component. We juxtapose two key findings: (i) PrP is a nucleic-acid-binding antimicrobial protein that is similar to retroviral Gag proteins in its ability to trigger reverse transcription. (ii) Retroelement mobilization is widely seen in TSE disease. Given further evidence that PrP also mediates nucleic acid transport into and out of the cell, a strong case is to be made that a second element – retroelement nucleic acid – bound to PrP constitutes the second component necessary to explain the multiple strains of TSE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Lathe
- Division of Infection Medicine, University of Edinburgh School of Medicine, Edinburgh, UK. .,Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow, Moscow Region, Russia.
| | - Jean-Luc Darlix
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Centre Nationale de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Laboratory of Bioimaging and Pathologies (Unité Mixte de Recherche 7021), Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Moreno-Angarita A, Aragón CC, Tobón GJ. Cathelicidin LL-37: A new important molecule in the pathophysiology of systemic lupus erythematosus. J Transl Autoimmun 2019; 3:100029. [PMID: 32743514 PMCID: PMC7388365 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtauto.2019.100029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cathelicidin LL-37 is an antimicrobial peptide that is synthesized by epithelial cells, neutrophils, or lymphocytes and act as an essential defense mechanism against bacterial, viral, or fungi infection of eukaryotic organisms. However, in recent years, this cathelicidin has gained the interest of the scientific community because, besides its antimicrobial properties, LL-37 is an immunomodulator that can contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases. The other non-antimicrobial function of this cathelicidin is its ability to form complexes with the DNA, stimulating plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) to produce type I IFN, deciding the course of autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The chronic activation of pDCs by surrounding complexes is a crucial factor for the early development of autoimmunity in SLE patients. This stimulation is given by the complexes (LL-37-DNA/anti-DNA) recognized by the receptor FcγRII on pDCs, allowing its endocytosis and its recognition via TLR9, leading to the activation of pDCs and enhanced type I IFN production. In this article, we reviewed the structure, function, and importance of LL-37 in innate immunity, as well as its biological plausibility in the pathophysiology of autoimmune diseases such as SLE. In this narrative review, we included primary journal articles describing the function, structure, prevalence, and importance of LL-37 in various manifestations of SLE, as well as LL-37 and anti-LL37 antibodies in patients with SLE or other autoimmune diseases. In conclusion, LL-37 is an essential molecule in the pathophysiology of SLE, mainly by its role in increasing the production of IFN by pDCs, which postulates it as a crucial molecule in the pathophysiology of SLE and, given plausibility biology, could serve as a biomarker of the disease. LL-37 is an essential molecule in inflammatory processes. The complexes LL-37/DNA stimulates the production of type I interferon in plasmacytoid dendritic cells. Based on its pathophysiology, LL-37 is a useful biomarker of SLE activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Moreno-Angarita
- Universidad Icesi, Medical School, Cali, Colombia.,GIRAT: Grupo de Investigación en Reumatología, Autoinmunidad y Medicina Traslacional, Fundación Valle Del Lili and Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia
| | - Cristian C Aragón
- GIRAT: Grupo de Investigación en Reumatología, Autoinmunidad y Medicina Traslacional, Fundación Valle Del Lili and Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia
| | - Gabriel J Tobón
- GIRAT: Grupo de Investigación en Reumatología, Autoinmunidad y Medicina Traslacional, Fundación Valle Del Lili and Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Ilic Z, Saxena AR, Periasamy S, Crawford DR. Control (Native) and oxidized (DeMP) mitochondrial RNA are proinflammatory regulators in human. Free Radic Biol Med 2019; 143:62-69. [PMID: 31330178 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2019.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation is implicated in a wide range of disorders, and thought to be involved in most leading causes of death today in the United States with high associated costs. New insights into better understanding its etiology, detection and prevention are thus of major importance in health care. One emerging field providing such insights has been the identification of DAMPs, or damage-associated molecular patterns. We have studied DAMPs within the context of degraded and oxidized mitochondrial DNA and RNA ("DeMP"), most recently demonstrating potent mitochondrial RNA (mtRNA) immunogenic response in mouse macrophages. Here, we extend these studies to assess the proinflammatory role of mitochondrial control (native) and oxidized RNA using human RNA and cells. THP-1 macrophage mtRNA triggered a proinflammatory response (induction of IL-6 and TNFα) when transfected into the same cells. Modestly oxidized mtRNA (DeMP RNA) but not cytoplasmic RNA induced a similar response, in contrast to attenuated immunogenicity previously observed with more oxidized DeMP RNA. This DeMP RNA may also cause a mild prooxidant stress. The proinflammatory effects of mtRNA was significantly reduced following pretreatment with RNases specific for single and double stranded RNA, implicating these forms of mtRNA in proinflammatory response. The natural nucleic acid-encapsulating peptide LL-37 also triggered a proinflammatory effect in the presence of control mtRNA and DeMP RNA. Finally, human blood plasma RNA exhibits proinflammatory activity. These results provide new insights into the immunostimulation of mitochondrial RNA including its activity in human cells; identify human plasma RNA as proinflammatory; and provide further evidence that oxidized DeMP mtRNA acts as a sensitive and broad-spectrum sensor and regulator of mitochondrial oxidative stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zoran Ilic
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, 12201, USA
| | - Abhinav R Saxena
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Disease, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, 12208, USA
| | - Sivakumar Periasamy
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Disease, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, 12208, USA
| | - Dana R Crawford
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Disease, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, 12208, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Fazil MHUT, Chalasani MLS, Choong YK, Schmidtchen A, Verma NK, Saravanan R. A C-terminal peptide of TFPI-1 facilitates cytosolic delivery of nucleic acid cargo into mammalian cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2019; 1862:183093. [PMID: 31672541 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2019.183093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Efficient intracellular nucleic acid delivery into mammalian cells remains a long-standing challenge owing to poor cell permeability and uptake of naked nucleic acids across the cell membrane and limited cargo stability. Conventional delivery methods have several drawbacks, such as cytotoxicity, limited cell-type applicability, low efficiency, hindrances that limit the potential of oligonucleotide delivery in functional genomics, therapeutics and diverse research applications. Thus, new approaches that are robust, safe, effective and valid across multiple cell types are much needed. Here, we demonstrate that GGL27, a TFPI-1-derived novel cationic host defence peptide, facilitates the delivery of nucleic acid cargo into the cytosol of a range of mammalian cells. The GGL27 peptide is non-cytotoxic and is internalized in a broad range of mammalian cell-types, including transformed cell lines and primary cells. GGL27 spontaneously forms complexes with nucleic acids of variable sizes, protects them from nuclease degradation, and delivers cargo effectively. Together, our observations demonstrate the versatile cell-penetrating property of GGL27, providing an excellent template for developing a simple, non-toxic peptide-based cytosolic delivery tool for wide use in biomedical research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yeu Khai Choong
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921, Singapore
| | - Artur Schmidtchen
- Division of Dermatology and Venereology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, SE-22184 Lund, Sweden; Wound Healing Centre, Bispebjerg Hospital, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Navin Kumar Verma
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921, Singapore; Skin Research Institute of Singapore, 11 Mandalay Road, Clinical Sciences Building, Singapore 308232, Singapore
| | - Rathi Saravanan
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Lazzaretto B, Fadeel B. Intra- and Extracellular Degradation of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps by Macrophages and Dendritic Cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 203:2276-2290. [PMID: 31519860 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1800159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) composed of nuclear DNA associated with histones and granule proteins are involved in the extracellular killing of pathogens. Excessive NET formation has been implicated in several noninfectious pathological conditions. The disposal of NETs is, therefore, important to prevent inadvertent effects resulting from the continued presence of NETs in the extracellular environment. In this study, we investigated the interaction of NETs released by freshly isolated, PMA-stimulated primary human neutrophils with primary human monocyte-derived macrophages or dendritic cells (DCs). NETs were internalized by macrophages, and removal of the protein component prevented engulfment of NETs, whereas complexation with LL-37 restored the uptake of "naked" (protein-free) NETs. NETs were also found to dampen the bacterial LPS-induced maturation of DCs. Cytokine profiling was conducted by using a multiplex array following the interaction of NETs with macrophages or DCs, and NETs alone were found to be noninflammatory, whereas immunomodulatory effects were noted in the presence of LPS with significant upregulation of IL-1β secretion, and a marked suppression of other LPS-induced factors including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in both cell types. Moreover, macrophage digestion of NETs was dependent on TREX1 (also known as DNaseIII), but not DNaseII, whereas extracellular DNase1L3-mediated degradation of NETs was observed for DCs. Collectively, these findings shed light on the interactions between NETs and phagocytic cells and provide new insights regarding the clearance of NETs, double-edged swords of innate immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Lazzaretto
- Division of Molecular Toxicology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bengt Fadeel
- Division of Molecular Toxicology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Sulfated Glycoaminoglycans and Proteoglycan Syndecan-4 Are Involved in Membrane Fixation of LL-37 and Its Pro-Migratory Effect in Breast Cancer Cells. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9090481. [PMID: 31547381 PMCID: PMC6769752 DOI: 10.3390/biom9090481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Initially characterized by its antimicrobial activities, LL-37 has also been shown to significantly contribute to tumor development. On breast cancer cell lines, LL-37 increases intracellular calcium via the TRPV2 channel and their migration via the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling. Its all-d enantiomer d-LL-37 induces similar effects, which excludes a protein-protein interaction of LL-37 in a classic ligand-receptor manner. Its net charge of +6 gave rise to the hypothesis that the peptide uses the negative charges of sulfoglycans or sialic acids to facilitate its attachment to the cell membrane and to induce its activities. Whereas several vegetal lectins, specifically attaching to sialylated or sulfated structures, blocked the activities of LL-37 on both calcium increase and cell migration, several sialidases had no effect. However, the competitive use of free sulfated glycoaminoglycans (GAGs) as chrondroitin and heparin, or treatment of the cell surface with chondroitinase and heparinase resulted in an activity loss of 50–100% for LL-37. Concordant results were obtained by blocking the synthesis of GAGs with 4-Methylumbelliferyl-β-d-xyloside, and by suppression of glycan sulfatation by sodium chlorate. Using a candidate approach by suppressing proteoglycan synthesis using RNA interference, syndecan-4 was shown to be required for the activities of LL-37 and its binding to the cell surface. This leads to the conclusion that syndecan-4, by means of sulfated GAGs, could act as a receptor for LL-37.
Collapse
|
41
|
Puthumadathil N, Jayasree P, Santhosh Kumar K, Nampoothiri KM, Bajaj H, Mahendran KR. Detecting the structural assembly pathway of human antimicrobial peptide pores at single-channel level. Biomater Sci 2019; 7:3226-3237. [PMID: 31165117 DOI: 10.1039/c9bm00181f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The pore-forming structures of an anionic human antimicrobial peptide dermcidin (DCD) in a membrane environment has not been demonstrated previously. Using single-channel electrical recordings, we characterized the structural and functional properties of the DCD peptide channel in lipid membranes. We show that a 48-residue, 8 nm long anionic DCD-1L peptide is folded in the right conformation in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) that spontaneously inserts into lipid bilayers to form well-defined channels. However, the DCD-1L peptides are not properly folded in n-dodecyl-β-d-maltoside (DDM), resulting in unstable channels suggesting the significance of specific detergent in stable channel formation. Furthermore, a 25-residue cationic DCD SSL-25 peptide formed channels both in SDS and DDM micelles as the length of the peptide matches with the thickness of the membrane. Finally, we quantified the permeation of small molecules through the DCD channels in liposome assays. Accordingly, we propose a molecular model demonstrating the structural self-assembly of the DCD channels in the membrane. We suggest that an understanding of the mechanism of action of DCD peptides at single-channel resolution will lead to developing peptide-based therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neethu Puthumadathil
- Membrane Biology Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram 695014, India. and Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India
| | - Poornendhu Jayasree
- Membrane Biology Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram 695014, India.
| | - K Santhosh Kumar
- Membrane Biology Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram 695014, India.
| | - K Madhavan Nampoothiri
- Microbial Processes and Technology Division, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram 695019, India
| | - Harsha Bajaj
- Microbial Processes and Technology Division, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram 695019, India
| | - Kozhinjampara R Mahendran
- Membrane Biology Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram 695014, India.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Yoshida K, Suzuki S, Kawada-Matsuo M, Nakanishi J, Hirata-Tsuchiya S, Komatsuzawa H, Yamada S, Shiba H. Heparin-LL37 complexes are less cytotoxic for human dental pulp cells and have undiminished antimicrobial and LPS-neutralizing abilities. Int Endod J 2019; 52:1327-1343. [PMID: 31002379 DOI: 10.1111/iej.13130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIM To investigate whether glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) binding to high-dose LL37 eliminates its cytotoxicity to dental pulp cells (hDPCs) whilst retaining undiminished antimicrobial and LPS-neutralizing abilities. METHODOLOGY hDPCs were stimulated with varying concentrations of LL37, and their cell viability was analysed by MTT. Then, high-dose LL37 (10 μmol L-1 ) was bound to varying concentrations of three GAGs, heparin, chondroitin sulphate and hyaluronic acid, and their cytotoxic effects on hDPCs and antimicrobial effects were evaluated and compared. Furthermore, the LPS-neutralizing ability of heparin (5 μg mL-1 )-LL37 (10 μmol L-1 ) complexes, which were found to be less cytotoxic for hDPCs with undiminished antimicrobial ability, was investigated. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance (anova), followed by Dunnett's test. P values below 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS LL37 significantly reduced the cell viability of hDPCs in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.01). LL37 (10 μmol L-1 ) binding to heparin within a limited concentration range (2~6 μg mL-1 ) eliminated the cytotoxicity for hDPCs (P < 0.01) whilst exerting potent antimicrobial effects against Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Streptococcus salivarius, Aggegatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Escherichia coli. LL37 (10 μmol L-1 ) binding to chondroitin sulphate exhibited similar functions (P < 0.01); however, the effective chondroitin sulphate concentration was highly restricted (3 μg mL-1 ). LL37 (10 μmol L-1 ) binding to hyaluronic acid was unable to abrogate the cytotoxicity of LL37 even at higher concentrations (10 and 100 μg mL-1 ). Moreover, exogenous addition of LPS dose-dependently reduced the amount of LL37 precipitated with the heparin-LL37 agarose beads (P < 0.01), and the released LL37 simultaneously neutralized the pro-inflammatory ability of LPS in macrophages (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Heparin-LL37 complexes generated at suitable concentration ratios are easy to make, are less cytotoxic and are broad-range antimicrobial materials that can neutralize LPS by providing LL37 in accordance with the amount of free LPS. They may be a potential treatment to save dental pulp tissue from the acute inflammation exacerbated by invading bacteria and the LPS they release.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Yoshida
- Department of Biological Endodontics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - S Suzuki
- Department of Biological Endodontics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Department of Periodontology and Endodontology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, Sendai, Japan
| | - M Kawada-Matsuo
- Department of Oral Microbiology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - J Nakanishi
- Department of Biological Endodontics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - S Hirata-Tsuchiya
- Department of Biological Endodontics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - H Komatsuzawa
- Department of Oral Microbiology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - S Yamada
- Department of Periodontology and Endodontology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, Sendai, Japan
| | - H Shiba
- Department of Biological Endodontics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Macleod T, Ward J, Alase AA, Bridgewood C, Wittmann M, Stonehouse NJ. Antimicrobial Peptide LL-37 Facilitates Intracellular Uptake of RNA Aptamer Apt 21-2 Without Inducing an Inflammatory or Interferon Response. Front Immunol 2019; 10:857. [PMID: 31068939 PMCID: PMC6491520 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA aptamers are synthetic single stranded RNA oligonucleotides that function analogously to antibodies. Recently, they have shown promise for use in treating inflammatory skin disease as, unlike antibody-based biologics, they are able to enter the skin following topical administration. However, it is important to understand the inflammatory milieu into which aptamers are delivered, as numerous immune-modulating mediators will be present at abnormal levels. LL-37 is an important immune-modifying protein upregulated in several inflammatory skin conditions, including psoriasis, rosacea and eczema. This inflammatory antimicrobial peptide is known to complex nucleic acids and induce both inflammatory and interferon responses from keratinocytes. Given the attractive notion of using RNA aptamers in topical medication and the prevalence of LL-37 in these inflammatory skin conditions, we examined the effect of LL-37 on the efficacy and safety of the anti-IL-17A RNA aptamer, Apt 21-2. LL-37 was demonstrated to complex with the RNA aptamer by electrophoretic mobility shift and filter binding assays. In contrast to free Apt 21-2, LL-37-complexed Apt 21-2 was observed to efficiently enter both keratinocytes and fibroblasts by confocal microscopy. Despite internalization of LL-37-complexed aptamers, measurement of inflammatory mediators and interferon stimulated genes showed LL-37-complexed Apt 21-2 remained immunologically inert in keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells including infiltrating dendritic cells and monocytes. The findings of this study suggest RNA aptamers delivered into an inflammatory milieu rich in LL-37 may become complexed and subsequently internalized by surrounding cells in the skin. Whilst the results of this study indicate delivery of RNA aptamers into tissue rich in LL-37 should not cause an unwarranted inflammatory of interferon response, these results have significant implications for the efficacy of aptamers with regards to extracellular vs. intracellular targets that should be taken into consideration when developing treatment strategies utilizing RNA aptamers in inflamed tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tom Macleod
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph Ward
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Adewonuola A Alase
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Charlie Bridgewood
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Miriam Wittmann
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom.,National Institute for Health Research, Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola J Stonehouse
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
McHugh BJ, Wang R, Li HN, Beaumont PE, Kells R, Stevens H, Young L, Rossi AG, Gray RD, Dorin JR, Gwyer Findlay EL, Brough D, Davidson DJ. Cathelicidin is a "fire alarm", generating protective NLRP3-dependent airway epithelial cell inflammatory responses during infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. PLoS Pathog 2019; 15:e1007694. [PMID: 30978238 PMCID: PMC6481867 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary infections are a major global cause of morbidity, exacerbated by an increasing threat from antibiotic-resistant pathogens. In this context, therapeutic interventions aimed at protectively modulating host responses, to enhance defence against infection, take on ever greater significance. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important multidrug-resistant, opportunistic respiratory pathogen, the clearance of which can be enhanced in vivo by the innate immune modulatory properties of antimicrobial host defence peptides from the cathelicidin family, including human LL-37. Initially described primarily as bactericidal agents, cathelicidins are now recognised as multifunctional antimicrobial immunomodulators, modifying host responses to pathogens, but the key mechanisms involved in these protective functions are not yet defined. We demonstrate that P. aeruginosa infection of airway epithelial cells promotes extensive infected cell internalisation of LL-37, in a manner that is dependent upon epithelial cell interaction with live bacteria, but does not require bacterial Type 3 Secretion System (T3SS). Internalised LL-37 acts as a second signal to induce inflammasome activation in airway epithelial cells, which, in contrast to myeloid cells, are relatively unresponsive to P. aeruginosa. We demonstrate that this is mechanistically dependent upon cathepsin B release, and NLRP3-dependent activation of caspase 1. These result in LL-37-mediated release of IL-1β and IL-18 in a manner that is synergistic with P. aeruginosa infection, and can induce caspase 1-dependent death of infected epithelial cells, and promote neutrophil chemotaxis. We propose that cathelicidin can therefore act as a second signal, required by P. aeruginosa infected epithelial cells to promote an inflammasome-mediated altruistic cell death of infection-compromised epithelial cells and act as a "fire alarm" to enhance rapid escalation of protective inflammatory responses to an uncontrolled infection. Understanding this novel modulatory role for cathelicidins, has the potential to inform development of novel therapeutic strategies to antibiotic-resistant pathogens, harnessing innate immunity as a complementation or alternative to current interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian J. McHugh
- Centre for Inflammation Research at the University of Edinburgh, Queens’ Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Rongling Wang
- Centre for Inflammation Research at the University of Edinburgh, Queens’ Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Hsin-Ni Li
- Centre for Inflammation Research at the University of Edinburgh, Queens’ Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Paula E. Beaumont
- Centre for Inflammation Research at the University of Edinburgh, Queens’ Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Rebekah Kells
- Centre for Inflammation Research at the University of Edinburgh, Queens’ Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Holly Stevens
- Centre for Inflammation Research at the University of Edinburgh, Queens’ Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Young
- Centre for Inflammation Research at the University of Edinburgh, Queens’ Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Adriano G. Rossi
- Centre for Inflammation Research at the University of Edinburgh, Queens’ Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Robert D. Gray
- Centre for Inflammation Research at the University of Edinburgh, Queens’ Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Julia R. Dorin
- Centre for Inflammation Research at the University of Edinburgh, Queens’ Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Emily L. Gwyer Findlay
- Centre for Inflammation Research at the University of Edinburgh, Queens’ Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - David Brough
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Donald J. Davidson
- Centre for Inflammation Research at the University of Edinburgh, Queens’ Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Haney EF, Straus SK, Hancock REW. Reassessing the Host Defense Peptide Landscape. Front Chem 2019; 7:43. [PMID: 30778385 PMCID: PMC6369191 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2019.00043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 216] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Current research has demonstrated that small cationic amphipathic peptides have strong potential not only as antimicrobials, but also as antibiofilm agents, immune modulators, and anti-inflammatories. Although traditionally termed antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) these additional roles have prompted a shift in terminology to use the broader term host defense peptides (HDPs) to capture the multi-functional nature of these molecules. In this review, we critically examined the role of AMPs and HDPs in infectious diseases and inflammation. It is generally accepted that HDPs are multi-faceted mediators of a wide range of biological processes, with individual activities dependent on their polypeptide sequence. In this context, we explore the concept of chemical space as it applies to HDPs and hypothesize that the various functions and activities of this class of molecule exist on independent but overlapping activity landscapes. Finally, we outline several emerging functions and roles of HDPs and highlight how an improved understanding of these processes can potentially be leveraged to more fully realize the therapeutic promise of HDPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evan F Haney
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Suzana K Straus
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Robert E W Hancock
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Abstract
Gene therapy as a strategy for disease treatment requires safe and efficient gene delivery systems that encapsulate nucleic acids and deliver them to effective sites in the cell.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ziyao Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Beijing
- China
| | - Qingbin Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Beijing
- China
| | - Keliang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Beijing
- China
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Heil M, Vega-Muñoz I. Nucleic Acid Sensing in Mammals and Plants: Facts and Caveats. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 345:225-285. [PMID: 30904194 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The accumulation of nucleic acids in aberrant compartments is a signal of danger: fragments of cytosolic or extracellular self-DNA indicate cellular dysfunctions or disruption, whereas cytosolic fragments of nonself-DNA or RNA indicate infections. Therefore, nucleic acids trigger immunity in mammals and plants. In mammals, endosomal Toll-like receptors (TLRs) sense single-stranded (ss) or double-stranded (ds) RNA or CpG-rich DNA, whereas various cytosolic receptors sense dsDNA. Although a self/nonself discrimination could favor targeted immune responses, no sequence-specific sensing of nucleic acids has been reported for mammals. Specific immune responses to extracellular self-DNA versus DNA from related species were recently reported for plants, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. The subcellular localization of mammalian receptors can favor self/nonself discrimination based on the localization of DNA fragments. However, autoantibodies and diverse damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) shuttle DNA through membranes, and most of the mammalian receptors share downstream signaling elements such as stimulator of interferon genes (STING) and the master transcription regulators, nuclear factor (NF)-κB, and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3). The resulting type I interferon (IFN) response stimulates innate immunity against multiple threats-from infection to physical injury or endogenous DNA damage-all of which lead to the accumulation of eDNA or cytoplasmatic dsDNA. Therefore, no or only low selective pressures might have favored a strict self/nonself discrimination in nucleic acid sensing. We conclude that the discrimination between self- and nonself-DNA is likely to be less strict-and less important-than assumed originally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Heil
- Departmento de Ingeniería Genética, CINVESTAV-Irapuato, Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico.
| | - Isaac Vega-Muñoz
- Departmento de Ingeniería Genética, CINVESTAV-Irapuato, Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Duan Z, Fang Y, Sun Y, Luan N, Chen X, Chen M, Han Y, Yin Y, Mwangi J, Niu J, Wang K, Miao Y, Zhang Z, Lai R. Antimicrobial peptide LL-37 forms complex with bacterial DNA to facilitate blood translocation of bacterial DNA and aggravate ulcerative colitis. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2018; 63:1364-1375. [PMID: 36658908 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2018.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial DNA (bacDNA) is frequently found in serum of patient with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease, even blood bacterial culture is negative. How bacDNA evades immune elimination and is translocated into blood remain unclear. Here, we showed that bacDNA avoids elimination and disables bacteria-killing function of antimicrobial peptide LL-37 (Cramp in mice) by forming complex with LL-37, which is inducible after culture with bacteria or bacterial products. Elevated LL-37-bacDNA complex was found in plasma and lesions of patients with UC. LL-37-bacDNA promoted inflammation by inducing Th1, Th2 and Th17 differentiation and activating toll-like receptor-9 (TLR9). The complex also increased paracellular permeability, which possibly combines its inflammatory effects to promote local damage and bacDNA translocation into blood. Cramp-bacDNA aggravated mouse colitis severity while interference with the complex ameliorated the disease. The study identifies that inflammatogenic bacDNA utilizes LL-37 as a vehicle for blood translocation and to evade immune elimination. Additionally, bacteria may make a milieu by releasing bacDNA to utilize and resist host antimicrobial peptides as a 'trojan horse'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zilei Duan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Yaqun Fang
- Life Sciences College of Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Ning Luan
- Life Sciences College of Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xue Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650223, China; Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650204, China
| | - Mengrou Chen
- Life Sciences College of Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yajun Han
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Yizhu Yin
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650223, China; Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650204, China
| | - James Mwangi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650223, China; Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650204, China; Sino-African Joint Research Center, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Junkun Niu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Kunhua Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Yinglei Miao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China.
| | - Zhiye Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650223, China.
| | - Ren Lai
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650223, China; Sino-African Joint Research Center, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Dziki JL, Hussey G, Badylak SF. Alarmins of the extracellular space. Semin Immunol 2018; 38:33-39. [PMID: 30170910 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2018.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The ability of the immune system to discriminate between healthy-self, abnormal-self, and non-self has been attributed mainly to alarmins signaling as "danger signals". It is now evident, however, that alarmins are much more complex and can perform specialized functions that can regulate a wide spectrum of processes ranging from propagation of disease to tissue homeostasis. As such, alarmins and their signaling mechanisms are now actively pursued as therapeutic targets. The clinical utility of alarmins requires an understanding of their specific localization. Specifically, many alarmins can function paradoxically depending upon their localization, intra or extracellular. The present review focuses upon alarmin presence and differential expression in the extracellular space versus within the cell and how variation of the localization of alarmins can reveal important mechanistic insights into alarmin functions and their efficacy as biomarkers of disease and therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenna L Dziki
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - George Hussey
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Stephen F Badylak
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Hyun S, Choi Y, Lee HN, Lee C, Oh D, Lee DK, Lee C, Lee Y, Yu J. Construction of histidine-containing hydrocarbon stapled cell penetrating peptides for in vitro and in vivo delivery of siRNAs. Chem Sci 2018; 9:3820-3827. [PMID: 29780514 PMCID: PMC5939838 DOI: 10.1039/c8sc00074c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A hydrocarbon stapled peptide based strategy was used to develop an optimized cell penetrating peptide for siRNA delivery. Various stapled peptides, having amphipathic Leu- and Lys-rich regions, were prepared and their cell penetrating potentials were evaluated. One peptide, stEK, was found to have high cell penetration and siRNA delivery abilities at low nanomolar concentrations. In order to improve its ability to promote gene silencing, stEK was modified by replacing several Lys residues with His moieties. The modified peptide, LKH-stEK, was found to facilitate endosomal escape and to display >90% knock-down with 50 nM of a siRNA targeting cyclophilin B in HeLa cells. The results of an in vivo animal wound healing model study demonstrate that LKH-stEK promotes delivery of an siRNA, which targets the connective tissue growth factor, and that this process leads to efficient gene silencing by the siRNA at a nanomolar level in mouse skin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soonsil Hyun
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics , Seoul National University , Seoul 08826 , Korea
| | - Yoonhwa Choi
- Department of Chemistry & Education , Seoul National University , Seoul 08826 , Korea .
| | | | | | | | - Dong-Ki Lee
- Department of Chemistry , Sungkyunkwan University , Suwon , Korea
| | | | - Yan Lee
- Department of Chemistry , Seoul National University , Seoul 08826 , Korea .
| | - Jaehoon Yu
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics , Seoul National University , Seoul 08826 , Korea
- Department of Chemistry & Education , Seoul National University , Seoul 08826 , Korea .
| |
Collapse
|