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Chen G, Zheng Y, Wu N, Yang X, Qu S. Human beta defensin 3 knockdown inhibits the proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cells through regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Mol Immunol 2024; 168:38-46. [PMID: 38422885 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2024.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Asthma, a common pediatric pulmonary disease, significantly affects children's healthy development. This study aimed to investigate the functions of human β defensin-3 (HBD-3) in asthma progression. For this purpose, blood samples from asthmatic and healthy children were collected. Moreover, the airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) were treated with platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) to develop an in vitro asthma model, then evaluated cell viability and migration via CCK-8 and transwell assays. The mRNA levels of interferon γ (INF-γ), interleukin 4 (IL-4), interleukin 10 (IL-10), alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), HBD-3, and the protein levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) along with protein kinase B (AKT) were detected. Similarly, the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) content in the ASMCs and m6A levels of HBD-3 were also measured. Results indicated an upregulated HBD-3 in the asthmatic children. The ASMCs were found to be stimulated by PDGF-BB, in addition to the promotion of cell viability and migration. The INF-γ, IL-4, and α-SMA levels were reduced, while IL-10 was elevated in PDGF-BB-stimulated ASMCs. Silencing HBD-3 in PDGF-BB stimulated ASMCs was found to exert the opposite effect by inhibiting cell viability and migration, enhancing the levels of INF-γ, IL-4, and α-SMA, while the IL-10 levels were found to decline. PDGF-BB stimulation of ASMCs resulted in activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which was blocked post HBD-3 silencing, while the role of si-hBD in PDGF-BB stimulated ASMCs was neutralized post-treatment with IGF-1. Finally, it was found that METTL3 overexpression prominently upregulated the m6A levels of HBD-3 and decreased the mRNA expression and stability of HBD-3 in the PDGF-BB-stimulated ASMCs. The study concluded that METTL3-mediated HBD-3 participates in the progression of asthma through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiying Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, China; Department of Emergency, Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University(Jiangnan Courtyard), China
| | - Yuling Zheng
- Department of Pediatrics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, China
| | - Nan Wu
- Department of Emergency, Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University(Jiangnan Courtyard), China
| | - Xia Yang
- Department of Respiratory, Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University (Jiangnan Courtyard), China
| | - Shuqiang Qu
- Department of Pediatrics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, China.
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López-Posadas R, Bagley DC, Pardo-Pastor C, Ortiz-Zapater E. The epithelium takes the stage in asthma and inflammatory bowel diseases. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1258859. [PMID: 38529406 PMCID: PMC10961468 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1258859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The epithelium is a dynamic barrier and the damage to this epithelial layer governs a variety of complex mechanisms involving not only epithelial cells but all resident tissue constituents, including immune and stroma cells. Traditionally, diseases characterized by a damaged epithelium have been considered "immunological diseases," and research efforts aimed at preventing and treating these diseases have primarily focused on immuno-centric therapeutic strategies, that often fail to halt or reverse the natural progression of the disease. In this review, we intend to focus on specific mechanisms driven by the epithelium that ensure barrier function. We will bring asthma and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases into the spotlight, as we believe that these two diseases serve as pertinent examples of epithelium derived pathologies. Finally, we will argue how targeting the epithelium is emerging as a novel therapeutic strategy that holds promise for addressing these chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío López-Posadas
- Department of Medicine 1, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universtiy Eralngen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Dustin C. Bagley
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, New Hunt’s House, School of Basic and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Carlos Pardo-Pastor
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, New Hunt’s House, School of Basic and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elena Ortiz-Zapater
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Instituto Investigación Hospital Clínico-INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
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de Fays C, Geudens V, Gyselinck I, Kerckhof P, Vermaut A, Goos T, Vermant M, Beeckmans H, Kaes J, Van Slambrouck J, Mohamady Y, Willems L, Aversa L, Cortesi EE, Hooft C, Aerts G, Aelbrecht C, Everaerts S, McDonough JE, De Sadeleer LJ, Gohy S, Ambroise J, Janssens W, Ceulemans LJ, Van Raemdonck D, Vos R, Hackett TL, Hogg JC, Kaminski N, Gayan-Ramirez G, Pilette C, Vanaudenaerde BM. Mucosal immune alterations at the early onset of tissue destruction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1275845. [PMID: 37915582 PMCID: PMC10616299 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1275845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale COPD is characterized by chronic airway inflammation, small airways changes, with disappearance and obstruction, and also distal/alveolar destruction (emphysema). The chronology by which these three features evolve with altered mucosal immunity remains elusive. This study assessed the mucosal immune defense in human control and end-stage COPD lungs, by detailed microCT and RNA transcriptomic analysis of diversely affected zones. Methods In 11 control (non-used donors) and 11 COPD (end-stage) explant frozen lungs, 4 cylinders/cores were processed per lung for microCT and tissue transcriptomics. MicroCT was used to quantify tissue percentage and alveolar surface density to classify the COPD cores in mild, moderate and severe alveolar destruction groups, as well as to quantify terminal bronchioles in each group. Transcriptomics of each core assessed fold changes in innate and adaptive cells and pathway enrichment score between control and COPD cores. Immunostainings of immune cells were performed for validation. Results In mildly affected zones, decreased defensins and increased mucus production were observed, along CD8+ T cell accumulation and activation of the IgA pathway. In more severely affected zones, CD68+ myeloid antigen-presenting cells, CD4+ T cells and B cells, as well as MHCII and IgA pathway genes were upregulated. In contrast, terminal bronchioles were decreased in all COPD cores. Conclusion Spatial investigation of end-stage COPD lungs show that mucosal defense dysregulation with decreased defensins and increased mucus and IgA responses, start concomitantly with CD8+ T-cell accumulation in mild emphysema zones, where terminal bronchioles are already decreased. In contrast, adaptive Th and B cell activation is observed in areas with more advanced tissue destruction. This study suggests that in COPD innate immune alterations occur early in the tissue destruction process, which affects both the alveoli and the terminal bronchioles, before the onset of an adaptive immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte de Fays
- Pole of Pneumology, ENT, and Dermatology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, BREATHE, Department of CHROMETA, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Vincent Geudens
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, BREATHE, Department of CHROMETA, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Iwein Gyselinck
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, BREATHE, Department of CHROMETA, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pieterjan Kerckhof
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, BREATHE, Department of CHROMETA, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Astrid Vermaut
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, BREATHE, Department of CHROMETA, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tinne Goos
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, BREATHE, Department of CHROMETA, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marie Vermant
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, BREATHE, Department of CHROMETA, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hanne Beeckmans
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, BREATHE, Department of CHROMETA, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Janne Kaes
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, BREATHE, Department of CHROMETA, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan Van Slambrouck
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, BREATHE, Department of CHROMETA, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yousry Mohamady
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, BREATHE, Department of CHROMETA, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lynn Willems
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, BREATHE, Department of CHROMETA, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lucia Aversa
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, BREATHE, Department of CHROMETA, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Emanuela E. Cortesi
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, BREATHE, Department of CHROMETA, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Hooft
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, BREATHE, Department of CHROMETA, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gitte Aerts
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, BREATHE, Department of CHROMETA, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Celine Aelbrecht
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, BREATHE, Department of CHROMETA, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stephanie Everaerts
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, BREATHE, Department of CHROMETA, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - John E. McDonough
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Laurens J. De Sadeleer
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, BREATHE, Department of CHROMETA, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sophie Gohy
- Pole of Pneumology, ENT, and Dermatology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Pneumology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jerome Ambroise
- Centre de Technologies Moléculaires Appliquées, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Wim Janssens
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, BREATHE, Department of CHROMETA, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laurens J. Ceulemans
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, BREATHE, Department of CHROMETA, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dirk Van Raemdonck
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, BREATHE, Department of CHROMETA, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Robin Vos
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, BREATHE, Department of CHROMETA, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tillie L. Hackett
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - James C. Hogg
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Naftali Kaminski
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Ghislaine Gayan-Ramirez
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, BREATHE, Department of CHROMETA, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Charles Pilette
- Pole of Pneumology, ENT, and Dermatology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Pneumology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bart M. Vanaudenaerde
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, BREATHE, Department of CHROMETA, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Filipe Rosa L, Rings A, Stolzer I, Koeninger L, Wehkamp J, Beisner J, Günther C, Nordkild P, Jensen BAH, Bischoff SC. Human α-Defensin 5 1-9 and Human β-Defensin 2 Improve Metabolic Parameters and Gut Barrier Function in Mice Fed a Western-Style Diet. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13878. [PMID: 37762180 PMCID: PMC10531064 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity and metabolic comorbidities are associated with gut permeability. While high-fructose and Western-style diet (WSD) disrupt intestinal barrier function, oral administration of human α-defensin 5 (HD5) and β-defensin 2 (hBD2) is believed to improve intestinal integrity and metabolic disorders. Eighty-four male C57BL/6J mice were fed a WSD or a control diet (CD) ± fructose (F) for 18 weeks. In week 13, mice were randomly divided into three intervention groups, receiving defensin fragment HD51-9, full-length hBD2, or bovine serum albumin (BSA)-control for six weeks. Subsequently, parameters of hepatic steatosis, glucose metabolism, and gut barrier function were assessed. WSDF increased body weight and hepatic steatosis (p < 0.01) compared to CD-fed mice, whereas peptide intervention decreased liver fat (p < 0.05) and number of hepatic lipid droplets (p < 0.01) compared to BSA-control. In addition, both peptides attenuated glucose intolerance by reducing blood glucose curves in WSDF-fed mice. Evaluation of gut barrier function revealed that HD51-9 and hBD2 improve intestinal integrity by upregulating tight junction and mucin expression. Moreover, peptide treatment restored ileal host defense peptides (HDP) expression, likely by modulating the Wnt, Myd88, p38, and Jak/STAT pathways. These findings strongly suggest that α- and β-defensin treatment improve hepatic steatosis, glucose metabolism, and gut barrier function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa Filipe Rosa
- Institute of Nutritional Medicine, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 12, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Andreas Rings
- Institute of Nutritional Medicine, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 12, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Iris Stolzer
- Department of Medicine 1, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Louis Koeninger
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Tübingen, 72016 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jan Wehkamp
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Tübingen, 72016 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Julia Beisner
- Institute of Nutritional Medicine, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 12, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Claudia Günther
- Department of Medicine 1, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Benjamin A. H. Jensen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1353 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stephan C. Bischoff
- Institute of Nutritional Medicine, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 12, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
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Vanders RL, Gomez HM, Hsu AC, Daly K, Wark PAB, Horvat JC, Hansbro PM. Inflammatory and antiviral responses to influenza A virus infection are dysregulated in pregnant mice with allergic airway disease. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2023; 325:L385-L398. [PMID: 37463835 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00232.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Influenza A virus (IAV) infections are increased during pregnancy especially with asthma as a comorbidity, leading to asthma exacerbations, secondary bacterial infections, intensive care unit admissions, and mortality. We aimed to define the processes involved in increased susceptibility and severity of IAV infections during pregnancy, especially with asthma. We sensitized mice to house dust mite (HDM), induced pregnancy, and challenged with HDM to induce allergic airway disease (AAD). At midpregnancy, we induced IAV infection. We assessed viral titers, airway inflammation, lung antiviral responses, mucus hypersecretion, and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). During early IAV infection, pregnant mice with AAD had increased mRNA expression of the inflammatory markers Il13 and IL17 and reduced mRNA expression of the neutrophil chemoattractant marker Kc. These mice had increased mucous hyperplasia and increased AHR. miR155, miR574, miR223, and miR1187 were also reduced during early infection, as was mRNA expression of the antiviral β-defensins, Bd1, Bd2, and Spd and IFNs, Ifnα, Ifnβ, and Ifnλ. During late infection, Il17 was still increased as was eosinophil infiltration in the lungs. mRNA expression of Kc was reduced, as was neutrophil infiltration and mRNA expression of the antiviral markers Ifnβ, Ifnλ, and Ifnγ and Ip10, Tlr3, Tlr9, Pkr, and Mx1. Mucous hyperplasia was still significantly increased as was AHR. Early phase IAV infection in pregnancy with asthma heightens underlying inflammatory asthmatic phenotype and reduces antiviral responses.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Influenza A virus (IAV) infection during pregnancy with asthma is a major health concern leading to increased morbidity for both mother and baby. Using murine models, we show that IAV infection in pregnancy with allergic airway disease is associated with impaired global antiviral and antimicrobial responses, increased lung inflammation, mucus hypersecretion, and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). Targeting specific β-defensins or microRNAs (miRNAs) may prove useful in future treatments for IAV infection during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Vanders
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Vaccines, Infection, Viruses and Asthma Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Henry M Gomez
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Vaccines, Infection, Viruses and Asthma Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alan C Hsu
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Vaccines, Infection, Viruses and Asthma Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katie Daly
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Vaccines, Infection, Viruses and Asthma Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter A B Wark
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Vaccines, Infection, Viruses and Asthma Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jay C Horvat
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Vaccines, Infection, Viruses and Asthma Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Philip M Hansbro
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Vaccines, Infection, Viruses and Asthma Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Fu J, Zong X, Jin M, Min J, Wang F, Wang Y. Mechanisms and regulation of defensins in host defense. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:300. [PMID: 37574471 PMCID: PMC10423725 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01553-x] [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: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
As a family of cationic host defense peptides, defensins are mainly synthesized by Paneth cells, neutrophils, and epithelial cells, contributing to host defense. Their biological functions in innate immunity, as well as their structure and activity relationships, along with their mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential, have been of great interest in recent years. To highlight the key research into the role of defensins in human and animal health, we first describe their research history, structural features, evolution, and antimicrobial mechanisms. Next, we cover the role of defensins in immune homeostasis, chemotaxis, mucosal barrier function, gut microbiota regulation, intestinal development and regulation of cell death. Further, we discuss their clinical relevance and therapeutic potential in various diseases, including infectious disease, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes and obesity, chronic inflammatory lung disease, periodontitis and cancer. Finally, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the nutrient-dependent regulation of defensins, including fatty acids, amino acids, microelements, plant extracts, and probiotics, while considering the clinical application of such regulation. Together, the review summarizes the various biological functions, mechanism of actions and potential clinical significance of defensins, along with the challenges in developing defensins-based therapy, thus providing crucial insights into their biology and potential clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Fu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xin Zong
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Mingliang Jin
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Junxia Min
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Fudi Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Public Health, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Basic Medical Sciences, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China.
| | - Yizhen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
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7
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Sanapalli BKR, Yele V, Singh MK, Thumbooru SN, Parvathaneni M, Karri VVSR. Human beta defensin-2 loaded PLGA nanoparticles impregnated in collagen-chitosan composite scaffold for the management of diabetic wounds. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114540. [PMID: 36934557 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114540] [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: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic wound (DW) is the most devastating complication resulting in significant mortality and morbidity in diabetic patients. The standard treatment of DW care fails to address the prerequisites of treating DW owing to its multifactorial pathophysiology. Henceforth, developing a single treatment strategy to handle all the loopholes may effectively manage DW. The objective of the current study was to formulate Human beta defensin-2 (HBD-2) loaded Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticle impregnated in collagen/chitosan (COL-CS) composite scaffolds for the accelerated healing of DW. Upon investigation, the developed biodegradable crosslinked scaffold possesses low matrix degradation, optimum porosity, and sustained drug release than the non-crosslinked scaffold. In vitro studies revealed that the HBD-2 COL-CS scaffold was biocompatible and accelerated cell migration and angiogenesis. The HBD-2 COL-CS scaffold showed significant antimicrobial activity in S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa. The in vivo studies revealed that the HBD-2 COL-CS treated group accelerated healing compared to those in COL-CS and control groups. The ELISA results indicated a significant decrease in MMP-9, TNF-α, MPO, NAG, and NO with an increase in IL-10 in HBD-2 COL-CS treated group. The accelerated healing in HBD-2 COL-CS treated group might be due to the synergistic effects of PLGA (collagen synthesis and deposition and positive angiogenic effect), HBD-2 (anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, positive angiogenic effect, cell proliferation, and migration), COL (established wound healer and stabilizer) and CS (antibacterial, controlled drug release).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bharat Kumar Reddy Sanapalli
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Ooty, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu 643001, India.
| | - Vidyasrilekha Yele
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Ooty, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu 643001, India.
| | - Mantosh Kumar Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Ooty, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu 643001, India.
| | - Shilpa N Thumbooru
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Ooty, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu 643001, India.
| | - Madhukiran Parvathaneni
- Department of Biotechnology, Harrisburg University of Science & Technology, 326 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101, USA; Arni Medica, 4475 South Clinton Ave, Suite 230, South Plainfield, NJ 07080, USA; CRC Pharma LLC, 333 Littleton Road, Parsippany, NJ 07054, USA.
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8
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Milad N, Pineault M, Bouffard G, Maranda-Robitaille M, Lechasseur A, Beaulieu MJ, Aubin S, Jensen BAH, Morissette MC. Recombinant human β-defensin 2 delivery improves smoking-associated lung neutrophilia and bacterial exacerbation. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2022; 323:L37-L47. [DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00027.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of the cigarette smoke-associated lung disease has largely focused on broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory therapies. However, these therapies, such as high-dose inhaled corticosteroids, enhance patient susceptibility to lung infection and exacerbation. Our objective was to assess whether the host-defense peptide, human beta-defensin 2 (hBD-2), can simultaneously reduce pulmonary inflammation in cigarette smoke-exposed mice while maintaining immune competence during bacterial exacerbation. Mice were exposed to cigarette smoke acutely (4 days) or chronically (5 days/week for 7 weeks) and administered hBD-2 intranasally or by gavage. In a separate model of acute exacerbation, chronically exposed mice treated with hBD-2 were infected with non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae prior to sacrifice. In the acute exposure model, cigarette smoke-associated pulmonary neutrophilia was significantly blunted by both local and systemic hBD-2 administration. Similarly, chronically exposed mice administered hBD-2 therapeutically exhibited reduced pulmonary neutrophil infiltration and downregulated pro-inflammatory signaling in the lungs compared to vehicle-treated mice. Finally, in a model of acute bacterial exacerbation, hBD-2 administration effectively limited neutrophil infiltration in the lungs while markedly reducing pulmonary bacterial load. This study shows that hBD-2 treatment can significantly attenuate lung neutrophilia induced by cigarette smoke exposure while preserving immune competence and promoting an appropriate host-defense response to bacterial stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Milad
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Marie Pineault
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Gabrielle Bouffard
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Michael Maranda-Robitaille
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Ariane Lechasseur
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | | | - Sophie Aubin
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Benjamin A. H. Jensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mathieu C. Morissette
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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9
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Immunomodulatory and Allergenic Properties of Antimicrobial Peptides. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052499. [PMID: 35269641 PMCID: PMC8910669 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
With the growing problem of the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the search for alternative ways to combat bacterial infections is extremely urgent. While analyzing the effect of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) on immunocompetent cells, their effect on all parts of the immune system, and on humoral and cellular immunity, is revealed. AMPs have direct effects on neutrophils, monocytes, dendritic cells, T-lymphocytes, and mast cells, participating in innate immunity. They act on B-lymphocytes indirectly, enhancing the induction of antigen-specific immunity, which ultimately leads to the activation of adaptive immunity. The adjuvant activity of AMPs in relation to bacterial and viral antigens was the reason for their inclusion in vaccines and made it possible to formulate the concept of a “defensin vaccine” as an innovative basis for constructing vaccines. The immunomodulatory function of AMPs involves their influence on cells in the nearest microenvironment, recruitment and activation of other cells, supporting the response to pathogenic microorganisms and completing the inflammatory process, thus exhibiting a systemic effect. For the successful use of AMPs in medical practice, it is necessary to study their immunomodulatory activity in detail, taking into account their pleiotropy. The degree of maturity of the immune system and microenvironment can contribute to the prevention of complications and increase the effectiveness of therapy, since AMPs can suppress inflammation in some circumstances, but aggravate the response and damage of organism in others. It should also be taken into account that the real functions of one or another AMP depend on the types of total regulatory effects on the target cell, and not only on properties of an individual peptide. A wide spectrum of biological activity, including direct effects on pathogens, inactivation of bacterial toxins and influence on immunocompetent cells, has attracted the attention of researchers, however, the cytostatic activity of AMPs against normal cells, as well as their allergenic properties and low stability to host proteases, are serious limitations for the medical use of AMPs. In this connection, the tasks of searching for compounds that selectively affect the target and development of an appropriate method of application become critically important. The scope of this review is to summarize the current concepts and newest advances in research of the immunomodulatory activity of natural and synthetic AMPs, and to examine the prospects and limitations of their medical use.
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10
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Bindra GK, Williams SA, Lay FT, Baxter AA, Poon IKH, Hulett MD, Phan TK. Human β-Defensin 2 (HBD-2) Displays Oncolytic Activity but Does Not Affect Tumour Cell Migration. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12020264. [PMID: 35204765 PMCID: PMC8961614 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Defensins form an integral part of the cationic host defence peptide (HDP) family, a key component of innate immunity. Apart from their antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities, many HDPs exert multifaceted effects on tumour cells, notably direct oncolysis and/or inhibition of tumour cell migration. Therefore, HDPs have been explored as promising anticancer therapeutics. Human β-defensin 2 (HBD-2) represents a prominent member of human HDPs, being well-characterised for its potent pathogen-killing, wound-healing, cytokine-inducing and leukocyte-chemoattracting functions. However, its anticancer effects remain largely unknown. Recently, we demonstrated that HBD-2 binds strongly to phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2), a key mediator of defensin-induced cell death and an instructional messenger during cell migration. Hence, in this study, we sought to investigate the lytic and anti-migratory effects of HBD-2 on tumour cells. Using various cell biological assays and confocal microscopy, we showed that HBD-2 killed tumour cells via acute lytic cell death rather than apoptosis. In addition, our data suggested that, despite the reported PI(4,5)P2 interaction, HBD-2 does not affect cytoskeletal-dependent tumour cell migration. Together, our findings provide further insights into defensin biology and informs future defensin-based drug development.
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11
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Warner JB, Larsen IS, Hardesty JE, Song YL, Warner DR, McClain CJ, Sun R, Deng Z, Jensen BAH, Kirpich IA. Human Beta Defensin 2 Ameliorated Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease in Mice. Front Physiol 2022; 12:812882. [PMID: 35153819 PMCID: PMC8829467 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.812882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is a prevalent liver disorder and significant global healthcare burden with limited effective therapeutic options. The gut-liver axis is a critical factor contributing to susceptibility to liver injury due to alcohol consumption. In the current study, we tested whether human beta defensin-2 (hBD-2), a small anti-microbial peptide, attenuates experimental chronic ALD. Male C57Bl/6J mice were fed an ethanol (EtOH)-containing diet for 6 weeks with daily administration of hBD-2 (1.2 mg/kg) by oral gavage during the final week. Two independent cohorts of mice with distinct baseline gut microbiota were used. Oral hBD-2 administration attenuated liver injury in both cohorts as determined by decreased plasma ALT activity. Notably, the degree of hBD-2-mediated reduction of EtOH-associated liver steatosis, hepatocellular death, and inflammation was different between cohorts, suggesting microbiota-specific mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of hBD-2. Indeed, we observed differential mechanisms of hBD-2 between cohorts, which included an induction of hepatic and small intestinal IL-17A and IL-22, as well as an increase in T regulatory cell abundance in the gut and mesenteric lymph nodes. Lastly, hBD-2 modulated the gut microbiota composition in EtOH-fed mice in both cohorts, with significant decreases in multiple genera including Barnesiella, Parabacteroides, Akkermansia, and Alistipes, as well as altered abundance of several bacteria within the family Ruminococcaceae. Collectively, our results demonstrated a protective effect of hBD-2 in experimental ALD associated with immunomodulation and microbiota alteration. These data suggest that while the beneficial effects of hBD-2 on liver injury are uniform, the specific mechanisms of action are associated with baseline microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey B. Warner
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Ida S. Larsen
- Québec Heart and Lung Institute (IUCPQ), Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec city, QC, Canada
| | - Josiah E. Hardesty
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Ying L. Song
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Dennis R. Warner
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Craig J. McClain
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
- University of Louisville Alcohol Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
- University of Louisville Hepatobiology and Toxicology Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
- Robley Rex Veterans Medical Center, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Rui Sun
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Zhongbin Deng
- University of Louisville Alcohol Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
- University of Louisville Hepatobiology and Toxicology Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
- Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Benjamin A. H. Jensen
- Québec Heart and Lung Institute (IUCPQ), Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec city, QC, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Irina A. Kirpich
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
- University of Louisville Alcohol Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
- University of Louisville Hepatobiology and Toxicology Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
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12
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Jensen SK, Pærregaard SI, Brandum EP, Jørgensen AS, Hjortø GM, Jensen BAH. OUP accepted manuscript. Gastroenterol Rep (Oxf) 2022; 10:goac008. [PMID: 35291443 PMCID: PMC8915887 DOI: 10.1093/gastro/goac008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Organismal survival depends on a well-balanced immune system and maintenance of host–microbe mutualism. The fine-tuned relationship between the gut microbiota and host immunity is constantly challenged by opportunistic bacteria testing the integrity of gastrointestinal (GI) barrier defenses. Barrier dysfunction reduces immunological tolerance towards otherwise innocuous microbes; it is a process that may instigate chronic inflammation. Paradoxically, sustained inflammation further diminishes barrier function, enabling bacterial translocation to extra-intestinal tissues. Once translocated, these bacteria stimulate systemic inflammation, thereby compromising organ function. While genetic risk alleles associate with barrier dysfunction, environmental stressors are key triggers of GI inflammation and associated breakdown in immune tolerance towards resident gut microbes. As dietary components dictate substrate availability, they also orchestrate microbiota composition and function, including migratory and pro-inflammatory potential, thus holding the capacity to fuel both GI and extra-intestinal inflammation. Additionally, Western diet consumption may weaken barrier defenses via curbed Paneth cell function and diminished host-defense peptide secretion. This review focuses on intervenable niches of host–microbe interactions and mucosal immunity with the ambition to provide a framework of plausible strategies to improve barrier function and regain tolerance in the inflamed mucosa via nutritional intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sune K Jensen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Simone I Pærregaard
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Emma P Brandum
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Astrid S Jørgensen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gertrud M Hjortø
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Benjamin A H Jensen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Corresponding author. Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, Build. 22.5.39, Copenhagen N 2200, Denmark. Tel: +45-35330188;
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13
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Regulatory Peptides in Asthma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413656. [PMID: 34948451 PMCID: PMC8707337 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous regulatory peptides play a critical role in the pathogenesis of airway inflammation, airflow obstruction and hyperresponsiveness, which are hallmarks of asthma. Some of them exacerbate asthma symptoms, such as neuropeptide Y and tachykinins, while others have ameliorating properties, such as nociception, neurotensin or β-defensin 2. Interacting with peptide receptors located in the lungs or on immune cells opens up new therapeutic possibilities for the treatment of asthma, especially when it is resistant to available therapies. This article provides a concise review of the most important and current findings regarding the involvement of regulatory peptides in asthma pathology.
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14
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Beadell BA, Chieng A, Parducho KR, Dai Z, Ho SO, Fujii G, Wang Y, Porter E. Nano- and Macroscale Imaging of Cholesterol Linoleate and Human Beta Defensin 2-Induced Changes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10111279. [PMID: 34827217 PMCID: PMC8615053 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10111279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The biofilm production of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is central to establishing chronic infection in the airways in cystic fibrosis. Epithelial cells secrete an array of innate immune factors, including antimicrobial proteins and lipids, such as human beta defensin 2 (HBD2) and cholesteryl lineolate (CL), respectively, to combat colonization by pathogens. We have recently shown that HBD2 inhibits biofilm production by PA, possibly linked to interference with the transport of biofilm precursors. Considering that both HBD2 and CL are increased in airway fluids during infection, we hypothesized that CL synergizes with HBD2 in biofilm inhibition. CL was formulated in phospholipid-based liposomes (CL-PL). As measured by atomic force microscopy of single bacteria, CL-PL alone and in combination with HBD2 significantly increased bacterial surface roughness. Additionally, extracellular structures emanated from untreated bacterial cells, but not from cells treated with CL-PL and HBD2 alone and in combination. Crystal violet staining of the biofilm revealed that CL-PL combined with HBD2 effected a significant decrease of biofilm mass and increased the number of larger biofilm particles consistent with altered cohesion of formed biofilms. These data suggest that CL and HBD2 affect PA biofilm formation at the single cell and community-wide level and that the community-wide effects of CL are enhanced by HBD2. This research may inform future novel treatments for recalcitrant infections in the airways of CF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brent A. Beadell
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA; (B.A.B.); (K.R.P.)
| | - Andy Chieng
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA; (A.C.); (Y.W.)
| | - Kevin R. Parducho
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA; (B.A.B.); (K.R.P.)
| | - Zhipeng Dai
- Molecular Express, Inc., Rancho Dominguez, CA 90220, USA; (Z.D.); (S.O.H.); (G.F.)
| | - Sam On Ho
- Molecular Express, Inc., Rancho Dominguez, CA 90220, USA; (Z.D.); (S.O.H.); (G.F.)
| | - Gary Fujii
- Molecular Express, Inc., Rancho Dominguez, CA 90220, USA; (Z.D.); (S.O.H.); (G.F.)
| | - Yixian Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA; (A.C.); (Y.W.)
| | - Edith Porter
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA; (B.A.B.); (K.R.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-323-343-6353
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15
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Lohova E, Vitenberga-Verza Z, Kazoka D, Pilmane M. Local Defence System in Healthy Lungs. Clin Pract 2021; 11:728-746. [PMID: 34698129 PMCID: PMC8544484 DOI: 10.3390/clinpract11040088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The respiratory system is one of the main entrance gates for infection. The aim of this work was to compare the appearance of specific mucosal pro-inflammatory and common anti-microbial defence factors in healthy lung tissue, from an ontogenetic point of view. Materials and methods: Healthy lung tissues were collected from 15 patients (three females and 12 males) in the age range from 18 to 86. Immunohistochemistry to human β defensin 2 (HBD-2), human β defensin 3 (HBD-3), human β defensin 4 (HBD-4), cathelicidine (LL-37) and interleukine 17A (IL-17A) were performed. Results: The lung tissue material contained bronchial and lung parenchyma material in which no histological changes, connected with the inflammatory process, were detected. During the study, various statistically significant differences were detected in immunoreactive expression between different factors in all lung tissue structures. Conclusion: All healthy lung structures, but especially the cartilage, alveolar epithelium and the alveolar macrophages, are the main locations for the baseline synthesis of antimicrobial proteins and IL-17A. Cartilage shows high functional plasticity of this structure, including significant antimicrobial activity and participation in local lung protection response. Interrelated changes between antimicrobial proteins in different tissue confirm baseline synergistical cooperation of all these factors in healthy lung host defence.
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16
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Borchers NS, Santos-Valente E, Toncheva AA, Wehkamp J, Franke A, Gaertner VD, Nordkild P, Genuneit J, Jensen BAH, Kabesch M. Human β-Defensin 2 Mutations Are Associated With Asthma and Atopy in Children and Its Application Prevents Atopic Asthma in a Mouse Model. Front Immunol 2021; 12:636061. [PMID: 33717182 PMCID: PMC7946850 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.636061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma and allergies are complex, chronic inflammatory diseases in which genetic and environmental factors are crucial. Protection against asthma and allergy development in the context of farming environment is established by early animal contact, unpasteurized milk consumption and gut microbiota maturation. The human β-defensin 2 (hBD-2) is a host defense peptide present almost exclusively in epithelial tissues, with pronounced immunomodulatory properties, which has recently been shown to ameliorate asthma and IBD in animal models. We hypothesized that adequate hBD-2 secretion plays a role in the protection against asthma and allergy development and that genetic variations in the complex gene locus coding for hBD-2 may be a risk factor for developing these diseases, if as a consequence, hBD-2 is insufficiently produced. We used MALDI-TOF MS genotyping, sequencing and a RFLP assay to study the genetic variation including mutations, polymorphisms and copy number variations in the locus harboring both genes coding for hBD-2 (DEFB4A and DEFB4B). We administered hBD-2 orally in a mouse model of house dust mite (HDM)-asthma before allergy challenge to explore its prophylactic potential, thereby mimicking a protective farm effect. Despite the high complexity of the region harboring DEFB4A and DEFB4B we identified numerous genetic variants to be associated with asthma and allergy in the GABRIELA Ulm population of 1,238 children living in rural areas, including rare mutations, polymorphisms and a lack of the DEFB4A. Furthermore, we found that prophylactic oral administration of hBD-2 significantly curbed lung resistance and pulmonary inflammation in our HDM mouse model. These data indicate that inadequate genetic capacity for hBD-2 is associated with increased asthma and allergy risk while adequate and early hBD-2 administration (in a mouse model) prevents atopic asthma. This suggests that hBD-2 could be involved in the protective farm effect and may be an excellent candidate to confer protection against asthma development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natascha S. Borchers
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Allergy, University Children’s Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) at Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Elisangela Santos-Valente
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Allergy, University Children’s Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) at Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Antoaneta A. Toncheva
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Allergy, University Children’s Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) at Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Jan Wehkamp
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andre Franke
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology (IKMB), Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Vincent D. Gaertner
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Allergy, University Children’s Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) at Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, Regensburg, Germany
- Newborn Research Zürich, University Hospital and University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Jon Genuneit
- Pediatric Epidemiology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Benjamin A. H. Jensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Kabesch
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Allergy, University Children’s Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) at Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, Regensburg, Germany
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17
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Górski A, Borysowski J, Miȩdzybrodzki R. Bacteriophage Interactions With Epithelial Cells: Therapeutic Implications. Front Microbiol 2021; 11:631161. [PMID: 33537024 PMCID: PMC7848012 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.631161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Górski
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland.,Phage Therapy Unit, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland.,Infant Jesus Hospital, The Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jan Borysowski
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ryszard Miȩdzybrodzki
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland.,Phage Therapy Unit, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland.,Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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18
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Zhang L, Ghosh SK, Basavarajappa SC, Muller-Greven J, Penfield J, Brewer A, Ramakrishnan P, Buck M, Weinberg A. Molecular dynamics simulations and functional studies reveal that hBD-2 binds SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD and blocks viral entry into ACE2 expressing cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021:2021.01.07.425621. [PMID: 33442698 PMCID: PMC7805467 DOI: 10.1101/2021.01.07.425621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
New approaches to complement vaccination are needed to combat the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and stop COVID-19 related deaths and long-term medical complications. Human beta defensin 2 (hBD-2) is a naturally occurring epithelial cell derived host defense peptide that has antiviral properties. Our comprehensive in-silico studies demonstrate that hBD-2 binds the site on the CoV-2-RBD that docks with the ACE2 receptor. Biophysical and biochemical assays confirm that hBD-2 indeed binds to the CoV-2-receptor binding domain (RBD) (KD ~ 300 nM), preventing it from binding to ACE2 expressing cells. Importantly, hBD-2 shows specificity by blocking CoV-2/spike pseudoviral infection, but not VSV-G mediated infection, of ACE2 expressing human cells with an IC50 of 2.4± 0.1 μM. These promising findings offer opportunities to develop hBD-2 and/or its derivatives and mimetics to safely and effectively use as novel agents to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqun Zhang
- Chemical Engineering, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, TN 38505
- contributed equally
| | - Santosh K. Ghosh
- Biological Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44124
- contributed equally
| | - Shrikanth C. Basavarajappa
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44124
- contributed equally
| | - Jeannine Muller-Greven
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44124
| | - Jackson Penfield
- Chemical Engineering, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, TN 38505
| | - Ann Brewer
- Chemical Engineering, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, TN 38505
| | | | - Matthias Buck
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44124
| | - Aaron Weinberg
- Biological Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44124
- Lead contact
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