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Rochard C, Bigot J, Balloy V, Hennequin C, Guitard J. [Antimicrobial peptides: A new alternative for the treatment of aspergillosis]. Rev Mal Respir 2024; 41:283-288. [PMID: 38458868 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmr.2024.02.011] [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: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is the predominant fungal species causing pulmonary aspergillosis. The present-day anti-aspergillosis arsenal is limited, with a number of molecules occasioning severe side effects (amphotericin B) or provoking significant drug interactions (azole derivatives). Moreover, the recent emergence of azole-resistant A. fumigatus strains is a cause for concern. In this context, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are emerging as a promising therapeutic approach and alternative or complement to conventional antifungals.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Rochard
- Sorbonne université, Inserm, centre de recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, Paris, France
| | - J Bigot
- Service de parasitologie-mycologie, hôpital Saint-Antoine, AP-HP, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, 75012 Paris, France
| | - V Balloy
- Sorbonne université, Inserm, centre de recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, Paris, France
| | - C Hennequin
- Service de parasitologie-mycologie, hôpital Saint-Antoine, AP-HP, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, 75012 Paris, France
| | - J Guitard
- Service de parasitologie-mycologie, hôpital Saint-Antoine, AP-HP, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, 75012 Paris, France.
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2
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Pócsi I, Szigeti ZM, Emri T, Boczonádi I, Vereb G, Szöllősi J. Use of red, far-red, and near-infrared light in imaging of yeasts and filamentous fungi. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:3895-3912. [PMID: 35599256 PMCID: PMC9200671 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-11967-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Abstract While phototoxicity can be a useful therapeutic modality not only for eliminating malignant cells but also in treating fungal infections, mycologists aiming to observe morphological changes or molecular events in fungi, especially when long observation periods or high light fluxes are warranted, encounter problems owed to altered regulatory pathways or even cell death caused by various photosensing mechanisms. Consequently, the ever expanding repertoire of visible fluorescent protein toolboxes and high-resolution microscopy methods designed to investigate fungi in vitro and in vivo need to comply with an additional requirement: to decrease the unwanted side effects of illumination. In addition to optimizing exposure, an obvious solution is red-shifted illumination, which, however, does not come without compromises. This review summarizes the interactions of fungi with light and the various molecular biology and technology approaches developed for exploring their functions on the molecular, cellular, and in vivo microscopic levels, and outlines the progress towards reducing phototoxicity through applying far-red and near-infrared light. Key points • Fungal biological processes alter upon illumination, also under the microscope • Red shifted fluorescent protein toolboxes decrease interference by illumination • Innovations like two-photon, lightsheet, and near IR microscopy reduce phototoxicity
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Affiliation(s)
- István Pócsi
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary.
| | - Zsuzsa M Szigeti
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Tamás Emri
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Imre Boczonádi
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - György Vereb
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary.,MTA-DE Cell Biology and Signaling Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - János Szöllősi
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary.,MTA-DE Cell Biology and Signaling Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary
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Three-Dimensional Light Sheet Fluorescence Microscopy of Lungs To Dissect Local Host Immune-Aspergillus fumigatus Interactions. mBio 2020; 11:mBio.02752-19. [PMID: 32019790 PMCID: PMC7002341 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02752-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of animal models of infection is essential to advance our understanding of the complex host-pathogen interactions that take place during Aspergillus fumigatus lung infections. As in the case of humans, mice need to suffer an immune imbalance in order to become susceptible to invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA), the most serious infection caused by A. fumigatus. There are several immunosuppressive regimens that are routinely used to investigate fungal growth and/or immune responses in murine models of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. However, the precise consequences of the use of each immunosuppressive model for the local immune populations and for fungal growth are not completely understood. Here, to pin down the scenarios involving commonly used IPA models, we employed light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) to analyze whole lungs at cellular resolution. Our results will be valuable to optimize and refine animal models to maximize their use in future research. Aspergillus fumigatus is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that can cause life-threatening invasive lung infections in immunodeficient patients. The cellular and molecular processes of infection during onset, establishment, and progression of A. fumigatus infections are highly complex and depend on both fungal attributes and the immune status of the host. Therefore, preclinical animal models are of paramount importance to investigate and gain better insight into the infection process. Yet, despite their extensive use, commonly employed murine models of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis are not well understood due to analytical limitations. Here, we present quantitative light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) to describe fungal growth and the local immune response in whole lungs at cellular resolution within its anatomical context. We analyzed three very common murine models of pulmonary aspergillosis based on immunosuppression with corticosteroids, chemotherapy-induced leukopenia, or myeloablative irradiation. LSFM uncovered distinct architectures of fungal growth and degrees of tissue invasion in each model. Furthermore, LSFM revealed the spatial distribution, interaction, and activation of two key immune cell populations in antifungal defense: alveolar macrophages and polymorphonuclear neutrophils. Interestingly, the patterns of fungal growth correlated with the detected effects of the immunosuppressive regimens on the local immune cell populations. Moreover, LSFM demonstrates that the commonly used intranasal route of spore administration did not result in complete intra-alveolar deposition, as about 80% of fungal growth occurred outside the alveolar space. Hence, characterization by LSFM is more rigorous than by previously used methods employing murine models of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and pinpoints their strengths and limitations.
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Shahane G, Ding W, Palaiokostas M, Azevedo HS, Orsi M. Interaction of Antimicrobial Lipopeptides with Bacterial Lipid Bilayers. J Membr Biol 2019; 252:317-329. [PMID: 31098677 PMCID: PMC6790193 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-019-00068-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The resistance of pathogens to traditional antibiotics is currently a global issue of enormous concern. As the discovery and development of new antibiotics become increasingly challenging, synthetic antimicrobial lipopeptides (AMLPs) are now receiving renewed attention as a new class of antimicrobial agents. In contrast to traditional antibiotics, AMLPs act by physically disrupting the cell membrane (rather than targeting specific proteins), thus reducing the risk of inducing bacterial resistance. In this study, we use microsecond-timescale atomistic molecular dynamics simulations to quantify the interaction of a short AMLP (C16-KKK) with model bacterial lipid bilayers. In particular, we investigate how fundamental transmembrane properties change in relation to a range of lipopeptide concentrations. A number of structural, mechanical, and dynamical features are found to be significantly altered in a non-linear fashion. At 10 mol% concentration, lipopeptides have a condensing effect on bacterial bilayers, characterized by a decrease in the area per lipid and an increase in the bilayer order. Higher AMLP concentrations of 25 and 40 mol% destabilize the membrane by disrupting the bilayer core structure, inducing membrane thinning and water leakage. Important transmembrane properties such as the lateral pressure and dipole potential profiles are also affected. Potential implications on membrane function and associated proteins are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganesh Shahane
- Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Wei Ding
- School of Engineering & Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Michail Palaiokostas
- School of Engineering & Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Helena S Azevedo
- School of Engineering & Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Mario Orsi
- Department of Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol, BS16 1QY, UK.
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5
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Abstract
Introduction: Bacterial proliferation in health environments may lead to the development of specific pathologies, but can be highly dangerous under particular conditions, such as during chemotherapy. To limit the spread of infections, it is helpful to use gauzes and clothing containing antibacterial agents. As cotton tissues are widespread in health care environments, in this contribution we report the preparation of cellulose fibers characterized by the covalent attachment of lipopeptides as possible antimicrobial agents. Aim: To covalently link peptides to cotton samples and characterize them. Peptides are expected to preserve the features of the fabrics even after repeated washing and use. Peptides are well tolerated by the human body and do not induce resistance in bacteria. Materials and Methods: A commercially available cotton tissue (specific weight of 150 g/m2, 30 Tex yarn fineness, fabric density of 270/230 threads/10 cm in the warp and weft) was washed with alkali and bleached and died. A piece of this tissue was accurately weighed, washed with methanol (MeOH) and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), and air-dried. Upon incubation with epibromohydrin, followed by treatment with Fmoc-NH-CH2CH2-NH2 and Fmoc removal, the peptides were synthesized by incorporating one amino acid at a time, beginning with the formation of an amide bond with the free NH2 of 1,2–diaminoethane. We also linked to the fibers a few peptide dendrimers, because the mechanism of action of these peptides often requires the formation of clusters. We prepared and characterized seven peptide-cotton samples. Results: The new peptide-cotton conjugates were characterized by means of FT-IR spectroscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). This latter technique allows for discriminating among different amino acids and thus different peptide-cotton samples. Some samples maintain a pretty good whiteness degree even after peptide functionalization. Interestingly, these samples also display encouraging activities against a Gram positive strain. Conclusions: Potentially antimicrobial lipopeptides can be covalently linked to cotton fabrics, step-by-step. It is also possible to build on the cotton Lys-based dendrimers. XPS is a useful technique to discriminate among different types of nitrogen. Two samples displaying some antibacterial potency did also preserve their whiteness index.
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Antibacterial Activities of Lipopeptide (C 10)₂-KKKK-NH₂ Applied Alone and in Combination with Lens Liquids to Fight Biofilms Formed on Polystyrene Surfaces and Contact Lenses. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20020393. [PMID: 30658481 PMCID: PMC6358866 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20020393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The widespread use of biomaterials such as contact lenses is associated with the development of biofilm-related infections which are very difficult to manage with standard therapies. The formation of bacterial biofilms on the surface of biomaterials is associated with increased antibiotic resistance. Owing to their promising antimicrobial potential, lipopeptides are being intensively investigated as novel antimicrobials. However, due to the relatively high toxicity exhibited by numerous compounds, a lot of attention is being paid to designing new lipopeptides with optimal biological activities. The principal aim of this study was to evaluate the potential ophthalmic application of lipopeptide (C10)2-KKKK-NH2. This lipopeptide was synthesized according to Fmoc chemistry using the solid-phase method. The antibiofilm activities of the lipopeptide, antibiotics used in ocular infections, and commercially available lens liquids were determined using the broth dilution method on polystyrene 96-well plates and contact lenses. Resazurin was applied as the cell-viability reagent. The effectiveness of the commercially available lens liquids supplemented with the lipopeptide was evaluated using the same method and materials. (C10)2-KKKK-NH2 exhibited stronger anti-biofilm properties compared to those of the tested conventional antimicrobials and showed the ability to enhance the activity of lens liquids at relatively low concentrations (4–32 mg/L). Estimation of the eye irritation potential of the lipopeptide using Toxtree software 2.6.13 suggests that the compound could be safely applied on the human eye. The results of performed experiments encourage further studies on (C10)2-KKKK-NH2 and its potential application in the prophylaxis of contact lens-related eye infections.
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Teng P, Nimmagadda A, Su M, Hong Y, Shen N, Li C, Tsai LY, Cao J, Li Q, Cai J. Novel bis-cyclic guanidines as potent membrane-active antibacterial agents with therapeutic potential. Chem Commun (Camb) 2018; 53:11948-11951. [PMID: 29052670 DOI: 10.1039/c7cc07285f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We designed a class of small dimeric cyclic guanidine derivatives which display potent antibacterial activity against both multidrug-resistant Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. They could compromise bacterial membranes without developing resistance, inhibit biofilms formed by E. coli, and exhibit excellent in vivo activity in the MRSA-infected thigh burden mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Teng
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA.
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8
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Parikh N, Klimov DK. Inclusion of lipopeptides into the DMPC lipid bilayers prevents Aβ peptide insertion. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2017; 19:10087-10098. [DOI: 10.1039/c7cp01003f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Lipopeptides prevent penetration of Alzheimer's Aβ peptides into lipid bilayers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niyati Parikh
- School of Systems Biology
- George Mason University
- Manassas
- USA
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9
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Abstract
Fungal organisms are ubiquitous in the environment. Pathogenic fungi, although relatively few in the whole gamut of microbial pathogens, are able to cause disease with varying degrees of severity in individuals with normal or impaired immunity. The disease state is an outcome of the fungal pathogen's interactions with the host immunity, and therefore, it stands to reason that deep/invasive fungal diseases be amenable to immunotherapy. Therefore, antifungal immunotherapy continues to be attractive as an adjunct to the currently available antifungal chemotherapy options for a number of reasons, including the fact that existing antifungal drugs, albeit largely effective, are not without limitations, and that morbidity and mortality associated with invasive mycoses are still unacceptably high. For several decades, intense basic research efforts have been directed at development of fungal immunotherapies. Nevertheless, this approach suffers from a severe bench-bedside disconnect owing to several reasons: the chemical and biological peculiarities of the fungal antigens, the complexities of host-pathogen interactions, an under-appreciation of the fungal disease landscape, the requirement of considerable financial investment to bring these therapies to clinical use, as well as practical problems associated with immunizations. In this general, non-exhaustive review, we summarize the features of ongoing research efforts directed towards devising safe and effective immunotherapeutic options for mycotic diseases, encompassing work on antifungal vaccines, adoptive cell transfers, cytokines, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), and other agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kausik Datta
- a Division of Infectious Diseases , Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA , and
| | - Mawieh Hamad
- b Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences and the Sharjah Institute for Medical Research , University of Sharjah , Sharjah , UAE
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Lin D, Grossfield A. Thermodynamics of Micelle Formation and Membrane Fusion Modulate Antimicrobial Lipopeptide Activity. Biophys J 2016; 109:750-9. [PMID: 26287627 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2015.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2015] [Revised: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial lipopeptides (AMLPs) are antimicrobial drug candidates that preferentially target microbial membranes. One class of AMLPs, composed of cationic tetrapeptides attached to an acyl chain, have minimal inhibitory concentrations in the micromolar range against a range of bacteria and fungi. Previously, we used coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations and free energy methods to study the thermodynamics of their interaction with membranes in their monomeric state. Here, we extended the study to the biologically relevant micellar state, using, to our knowledge, a novel reaction coordinate based on hydrophobic contacts. Using umbrella sampling along this reaction coordinate, we identified the critical transition states when micelles insert into membranes. The results indicate that the binding of these AMLP micelles to membranes is thermodynamically favorable, but in contrast to the monomeric case, there are significant free energy barriers. The height of these free energy barriers depends on the membrane composition, suggesting that the AMLPs' ability to selectively target bacterial membranes may be as much kinetic as thermodynamic. This mechanism highlights the importance of considering oligomeric state in solution as criterion when optimizing peptides or lipopeptides as antibiotic leads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejun Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Alan Grossfield
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York.
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11
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Synthetic Cyclolipopeptides Selective against Microbial, Plant and Animal Cell Targets by Incorporation of D-Amino Acids or Histidine. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0151639. [PMID: 27008420 PMCID: PMC4805166 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclolipopeptides derived from the antimicrobial peptide c(Lys-Lys-Leu-Lys-Lys-Phe-Lys-Lys-Leu-Gln) (BPC194) were prepared on solid-phase and screened against four plant pathogens. The incorporation at Lys5 of fatty acids of 4 to 9 carbon atoms led to active cyclolipopeptides. The influence on the antimicrobial activity of the Lys residue that is derivatized was also evaluated. In general, acylation of Lys1, Lys2 or Lys5 rendered the sequences with the highest activity. Incorporation of a D-amino acid maintained the antimicrobial activity while significantly reduced the hemolysis. Replacement of Phe with a His also yielded cyclolipopeptides with low hemolytic activity. Derivatives exhibiting low phytotoxicity in tobacco leaves were also found. Interestingly, sequences with or without significant activity against phytopathogenic bacteria and fungi, but with differential hemolysis and phytotoxicity were identified. Therefore, this study represents an approach to the development of bioactive peptides with selective activity against microbial, plant and animal cell targets. These selective cyclolipopeptides are candidates useful not only to combat plant pathogens but also to be applied in other fields.
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12
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Lin D, Grossfield A. Thermodynamics of antimicrobial lipopeptide binding to membranes: origins of affinity and selectivity. Biophys J 2015; 107:1862-1872. [PMID: 25418167 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2014.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Revised: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 08/29/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of novel antibiotic drugs is one of the most pressing biomedical problems due to the increasing number of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Antimicrobial peptides and lipopeptides are a promising category of candidates, but the molecular origins of their antimembrane activity is unclear. Here we explore a series of recently developed antimicrobial lipopeptides, using coarse-grained molecular-dynamics simulations and free energy methods to uncover the thermodynamics governing their binding to membranes. Specifically, we quantify C16-KGGK's binding affinity to the two types of membrane by umbrella sampling. We also examined the origin of C16-KGGK's selectivity for bacterial versus mammalian membranes by systematically varying the peptide sequence and salt concentration. Our data showed that the C16 hydrophobic tail is the main contributor to its affinity to lipid membrane, whereas the peptide portion is mainly responsible for its selectivity. Furthermore, the electrostatic interaction between the cationic peptide and anionic bacterial membrane plays a significant role in the selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejun Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Alan Grossfield
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York.
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13
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Shrestha SK, Chang CWT, Meissner N, Oblad J, Shrestha JP, Sorensen KN, Grilley MM, Takemoto JY. Antifungal amphiphilic aminoglycoside K20: bioactivities and mechanism of action. Front Microbiol 2014; 5:671. [PMID: 25538692 PMCID: PMC4257101 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2014.00671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2014] [Accepted: 11/18/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
K20 is a novel amphiphilic antifungal aminoglycoside that is synthetically derived from the antibiotic kanamycin A. Reported here are investigations of K20's antimicrobial activities, cytotoxicity, and fungicidal mechanism of action. In vitro growth inhibitory activities against a variety of human and plant pathogenic yeasts, filamentous fungi, and bacteria were determined using microbroth dilution assays and time-kill curve analyses, and hemolytic and animal cell cytotoxic activities were determined. Effects on Cryptococcus neoformans H-99 infectivity were determined with a preventive murine lung infection model. The antifungal mechanism of action was studied using intact fungal cells, yeast lipid mutants, and small unilamellar lipid vesicles. K20 exhibited broad-spectrum in vitro antifungal activities but not antibacterial activities. Pulmonary, single dose-administration of K20 reduced C. neoformans lung infection rates 4-fold compared to controls. Hemolysis and half-maximal cytotoxicities of mammalian cells occurred at concentrations that were 10 to 32-fold higher than fungicidal MICs. With fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), 20-25 mg/L K20 caused staining of >95% of C. neoformans and Fusarium graminearum cells and at 31.3 mg/L caused rapid leakage (30-80% in 15 min) of calcein from preloaded small unilamellar lipid vesicles. K20 appears to be a broad-spectrum fungicide, capable of reducing the infectivity of C. neoformans, and exhibits low hemolytic activity and mammalian cell toxicity. It perturbs the plasma membrane by mechanisms that are lipid modulated. K20 is a novel amphiphilic aminoglycoside amenable to scalable production and a potential lead antifungal for therapeutic and crop protection applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjib K Shrestha
- Department of Biology, Utah State University Logan, UT, USA ; Synthetic Bioproducts Center, Utah State University North Logan, UT, USA
| | - Cheng-Wei T Chang
- Synthetic Bioproducts Center, Utah State University North Logan, UT, USA ; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Utah State University Logan, UT, USA
| | - Nicole Meissner
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Montana State University Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - John Oblad
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Utah State University Logan, UT, USA
| | - Jaya P Shrestha
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Utah State University Logan, UT, USA
| | | | | | - Jon Y Takemoto
- Department of Biology, Utah State University Logan, UT, USA ; Synthetic Bioproducts Center, Utah State University North Logan, UT, USA
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14
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Orlandin A, Formaggio F, Toffoletti A, Peggion C. Cotton functionalized with peptides: characterization and synthetic methods. J Pept Sci 2014; 20:547-53. [DOI: 10.1002/psc.2659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Revised: 04/16/2014] [Accepted: 04/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Orlandin
- ICB, Padova Unit, CNR, Department of Chemistry; University of Padova; via Marzolo 1 35131 Padova Italy
| | - Fernando Formaggio
- ICB, Padova Unit, CNR, Department of Chemistry; University of Padova; via Marzolo 1 35131 Padova Italy
| | - Antonio Toffoletti
- ICB, Padova Unit, CNR, Department of Chemistry; University of Padova; via Marzolo 1 35131 Padova Italy
| | - Cristina Peggion
- ICB, Padova Unit, CNR, Department of Chemistry; University of Padova; via Marzolo 1 35131 Padova Italy
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15
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Muñoz A, Harries E, Contreras-Valenzuela A, Carmona L, Read ND, Marcos JF. Two functional motifs define the interaction, internalization and toxicity of the cell-penetrating antifungal peptide PAF26 on fungal cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e54813. [PMID: 23349973 PMCID: PMC3549957 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0054813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2012] [Accepted: 12/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The synthetic, cell penetrating hexapeptide PAF26 (RKKWFW) is antifungal at low micromolar concentrations and has been proposed as a model for cationic, cell-penetrating antifungal peptides. Its short amino acid sequence facilitates the analysis of its structure-activity relationships using the fungal models Neurospora crassa and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and human and plant pathogens Aspergillus fumigatus and Penicillium digitatum, respectively. Previously, PAF26 at low fungicidal concentrations was shown to be endocytically internalized, accumulated in vacuoles and then actively transported into the cytoplasm where it exerts its antifungal activity. In the present study, two PAF26 derivatives, PAF95 (AAAWFW) and PAF96 (RKKAAA), were designed to characterize the roles of the N-terminal cationic and the C-terminal hydrophobic motifs in PAF26's mode-of-action. PAF95 and PAF96 exhibited substantially reduced antifungal activity against all the fungi analyzed. PAF96 localized to fungal cell envelopes and was not internalized by the fungi. In contrast, PAF95 was taken up into vacuoles of N. crassa, wherein it accumulated and was trapped without toxic effects. Also, the PAF26 resistant Δarg1 strain of S. cerevisiae exhibited increased PAF26 accumulation in vacuoles. Live-cell imaging of GFP-labelled nuclei in A. fumigatus showed that transport of PAF26 from the vacuole to the cytoplasm was followed by nuclear breakdown and dissolution. This work demonstrates that the amphipathic PAF26 possesses two distinct motifs that allow three stages in its antifungal action to be defined: (i) its interaction with the cell envelope; (ii) its internalization and transport to vacuoles mediated by the aromatic hydrophobic domain; and (iii) its transport from vacuoles to the cytoplasm. Significantly, cationic residues in PAF26 are important not only for the electrostatic attraction and interaction with the fungal cell but also for transport from the vacuole to the cytoplasm, which coincides with cell death. Peptide containment within vacuoles preserves fungal cells from peptide toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Muñoz
- Fungal Cell Biology Group, Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Eleonora Harries
- Fungal Cell Biology Group, Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Department of Food Science, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Lourdes Carmona
- Department of Food Science, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Nick D. Read
- Fungal Cell Biology Group, Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (JFM); (NDR)
| | - Jose F. Marcos
- Department of Food Science, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Paterna, Valencia, Spain
- * E-mail: (JFM); (NDR)
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16
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Activity of short lipopeptides and conventional antimicrobials against planktonic cells and biofilms formed by clinical strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Future Med Chem 2012; 4:1541-51. [DOI: 10.4155/fmc.12.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The therapy for staphylococcal skin diseases is facing several difficulties caused by the growth of biofilms and development of resistant strains. Short synthetic lipopeptides designed on the basis of antimicrobial peptide structure seem to provide an alternative to conventional therapy. The purpose of this study was to synthesize a group of lipopeptides and evaluate their antistaphylococcal activity against biofilms formed by clinical strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Results: The compounds exhibited a strong antibiofilm activity against all the isolates. The maturity of the biofilms has shown a well-defined influence on antimicrobial activity of conventional antimicrobials. Discussion: Results showed that the lipopeptides were promising agents as the time of the culture did not greatly affect their activity.
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17
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Persoz C, Leleu C, Achard S, Fasseu M, Menotti J, Meneceur P, Momas I, Derouin F, Seta N. Sequential air–liquid exposure of human respiratory cells to chemical and biological pollutants. Toxicol Lett 2011; 207:53-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2011.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2011] [Revised: 07/27/2011] [Accepted: 07/28/2011] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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18
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Ultrashort peptide bioconjugates are exclusively antifungal agents and synergize with cyclodextrin and amphotericin B. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2011; 56:1-9. [PMID: 22006001 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00468-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Many natural broad-spectrum cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) possess a general mode of action that is dependent on lipophilicity and charge. Modulating the lipophilicity of AMPs by the addition of a fatty acid has been an effective strategy to increase the lytic activity and can further broaden the spectrum of AMPs. However, lipophilic modifications that narrow the spectrum of activity and exclusively direct peptides to fungi are less common. Here, we show that short peptide sequences can be targeted to fungi with structured lipophilic biomolecules, such as vitamin E and cholesterol. The conjugates were active against Aspergillus fumigatus, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Candida albicans but not against bacteria and were observed to cause membrane perturbation by transmission electron microscopy and in membrane permeability studies. However, for C. albicans, selected compounds were effective without the perturbation of the cell membrane, and synergism was seen with a vitamin E conjugate and amphotericin B. Moreover, in combination with β-cyclodextrin, antibacterial activity emerged in selected compounds. Biocompatibility for selected active compounds was tested in vitro and in vivo using toxicity assays on erythrocytes, macrophages, and mice. In vitro cytotoxicity experiments led to selective toxicity ratios (50% lethal concentration/MIC) of up to 64 for highly active antifungal compounds, and no in vivo murine toxicity was seen. Taken together, these results highlight the importance of the conjugated lipophilic structure and suggest that the modulation of other biologically relevant peptides with hydrophobic moieties, such as cholesterol and vitamin E, generate compounds with unique bioactivity.
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19
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The potential of antimicrobial peptides as biocides. Int J Mol Sci 2011; 12:6566-96. [PMID: 22072905 PMCID: PMC3210996 DOI: 10.3390/ijms12106566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2011] [Revised: 09/22/2011] [Accepted: 09/26/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides constitute a diverse class of naturally occurring antimicrobial molecules which have activity against a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms. Antimicrobial peptides are exciting leads in the development of novel biocidal agents at a time when classical antibiotics are under intense pressure from emerging resistance, and the global industry in antibiotic research and development stagnates. This review will examine the potential of antimicrobial peptides, both natural and synthetic, as novel biocidal agents in the battle against multi-drug resistant pathogen infections.
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20
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Giuliani A, Rinaldi AC. Beyond natural antimicrobial peptides: multimeric peptides and other peptidomimetic approaches. Cell Mol Life Sci 2011; 68:2255-66. [PMID: 21598022 PMCID: PMC11114707 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-011-0717-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2011] [Revised: 04/26/2011] [Accepted: 04/26/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) present several drawbacks that strongly limit their development into therapeutically valuable antibiotics. These include susceptibility to protease degradation and high costs of manufacture. To overcome these problems, researchers have tried to develop mimics or peptidomimetics endowed with better properties, while retaining the basic features of membrane-active natural AMPs such as cationic charge and amphipathic design. Protein epitope mimetics, multimeric (dendrimeric) peptides, oligoacyllysines, ceragenins, synthetic lipidated peptides, peptoids and other foldamers are some of the routes explored so far. The synthetic approach has led to compounds that have already entered clinical evaluation for the treatment of specific conditions, such as Staphylococcus (MRSA) infections. Should these trials be successful, an important proof-of-concept would be established, showing that synthetic oligomers rather than naturally occurring molecules could bring peptide-based antibiotics to clinical practice and the drug market for local and systemic treatment of medical conditions associated with multi-drug resistant pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea C. Rinaldi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, CA Italy
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21
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Cationic amphiphiles, a new generation of antimicrobials inspired by the natural antimicrobial peptide scaffold. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2010; 54:4049-58. [PMID: 20696877 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00530-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 232] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Naturally occurring cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and their mimics form a diverse class of antibacterial agents currently validated in preclinical and clinical settings for the treatment of infections caused by antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Numerous studies with linear, cyclic, and diastereomeric AMPs have strongly supported the hypothesis that their physicochemical properties, rather than any specific amino acid sequence, are responsible for their microbiological activities. It is generally believed that the amphiphilic topology is essential for insertion into and disruption of the cytoplasmic membrane. In particular, the ability to rapidly kill bacteria and the relative difficulty with which bacteria develop resistance make AMPs and their mimics attractive targets for drug development. However, the therapeutic use of naturally occurring AMPs is hampered by the high manufacturing costs, poor pharmacokinetic properties, and low bacteriological efficacy in animal models. In order to overcome these problems, a variety of novel and structurally diverse cationic amphiphiles that mimic the amphiphilic topology of AMPs have recently appeared. Many of these compounds exhibit superior pharmacokinetic properties and reduced in vitro toxicity while retaining potent antibacterial activity against resistant and nonresistant bacteria. In summary, cationic amphiphiles promise to provide a new and rich source of diverse antibacterial lead structures in the years to come.
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22
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Abstract
Host defense peptides (HDPs) are relatively small, mostly cationic, amphipathic, and of variable length, sequence, and structure. The majority of these peptides exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and often activity against viruses and some cancer cell lines. In addition, HDPs also provide a range of immunomodulatory activities related to innate immunity defense, inflammation, and wound healing. The development of these multi-faceted molecules and their bioactivities into clinically important therapeutics is being pursued using a number of different approaches. Here we review the role of HDPs in nature and application of this role to the development of novel therapeutics.
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23
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Therapy of murine pulmonary aspergillosis with antibody-alliinase conjugates and alliin. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2009; 54:898-906. [PMID: 19949059 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01267-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is an opportunistic fungal pathogen responsible for invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised individuals. The high morbidity and mortality rates as well as the poor efficacy of antifungal agents remain major clinical concerns. Allicin (diallyl-dithiosulfinate), which is produced by the garlic enzyme alliinase from the harmless substrate alliin, has been shown to have wide-range antifungal specificity. A monoclonal antibody (MAb) against A. fumigatus was produced and chemically ligated to the enzyme alliinase. The purified antibody-alliinase conjugate bound to conidia and hyphae of A. fumigatus at nanomolar concentrations. In the presence of alliin, the conjugate produced cytotoxic allicin molecules, which killed the fungus. In vivo testing of the therapeutical potential of the conjugate was carried out in immunosuppressed mice infected intranasally with conidia of A. fumigatus. Intratracheal (i.t.) instillation of the conjugate and alliin (four treatments) resulted in 80 to 85% animal survival (36 days), with almost complete fungal clearance. Repetitive intratracheal administration of the conjugate and alliin was also effective when treatments were initiated at a more advanced stage of infection (50 h). The fungi were killed specifically without causing damage to the lung tissue or overt discomfort to the animals. Intratracheal instillation of the conjugate without alliin or of the unconjugated monoclonal antibody significantly delayed the death of the infected mice, but only 20% of the animals survived. A limitation of this study is that the demonstration was achieved in a constrained setting. Other routes of drug delivery will be investigated for the treatment of pulmonary and extrapulmonary aspergillosis.
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24
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Brotman Y, Makovitzki A, Shai Y, Chet I, Viterbo A. Synthetic ultrashort cationic lipopeptides induce systemic plant defense responses against bacterial and fungal pathogens. Appl Environ Microbiol 2009; 75:5373-9. [PMID: 19542326 PMCID: PMC2725461 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00724-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2009] [Accepted: 06/16/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A new family of synthetic, membrane-active, ultrashort lipopeptides composed of only four amino acids linked to fatty acids was tested for the ability to induce systemic resistance and defense responses in plants. We found that two peptides wherein the third residue is a d-enantiomer (italic), C16-KKKK and C16-KLLK, can induce medium alkalinization of tobacco suspension-cultured cells and expression of defense-related genes in cucumber and Arabidopsis seedlings. Moreover, these compounds can prime systemic induction of antimicrobial compounds in cucumber leaves similarly to the plant-beneficial fungus Trichoderma asperellum T203 and provide systemic protection against the phytopathogens Botrytis cinerea B05, Pseudomonas syringae pv. lachrimans, and P. syringae pv. tomato DC3000. Thus, short cationic lipopeptides are a new category of compounds with potentially high utility in the induction of systemic resistance in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yariv Brotman
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 76100, Israel
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25
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De novo design and in vivo activity of conformationally restrained antimicrobial arylamide foldamers. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2009; 106:6968-73. [PMID: 19359494 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0811818106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 254] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of drug-resistant bacteria has compromised the use of many conventional antibiotics, leading to heightened interest in a variety of antimicrobial peptides. Although these peptides have attractive potential as antibiotics, their size, stability, tissue distribution, and toxicity have hampered attempts to harness these capabilities. To address such issues, we have developed small (molecular mass <1,000 Da) arylamide foldamers that mimic antimicrobial peptides. Hydrogen-bonded restraints in the arylamide template rigidify the conformation via hydrogen bond formation and increase activity toward Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The designed foldamers are highly active against S. aureus in an animal model. These results demonstrate the application of foldamer templates as therapeutics.
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26
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Novel antifungal agents, targets or therapeutic strategies for the treatment of invasive fungal diseases: a review of the literature (2005-2009). Rev Iberoam Micol 2009; 26:15-22. [DOI: 10.1016/s1130-1406(09)70004-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2009] [Accepted: 02/11/2009] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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27
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Scott RW, DeGrado WF, Tew GN. De novo designed synthetic mimics of antimicrobial peptides. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2008; 19:620-7. [PMID: 18996193 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2008.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2008] [Revised: 10/23/2008] [Accepted: 10/27/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are small cationic amphiphiles that play an important role in the innate immune system. Given their broad specificity, they appear to be ideal therapeutic agents. As a result, over the last decade, there has been considerable interest in developing them as intravenously administered antibiotics. However, it has proven difficult to accomplish this goal with peptide-based structures. Although it has been possible to solve some relatively simple problems such as susceptibility to proteolysis, more severe problems have included the expense of the materials, toxicity, limited efficacy, and limited tissue distribution. In an effort to overcome these problems, we developed small synthetic oligomers designed to adopt amphiphilic conformations and exhibit potent antimicrobial activity while being nontoxic to host cells. One class of these synthetic mimics of antimicrobial peptides (SMAMPs) is being developed as intravenous antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard W Scott
- PolyMedix, Inc., 170 N. Radnor-Chester Road, Suite 300, Radnor, PA 19087, USA.
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