1
|
Amer L, Retout M, Jokerst JV. Activatable prodrug for controlled release of an antimicrobial peptide via the proteases overexpressed in Candida albicans and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Theranostics 2024; 14:1781-1793. [PMID: 38389835 PMCID: PMC10879876 DOI: 10.7150/thno.91165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans and Porphyromonas gingivalis are prevalent in the subgingival area where the frequency of fungal colonization increases with periodontal disease. Candida's transition to a pathogenic state and its interaction with P. gingivalis exacerbate periodontal disease severity. However, current treatments for these infections differ, and combined therapy remains unexplored. This work is based on an antimicrobial peptide that is therapeutic and induces a color change in a nanoparticle reporter. Methods: We built and characterized two enzyme-activatable prodrugs to treat and detect C. albicans and P. gingivalis via the controlled release of the antimicrobial peptide. The zwitterionic prodrug quenches the antimicrobial peptide's activity until activation by a protease inherent to the pathogens (SAP9 for C. albicans and RgpB for P. gingivalis). The toxicity of the intact prodrugs was evaluated against fungal, bacterial, and mammalian cells. Therapeutic efficacy was assessed through microscopy, disk diffusion, and viability assays, comparing the prodrug to the antimicrobial peptide alone. Finally, we developed a colorimetric detection system based on the aggregation of plasmonic nanoparticles. Results: The intact prodrugs showed negligible toxicity to cells absent a protease trigger. The therapeutic impact of the prodrugs was comparable to that of the antimicrobial peptide alone, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 3.1 - 16 µg/mL. The enzymatic detection system returned a detection limit of 10 nM with gold nanoparticles and 3 nM with silver nanoparticles. Conclusion: This approach offers a convenient and selective protease sensing and protease-induced treatment mechanism based on bioinspired antimicrobial peptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lubna Amer
- Program in Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Maurice Retout
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Jesse V. Jokerst
- Program in Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Qin Y, Wang J, Lv Q, Han B. Recent Progress in Research on Mitochondrion-Targeted Antifungal Drugs: a Review. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2023; 67:e0000323. [PMID: 37195189 PMCID: PMC10269089 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00003-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections, which commonly occur in immunocompromised patients, can cause high morbidity and mortality. Antifungal agents act by disrupting the cell membrane, inhibiting nucleic acid synthesis and function, or inhibiting β-1,3-glucan synthase. Because the incidences of life-threatening fungal infections and antifungal drug resistance are continuously increasing, there is an urgent need for the development of new antifungal agents with novel mechanisms of action. Recent studies have focused on mitochondrial components as potential therapeutic drug targets, owing to their important roles in fungal viability and pathogenesis. In this review, we discuss novel antifungal drugs targeting mitochondrial components and highlight the unique fungal proteins involved in the electron transport chain, which is useful for investigating selective antifungal targets. Finally, we comprehensively summarize the efficacy and safety of lead compounds in clinical and preclinical development. Although fungus-specific proteins in the mitochondrion are involved in various processes, the majority of the antifungal agents target dysfunction of mitochondria, including mitochondrial respiration disturbance, increased intracellular ATP, reactive oxygen species generation, and others. Moreover, only a few drugs are under clinical trials, necessitating further exploration of possible targets and development of effective antifungal agents. The unique chemical structures and targets of these compounds will provide valuable hints for further exploiting new antifungals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yulin Qin
- Department of Pharmacy, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinxin Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Quanzhen Lv
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bing Han
- Department of Pharmacy, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chang CK, Kao MC, Lan CY. Antimicrobial Activity of the Peptide LfcinB15 against Candida albicans. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7070519. [PMID: 34209722 PMCID: PMC8306953 DOI: 10.3390/jof7070519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lactoferricin (Lfcin) is an amphipathic, cationic peptide derived from proteolytic cleavage of the N-lobe of lactoferrin (Lf). Lfcin and its derivatives possess broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal activities. However, unlike their antibacterial functions, the modes of action of Lfcin and its derivatives against pathogenic fungi are less well understood. In this study, the mechanisms of LfcinB15, a derivative of bovine Lfcin, against Candida albicans were, therefore, extensively investigated. LfcinB15 exhibited inhibitory activity against planktonic cells, biofilm cells, and clinical isolates of C. albicans and non-albicans Candida species. We further demonstrated that LfcinB15 is localized on the cell surface and vacuoles of C. albicans cells. Moreover, LfcinB15 uses several different methods to kill C. albicans, including disturbing the cell membrane, inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and causing mitochondrial dysfunction. Finally, the Hog1 and Mkc1 mitogen-activated protein kinases were both activated in C. albicans cells in response to LfcinB15. These findings help us to obtain more insight into the complex mechanisms used by LfcinB15 and other Lfcin-derived peptides to fight fungal pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Che-Kang Chang
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan;
| | - Mou-Chieh Kao
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
- Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (M.-C.K.); ; (C.-Y.L.); Tel.: +886-3-5742473 (M.-C.K.); +886-3-5742472 (C.-Y.L.)
| | - Chung-Yu Lan
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan;
- Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (M.-C.K.); ; (C.-Y.L.); Tel.: +886-3-5742473 (M.-C.K.); +886-3-5742472 (C.-Y.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Samot J, Rouabhia M. Effect of Dermaseptin S4 on C. albicans Growth and EAP1 and HWP1 Gene Expression. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2021; 13:287-298. [PMID: 32691243 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-020-09685-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Increasing resistance and changes in the spectrum of Candida infections have generated considerable interest in the development of new antifungal molecules. The use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) appears to be a promising approach. Frog skin AMPs (such as dermaseptins) have shown antimicrobial activity against several pathogens. In this study, we aimed to test the antimicrobial efficacy of dermaseptin S4 (DS4) against C. albicans. We determined the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of DS4, and investigated the effects of the DS4 at low concentrations on human primary gingival fibroblasts. Additionally, we evaluated the effect of DS4 on C. albicans growth, form changes, and biofilm formation, as well as the expression of certain virulent genes. Our data show that DS4 completely inhibits C. albicans growth at a concentration of 32 μg/mL referring to the MIC of DS4. It should be noted that even with low concentrations (below 16 μg/mL), DS4 still have significant growth reduction of C. albicans, but were not toxic to human gingival fibroblasts. DS4 inhibited the transition from yeast to hyphae, and decreased the biofilm formation by reducing the biofilm mass weight. Surface morphological changes in the yeast cell membrane were observed following exposure to DS4. The gene expression analyses revealed that DS4 significantly decreased the expression of EAP1 and HWP1 genes. Overall results suggest the potential use of DS4 as an antifungal therapy to prevent C. albicans pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johan Samot
- Groupe de Recherche en Écologie Buccale, Faculté de Médecine Dentaire, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Université de Bordeaux UFR d'odontologie, Bordeaux, France.,Unive. Bordeaux, ISVV, Unité de recherche Œnologie, USC 1366 INRAE, 4577, Villenave d'Ornon, EA, France.,Centre hospitalier universitaire de Bordeaux pôle de médecine et chirurgie bucco-dentaire, Bordeaux, France
| | - Mahmoud Rouabhia
- Groupe de Recherche en Écologie Buccale, Faculté de Médecine Dentaire, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mercer DK, O'Neil DA. Innate Inspiration: Antifungal Peptides and Other Immunotherapeutics From the Host Immune Response. Front Immunol 2020; 11:2177. [PMID: 33072081 PMCID: PMC7533533 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.02177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to describe antifungal therapeutic candidates in preclinical and clinical development derived from, or directly influenced by, the immune system, with a specific focus on antimicrobial peptides (AMP). Although the focus of this review is AMP with direct antimicrobial effects on fungi, we will also discuss compounds with direct antifungal activity, including monoclonal antibodies (mAb), as well as immunomodulatory molecules that can enhance the immune response to fungal infection, including immunomodulatory AMP, vaccines, checkpoint inhibitors, interferon and colony stimulating factors as well as immune cell therapies. The focus of this manuscript will be a non-exhaustive review of antifungal compounds in preclinical and clinical development that are based on the principles of immunology and the authors acknowledge the incredible amount of in vitro and in vivo work that has been conducted to develop such therapeutic candidates.
Collapse
|
6
|
Lin GY, Chang CF, Lan CY. The interaction Between Carbohydrates and the Antimicrobial Peptide P-113Tri is Involved in the Killing of Candida albicans. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8020299. [PMID: 32098211 PMCID: PMC7074873 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8020299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of drug resistance to Candida albicans is problematic in the clinical setting. Therefore, developing new antifungal drugs is in high demand. Our previous work indicated that the antimicrobial peptide P-113Tri exhibited higher antifungal activity against planktonic cells, biofilm cells, and clinical isolates of Candida species compared to its parental peptide P-113. In this study, we further investigated the difference between these two peptides in their mechanisms against C. albicans. Microscopic examination showed that P-113 rapidly gained access to C. albicans cells. However, most of the P-113Tri remained on the cell surface. Moreover, using a range of cell wall-defective mutants and competition assays, the results indicated that phosphomannan and N-linked mannan in the cell wall are important for peptide binding to C. albicans cells. Furthermore, the addition of exogenous phosphosugars reduced the efficacy of the peptide, suggesting that negatively charged phosphosugars also contributed to the peptide binding to the cell wall polysaccharides. Finally, using a glycan array, P-113Tri, but not P-113, can bind to other glycans commonly present on other microbial and mammalian cells. Together, these results suggest that P-113 and P-113Tri have fundamental differences in their interaction with C. albicans and candidacidal activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guan-Yu Lin
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan;
| | - Chuan-Fa Chang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan;
| | - Chung-Yu Lan
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan;
- Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-3-574-2473; Fax: +886-3-571-5934
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Xue YP, Kao MC, Lan CY. Novel mitochondrial complex I-inhibiting peptides restrain NADH dehydrogenase activity. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13694. [PMID: 31548559 PMCID: PMC6757105 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50114-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of drug-resistant fungal pathogens is becoming increasingly serious due to overuse of antifungals. Antimicrobial peptides have potent activity against a broad spectrum of pathogens, including fungi, and are considered a potential new class of antifungals. In this study, we examined the activities of the newly designed peptides P-113Du and P-113Tri, together with their parental peptide P-113, against the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans. The results showed that these peptides inhibit mitochondrial complex I, specifically NADH dehydrogenase, of the electron transport chain. Moreover, P-113Du and P-113Tri also block alternative NADH dehydrogenases. Currently, most inhibitors of the mitochondrial complex I are small molecules or artificially-designed antibodies. Here, we demonstrated novel functions of antimicrobial peptides in inhibiting the mitochondrial complex I of C. albicans, providing insight in the development of new antifungal agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Peng Xue
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, No. 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Mou-Chieh Kao
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, No. 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan, ROC. .,Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, No. 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Chung-Yu Lan
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, No. 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan, ROC. .,Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, No. 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan, ROC.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lee SY, Chen HF, Yeh YC, Xue YP, Lan CY. The Transcription Factor Sfp1 Regulates the Oxidative Stress Response in Candida albicans. Microorganisms 2019; 7:E131. [PMID: 31091716 PMCID: PMC6560436 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7050131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a commensal that inhabits the skin and mucous membranes of humans. Because of the increasing immunocompromised population and the limited classes of antifungal drugs available, C. albicans has emerged as an important opportunistic pathogen with high mortality rates. During infection and therapy, C. albicans frequently encounters immune cells and antifungal drugs, many of which exert their antimicrobial activity by inducing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, antioxidative capacity is important for the survival and pathogenesis of C. albicans. In this study, we characterized the roles of the zinc finger transcription factor Sfp1 in the oxidative stress response against C. albicans. A sfp1-deleted mutant was more resistant to oxidants and macrophage killing than wild-type C. albicans and processed an active oxidative stress response with the phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) Hog1 and high CAP1 expression. Moreover, the sfp1-deleted mutant exhibited high expression levels of antioxidant genes in response to oxidative stress, resulting in a higher total antioxidant capacity, glutathione content, and glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase enzyme activity than the wild-type C. albicans. Finally, the sfp1-deleted mutant was resistant to macrophage killing and ROS-generating antifungal drugs. Together, our findings provide a new understanding of the complex regulatory machinery in the C. albicans oxidative stress response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Yu Lee
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan.
| | - Hsueh-Fen Chen
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan.
| | - Ying-Chieh Yeh
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan.
| | - Yao-Peng Xue
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan.
| | - Chung-Yu Lan
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan.
- Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Carrano G, Paulone S, Lainz L, Sevilla MJ, Blasi E, Moragues MD. Anti-Candidaalbicans germ tube antibodies reduce in vitro growth and biofilm formation of C. albicans. Rev Iberoam Micol 2019; 36:9-16. [PMID: 30686747 DOI: 10.1016/j.riam.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Invasive candidiasis by Candida albicans is associated with high morbidity and mortality, due in part to the late implementation of an appropriate antifungal therapy hindered by the lack of an early diagnosis. AIMS We aimed to evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of the antibodies against C. albicans germ tubes (CAGTA) raised in a rabbit model of candidemia. METHODS We measured the effect of CAGTA activity by colorimetric XTT and crystal violet assays, and colony forming units count, both on C. albicans planktonic cells and during the course of biofilm formation and maturation. Viability and cell morphology were assessed by optical, fluorescent or scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS CAGTA ≥50μg/ml caused a strong inhibition of C. albicans blastospores growth, and DiBAC fluorescent staining evidenced a fungicidal activity. Moreover, electron microscopy images revealed that CAGTA induced morphological alterations of the surface of C. albicans germ tubes grown free as well as in biofilm. Interestingly, CAGTA ≥80μg/ml reduced the amount of C. albicans biofilm, and this effect started at the initial adhesion stage of the biofilm formation, during the first 90min. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report showing that CAGTA reduce C. albicans growth, and impair its metabolic activity and ability to form biofilm in vitro. The antigens recognized by CAGTA could be the basis for the development of immunization protocols that might protect against Candida infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Carrano
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain; Department of Nursing I, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Simona Paulone
- Department of Diagnostics, Clinical and Public Health Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; PhD Programme in Clinical Experimental Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Lucía Lainz
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - María-Jesús Sevilla
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Elisabetta Blasi
- Department of Diagnostics, Clinical and Public Health Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; PhD Programme in Clinical Experimental Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Savini F, Bobone S, Roversi D, Mangoni ML, Stella L. From liposomes to cells: Filling the gap between physicochemical and microbiological studies of the activity and selectivity of host‐defense peptides. Pept Sci (Hoboken) 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/pep2.24041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Savini
- Department of Chemical Science and TechnologiesUniversity of Rome Tor VergataRome00133 Italy
| | - Sara Bobone
- Department of Chemical Science and TechnologiesUniversity of Rome Tor VergataRome00133 Italy
| | - Daniela Roversi
- Department of Chemical Science and TechnologiesUniversity of Rome Tor VergataRome00133 Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Laboratory affiliated to Pasteur Italia‐Fondazione Cenci BolognettiSapienza University of RomeRome, via degli Apuli9‐00185 Italy
| | - Lorenzo Stella
- Department of Chemical Science and TechnologiesUniversity of Rome Tor VergataRome00133 Italy
| |
Collapse
|