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Babulic P, Cehlar O, Ondrovičová G, Moskalets T, Skrabana R, Leksa V. Lactoferrin Binds through Its N-Terminus to the Receptor-Binding Domain of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:1021. [PMID: 39204126 PMCID: PMC11357225 DOI: 10.3390/ph17081021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Since Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) still presents a considerable threat, it is beneficial to provide therapeutic supplements against it. In this respect, glycoprotein lactoferrin (LF) and lactoferricin (LFC), a natural bioactive peptide yielded upon digestion from the N-terminus of LF, are of utmost interest, since both have been shown to reduce infections of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for COVID-19, in particular via blockade of the virus priming and binding. Here, we, by means of biochemical and biophysical methods, reveal that LF directly binds to the S-protein of SARS-CoV-2. We determined thermodynamic and kinetic characteristics of the complex formation and mapped the mutual binding sites involved in this interaction, namely the N-terminal region of LF and the receptor-binding domain of the S-protein (RBD). These results may not only explain many of the observed protective effects of LF and LFC in SARS-CoV-2 infection but may also be instrumental in proposing potent and cost-effective supplemental tools in the management of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Babulic
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 51 Bratislava, Slovakia; (P.B.); (G.O.); (T.M.)
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ondrej Cehlar
- Laboratory of Structural Biology of Neurodegeneration, Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 10 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Gabriela Ondrovičová
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 51 Bratislava, Slovakia; (P.B.); (G.O.); (T.M.)
| | - Tetiana Moskalets
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 51 Bratislava, Slovakia; (P.B.); (G.O.); (T.M.)
| | - Rostislav Skrabana
- Laboratory of Structural Biology of Neurodegeneration, Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 10 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Vladimir Leksa
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 51 Bratislava, Slovakia; (P.B.); (G.O.); (T.M.)
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2
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Szadkowska M, Kocot AM, Sowik D, Wyrzykowski D, Jankowska E, Kozlowski LP, Makowska J, Plotka M. Molecular characterization of the PhiKo endolysin from Thermus thermophilus HB27 bacteriophage phiKo and its cryptic lytic peptide RAP-29. Front Microbiol 2024; 14:1303794. [PMID: 38312500 PMCID: PMC10836841 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1303794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction In the era of increasing bacterial resistance to antibiotics, new bactericidal substances are sought, and lysins derived from extremophilic organisms have the undoubted advantage of being stable under harsh environmental conditions. The PhiKo endolysin is derived from the phiKo bacteriophage infecting Gram-negative extremophilic bacterium Thermus thermophilus HB27. This enzyme shows similarity to two previously investigated thermostable type-2 amidases, the Ts2631 and Ph2119 from Thermus scotoductus bacteriophages, that revealed high lytic activity not only against thermophiles but also against Gram-negative mesophilic bacteria. Therefore, antibacterial potential of the PhiKo endolysin was investigated in the study presented here. Methods Enzyme activity was assessed using turbidity reduction assays (TRAs) and antibacterial tests. Differential scanning calorimetry was applied to evaluate protein stability. The Collection of Anti-Microbial Peptides (CAMP) and Antimicrobial Peptide Calculator and Predictor (APD3) were used to predict regions with antimicrobial potential in the PhiKo primary sequence. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the RAP-29 synthetic peptide was determined against Gram-positive and Gram-negative selected strains, and mechanism of action was investigated with use of membrane potential sensitive fluorescent dye 3,3'-Dipropylthiacarbocyanine iodide (DiSC3(5)). Results and discussion The PhiKo endolysin is highly thermostable with melting temperature of 91.70°C. However, despite its lytic effect against such extremophiles as: T. thermophilus, Thermus flavus, Thermus parvatiensis, Thermus scotoductus, and Deinococcus radiodurans, PhiKo showed moderate antibacterial activity against mesophiles. Consequently, its protein sequence was searched for regions with potential antibacterial activity. A highly positively charged region was identified and synthetized (PhiKo105-133). The novel RAP-29 peptide lysed mesophilic strains of staphylococci and Gram-negative bacteria, reducing the number of cells by 3.7-7.1 log units and reaching the minimum inhibitory concentration values in the range of 2-31 μM. This peptide is unstructured in an aqueous solution but forms an α-helix in the presence of detergents. Moreover, it binds lipoteichoic acid and lipopolysaccharide, and causes depolarization of bacterial membranes. The RAP-29 peptide is a promising candidate for combating bacterial pathogens. The existence of this cryptic peptide testifies to a much wider panel of antimicrobial peptides than thought previously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Szadkowska
- Laboratory of Extremophiles Biology, Department of Microbiology, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Maria Kocot
- Laboratory of Extremophiles Biology, Department of Microbiology, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Daria Sowik
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Dariusz Wyrzykowski
- Department of General and Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Elzbieta Jankowska
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Lukasz Pawel Kozlowski
- Institute of Informatics, Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Mechanics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Makowska
- Department of General and Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Magdalena Plotka
- Laboratory of Extremophiles Biology, Department of Microbiology, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
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Vllahu M, Voli A, Licursi V, Zagami C, D'Amore A, Traulsen J, Woelffling S, Schmid M, Crickley R, Lisle R, Link A, Tosco A, Meyer TF, Boccellato F. Inflammation promotes stomach epithelial defense by stimulating the secretion of antimicrobial peptides in the mucus. Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2390680. [PMID: 39244776 PMCID: PMC11382725 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2390680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The mucus serves as a protective barrier in the gastrointestinal tract against microbial attacks. While its role extends beyond merely being a physical barrier, the extent of its active bactericidal properties remains unclear, and the mechanisms regulating these properties are not yet understood. We propose that inflammation induces epithelial cells to secrete antimicrobial peptides, transforming mucus into an active bactericidal agent. To investigate the properties of mucus, we previously developed mucosoid culture models that mimic the healthy human stomach epithelium. Similar to organoids, mucosoids are stem cell-driven cultures; however, the cells are cultivated on transwells at air-liquid interface. The epithelial cells of mucosoids form a polarized monolayer, allowing differentiation into all stomach lineages, including mucus-secreting cells. This setup facilitates the secretion and accumulation of mucus on the apical side of the mucosoids, enabling analysis of its bactericidal effects and protein composition, including antimicrobial peptides. Our findings show that TNFα, IL1β, and IFNγ induce the secretion of antimicrobials such as lactotransferrin, lipocalin2, complement component 3, and CXCL9 into the mucus. This antimicrobial-enriched mucus can partially eliminate Helicobacter pylori, a key stomach pathogen. The bactericidal activity depends on the concentration of each antimicrobial and their gene expression is higher in patients with inflammation and H.pylori-associated chronic gastritis. However, we also find that H. pylori infection can reduce the expression of antimicrobial encoding genes promoted by inflammation. These findings suggest that controlling antimicrobial secretion in the mucus is a critical component of epithelial immunity. However, pathogens like H. pylori can overcome these defenses and survive in the mucosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megi Vllahu
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Antonia Voli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Valerio Licursi
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM), National Research Council (CNR) of Italy c/o Department of Biology and Biotechnology ''C. Darwin'', Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Zagami
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Antonella D'Amore
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jan Traulsen
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sara Woelffling
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Monika Schmid
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robbie Crickley
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Richard Lisle
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alexander Link
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Otto-von-Guericke University Hospital, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Alessandra Tosco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Thomas F Meyer
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
- Laboratory of Infection Oncology, Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian Albrecht University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein - Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Francesco Boccellato
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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4
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Dong X, Shan H, Wang S, Jiang Z, Wang S, Qin Z. High expression of antimicrobial peptides cathelicidin-BF in Pichia pastoris and verification of its activity. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1153365. [PMID: 37362941 PMCID: PMC10288212 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1153365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibacterial peptides are endogenous polypeptides produced by multicellular organisms to protect the host against pathogenic microbes, they show broad spectrum antimicrobial activities against various microorganisms and possess low propensity for developing resistance. The purpose of this study is to develop recombinant antibacterial peptide cathelicidin-BF by genetic engineering and protein engineering technology, and study its antibacterial activity in vitro and in vivo, so as to provide reference for the production and application of recombinant antibacterial peptide cathelicidin-BF. In this study, on account of Pichia pastoris eukaryotic expression system, we expressed and prepared antibacterial peptide cathelicidin-BF. Then, the minimum inhibitory concentration of antibacterial peptide cathelicidin-BF and the comparison with the antibacterial activity of antibiotics were determined through the antibacterial experiment in vitro. Chickens as infection model were used to verify the antibacterial peptide activity in vivo. The results show that the bacteriostatic ability of antibacterial peptide cathelicidin-BF is similar to that of antibiotics in certain concentration, and can reach the treatment level of antibiotics. Although the mode of administration of antibacterial peptide is still limited, this study can provide reference for the future research of antibacterial peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xufeng Dong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Hu Shan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Shubai Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Zhengjun Jiang
- Shandong Hwatson Biochem Co. Ltd, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Shaojuan Wang
- Shandong Hwatson Biochem Co. Ltd, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Zhihua Qin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
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5
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Wu J, Zang M, Wang S, Qiao X, Zhao B, Bai J, Zhao Y, Shi Y. Lactoferricin, an antimicrobial motif derived from lactoferrin with food preservation potential. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2023:1-13. [PMID: 37158176 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2207650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The growth of bacteria and fungi may cause disease inf human or spoilage of food. New antimicrobial substances need to be discovered. Lactoferricin (LFcin) is a group of antimicrobial peptides derived from the N-terminal region of the milk protein lactoferrin (LF). LFcin has antimicrobial ability against a variety of microorganisms, which is significantly better than that of its parent version. Here, we review the sequences, structures, and antimicrobial activities of this family and elucidated the motifs of structural and functional significance, as well as its application in food. Using sequence and structural similarity searches, we identified 43 new LFcins from the mammalian LFs deposited in the protein databases, which are grouped into six families according to their origins (Primates, Rodentia, Artiodactyla, Perissodactyla, Pholidota, and Carnivora). This work expands the LFcin family and will facilitate further characterization of novel peptides with antimicrobial potential. Considering the antimicrobial effect of LFcin on foodborne pathogens, we describe the application of these peptides from the prospective of food preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Wu
- China Meat Research Center, Beijing Academy of Food Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Meat Processing Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Mingwu Zang
- China Meat Research Center, Beijing Academy of Food Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Meat Processing Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Shouwei Wang
- China Meat Research Center, Beijing Academy of Food Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Meat Processing Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoling Qiao
- China Meat Research Center, Beijing Academy of Food Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Meat Processing Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Zhao
- China Meat Research Center, Beijing Academy of Food Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Meat Processing Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Bai
- China Meat Research Center, Beijing Academy of Food Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Meat Processing Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- China Meat Research Center, Beijing Academy of Food Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Meat Processing Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yuxuan Shi
- China Meat Research Center, Beijing Academy of Food Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Meat Processing Technology, Beijing, China
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6
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Ohradanova-Repic A, Praženicová R, Gebetsberger L, Moskalets T, Skrabana R, Cehlar O, Tajti G, Stockinger H, Leksa V. Time to Kill and Time to Heal: The Multifaceted Role of Lactoferrin and Lactoferricin in Host Defense. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1056. [PMID: 37111542 PMCID: PMC10146187 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein present in most human exocrine fluids, particularly breast milk. Lactoferrin is also released from neutrophil granules, and its concentration increases rapidly at the site of inflammation. Immune cells of both the innate and the adaptive immune system express receptors for lactoferrin to modulate their functions in response to it. On the basis of these interactions, lactoferrin plays many roles in host defense, ranging from augmenting or calming inflammatory pathways to direct killing of pathogens. Complex biological activities of lactoferrin are determined by its ability to sequester iron and by its highly basic N-terminus, via which lactoferrin binds to a plethora of negatively charged surfaces of microorganisms and viruses, as well as to mammalian cells, both normal and cancerous. Proteolytic cleavage of lactoferrin in the digestive tract generates smaller peptides, such as N-terminally derived lactoferricin. Lactoferricin shares some of the properties of lactoferrin, but also exhibits unique characteristics and functions. In this review, we discuss the structure, functions, and potential therapeutic uses of lactoferrin, lactoferricin, and other lactoferrin-derived bioactive peptides in treating various infections and inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, we summarize clinical trials examining the effect of lactoferrin supplementation in disease treatment, with a special focus on its potential use in treating COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ohradanova-Repic
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Romana Praženicová
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 51 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Laura Gebetsberger
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Tetiana Moskalets
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 51 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Rostislav Skrabana
- Laboratory of Structural Biology of Neurodegeneration, Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ondrej Cehlar
- Laboratory of Structural Biology of Neurodegeneration, Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Gabor Tajti
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Hannes Stockinger
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Vladimir Leksa
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 51 Bratislava, Slovakia
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7
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Ohradanova-Repic A, Skrabana R, Gebetsberger L, Tajti G, Baráth P, Ondrovičová G, Praženicová R, Jantova N, Hrasnova P, Stockinger H, Leksa V. Blockade of TMPRSS2-mediated priming of SARS-CoV-2 by lactoferricin. Front Immunol 2022; 13:958581. [PMID: 36081512 PMCID: PMC9445877 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.958581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to vaccines, there is an urgent need for supplemental antiviral therapeutics to dampen the persistent COVID-19 pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), that is responsible for proteolytic priming of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, appears as a rational therapeutic target. Accordingly, selective inhibitors of TMPRSS2 represent potential tools for prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Previously, we identified the human milk glycoprotein lactoferrin as a natural inhibitor of plasminogen conversion to plasmin, a serine protease homologous to TMPRSS2. Here, we tested whether lactoferrin and lactoferricin, a biologically active natural peptide produced by pepsin-mediated digestion of lactoferrin, together with synthetic peptides derived from lactoferrin, were able to block TMPRSS2 and SARS-CoV-2 infection. Particularly, we revealed that both lactoferricin and the N-terminal synthetic peptide pLF1 significantly inhibited: i) proteolytic activity of TMPRSS2 and plasmin, ii) proteolytic processing of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, and iii) SARS-CoV-2 infection of SARS-CoV-2-permissive cells. Thus, natural and synthetic peptides derived from lactoferrin represent feasible candidates for supporting prevention and treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ohradanova-Repic
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Vienna, Austria
- *Correspondence: Vladimir Leksa, ; Anna Ohradanova-Repic,
| | - Rostislav Skrabana
- Laboratory of Structural Biology of Neurodegeneration, Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Laura Gebetsberger
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gabor Tajti
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Baráth
- Department of Glycobiology, Institute of Chemistry, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Gabriela Ondrovičová
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Romana Praženicová
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Department of Biochemistry, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Nikola Jantova
- Laboratory of Structural Biology of Neurodegeneration, Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Department of Biochemistry, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Patricia Hrasnova
- Laboratory of Structural Biology of Neurodegeneration, Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Department of Biochemistry, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Hannes Stockinger
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Vladimir Leksa
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Vienna, Austria
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
- *Correspondence: Vladimir Leksa, ; Anna Ohradanova-Repic,
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8
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Ramazi S, Mohammadi N, Allahverdi A, Khalili E, Abdolmaleki P. A review on antimicrobial peptides databases and the computational tools. Database (Oxford) 2022; 2022:baac011. [PMID: 35305010 PMCID: PMC9216472 DOI: 10.1093/database/baac011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) have been considered as potential alternatives for infection therapeutics since antibiotic resistance has been raised as a global problem. The AMPs are a group of natural peptides that play a crucial role in the immune system in various organisms AMPs have features such as a short length and efficiency against microbes. Importantly, they have represented low toxicity in mammals which makes them potential candidates for peptide-based drugs. Nevertheless, the discovery of AMPs is accompanied by several issues which are associated with labour-intensive and time-consuming wet-lab experiments. During the last decades, numerous studies have been conducted on the investigation of AMPs, either natural or synthetic type, and relevant data are recently available in many databases. Through the advancement of computational methods, a great number of AMP data are obtained from publicly accessible databanks, which are valuable resources for mining patterns to design new models for AMP prediction. However, due to the current flaws in assessing computational methods, more interrogations are warranted for accurate evaluation/analysis. Considering the diversity of AMPs and newly reported ones, an improvement in Machine Learning algorithms are crucial. In this review, we aim to provide valuable information about different types of AMPs, their mechanism of action and a landscape of current databases and computational tools as resources to collect AMPs and beneficial tools for the prediction and design of a computational model for new active AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahin Ramazi
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Jalal Ale Ahmad Highway, Tehran 14115-111, Iran
| | - Neda Mohammadi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hemmat Highway, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Bonn, Biomedical Center, Venusberg Campus 1, Bonn 53127, Germany
| | - Abdollah Allahverdi
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Jalal Ale Ahmad Highway, Tehran 14115-111, Iran
| | - Elham Khalili
- Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Jalal Ale Ahmad Highway, Tehran 14115-111, Iran
| | - Parviz Abdolmaleki
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Jalal Ale Ahmad Highway, Tehran 14115-111, Iran
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Escobar‐Salom M, Torrens G, Jordana‐Lluch E, Oliver A, Juan C. Mammals' humoral immune proteins and peptides targeting the bacterial envelope: from natural protection to therapeutic applications against multidrug‐resistant
Gram
‐negatives. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2022; 97:1005-1037. [PMID: 35043558 PMCID: PMC9304279 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian innate immunity employs several humoral ‘weapons’ that target the bacterial envelope. The threats posed by the multidrug‐resistant ‘ESKAPE’ Gram‐negative pathogens (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp.) are forcing researchers to explore new therapeutic options, including the use of these immune elements. Here we review bacterial envelope‐targeting (peptidoglycan and/or membrane‐targeting) proteins/peptides of the mammalian immune system that are most likely to have therapeutic applications. Firstly we discuss their general features and protective activity against ESKAPE Gram‐negatives in the host. We then gather, integrate, and discuss recent research on experimental therapeutics harnessing their bactericidal power, based on their exogenous administration and also on the discovery of bacterial and/or host targets that improve the performance of this endogenous immunity, as a novel therapeutic concept. We identify weak points and knowledge gaps in current research in this field and suggest areas for future work to obtain successful envelope‐targeting therapeutic options to tackle the challenge of antimicrobial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Escobar‐Salom
- Department of Microbiology University Hospital Son Espases‐Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa) Carretera de Valldemossa 79 Palma Balearic Islands 07010 Spain
| | - Gabriel Torrens
- Department of Microbiology University Hospital Son Espases‐Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa) Carretera de Valldemossa 79 Palma Balearic Islands 07010 Spain
| | - Elena Jordana‐Lluch
- Department of Microbiology University Hospital Son Espases‐Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa) Carretera de Valldemossa 79 Palma Balearic Islands 07010 Spain
| | - Antonio Oliver
- Department of Microbiology University Hospital Son Espases‐Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa) Carretera de Valldemossa 79 Palma Balearic Islands 07010 Spain
| | - Carlos Juan
- Department of Microbiology University Hospital Son Espases‐Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa) Carretera de Valldemossa 79 Palma Balearic Islands 07010 Spain
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10
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Zainal Baharin NH, Khairil Mokhtar NF, Mohd Desa MN, Gopalsamy B, Mohd Zaki NN, Yuswan MH, Muthanna A, Dzaraly ND, Abbasiliasi S, Mohd Hashim A, Abdullah Sani MS, Mustafa S. The characteristics and roles of antimicrobial peptides as potential treatment for antibiotic-resistant pathogens: a review. PeerJ 2022; 9:e12193. [PMID: 35003909 PMCID: PMC8679955 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has become a significant and ever-increasing threat to global public health, increasing both morbidity and mortality rates, and the financial burden on health services. Infection by drug-resistant bacteria is anticipated to contribute to the demise of almost 10 million people by the year 2050 unless a competent and effective response is devised to engage with this issue. The emergence and spread of resistance are commonly caused by the excessive or inappropriate use of antibiotics and substandard pharmaceuticals. It arises when pathogens adapt to different conditions and develop self-defence mechanisms. Currently, novel antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been reported to be the sole cure for some clinical cases of infectious diseases such as sepsis and skin infections, although these agents may, on occasion, require administration together with an adjunctive low-dose antibiotic. Although AMPs are a promising alternative form of anti-microbial therapy and easily applied in the medical sector, they still have limitations that should not be taken lightly. Hence, this review explores the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of AMPs for their potential in treating antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurul Hana Zainal Baharin
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.,Laboratory of Halal Science Research, Halal Products Research Institute, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nur Fadhilah Khairil Mokhtar
- Laboratory of Halal Science Research, Halal Products Research Institute, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Nasir Mohd Desa
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.,Laboratory of Halal Science Research, Halal Products Research Institute, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Banulata Gopalsamy
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nor Nadiha Mohd Zaki
- Laboratory of Halal Science Research, Halal Products Research Institute, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Hafis Yuswan
- Laboratory of Halal Science Research, Halal Products Research Institute, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - AbdulRahman Muthanna
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nurul Diana Dzaraly
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sahar Abbasiliasi
- Laboratory of Halal Science Research, Halal Products Research Institute, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Amalia Mohd Hashim
- Laboratory of Halal Science Research, Halal Products Research Institute, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.,Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Muhamad Shirwan Abdullah Sani
- International Institute for Halal Research and Training (INHART), International Islamic University Malaysia, Gombak, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Shuhaimi Mustafa
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
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11
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Gruden Š, Poklar Ulrih N. Diverse Mechanisms of Antimicrobial Activities of Lactoferrins, Lactoferricins, and Other Lactoferrin-Derived Peptides. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011264. [PMID: 34681923 PMCID: PMC8541349 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Lactoferrins are an iron-binding glycoprotein that have important protective roles in the mammalian body through their numerous functions, which include antimicrobial, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant activities. Among these, their antimicrobial activity has been the most studied, although the mechanism behind antimicrobial activities remains to be elucidated. Thirty years ago, the first lactoferrin-derived peptide was isolated and showed higher antimicrobial activity than the native lactoferrin lactoferricin. Since then, numerous studies have investigated the antimicrobial potencies of lactoferrins, lactoferricins, and other lactoferrin-derived peptides to better understand their antimicrobial activities at the molecular level. This review defines the current antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic activities of lactoferrins, lactoferricins, and lactoferrin-derived peptides. The primary focus is on their different mechanisms of activity against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The role of their structure, amino-acid composition, conformation, charge, hydrophobicity, and other factors that affect their mechanisms of antimicrobial activity are also reviewed.
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12
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Sarkar T, Chetia M, Chatterjee S. Antimicrobial Peptides and Proteins: From Nature's Reservoir to the Laboratory and Beyond. Front Chem 2021; 9:691532. [PMID: 34222199 PMCID: PMC8249576 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.691532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid rise of antimicrobial resistance against conventional antimicrobials, resurgence of multidrug resistant microbes and the slowdown in the development of new classes of antimicrobials, necessitates the urgent development of alternate classes of therapeutic molecules. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small proteins present in different lifeforms in nature that provide defense against microbial infections. They have been effective components of the host defense system for a very long time. The fact that the development of resistance by the microbes against the AMPs is relatively slower or delayed compared to that against the conventional antibiotics, makes them prospective alternative therapeutics of the future. Several thousands of AMPs have been isolated from various natural sources like microorganisms, plants, insects, crustaceans, animals, humans, etc. to date. However, only a few of them have been translated commercially to the market so far. This is because of some inherent drawbacks of the naturally obtained AMPs like 1) short half-life owing to the susceptibility to protease degradation, 2) inactivity at physiological salt concentrations, 3) cytotoxicity to host cells, 4) lack of appropriate strategies for sustained and targeted delivery of the AMPs. This has led to a surge of interest in the development of synthetic AMPs which would retain or improve the antimicrobial potency along with circumventing the disadvantages of the natural analogs. The development of synthetic AMPs is inspired by natural designs and sequences and strengthened by the fusion with various synthetic elements. Generation of the synthetic designs are based on various strategies like sequence truncation, mutation, cyclization and introduction of unnatural amino acids and synthons. In this review, we have described some of the AMPs isolated from the vast repertoire of natural sources, and subsequently described the various synthetic designs that have been developed based on the templates of natural AMPs or from de novo design to make commercially viable therapeutics of the future. This review entails the journey of the AMPs from their natural sources to the laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sunanda Chatterjee
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, India
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13
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Wei YS, Feng K, Li SF, Hu TG, Linhardt RJ, Zong MH, Wu H. Oral fate and stabilization technologies of lactoferrin: a systematic review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2021; 62:6341-6358. [PMID: 33749401 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2021.1900774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Lactoferrin (Lf), a bioactive protein initially found in many biological secretions including milk, is regarded as the nutritional supplement or therapeutic ligand due to its multiple functions. Research on its mode of action reveals that intact Lf or its active peptide (i.e., lactoferricin) shows an important multifunctional performance. Oral delivery is considered as the most convenient administration route for this bioactive protein. Unfortunately, Lf is sensitive to the gastrointestinal (GI) physicochemical stresses and lactoferricin is undetectable in GI digesta. This review introduces the functionality of Lf at the molecular level and its degradation behavior in GI tract is discussed in detail. Subsequently, the absorption and transport of Lf from intestine into the blood circulation, which is pivotal to its health promoting effects in various tissues, and some assisting labeling methods are discussed. Stabilization technologies aiming at preserving the structural integrity and functional properties of orally administrated Lf are summarized and compared. Altogether, this work comprehensively reviews the structure-function relationship of Lf, its oral fate and the development of stabilization technologies for the enhancement of the oral bioavailability of Lf. The existing limitations and scope for future research are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Shan Wei
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology/Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kun Feng
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology/Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shu-Fang Li
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology/Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, Guangzhou, China
| | - Teng-Gen Hu
- Sericultural & Agri-Food Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Functional Foods, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Guangdong Key Laboratory of Agricultural Products Processing, Guangzhou, China
| | - Robert J Linhardt
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA
| | - Min-Hua Zong
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology/Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong Wu
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology/Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, Guangzhou, China
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14
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Wuersching SN, Huth KC, Hickel R, Kollmuss M. Inhibitory effect of LL-37 and human lactoferricin on growth and biofilm formation of anaerobes associated with oral diseases. Anaerobe 2020; 67:102301. [PMID: 33249255 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2020.102301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of the antimicrobial peptides (AMP) LL-37 and human Lactoferricin (LfcinH) on the planktonic growth and biofilm formation of oral pathogenic anaerobes related to caries and periodontitis. Multi-species bacterial suspensions of either facultative anaerobic bacteria (FAB: Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguinis, Actinomyces naeslundii) or obligate anaerobic bacteria (OAB: Veillonella parvula, Parvimonas micra, Fusobacterium nucleatum) were incubated with different concentrations of AMP solutions for 8 h. Planktonic growth was registered with an ATP-based cell viability assay for FAB and via plate counting for OAB. Biofilms were grown on ZrO2 discs for 4 days in a mixture of the multi-species bacterial suspensions and AMP solutions. Biofilm mass was quantified using a microtiter plate biofilm assay with crystal violet staining. An overall planktonic growth inhibition and biofilm mass reduction of FAB and OAB was registered for LL-37 and LfcinH. Significant inhibitory threshold concentrations of LL-37 were observed in all experiments (p < 0.0001). No significant threshold was observed for LfcinH. Biofilm mass of OAB was barely reduced by LfcinH. The complete mechanisms of the AMPs are not fully understood yet. While LL-37 shows promising features as potential therapeutic for biofilm-associated oral diseases, LfcinH seems unsuitable for this particular indication. For clinical AMP use, further investigations will be necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Noreen Wuersching
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Goethestraße 70, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Karin Christine Huth
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Goethestraße 70, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Reinhard Hickel
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Goethestraße 70, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Maximilian Kollmuss
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Goethestraße 70, 80336, Munich, Germany.
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15
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Lactoferrin-Derived Peptide Lactofungin Is Potently Synergistic with Amphotericin B. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:AAC.00842-20. [PMID: 32690642 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00842-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Lactoferrin (LF) is an iron-binding glycoprotein with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Previously, we discovered that LF synergistically enhanced the antifungal efficacy of amphotericin B (AMB) across a variety of yeast species and subsequently hypothesized that this synergy was enhanced by the presence of small peptides derived from the whole LF molecule. In this study, LF was digested with pepsin under a range of conditions. The resulting hydrolysates exhibited enhanced synergy with AMB compared to its synergy with undigested LF. Samples were analyzed using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, and 14 peptides were identified. The sequences of these peptides were predicted by matching their molecular weights to those of a virtual digest with pepsin. The relative intensities of predicted peptides in each hydrolysate were compared with the activity of the hydrolysate, and the structural and physicochemical properties of the peptides were assessed. From this, a 30-residue peptide was selected for synthesis and dubbed lactofungin (LFG). Pure LFG was highly synergistic with AMB, outperforming native LF in all fungal species tested. With potential for further structural and chemical improvements, LFG is an excellent lead for development as an antifungal adjuvant.
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16
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Ramamourthy G, Vogel HJ. Antibiofilm activity of lactoferrin-derived synthetic peptides against Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. Biochem Cell Biol 2020; 99:138-148. [PMID: 32871093 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2020-0253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Many pathogenic bacteria can protect themselves from the effects of antibiotics and the host immune response system by forming biofilms. Biofilms are polymer-entrapped bacterial cells, which adhere to each other and are often attached to a surface. Eradication of bacterial biofilms typically requires much higher concentrations of antibiotics than are normally needed to kill cultured planktonic cells, raising serious clinical concerns. In an attempt to prevent the formation of biofilms or to break up existing biofilms of pathogenic bacteria, herein we have used the standard crystal violet assay as well as the Calgary biofilm device to test several lactoferrin- and lactoferricin-derived antimicrobial peptides for their antibiofilm activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. Our results revealed that the short bovine lactoferricin-derived RRWQWR-NH2 (20-25) hexapeptide has no activity against P. aeruginosa PAO1. Moreover, the longer human lactoferricin-derived peptide GRRRRSVQWCA (1-11) and the bovine lactoferrampin (268-284) peptide were also almost devoid of activity. However, several different "mix-and-match" dimeric versions of the two lactoferricin-derived peptides proved quite effective in preventing the formation of biofilms at low concentrations, and in some cases, could even eradicate an existing biofilm. Moreover, the full-length bovine lactoferricinB (17-41) peptide also displayed considerable antimicrobial activity. Some of the longer lactoferricin-derived dimeric peptides acted through a bactericidal mechanism, whereas others seemed to interfere in cell-signalling processes. Taken together, our results indicate that synthetic dimeric peptides comprising short naturally occurring human and bovine lactoferricin constructs could be further developed as antibiofilm agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gopal Ramamourthy
- Biochemistry Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.,Biochemistry Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Hans J Vogel
- Biochemistry Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.,Biochemistry Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
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17
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Bhattacharjya S, Straus SK. Design, Engineering and Discovery of Novel α-Helical and β-Boomerang Antimicrobial Peptides against Drug Resistant Bacteria. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165773. [PMID: 32796755 PMCID: PMC7460851 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In an era where the pipeline of new antibiotic development is drying up, the continuous rise of multi-drug resistant (MDR) and extensively drug resistant (XDR) bacteria are genuine threats to human health. Although antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) may serve as promising leads against drug resistant bacteria, only a few AMPs are in advanced clinical trials. The limitations of AMPs, namely their low in vivo activity, toxicity, and poor bioavailability, need to be addressed. Here, we review engineering of frog derived short α-helical AMPs (aurein, temporins) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) binding designed β-boomerang AMPs for further development. The discovery of novel cell selective AMPs from the human proprotein convertase furin is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surajit Bhattacharjya
- School of Biological Sciences, 60 Nanyang Drive, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, Singapore
- Correspondence: (S.B.); (S.K.S.)
| | - Suzana K. Straus
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
- Correspondence: (S.B.); (S.K.S.)
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18
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Lactoferrin-Hexon Interactions Mediate CAR-Independent Adenovirus Infection of Human Respiratory Cells. J Virol 2020; 94:JVI.00542-20. [PMID: 32376620 PMCID: PMC7343212 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00542-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Many viruses enter target cells using cell adhesion molecules as receptors. Paradoxically, these molecules are abundant on the lateral and basolateral side of intact, polarized, epithelial target cells, but absent on the apical side that must be penetrated by incoming viruses to initiate infection. Our study provides a model whereby viruses use different mechanisms to infect polarized epithelial cells depending on which side of the cell—apical or lateral/basolateral—is attacked. This study may also be useful to understand the biology of other viruses that use cell adhesion molecules as receptors. Virus entry into host cells is a complex process that is largely regulated by access to specific cellular receptors. Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) and many other viruses use cell adhesion molecules such as the coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR) for attachment to and entry into target cells. These molecules are rarely expressed on the apical side of polarized epithelial cells, which raises the question of how adenoviruses—and other viruses that engage cell adhesion molecules—enter polarized cells from the apical side to initiate infection. We have previously shown that species C HAdVs utilize lactoferrin—a common innate immune component secreted to respiratory mucosa—for infection via unknown mechanisms. Using a series of biochemical, cellular, and molecular biology approaches, we mapped this effect to the proteolytically cleavable, positively charged, N-terminal 49 residues of human lactoferrin (hLF) known as human lactoferricin (hLfcin). Lactoferricin (Lfcin) binds to the hexon protein on the viral capsid and anchors the virus to an unknown receptor structure of target cells, resulting in infection. These findings suggest that HAdVs use distinct cell entry mechanisms at different stages of infection. To initiate infection, entry is likely to occur at the apical side of polarized epithelial cells, largely by means of hLF and hLfcin bridging HAdV capsids via hexons to as-yet-unknown receptors; when infection is established, progeny virions released from the basolateral side enter neighboring cells by means of hLF/hLfcin and CAR in parallel. IMPORTANCE Many viruses enter target cells using cell adhesion molecules as receptors. Paradoxically, these molecules are abundant on the lateral and basolateral side of intact, polarized, epithelial target cells, but absent on the apical side that must be penetrated by incoming viruses to initiate infection. Our study provides a model whereby viruses use different mechanisms to infect polarized epithelial cells depending on which side of the cell—apical or lateral/basolateral—is attacked. This study may also be useful to understand the biology of other viruses that use cell adhesion molecules as receptors.
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19
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Kepiro IE, Marzuoli I, Hammond K, Ba X, Lewis H, Shaw M, Gunnoo SB, De Santis E, Łapińska U, Pagliara S, Holmes MA, Lorenz CD, Hoogenboom BW, Fraternali F, Ryadnov MG. Engineering Chirally Blind Protein Pseudocapsids into Antibacterial Persisters. ACS NANO 2020; 14:1609-1622. [PMID: 31794180 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.9b06814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance stimulates the search for antimicrobial forms that may be less subject to acquired resistance. Here we report a conceptual design of protein pseudocapsids exhibiting a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activities. Unlike conventional antibiotics, these agents are effective against phenotypic bacterial variants, while clearing "superbugs" in vivo without toxicity. The design adopts an icosahedral architecture that is polymorphic in size, but not in shape, and that is available in both l and d epimeric forms. Using a combination of nanoscale and single-cell imaging we demonstrate that such pseudocapsids inflict rapid and irreparable damage to bacterial cells. In phospholipid membranes they rapidly convert into nanopores, which remain confined to the binding positions of individual pseudocapsids. This mechanism ensures precisely delivered influxes of high antimicrobial doses, rendering the design a versatile platform for engineering structurally diverse and functionally persistent antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibolya E Kepiro
- National Physical Laboratory , Hampton Road , Teddington , TW11 0LW , U.K
| | - Irene Marzuoli
- National Physical Laboratory , Hampton Road , Teddington , TW11 0LW , U.K
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics , King's College London , London , SE1 1UL , U.K
| | - Katharine Hammond
- National Physical Laboratory , Hampton Road , Teddington , TW11 0LW , U.K
- Department of Physics and Astronomy , University College London , London , WC1E 6BT , U.K
- London Centre for Nanotechnology , University College London , London , WC1H 0AH , U.K
| | - Xiaoliang Ba
- Department of Veterinary Medicine , University of Cambridge , Cambridge , CB3 0ES , U.K
| | - Helen Lewis
- National Physical Laboratory , Hampton Road , Teddington , TW11 0LW , U.K
| | - Michael Shaw
- National Physical Laboratory , Hampton Road , Teddington , TW11 0LW , U.K
- Department of Computer Science , University College London , London , WC1 6BT , U.K
| | - Smita B Gunnoo
- National Physical Laboratory , Hampton Road , Teddington , TW11 0LW , U.K
| | - Emiliana De Santis
- National Physical Laboratory , Hampton Road , Teddington , TW11 0LW , U.K
| | - Urszula Łapińska
- Living Systems Institute , University of Exeter , Exeter , EX4 4QD , U.K
| | - Stefano Pagliara
- Living Systems Institute , University of Exeter , Exeter , EX4 4QD , U.K
| | - Mark A Holmes
- Department of Veterinary Medicine , University of Cambridge , Cambridge , CB3 0ES , U.K
| | - Christian D Lorenz
- Department of Physics , King's College London , Strand Lane , London , WC2R 2LS , U.K
| | - Bart W Hoogenboom
- Department of Physics and Astronomy , University College London , London , WC1E 6BT , U.K
- London Centre for Nanotechnology , University College London , London , WC1H 0AH , U.K
| | - Franca Fraternali
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics , King's College London , London , SE1 1UL , U.K
| | - Maxim G Ryadnov
- National Physical Laboratory , Hampton Road , Teddington , TW11 0LW , U.K
- Department of Physics , King's College London , Strand Lane , London , WC2R 2LS , U.K
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20
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van den Bergen G, Stroet M, Caron B, Poger D, Mark AE. Curved or linear? Predicting the 3-dimensional structure of α-helical antimicrobial peptides in an amphipathic environment. FEBS Lett 2019; 594:1062-1080. [PMID: 31794050 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
α-Helical membrane-active antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are known to act via a range of mechanisms, including the formation of barrel-stave and toroidal pores and the micellisation of the membrane (carpet mechanism). Different mechanisms imply that the peptides adopt different 3D structures when bound at the water-membrane interface, a highly amphipathic environment. Here, an evolutionary algorithm is used to predict the 3D structure of a range of α-helical membrane-active AMPs at the water-membrane interface by optimising amphipathicity. This amphipathic structure prediction (ASP) is capable of distinguishing between curved and linear peptides solved experimentally, potentially allowing the activity and mechanism of action of different membrane-active AMPs to be predicted. The ASP algorithm is accessible via a web interface at http://atb.uq.edu.au/asp/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glen van den Bergen
- School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Martin Stroet
- School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Bertrand Caron
- School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - David Poger
- School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Alan E Mark
- School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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21
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The Impact of Lactoferrin on the Growth of Intestinal Inhabitant Bacteria. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20194707. [PMID: 31547574 PMCID: PMC6801499 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20194707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Lactoferrin (Lf) is an iron-binding milk glycoprotein that promotes the growth of selected probiotic strains. The effect of Lf on the growth and diversification of intestinal microbiota may have an impact on several issues, including (i) strengthening the permeability of the epithelial cell monolayer, (ii) favoring the microbial antagonism that discourages the colonization and proliferation of enteric pathogens, (iii) enhancing the growth and maturation of cell-monolayer components and gut nerve fibers, and (iv) providing signals to balance the anti- and pro-inflammatory responses resulting in gut homeostasis. Given the beneficial role of probiotics, this contribution aims to review the current properties of bovine and human Lf and their derivatives in in vitro probiotic growth and Lf interplay with microbiota described in the piglet model. By using Lf as a component in pharmacological products, we may enable novel strategies that promote probiotic growth while conferring antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant microorganisms that cause life-threatening diseases, especially in neonates.
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22
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Stone TA, Cole GB, Ravamehr-Lake D, Nguyen HQ, Khan F, Sharpe S, Deber CM. Positive Charge Patterning and Hydrophobicity of Membrane-Active Antimicrobial Peptides as Determinants of Activity, Toxicity, and Pharmacokinetic Stability. J Med Chem 2019; 62:6276-6286. [PMID: 31194548 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Natural α-helical cationic antimicrobial peptide (CAP) sequences are predominantly amphipathic, with only ca. 2% containing four or more consecutive positively charged amino acids (Lys/Arg). We have designed synthetic CAPs that deviate from these natural sequences, as typified by the charge-clustered peptide KKKKKKAAFAAWAAFAA-NH2, (termed 6K-F17), which displays high antimicrobial activity with no toxicity to mammalian cells. We created a series of peptides varying in charge patterning, increasing the amphipathic character of 6K-F17 to mimic the design of natural CAPs (e.g., KAAKKFAKAWAKAFAA-NH2). Amphipathic sequences displayed increased antimicrobial activity against bacteria but were significantly more toxic to mammalian cells and more susceptible to protease degradation than their corresponding charge-clustered variants, suggesting that amphipathic sequences may be desirable in nature to allow for more versatile functions (i.e., antibacterial, antifungal, antipredator) and rapid clearance from vulnerable host cells. Our approach to clustering of charges may therefore allow for specialization against bacteria, in concert with prolonged peptide half-life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy A Stone
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Toronto , Toronto , M5S 1A8 Ontario , Canada
| | - Gregory B Cole
- Division of Molecular Medicine , Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children , Toronto M5G 0A4 Ontario , Canada
| | - Dorna Ravamehr-Lake
- Division of Molecular Medicine , Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children , Toronto M5G 0A4 Ontario , Canada
| | - Huong Q Nguyen
- Division of Molecular Medicine , Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children , Toronto M5G 0A4 Ontario , Canada
| | - Farheen Khan
- Division of Molecular Medicine , Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children , Toronto M5G 0A4 Ontario , Canada
| | - Simon Sharpe
- Division of Molecular Medicine , Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children , Toronto M5G 0A4 Ontario , Canada
| | - Charles M Deber
- Division of Molecular Medicine , Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children , Toronto M5G 0A4 Ontario , Canada
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23
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He S, Zhang Y, Sun H, Du M, Qiu J, Tang M, Sun X, Zhu B. Antioxidative Peptides from Proteolytic Hydrolysates of False Abalone ( Volutharpa ampullacea perryi): Characterization, Identification, and Molecular Docking. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:md17020116. [PMID: 30781881 PMCID: PMC6409897 DOI: 10.3390/md17020116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Antioxidative peptides were produced from false abalone (Volutharpa ampullacea perryi) using enzymatic hydrolysis. Trypsin produced the most bioactive hydrolysates with the highest scavenging ABTS+• free radicals compared to pepsin, alcalase, neutrase, and flavourzyme. The response surface methodology studies on trypsin hydrolysis indicated that the hydrolysis temperature, time, and pH were interacted with each other (p < 0.05), and the optimal conditions were hydrolysis at 51.8 °C for 4.1 h, pH 7.7 and the maximum predicted hydrolysis degree was 13.18% and ABTS+• scavenging activity of 79.42%. The optimized hydrolysate was subjected to ultrafiltration fractionation, and the fraction with MW < 3 kDa showed the highest ABTS+• scavenging activity. There were 193 peptide sequences identified from this peptide fraction and 133 of them were successfully docked onto human myeloperoxidase (MPO), an enzyme involved in forming reactive oxidants in vivo. The highest scored peptide, no. 39, consists of DTETGVPT. Its structure and molecular interactions with MPO active site were compared with previously characterized peptide hLF1-11. The interactions between peptide no. 39 and MPO include electrostatic charge, hydrogen bonds, and covalent bonds. The antioxidative peptide produced in this research may exert antioxidant activity in vivo due to its potential inhibition effect on MPO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shudong He
- School of Food Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center of Seafood, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, Liaoning, China.
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Bio-process of Ministry of Education, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, Anhui, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Functional Compound Seasoning, Anhui Qiangwang Seasoning Food Co., Ltd., Jieshou 236500, Anhui, China.
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada.
| | - Hanju Sun
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Bio-process of Ministry of Education, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, Anhui, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Functional Compound Seasoning, Anhui Qiangwang Seasoning Food Co., Ltd., Jieshou 236500, Anhui, China.
| | - Ming Du
- School of Food Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center of Seafood, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, Liaoning, China.
| | - Jianlei Qiu
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Bio-process of Ministry of Education, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, Anhui, China.
| | - Mingming Tang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Bio-process of Ministry of Education, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, Anhui, China.
| | - Xianbao Sun
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Bio-process of Ministry of Education, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, Anhui, China.
| | - Beiwei Zhu
- School of Food Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center of Seafood, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, Liaoning, China.
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24
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Carretero GPB, Vicente EF, Cilli EM, Alvarez CM, Jenssen H, Schreier S. Dissecting the mechanism of action of actinoporins. Role of the N-terminal amphipathic α-helix in membrane binding and pore activity of sticholysins I and II. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0202981. [PMID: 30161192 PMCID: PMC6117003 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Actinoporins sticholysin I and sticholysin II (St I, St II) are proposed to lyse model and biomembranes via toroidal pore formation by their N-terminal domain. Based on the hypothesis that peptide fragments can reproduce the structure and function of this domain, the behavior of peptides containing St I residues 12–31 (StI12-31), St II residues 11–30 (StII11-30), and its TOAC-labeled analogue (N-TOAC-StII11-30) was examined. Molecular modeling showed a good match with experimental structures, indicating amphipathic α-helices in the same regions as in the toxins. CD spectra revealed that the peptides were essentially unstructured in aqueous solution, acquiring α-helical conformation upon interaction with micelles and large unilamellar vesicles (LUV) of variable lipid composition. Fluorescence quenching studies with NBD-containing lipids indicated that N-TOAC-StII11-30’s nitroxide moiety is located in the membranes polar head group region. Pyrene-labeled phospholipid inter-leaflet redistribution suggested that the peptides form toroidal pores, according to the mechanism of action proposed for the toxins. Binding occurred only to negatively charged LUV, indicating the importance of electrostatic interactions; in contrast the peptides bound to both negatively charged and zwitterionic micelles, pointing to a lesser influence of these interactions. In addition, differences between bilayers and micelles in head group packing and in curvature led to differences in peptide-membrane interaction. We propose that the peptides topography in micelles resembles that of the toxins in the toroidal pore. The peptides mimicked the toxins permeabilizing activity, St II peptides being more effective than StI12-31. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration that differences in the toxins N-terminal amphipathic α-helix play a role in the difference between St I and St II activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo P. B. Carretero
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Eduardo F. Vicente
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, State University of São Paulo, Tupã, Brazil
| | - Eduardo M. Cilli
- Institute of Chemistry, State University of São Paulo, Araraquara, Brazil
| | | | - Håvard Jenssen
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Shirley Schreier
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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25
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Neelabh, Singh K, Rani J. Sequential and Structural Aspects of Antifungal Peptides from Animals, Bacteria and Fungi Based on Bioinformatics Tools. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2018; 8:85-101. [PMID: 27060002 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-016-9212-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Emerging drug resistance varieties and hyper-virulent strains of microorganisms have compelled the scientific fraternity to develop more potent and less harmful therapeutics. Antimicrobial peptides could be one of such therapeutics. This review is an attempt to explore antifungal peptides naturally produced by prokaryotes as well as eukaryotes. They are components of innate immune system providing first line of defence against microbial attacks, especially in eukaryotes. The present article concentrates on types, structures, sources and mode of action of gene-encoded antifungal peptides such as mammalian defensins, protegrins, tritrpticins, histatins, lactoferricins, antifungal peptides derived from birds, amphibians, insects, fungi, bacteria and their synthetic analogues such as pexiganan, omiganan, echinocandins and Novexatin. In silico drug designing, a major revolution in the area of therapeutics, facilitates drug development by exploiting different bioinformatics tools. With this view, bioinformatics tools were used to visualize the structural details of antifungal peptides and to predict their level of similarity. Current practices and recent developments in this area have also been discussed briefly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neelabh
- Department of Zoology (MMV), Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Karuna Singh
- Department of Zoology (MMV), Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India.
| | - Jyoti Rani
- Department of Zoology (MMV), Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
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26
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Iavarone F, Desiderio C, Vitali A, Messana I, Martelli C, Castagnola M, Cabras T. Cryptides: latent peptides everywhere. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 53:246-263. [PMID: 29564928 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2018.1447543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Proteomic surveys with top-down platforms are today revealing thousands of naturally occurring fragments of bigger proteins. Some of them have not functional meaning because they derive from pathways responsible for protein degradation, but many have specific functions, often completely different from that one of the parent proteins. These peptides encrypted in the protein sequence are nowadays called cryptides. They are frequent in the animal and plant kingdoms and represent a new interesting -omic field of investigation. To point out how much widespread is their presence, we describe here the most studied cryptides from very common sources such as serum albumin, immunoglobulins, hemoglobin, and from saliva and milk proteins. Given its vastness, it is unfeasible to cover the topic exhaustively, therefore only several selected examples of cryptides from other sources are thereafter reported. Demanding is the development of new -omic platforms for the functional screening of new cryptides, which could provide suggestion for peptides and peptido-mimetics with variegate fields of application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Iavarone
- a Istituto di Biochimica e Biochimica Clinica, Università Cattolica , Roma , Italy
| | - Claudia Desiderio
- b Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare, CNR , Roma , Italy
| | - Alberto Vitali
- b Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare, CNR , Roma , Italy
| | - Irene Messana
- b Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare, CNR , Roma , Italy
| | - Claudia Martelli
- a Istituto di Biochimica e Biochimica Clinica, Università Cattolica , Roma , Italy
| | - Massimo Castagnola
- a Istituto di Biochimica e Biochimica Clinica, Università Cattolica , Roma , Italy.,b Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare, CNR , Roma , Italy
| | - Tiziana Cabras
- c Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente , Università di Cagliari , Cagliari , Italy
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27
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferenc Zsila
- Biomolecular Self-Assembly Group; Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry; Research Centre for Natural Sciences; Hungarian Academy of Sciences; 1117 Budapest Hungary
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28
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Zhu S, Sani M, Separovic F. Interaction of cationic antimicrobial peptides from Australian frogs with lipid membranes. Pept Sci (Hoboken) 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/pep2.24061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shiying Zhu
- School of ChemistryBio21 Institute, University of MelbourneMelbourne VIC3010 Australia
| | - Marc‐Antoine Sani
- School of ChemistryBio21 Institute, University of MelbourneMelbourne VIC3010 Australia
| | - Frances Separovic
- School of ChemistryBio21 Institute, University of MelbourneMelbourne VIC3010 Australia
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29
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Hao Y, Yang N, Teng D, Wang X, Mao R, Wang J. A review of the design and modification of lactoferricins and their derivatives. Biometals 2018; 31:331-341. [PMID: 29455278 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-018-0086-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Lactoferricin (Lfcin), a multifunction short peptide with a length of 25 residues, is derived from the whey protein lactoferrin by acidic pepsin hydrolysis. It has potent nutritional enhancement, antimicrobial, anticancer, antiviral, antiparasitic, and anti-inflammatory activities. This review describes the research advantages of the above biological functions, with attention to the molecular design and modification of Lfcin. In this examination of design and modification studies, research on the identification of Lfcin active derivatives and crucial amino acid residues is also reviewed. Many strategies for Lfcin optimization have been studied in recent decades, but we mainly introduce chemical modification, cyclization, chimera and polymerization of this peptide. Modifications such as incorporation of D-amino acids, acetylation and/or amidation could effectively improve the activity and stability of these compounds. Due to their wide array of bio-functions and applications, Lfcins have great potential to be developed as biological agents with multiple functions involved with nutritional enhancement, as well as disease preventive and therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Hao
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China.,R & D Center, Beijing Shengtai Clouds Bio-Technology, Inc., Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China.,Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 12 Zhongguancun Nandajie St., Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Yang
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China.,Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 12 Zhongguancun Nandajie St., Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
| | - Da Teng
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China.,Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 12 Zhongguancun Nandajie St., Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiumin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China.,Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 12 Zhongguancun Nandajie St., Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruoyu Mao
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China.,Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 12 Zhongguancun Nandajie St., Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China. .,Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 12 Zhongguancun Nandajie St., Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China.
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30
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Hajfathalian M, Ghelichi S, García-Moreno PJ, Moltke Sørensen AD, Jacobsen C. Peptides: Production, bioactivity, functionality, and applications. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2017; 58:3097-3129. [PMID: 29020461 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2017.1352564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Production of peptides with various effects from proteins of different sources continues to receive academic attention. Researchers of different disciplines are putting increasing efforts to produce bioactive and functional peptides from different sources such as plants, animals, and food industry by-products. The aim of this review is to introduce production methods of hydrolysates and peptides and provide a comprehensive overview of their bioactivity in terms of their effects on immune, cardiovascular, nervous, and gastrointestinal systems. Moreover, functional and antioxidant properties of hydrolysates and isolated peptides are reviewed. Finally, industrial and commercial applications of bioactive peptides including their use in nutrition and production of pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Hajfathalian
- a Division of Food Technology, National Food Institute , Technical University of Denmark , 2800 Kgs. Lyngby , Denmark
| | - Sakhi Ghelichi
- a Division of Food Technology, National Food Institute , Technical University of Denmark , 2800 Kgs. Lyngby , Denmark.,b Department of Seafood Science and Technology, Faculty of Fisheries and Environmental Science , Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources , Gorgan , Iran
| | - Pedro J García-Moreno
- a Division of Food Technology, National Food Institute , Technical University of Denmark , 2800 Kgs. Lyngby , Denmark
| | - Ann-Dorit Moltke Sørensen
- a Division of Food Technology, National Food Institute , Technical University of Denmark , 2800 Kgs. Lyngby , Denmark
| | - Charlotte Jacobsen
- a Division of Food Technology, National Food Institute , Technical University of Denmark , 2800 Kgs. Lyngby , Denmark
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31
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Hooda Y, Shin HE, Bateman TJ, Moraes TF. Neisserial surface lipoproteins: structure, function and biogenesis. Pathog Dis 2017; 75:2966469. [PMID: 28158534 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftx010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The surface of many Gram-negative bacteria contains lipidated protein molecules referred to as surface lipoproteins or SLPs. SLPs play critical roles in host immune evasion, nutrient acquisition and regulation of the bacterial stress response. The focus of this review is on the SLPs present in Neisseria, a genus of bacteria that colonise the mucosal surfaces of animals. Neisseria contains two pathogens of medical interest, namely Neisseria meningitidis and N. gonorrhoeae. Several SLPs have been identified in Neisseria and their study has elucidated key strategies used by these pathogens to survive inside the human body. Herein, we focus on the identification, structure and function of SLPs that have been identified in Neisseria. We also survey the translocation pathways used by these SLPs to reach the cell surface. Specifically, we elaborate on the strategies used by neisserial SLPs to translocate across the outer membrane with an emphasis on Slam, a novel outer membrane protein that has been implicated in SLP biogenesis. Taken together, the study of SLPs in Neisseria illustrates the widespread roles played by this family of proteins in Gram-negative bacteria.
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32
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Lombardi L, Stellato MI, Oliva R, Falanga A, Galdiero M, Petraccone L, D'Errico G, De Santis A, Galdiero S, Del Vecchio P. Antimicrobial peptides at work: interaction of myxinidin and its mutant WMR with lipid bilayers mimicking the P. aeruginosa and E. coli membranes. Sci Rep 2017; 7:44425. [PMID: 28294185 PMCID: PMC5353584 DOI: 10.1038/srep44425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are promising candidates as future therapeutics in order to face the problem of antibiotic resistance caused by pathogenic bacteria. Myxinidin is a peptide derived from the hagfish mucus displaying activity against a broad range of bacteria. We have focused our studies on the physico-chemical characterization of the interaction of myxinidin and its mutant WMR, which contains a tryptophan residue at the N-terminus and four additional positive charges, with two model biological membranes (DOPE/DOPG 80/20 and DOPE/DOPG/CL 65/23/12), mimicking respectively Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa membrane bilayers. All our results have coherently shown that, although both myxinidin and WMR interact with the two membranes, their effect on membrane microstructure and stability are different. We further have shown that the presence of cardiolipin plays a key role in the WMR-membrane interaction. Particularly, WMR drastically perturbs the DOPE/DOPG/CL membrane stability inducing a segregation of anionic lipids. On the contrary, myxinidin is not able to significantly perturb the DOPE/DOPG/CL bilayer whereas interacts better with the DOPE/DOPG bilayer causing a significant perturbing effect of the lipid acyl chains. These findings are fully consistent with the reported greater antimicrobial activity of WMR against P. aeruginosa compared with myxinidin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Lombardi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", via De Crecchio, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Ignazio Stellato
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", via Cintia, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Rosario Oliva
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", via Cintia, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Annarita Falanga
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Galdiero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", via De Crecchio, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Petraccone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", via Cintia, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Geradino D'Errico
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", via Cintia, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Augusta De Santis
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", via Cintia, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Galdiero
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Pompea Del Vecchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", via Cintia, 80126 Naples, Italy
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33
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Fernandes KE, Carter DA. The Antifungal Activity of Lactoferrin and Its Derived Peptides: Mechanisms of Action and Synergy with Drugs against Fungal Pathogens. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:2. [PMID: 28149293 PMCID: PMC5241296 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lactoferrin is a multifunctional iron-binding glycoprotein belonging to the transferrin family. It is found abundantly in milk and is present as a major protein in human exocrine secretions where it plays a role in the innate immune response. Various antifungal functions of lactoferrin have been reported including a wide spectrum of activity across yeasts and molds and synergy with other antifungal drugs in combination therapy, and various modes of action have been proposed. Bioactive peptides derived from lactoferrin can also exhibit strong antifungal activity, with some surpassing the potency of the whole protein. This paper reviews current knowledge of the spectrum of activity, proposed mechanisms of action, and capacity for synergy of lactoferrin and its peptides, including the three most studied derivatives: lactoferricin, lactoferrampin, and Lf(1-11), as well as some lactoferrin-derived variants and modified peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenya E Fernandes
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Dee A Carter
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia
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34
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Mahlapuu M, Håkansson J, Ringstad L, Björn C. Antimicrobial Peptides: An Emerging Category of Therapeutic Agents. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2016; 6:194. [PMID: 28083516 PMCID: PMC5186781 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2016.00194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1105] [Impact Index Per Article: 138.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), also known as host defense peptides, are short and generally positively charged peptides found in a wide variety of life forms from microorganisms to humans. Most AMPs have the ability to kill microbial pathogens directly, whereas others act indirectly by modulating the host defense systems. Against a background of rapidly increasing resistance development to conventional antibiotics all over the world, efforts to bring AMPs into clinical use are accelerating. Several AMPs are currently being evaluated in clinical trials as novel anti-infectives, but also as new pharmacological agents to modulate the immune response, promote wound healing, and prevent post-surgical adhesions. In this review, we provide an overview of the biological role, classification, and mode of action of AMPs, discuss the opportunities and challenges to develop these peptides for clinical applications, and review the innovative formulation strategies for application of AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margit Mahlapuu
- Promore Pharma AB, Karolinska Institutet Science ParkSolna, Sweden; The Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of GothenburgGothenburg, Sweden
| | - Joakim Håkansson
- SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden, Chemistry, Materials, and Surfaces Borås, Sweden
| | - Lovisa Ringstad
- SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden, Chemistry, Materials, and Surfaces Borås, Sweden
| | - Camilla Björn
- The Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of GothenburgGothenburg, Sweden; SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden, Chemistry, Materials, and SurfacesBorås, Sweden
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35
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Kim WS, Ohashi M, Shimazaki KI. Inhibitory Effects of Synthetic Peptides Containing Bovine Lactoferrin C-lobe Sequence on Bacterial Growth. Korean J Food Sci Anim Resour 2016; 36:452-7. [PMID: 27621684 PMCID: PMC5018503 DOI: 10.5851/kosfa.2016.36.4.452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Revised: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lactoferrin is a glycoprotein with various biological effects, with antibacterial activity being one of the first effects reported. This glycoprotein suppresses bacterial growth through bacteriostatic or bactericidal action. It also stimulates the growth of certain kinds of bacteria such as lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria. In this study, Asn-Leu-Asn-Arg was selected and chemically synthesized based on the partial sequences of bovine lactoferrin tryptic fragments. Synthetic Asn-Leu-Asn-Arg suppressed the growth of Pseudomonas fluorescens, P. syringae and Escherichia coli. P. fluorescens is a major psychrotrophic bacteria found in raw and pasteurized milk, which decreases milk quality. P. syringae is a harmful infectious bacterium that damages plants. However, synthetic Asn-Leu-Asn-Arg did not inhibit the growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus. It is expected that this synthetic peptide would be the first peptide sequence from the bovine lactoferrin C-lobe that shows antibacterial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woan-Sub Kim
- Department of Animal Life and Environmental Science, Hankyong National University, Anseong 17579, Korea
| | - Midori Ohashi
- Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8589, Japan
| | - Kei-Ichi Shimazaki
- Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8589, Japan
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Bruni N, Capucchio MT, Biasibetti E, Pessione E, Cirrincione S, Giraudo L, Corona A, Dosio F. Antimicrobial Activity of Lactoferrin-Related Peptides and Applications in Human and Veterinary Medicine. Molecules 2016; 21:E752. [PMID: 27294909 PMCID: PMC6273662 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21060752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Revised: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent a vast array of molecules produced by virtually all living organisms as natural barriers against infection. Among AMP sources, an interesting class regards the food-derived bioactive agents. The whey protein lactoferrin (Lf) is an iron-binding glycoprotein that plays a significant role in the innate immune system, and is considered as an important host defense molecule. In search for novel antimicrobial agents, Lf offers a new source with potential pharmaceutical applications. The Lf-derived peptides Lf(1-11), lactoferricin (Lfcin) and lactoferrampin exhibit interesting and more potent antimicrobial actions than intact protein. Particularly, Lfcin has demonstrated strong antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiparasitic activity with promising applications both in human and veterinary diseases (from ocular infections to osteo-articular, gastrointestinal and dermatological diseases).
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Affiliation(s)
- Natascia Bruni
- Istituto Farmaceutico Candioli, Beinasco (To) 10092, Italy.
| | | | - Elena Biasibetti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Torino 10095, Italy.
| | - Enrica Pessione
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Torino 10123, Italy.
| | - Simona Cirrincione
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Torino 10123, Italy.
| | | | | | - Franco Dosio
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, Torino 10125, Italy.
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Moniruzzaman M, Alam JM, Dohra H, Yamazaki M. Antimicrobial Peptide Lactoferricin B-Induced Rapid Leakage of Internal Contents from Single Giant Unilamellar Vesicles. Biochemistry 2015; 54:5802-14. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.5b00594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Md. Moniruzzaman
- Integrated Bioscience Section, Graduate School of
Science and Technology, ‡Nanomaterials Research
Division, Research Institute of Electronics, §Instrumental Research Support Office,
Research Institute of Green Science and Technology, and ∥Department of Physics, Faculty of
Science, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
| | - Jahangir Md. Alam
- Integrated Bioscience Section, Graduate School of
Science and Technology, ‡Nanomaterials Research
Division, Research Institute of Electronics, §Instrumental Research Support Office,
Research Institute of Green Science and Technology, and ∥Department of Physics, Faculty of
Science, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
| | - Hideo Dohra
- Integrated Bioscience Section, Graduate School of
Science and Technology, ‡Nanomaterials Research
Division, Research Institute of Electronics, §Instrumental Research Support Office,
Research Institute of Green Science and Technology, and ∥Department of Physics, Faculty of
Science, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
| | - Masahito Yamazaki
- Integrated Bioscience Section, Graduate School of
Science and Technology, ‡Nanomaterials Research
Division, Research Institute of Electronics, §Instrumental Research Support Office,
Research Institute of Green Science and Technology, and ∥Department of Physics, Faculty of
Science, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
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38
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Peptides and Peptidomimetics for Antimicrobial Drug Design. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2015; 8:366-415. [PMID: 26184232 PMCID: PMC4588174 DOI: 10.3390/ph8030366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2015] [Revised: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to introduce and highlight a few classes of traditional antimicrobial peptides with a focus on structure-activity relationship studies. After first dissecting the important physiochemical properties that influence the antimicrobial and toxic properties of antimicrobial peptides, the contributions of individual amino acids with respect to the peptides antibacterial properties are presented. A brief discussion of the mechanisms of action of different antimicrobials as well as the development of bacterial resistance towards antimicrobial peptides follows. Finally, current efforts on novel design strategies and peptidomimetics are introduced to illustrate the importance of antimicrobial peptide research in the development of future antibiotics.
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39
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Cationic antimicrobial peptides as potential new therapeutic agents in neonates and children: a review. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2015; 27:258-67. [PMID: 24722240 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000000057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Antimicrobial resistance towards conventional antibiotics is a serious problem for modern medicine and for our society. Multidrug-resistant bacteria are very difficult to treat and treatment options have begun to run out. Here, we summarize the newest studies of drug development using cationic antimicrobial peptides as lead molecules for novel antimicrobial drugs. RECENT FINDINGS A new development is the use of antimicrobial peptides not only as direct antimicrobial lead structures but also using their ability to influence the immune system. Such approaches can be used to develop drugs that influence the immune system in a unique way, supporting specific branches of immune cells in order to clear infection. Applying such an 'immune boost' would also minimize the danger of new resistance emerging in bacteria. In addition, searching for and testing substances that trigger the production of host antimicrobial peptides is still ongoing and opens up a totally new avenue for the use of antimicrobial peptides against infections. Currently, more than 10 clinical trials, phase 2 or 3, using antimicrobial peptides are in progress or have been recently completed. SUMMARY Multidrug resistance is an urgent problem for modern medicine and novel antimicrobials are needed. Despite some drawbacks, antimicrobial peptides seem now to appear more numerous in clinical trials, indicating the success in developing peptides into novel therapeutics. This can be critical especially for neonates and children, as treatment options for infections with Gram-negatives in neonatal ICUs are becoming rare.
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40
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Hughes AL, Friedman R. Evolutionary diversification of the vertebrate transferrin multi-gene family. Immunogenetics 2014; 66:651-61. [PMID: 25142446 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-014-0798-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2014] [Accepted: 08/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
In a phylogenetic analysis of vertebrate transferrins (TFs), six major clades (subfamilies) were identified: (a) S, the mammalian serotransferrins; (b) ICA, the mammalian inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase (ICA) homologs; (c) L, the mammalian lactoferrins; (d) O, the ovotransferrins of birds and reptiles; (e) M, the melanotransferrins of bony fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals; and (f) M-like, a newly identified TF subfamily found in bony fishes, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. A phylogenetic tree based on the joint alignment of N-lobes and C-lobes supported the hypothesis that three separate events of internal duplication occurred in vertebrate TFs: (a) in the common ancestor of the M subfamily, (b) in the common ancestor of the M-like subfamily, and (c) in the common ancestor of other vertebrate TFs. The S, ICA, and L subfamilies were found only in placental mammals, and the phylogenetic analysis supported the hypothesis that these three subfamilies arose by gene duplication after the divergence of placental mammals from marsupials. The M-like subfamily was unusual in several respects, including the presence of a uniquely high proportion of clade-specific conserved residues, including distinctive but conserved residues in the sites homologous to those functioning in carbonate binding of human serotransferrin. The M-like family also showed an unusually high proportion of cationic residues in the positively charged region corresponding to human lactoferrampin, suggesting a distinctive role of this region in the M-like subfamily, perhaps in antimicrobial defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin L Hughes
- Department of Biological Sciences, Coker Life Sciences Building, University of South Carolina, 715 Sumter St. Columbia, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA,
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41
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Influence of Dimerization of Lipopeptide Laur-Orn-Orn-Cys-NH 2 and an N-terminal Peptide of Human Lactoferricin on Biological Activity. Int J Pept Res Ther 2014; 21:39-46. [PMID: 25642159 PMCID: PMC4305368 DOI: 10.1007/s10989-014-9423-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Lactoferrin (LF) is a naturally occurring antimicrobial peptide that is cleaved by pepsin to lactoferricin (LFcin). LFcin has an enhanced antimicrobial activity as compared to that of LF. Recently several hetero- and homodimeric antimicrobial peptides stabilized by a single disulfide bond linking linear polypeptide chains have been discovered. We have demonstrated that the S–S bond heterodimerization of lipopeptide Laur-Orn-Orn-Cys–NH2 (peptide III) and the synthetic N-terminal peptide of human lactoferricin (peptide I) yields a dimer (peptide V), which is almost as microbiologically active as the more active monomer and at the same time it is much less toxic. Furthermore, it has been found that the S–S bond homodimerization of both peptide I and peptide III did not affect antimicrobial and haemolytic activity of the compounds. The homo- and heterodimerization of peptides I and III resulted in either reduction or loss of antifungal activity. This work suggests that heterodimerization of antimicrobial lipopeptides via intermolecular disulfide bond might be a powerful modification deserving consideration in the design of antimicrobial peptides.
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42
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Arias M, McDonald LJ, Haney EF, Nazmi K, Bolscher JGM, Vogel HJ. Bovine and human lactoferricin peptides: chimeras and new cyclic analogs. Biometals 2014; 27:935-48. [DOI: 10.1007/s10534-014-9753-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2014] [Accepted: 05/26/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Mandal SM, Bharti R, Porto WF, Gauri SS, Mandal M, Franco OL, Ghosh AK. Identification of multifunctional peptides from human milk. Peptides 2014; 56:84-93. [PMID: 24703967 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2014.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Revised: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 03/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Pharmaceutical industries have renewed interest in screening multifunctional bioactive peptides as a marketable product in health care applications. In this context, several animal and plant peptides with potential bioactivity have been reported. Milk proteins and peptides have received much attention as a source of health-enhancing components to be incorporated into nutraceuticals and functional foods. By using this source, 24 peptides have been fractionated and purified from human milk using RP-HPLC. Multifunctional roles including antimicrobial, antioxidant and growth stimulating activity have been evaluated in all 24 fractions. Nevertheless, only four fractions show multiple combined activities among them. Using a proteomic approach, two of these four peptides have been identified as lactoferrin derived peptide and kappa casein short chain peptide. Lactoferrin derived peptide (f8) is arginine-rich and kappa casein derived (f12) peptide is proline-rich. Both peptides (f8 and f12) showed antimicrobial activities against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Fraction 8 (f8) exhibits growth stimulating activity in 3T3 cell line and f12 shows higher free radical scavenging activity in comparison to other fractions. Finally, both peptides were in silico evaluated and some insights into their mechanism of action were provided. Thus, results indicate that these identified peptides have multiple biological activities which are valuable for the quick development of the neonate and may be considered as potential biotechnological products for nutraceutical industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santi M Mandal
- Central Research Facility, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, WB, India
| | - Rashmi Bharti
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, WB, India
| | - William F Porto
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Samiran S Gauri
- Central Research Facility, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, WB, India
| | - Mahitosh Mandal
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, WB, India
| | - Octavio L Franco
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
| | - Ananta K Ghosh
- Central Research Facility, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, WB, India.
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44
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Wada Y, Lönnerdal B. Bioactive peptides derived from human milk proteins — mechanisms of action. J Nutr Biochem 2014; 25:503-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2013.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2013] [Revised: 10/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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45
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Zweytick D, Japelj B, Mileykovskaya E, Zorko M, Dowhan W, Blondelle SE, Riedl S, Jerala R, Lohner K. N-acylated peptides derived from human lactoferricin perturb organization of cardiolipin and phosphatidylethanolamine in cell membranes and induce defects in Escherichia coli cell division. PLoS One 2014; 9:e90228. [PMID: 24595074 PMCID: PMC3940911 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [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: 12/12/2013] [Accepted: 01/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Two types of recently described antibacterial peptides derived from human lactoferricin, either nonacylated or N-acylated, were studied for their different interaction with membranes of Escherichia coli in vivo and in model systems. Electron microscopy revealed striking effects on the bacterial membrane as both peptide types induced formation of large membrane blebs. Electron and fluorescence microscopy, however demonstrated that only the N-acylated peptides partially induced the generation of oversized cells, which might reflect defects in cell-division. Further a different distribution of cardiolipin domains on the E. coli membrane was shown only in the presence of the N-acylated peptides. The lipid was distributed over the whole bacterial cell surface, whereas cardiolipin in untreated and nonacylated peptide-treated cells was mainly located at the septum and poles. Studies with bacterial membrane mimics, such as cardiolipin or phosphatidylethanolamine revealed that both types of peptides interacted with the negatively charged lipid cardiolipin. The nonacylated peptides however induced segregation of cardiolipin into peptide-enriched and peptide-poor lipid domains, while the N-acylated peptides promoted formation of many small heterogeneous domains. Only N-acylated peptides caused additional severe effects on the main phase transition of liposomes composed of pure phosphatidylethanolamine, while both peptide types inhibited the lamellar to hexagonal phase transition. Lipid mixtures of phosphatidylethanolamine and cardiolipin revealed anionic clustering by all peptide types. However additional strong perturbation of the neutral lipids was only seen with the N-acylated peptides. Nuclear magnetic resonance demonstrated different conformational arrangement of the N-acylated peptide in anionic and zwitterionic micelles revealing possible mechanistic differences in their action on different membrane lipids. We hypothesized that both peptides kill bacteria by interacting with bacterial membrane lipids but only N-acylated peptides interact with both charged cardiolipin and zwitterionic phosphatidylethanolamine resulting in remodeling of the natural phospholipid domains in the E. coli membrane that leads to defects in cell division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmar Zweytick
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Biophysics Division, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- * E-mail:
| | - Bostjan Japelj
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Eugenia Mileykovskaya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical School-Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Mateja Zorko
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - William Dowhan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical School-Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Sylvie E. Blondelle
- Department of Biochemistry, Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Sabrina Riedl
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Biophysics Division, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Roman Jerala
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Centre of Excellence EN-FIST, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Karl Lohner
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Biophysics Division, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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46
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van der Weerden NL, Bleackley MR, Anderson MA. Properties and mechanisms of action of naturally occurring antifungal peptides. Cell Mol Life Sci 2013; 70:3545-70. [PMID: 23381653 PMCID: PMC11114075 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-013-1260-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2012] [Revised: 12/11/2012] [Accepted: 01/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are a vital component of the innate immune system of all eukaryotic organisms and many of these peptides have potent antifungal activity. They have potential application in the control of fungal pathogens that are a serious threat to both human health and food security. Development of antifungal peptides as therapeutics requires an understanding of their mechanism of action on fungal cells. To date, most research on antimicrobial peptides has focused on their activity against bacteria. Several antimicrobial peptides specifically target fungal cells and are not active against bacteria. Others with broader specificity often have different mechanisms of action against bacteria and fungi. This review focuses on the mechanism of action of naturally occurring antifungal peptides from a diverse range of sources including plants, mammals, amphibians, insects, crabs, spiders, and fungi. While antimicrobial peptides were originally proposed to act via membrane permeabilization, the mechanism of antifungal activity for these peptides is generally more complex and often involves entry of the peptide into the cell.
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47
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Characterization of Antimicrobial Peptides toward the Development of Novel Antibiotics. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2013; 6:1055-81. [PMID: 24276381 PMCID: PMC3817730 DOI: 10.3390/ph6081055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2013] [Revised: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 08/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial agents have eradicated many infectious diseases and significantly improved our living environment. However, abuse of antimicrobial agents has accelerated the emergence of multidrug-resistant microorganisms, and there is an urgent need for novel antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have attracted attention as a novel class of antimicrobial agents because AMPs efficiently kill a wide range of species, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, via a novel mechanism of action. In addition, they are effective against pathogens that are resistant to almost all conventional antibiotics. AMPs have promising properties; they directly disrupt the functions of cellular membranes and nucleic acids, and the rate of appearance of AMP-resistant strains is very low. However, as pharmaceuticals, AMPs exhibit unfavorable properties, such as instability, hemolytic activity, high cost of production, salt sensitivity, and a broad spectrum of activity. Therefore, it is vital to improve these properties to develop novel AMP treatments. Here, we have reviewed the basic biochemical properties of AMPs and the recent strategies used to modulate these properties of AMPs to enhance their safety.
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48
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Antimicrobial lactoferrin peptides: the hidden players in the protective function of a multifunctional protein. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PEPTIDES 2013; 2013:390230. [PMID: 23554820 PMCID: PMC3608178 DOI: 10.1155/2013/390230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2012] [Accepted: 01/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Lactoferrin is a multifunctional, iron-binding glycoprotein which displays a wide array of modes of action to execute its primary antimicrobial function. It contains various antimicrobial peptides which are released upon its hydrolysis by proteases. These peptides display a similarity with the antimicrobial cationic peptides found in nature. In the current scenario of increasing resistance to antibiotics, there is a need for the discovery of novel antimicrobial drugs. In this context, the structural and functional perspectives on some of the antimicrobial peptides found in N-lobe of lactoferrin have been reviewed. This paper provides the comparison of lactoferrin peptides with other antimicrobial peptides found in nature as well as interspecies comparison of the structural properties of these peptides within the native lactoferrin.
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49
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Haney EF, Nguyen LT, Schibli DJ, Vogel HJ. Design of a novel tryptophan-rich membrane-active antimicrobial peptide from the membrane-proximal region of the HIV glycoprotein, gp41. Beilstein J Org Chem 2012; 8:1172-84. [PMID: 23019445 PMCID: PMC3458735 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.8.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2012] [Accepted: 06/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of physicochemical characteristics have been described which contribute to the biological activity of antimicrobial peptides. This information was used to design a novel antimicrobial peptide sequence by using an intrinsically inactive membrane-associated peptide derived from the HIV glycoprotein, gp41, as a starting scaffold. This peptide corresponds to the tryptophan-rich membrane-proximal region of gp41, which is known to interact at the interfacial region of the viral membrane and adopts a helical structure in the presence of lipids. Three synthetic peptides were designed to increase the net positive charge and amphipathicity of this 19-residue peptide. Ultimately, the peptide with the greatest degree of amphipathicity and largest positive charge proved to be the most potent antimicrobial, and this peptide could be further modified to improve the antimicrobial activity. However, the other two peptides were relatively ineffective antimicrobials and instead proved to be extremely hemolytic. This work demonstrates a novel approach for the design of unexplored antimicrobial peptide sequences but it also reveals that the biological and cytotoxic activities of these polypeptides depend on a number of interrelated factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan F Haney
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 1N4
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50
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Abstract
Lactoferrin is an abundant iron-binding protein in milk. This 80 kDa bilobal glycoprotein is also present in several other secreted bodily fluids, as well as in the secondary granules of neutrophils. The potent iron-binding properties of lactoferrin can locally create iron deficiency, and this is an important factor in host defense as it prevents bacteria from growing and forming biofilms. In addition to having antibacterial activity, lactoferrin is now known to have a long list of other beneficial biological properties. It has direct antiviral, antifungal, and even some anticancer activities. It can also promote wound healing and bone growth, or it can act as an iron carrier. Moreover, lactoferrin displays a cytokine-like “alarmin” activity, and it activates the immune system. Simultaneously, it can bind endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide), and in doing so, it modulates the activity of the host immune response. The majority of these intriguing biological activities reside in the unique positively charged N-terminal region of the protein. Interestingly, several peptides, which retain many of the beneficial activities, can be released from this region of lactoferrin. An isoform of the human protein, known as delta-lactoferrin, is expressed inside many cells, where it acts as a transcription factor. Lactoferrin purified from human and bovine milk have very similar but not completely identical properties. Lactoferrin receptors have been identified on the surface of various cells, and some of these can bind both the human and the bovine protein. Because of the extensive health-promoting effects of lactoferrin, there has been considerable interest in the use of bovine or human lactoferrin as a “protein nutraceutical” or as a therapeutic protein. When lactoferrin is used as a “biologic drug”, it seems to be orally active in contrast to most other therapeutic proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans J. Vogel
- Biochemistry Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
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