1
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Yoon G, Puentes R, Tran J, Multani A, Cobo ER. The role of cathelicidins in neutrophil biology. J Leukoc Biol 2024; 116:689-705. [PMID: 38758953 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiae112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite their relatively short lifespan, neutrophils are tasked with counteracting pathogens through various functions, including phagocytosis, production of reactive oxygen species, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), and host defense peptides. Regarding the latter, small cationic cathelicidins present a conundrum in neutrophil function. Although primarily recognized as microbicides with an ability to provoke pores in microbial cell walls, the ability of cathelicidin to modulate key neutrophil functions is also of great importance, including the release of chemoattractants, cytokines, and reactive oxygen species, plus prolonging neutrophil lifespan. Cumulative evidence indicates a less recognized role of cathelicidin as an "immunomodulator"; however, this term is not always explicit, and its relevance in neutrophil responses during infection and inflammation is seldom discussed. This review compiles and discusses studies of how neutrophils use cathelicidin to respond to infections, while also acknowledging immunomodulatory aspects of cathelicidin through potential crosstalk between sources of the peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Yoon
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, HSC 1871, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Rodrigo Puentes
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, HSC 1871, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Jacquelyn Tran
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, HSC 1871, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Anmol Multani
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, HSC 1871, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Eduardo R Cobo
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, HSC 1871, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
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2
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Di YP, Kuhn JM, Mangoni ML. Lung antimicrobial proteins and peptides: from host defense to therapeutic strategies. Physiol Rev 2024; 104:1643-1677. [PMID: 39052018 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00039.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Representing severe morbidity and mortality globally, respiratory infections associated with chronic respiratory diseases, including complicated pneumonia, asthma, interstitial lung disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, are a major public health concern. Lung health and the prevention of pulmonary disease rely on the mechanisms of airway surface fluid secretion, mucociliary clearance, and adequate immune response to eradicate inhaled pathogens and particulate matter from the environment. The antimicrobial proteins and peptides contribute to maintaining an antimicrobial milieu in human lungs to eliminate pathogens and prevent them from causing pulmonary diseases. The predominant antimicrobial molecules of the lung environment include human α- and β-defensins and cathelicidins, among numerous other host defense molecules with antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity such as PLUNC (palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone) family proteins, elafin, collectins, lactoferrin, lysozymes, mucins, secretory leukocyte proteinase inhibitor, surfactant proteins SP-A and SP-D, and RNases. It has been demonstrated that changes in antimicrobial molecule expression levels are associated with regulating inflammation, potentiating exacerbations, pathological changes, and modifications in chronic lung disease severity. Antimicrobial molecules also display roles in both anticancer and tumorigenic effects. Lung antimicrobial proteins and peptides are promising alternative therapeutics for treating and preventing multidrug-resistant bacterial infections and anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanpu Peter Di
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Jenna Marie Kuhn
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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3
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Jandl B, Dighe S, Gasche C, Makristathis A, Muttenthaler M. Intestinal biofilms: pathophysiological relevance, host defense, and therapeutic opportunities. Clin Microbiol Rev 2024; 37:e0013323. [PMID: 38995034 PMCID: PMC11391705 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00133-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYThe human intestinal tract harbors a profound variety of microorganisms that live in symbiosis with the host and each other. It is a complex and highly dynamic environment whose homeostasis directly relates to human health. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and polymicrobial biofilms have been associated with gastrointestinal diseases, including irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases, and colorectal cancers. This review covers the molecular composition and organization of intestinal biofilms, mechanistic aspects of biofilm signaling networks for bacterial communication and behavior, and synergistic effects in polymicrobial biofilms. It further describes the clinical relevance and diseases associated with gut biofilms, the role of biofilms in antimicrobial resistance, and the intestinal host defense system and therapeutic strategies counteracting biofilms. Taken together, this review summarizes the latest knowledge and research on intestinal biofilms and their role in gut disorders and provides directions toward the development of biofilm-specific treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Jandl
- Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Biological Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Doctoral School in Chemistry (DoSChem), University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Satish Dighe
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Christoph Gasche
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Loha for Life, Center for Gastroenterology and Iron Deficiency, Vienna, Austria
| | - Athanasios Makristathis
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Biological Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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4
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Esposito TVF, Rodríguez-Rodríguez C, Blackadar C, Kłodzińska S, Mørck Nielsen H, Saatchi K, Häfeli UO. Biodistribution of the cationic host defense peptide LL-37 using SPECT/CT. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 202:114398. [PMID: 38972467 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Human cathelicidin LL-37, a cationic host defense peptide (CHDP), has several important physiological roles, including antimicrobial activity, immune modulation, and wound healing, and is a being investigated as a therapeutic candidate for several indications. While the effects of endogenously produced LL-37 are well studied, the biodistribution of exogenously administered LL-37 are less known. Here we assess the biodistribution of a gallium-67 labeled variant of LL-37 using nuclear imaging techniques over a 48 h period in healthy mice. When administered as an intravenous bolus just over 20 µg, the LL-37-based radiotracer was rapidly cleared from the blood, largely by the liver, while an appreciable fraction of the dose temporarily distributed to the lungs. When administered subcutaneously at the same dose level, the radiotracer was absorbed systemically following a two-phase kinetic model and was predominately cleared renally. Uptake into sites rich in immune cells, such as the lymph nodes and the spleen, was observed for both routes of administration. Scans of free gallium-67 were also performed as controls. Important preclinical insights into the biodistribution of exogenously administered LL-37 were gained from this study, which can aid in the understanding of this and related cationic host-defense peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tullio V F Esposito
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
| | - Cristina Rodríguez-Rodríguez
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Colin Blackadar
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Sylvia Kłodzińska
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hanne Mørck Nielsen
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katayoun Saatchi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
| | - Urs O Häfeli
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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5
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Anurag Anand A, Amod A, Anwar S, Sahoo AK, Sethi G, Samanta SK. A comprehensive guide on screening and selection of a suitable AMP against biofilm-forming bacteria. Crit Rev Microbiol 2024; 50:859-878. [PMID: 38102871 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2023.2293019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Lately, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is increasing at an exponential rate making it important to search alternatives to antibiotics in order to combat multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacterial infections. Out of the several antibacterial and antibiofilm strategies being tested, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have shown to give better hopes in terms of a long-lasting solution to the problem. To select a desired AMP, it is important to make right use of available tools and databases that aid in identification, classification, and analysis of the physiochemical properties of AMPs. To identify the targets of these AMPs, it becomes crucial to understand their mode-of-action. AMPs can also be used in combination with other antibacterial and antibiofilm agents so as to achieve enhanced efficacy against bacteria and their biofilms. Due to concerns regarding toxicity, stability, and bioavailability, strategizing drug formulation at an early-stage becomes crucial. Although there are few concerns regarding development of bacterial resistance to AMPs, the evolution of resistance to AMPs occurs extremely slowly. This comprehensive review gives a deep insight into the selection of the right AMP, deciding the right target and combination strategy along with the type of formulation needed, and the possible resistance that bacteria can develop to these AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananya Anurag Anand
- Department of Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, India
| | - Ayush Amod
- Department of Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, India
| | - Sarfraz Anwar
- Department of Bioinformatics, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, India
| | - Amaresh Kumar Sahoo
- Department of Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, India
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sintu Kumar Samanta
- Department of Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, India
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6
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Biswas R, Jangra B, Ashok G, Ravichandiran V, Mohan U. Current Strategies for Combating Biofilm-Forming Pathogens in Clinical Healthcare-Associated Infections. Indian J Microbiol 2024; 64:781-796. [PMID: 39282194 PMCID: PMC11399387 DOI: 10.1007/s12088-024-01221-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The biofilm formation by various pathogens causes chronic infections and poses severe threats to industry, healthcare, and society. They can form biofilm on surfaces of medical implants, heart valves, pacemakers, contact lenses, vascular grafts, urinary catheters, dialysis catheters, etc. These biofilms play a central role in bacterial persistence and antibiotic tolerance. Biofilm formation occurs in a series of steps, and any interference in these steps can prevent its formation. Therefore, the hunt to explore and develop effective anti-biofilm strategies became necessary to decrease the rate of biofilm-related infections. In this review, we highlighted and discussed the current therapeutic approaches to eradicate biofilm formation and combat drug resistance by anti-biofilm drugs, phytocompounds, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), antimicrobial lipids (AMLs), matrix-degrading enzymes, nanoparticles, phagebiotics, surface coatings, photodynamic therapy (PDT), riboswitches, vaccines, and antibodies. The clinical validation of these findings will provide novel preventive and therapeutic strategies for biofilm-associated infections to the medical world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashmita Biswas
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, West Bengal India
| | - Bhawana Jangra
- Department of Natural Products, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab India
| | - Ganapathy Ashok
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, West Bengal India
| | - Velayutham Ravichandiran
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, West Bengal India
| | - Utpal Mohan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, West Bengal India
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7
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Lakshmaiah Narayana J, Mechesso AF, Rather IIG, Zarena D, Luo J, Xie J, Wang G. Origami of KR-12 Designed Antimicrobial Peptides and Their Potential Applications. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:816. [PMID: 39334990 PMCID: PMC11429261 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13090816] [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: 07/31/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
This review describes the discovery, structure, activity, engineered constructs, and applications of KR-12, the smallest antibacterial peptide of human cathelicidin LL-37, the production of which can be induced under sunlight or by vitamin D. It is a moonlighting peptide that shows both antimicrobial and immune-regulatory effects. Compared to LL-37, KR-12 is extremely appealing due to its small size, lack of toxicity, and narrow-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Consequently, various KR-12 peptides have been engineered to tune peptide activity and stability via amino acid substitution, end capping, hybridization, conjugation, sidechain stapling, and backbone macrocyclization. We also mention recently discovered peptides KR-8 and RIK-10 that are shorter than KR-12. Nano-formulation provides an avenue to targeted delivery, controlled release, and increased bioavailability. In addition, KR-12 has been covalently immobilized on biomaterials/medical implants to prevent biofilm formation. These constructs with enhanced potency and stability are demonstrated to eradicate drug-resistant pathogens, disrupt preformed biofilms, neutralize endotoxins, and regulate host immune responses. Also highlighted are the safety and efficacy of these peptides in various topical and systemic animal models. Finaly, we summarize the achievements and discuss future developments of KR-12 peptides as cosmetic preservatives, novel antibiotics, anti-inflammatory peptides, and microbiota-restoring agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayaram Lakshmaiah Narayana
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- Department of Biotechnology, Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, Bangalore 560078, India
| | - Abraham Fikru Mechesso
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Imran Ibni Gani Rather
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - D Zarena
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- College of Engineering, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Anantapur 515002, India
| | - Jinghui Luo
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Jingwei Xie
- Department of Surgery-Transplant and Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Guangshun Wang
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
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8
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Manobala T. Peptide-based strategies for overcoming biofilm-associated infections: a comprehensive review. Crit Rev Microbiol 2024:1-18. [PMID: 39140129 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2024.2390597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Biofilms represent resilient microbial communities responsible for inducing chronic infections in human subjects. Given the escalating challenges associated with antibiotic therapy failures in clinical infections linked to biofilm formation, a peptide-based approach emerges as a promising alternative to effectively combat these notoriously resistant biofilms. Contrary to conventional antimicrobial peptides, which predominantly target cellular membranes, antibiofilm peptides necessitate a multifaceted approach, addressing various "biofilm-specific factors." These factors encompass Extracellular Polymeric Substance (EPS) degradation, membrane targeting, cell signaling, and regulatory mechanisms. Recent research endeavors have been directed toward assessing the potential of peptides as potent antibiofilm agents. However, to translate these peptides into viable clinical applications, several critical considerations must be meticulously evaluated during the peptide design process. This review serves to furnish an all-encompassing summary of the pivotal factors and parameters that necessitate contemplation for the successful development of an efficacious antibiofilm peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Manobala
- School of Arts and Sciences, Sai University, Chennai, India
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9
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Artesani L, Ciociola T, Vismarra A, Bacci C, Conti S, Giovati L. Activity of Synthetic Peptide KP and Its Derivatives against Biofilm-Producing Escherichia coli Strains Resistant to Cephalosporins. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:683. [PMID: 39199983 PMCID: PMC11350827 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13080683] [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: 06/29/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial resistance to β-lactam antibiotics, particularly new generation cephalosporins, is a major public health concern. In Escherichia coli, resistance to these antibiotics is mainly mediated by extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL), which complicates a range of health-threatening infections. These infections may also be biofilm-related, making them more difficult to treat because of the higher tolerance to conventional antibiotics and the host immune response. In this study, we tested as potential new drug candidates against biofilm-forming ESBL-producing E. coli four antimicrobial peptides previously shown to have antifungal properties. The peptides proved to be active in vitro at micromolar concentrations against both sensitive and ESBL-producing E. coli strains, effectively killing planktonic cells and inhibiting biofilm formation. Quantitative fluorescence intensity analysis of three-dimensional reconstructed confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) images of mature biofilm treated with the most active peptide showed significant eradication and a reduction in viable bacteria, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed gross morphological alterations in treated bacteria. The screening of the investigated peptides for antibacterial and antibiofilm activity led to the selection of a leading candidate to be further studied for developing new antimicrobial drugs as an alternative treatment against microbial infections, primarily associated with biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenza Artesani
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (L.A.); (T.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Tecla Ciociola
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (L.A.); (T.C.); (S.C.)
- Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Alice Vismarra
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (A.V.); (C.B.)
| | - Cristina Bacci
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (A.V.); (C.B.)
| | - Stefania Conti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (L.A.); (T.C.); (S.C.)
- Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Laura Giovati
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (L.A.); (T.C.); (S.C.)
- Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
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10
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Lin Z, Assaraf YG, Kwok HF. Peptides for microbe-induced cancers: latest therapeutic strategies and their advanced technologies. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024:10.1007/s10555-024-10197-4. [PMID: 39008152 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10197-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is a significant global health concern associated with multiple distinct factors, including microbial and viral infections. Numerous studies have elucidated the role of microorganisms, such as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), as well as viruses for example human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV), in the development of human malignancies. Substantial attention has been focused on the treatment of these microorganism- and virus-associated cancers, with promising outcomes observed in studies employing peptide-based therapies. The current paper provides an overview of microbe- and virus-induced cancers and their underlying molecular mechanisms. We discuss an assortment of peptide-based therapies which are currently being developed, including tumor-targeting peptides and microbial/viral peptide-based vaccines. We describe the major technological advancements that have been made in the design, screening, and delivery of peptides as anticancer agents. The primary focus of the current review is to provide insight into the latest research and development in this field and to provide a realistic glimpse into the future of peptide-based therapies for microbe- and virus-induced neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqi Lin
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR
| | - Yehuda G Assaraf
- The Fred Wyszkowski Cancer Research Lab, Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Instituteof Technology, Haifa, 3200003, Israel
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR.
- MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR.
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11
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Kong X, Vishwanath V, Neelakantan P, Ye Z. Harnessing antimicrobial peptides in endodontics. Int Endod J 2024; 57:815-840. [PMID: 38441321 DOI: 10.1111/iej.14043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Endodontic therapy includes various procedures such as vital pulp therapy, root canal treatment and retreatment, surgical endodontic treatment and regenerative endodontic procedures. Disinfection and tissue repair are crucial for the success of these therapies, necessitating the development of therapeutics that can effectively target microbiota, eliminate biofilms, modulate inflammation and promote tissue repair. However, no current endodontic agents can achieve these goals. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are sequences of amino acids, have gained attention due to their unique advantages, including reduced susceptibility to drug resistance, broad-spectrum antibacterial properties and the ability to modulate the immune response of the organism effectively. This review systematically discusses the structure, mechanisms of action, novel designs and limitations of AMPs. Additionally, it highlights the efforts made by researchers to overcome peptide shortcomings and emphasizes the potential applications of AMPs in endodontic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinzi Kong
- Applied Oral Sciences and Community Dental Care, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
| | - Vijetha Vishwanath
- Division of Restorative Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
| | - Prasanna Neelakantan
- Department of Endodontics, University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Zhou Ye
- Applied Oral Sciences and Community Dental Care, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
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12
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Guerra MES, Vieira B, Calazans APCT, Destro GV, Melo K, Rodrigues E, Waz NT, Girardello R, Darrieux M, Converso TR. Recent advances in the therapeutic potential of cathelicidins. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1405760. [PMID: 38989014 PMCID: PMC11233757 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1405760] [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: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The alarming increase in antimicrobial resistance in the last decades has prompted the search for alternatives to control infectious diseases. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent a heterogeneous class of molecules with ample antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal effects. They can be found in many organisms, including all classes of vertebrates, providing a valuable source of new antimicrobial agents. The unique properties of AMPs make it harder for microbes develop resistance, while their immunomodulatory properties and target diversity reinforce their translational use in multiple diseases, from autoimmune disorders to different types of cancer. The latest years have witnessed a vast number of studies evaluating the use of AMPs in therapy, with many progressing to clinical trials. The present review explores the recent developments in the medicinal properties of cathelicidins, a vast family of AMPs with potent antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects. Cathelicidins from several organisms have been tested in disease models of viral and bacterial infections, inflammatory diseases, and tumors, with encouraging results. Combining nanomaterials with active, natural antimicrobial peptides, including LL-37 and synthetic analogs like ceragenins, leads to the creation of innovative nanoagents with significant clinical promise. However, there are still important limitations, such as the toxicity of many cathelicidins to healthy host cells and low stability in vivo. The recent advances in nanomaterials and synthetic biology may help overcome the current limitations, enabling the use of cathelicidins in future therapeutics. Furthermore, a better understanding of the mechanisms of cathelicidin action in vivo and their synergy with other host molecules will contribute to the development of safer, highly effective therapies.
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13
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Radhakrishnan N, Kumar SD, Shin SY, Yang S. Enhancing Selective Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activities of Melittin through 6-Aminohexanoic Acid Substitution. Biomolecules 2024; 14:699. [PMID: 38927102 PMCID: PMC11201590 DOI: 10.3390/biom14060699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Leucine residues are commonly found in the hydrophobic face of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and are crucial for membrane permeabilization, leading to the cell death of invading pathogens. Melittin, which contains four leucine residues, demonstrates broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties but also significant cytotoxicity against mammalian cells. To enhance the cell selectivity of melittin, this study synthesized five analogs by replacing leucine with its structural isomer, 6-aminohexanoic acid. Among these analogs, Mel-LX3 exhibited potent antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Importantly, Mel-LX3 displayed significantly reduced hemolytic and cytotoxic effects compared to melittin. Mechanistic studies, including membrane depolarization, SYTOX green uptake, FACScan analysis, and inner/outer membrane permeation assays, demonstrated that Mel-LX3 effectively permeabilized bacterial membranes similar to melittin. Notably, Mel-LX3 showed robust antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDRPA). Furthermore, Mel-LX3 effectively inhibited biofilm formation and eradicated existing biofilms of MDRPA. With its improved selective antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities, Mel-LX3 emerges as a promising candidate for the development of novel antimicrobial agents. We propose that the substitution of leucine with 6-aminohexanoic acid in AMPs represents a significant strategy for combating resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naveenkumar Radhakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea; (N.R.); (S.D.K.)
| | - Sukumar Dinesh Kumar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea; (N.R.); (S.D.K.)
| | - Song-Yub Shin
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea;
| | - Sungtae Yang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
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14
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Jandl B, Dighe S, Baumgartner M, Makristathis A, Gasche C, Muttenthaler M. Gastrointestinal Biofilms: Endoscopic Detection, Disease Relevance, and Therapeutic Strategies. Gastroenterology 2024:S0016-5085(24)05054-6. [PMID: 38876174 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2024.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal biofilms are matrix-enclosed, highly heterogenic and spatially organized polymicrobial communities that can cover large areas in the gastrointestinal tract. Gut microbiota dysbiosis, mucus disruption, and epithelial invasion are associated with pathogenic biofilms that have been linked to gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer. Intestinal biofilms are highly prevalent in ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome patients, and most endoscopists will have observed such biofilms during colonoscopy, maybe without appreciating their biological and clinical importance. Gut biofilms have a protective extracellular matrix that renders them challenging to treat, and effective therapies are yet to be developed. This review covers gastrointestinal biofilm formation, growth, appearance and detection, biofilm architecture and signalling, human host defence mechanisms, disease and clinical relevance of biofilms, therapeutic approaches, and future perspectives. Critical knowledge gaps and open research questions regarding the biofilm's exact pathophysiological relevance and key hurdles in translating therapeutic advances into the clinic are discussed. Taken together, this review summarizes the status quo in gut biofilm research and provides perspectives and guidance for future research and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Jandl
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; University of Vienna, Vienna Doctoral School in Chemistry, Vienna, Austria; Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine 3, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Satish Dighe
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Maximillian Baumgartner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine 3, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Athanasios Makristathis
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Gasche
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine 3, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Loha for Life, Center for Gastroenterology and Iron Deficiency, Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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15
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Zielke C, Nielsen JE, Lin JS, Barron AE. Between good and evil: Complexation of the human cathelicidin LL-37 with nucleic acids. Biophys J 2024; 123:1316-1328. [PMID: 37919905 PMCID: PMC11163296 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.10.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The innate immune system provides a crucial first line of defense against invading pathogens attacking the body. As the only member of the human cathelicidin family, the antimicrobial peptide LL-37 has been shown to have antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. In complexation with nucleic acids, LL-37 is suggested to maintain its beneficial health effects while also acting as a condensation agent for the nucleic acid. Complexes formed by LL-37 and nucleic acids have been shown to be immunostimulatory with a positive impact on the human innate immune system. However, some studies also suggest that in some circumstances, LL-37/nucleic acid complexes may be a contributing factor to autoimmune disorders such as psoriasis and systemic lupus erythematosus. This review provides a comprehensive discussion of research highlighting the beneficial health effects of LL-37/nucleic acid complexes, as well as discussing observed detrimental effects. We will emphasize why it is important to investigate and elucidate structural characteristics, such as condensation patterns of nucleic acids within complexation, and their mechanisms of action, to shed light on the intricate physiological effects of LL-37 and the seemingly contradictory role of LL-37/nucleic acid complexes in the innate immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Zielke
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Schools of Medicine and of Engineering, Stanford, California
| | - Josefine Eilsø Nielsen
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Schools of Medicine and of Engineering, Stanford, California; Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jennifer S Lin
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Schools of Medicine and of Engineering, Stanford, California
| | - Annelise E Barron
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Schools of Medicine and of Engineering, Stanford, California.
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16
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Chen C, Gu Q, Ge Y, Tian J, Zhang Y, Wang T, Wang C, Zhao Y, Xu H, Fan X. Antibiofilm Mechanisms of the Helical G3 Peptide against Staphylococcus epidermidis. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:11806-11816. [PMID: 38770910 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c01474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Antibacterial peptides (ABPs) have been recognized as promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics due to their broad antibacterial spectrum, high antibacterial activity, and low possibility of inducing bacterial resistance. However, their antibiofilm mechanisms have not yet reached a consensus. In this study, we investigated the antibiofilm activity of a short helical peptide G3 against Staphylococcus epidermidis, one of the most important strains of medical device contamination. Studies show that G3 inhibits S. epidermidis biofilm formation in a variety of ways. In the initial adhesion stage, G3 changes the properties of bacterial surfaces, such as charges, hydrophobicity, and permeability, by rapidly binding to them, thus interfering with their initial adhesion. In the mature stage, G3 prefers to target extracellular polysaccharides, leading to the death of outside bacteria and the disruption of the three-dimensional (3D) architecture of the bacterial biofilm. Such efficient antibiofilm activity of G3 endows it with great potential in the treatment of infections induced by the S. epidermidis biofilm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuixia Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, China University of Petroleum (East China), 66 Changjiang West Road, Qingdao 266580, China
| | - Qilong Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, China University of Petroleum (East China), 66 Changjiang West Road, Qingdao 266580, China
| | - Yangyang Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, China University of Petroleum (East China), 66 Changjiang West Road, Qingdao 266580, China
| | - Jingyun Tian
- Marine Science Research Institute of Shandong Province (National Oceanographic Center, Qingdao), 7 Youyun Road, Laoshan District, Qingdao 266104, China
| | - Yusen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, China University of Petroleum (East China), 66 Changjiang West Road, Qingdao 266580, China
| | - Tianling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, China University of Petroleum (East China), 66 Changjiang West Road, Qingdao 266580, China
| | - Chen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, China University of Petroleum (East China), 66 Changjiang West Road, Qingdao 266580, China
| | - Yurong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, China University of Petroleum (East China), 66 Changjiang West Road, Qingdao 266580, China
| | - Hai Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, China University of Petroleum (East China), 66 Changjiang West Road, Qingdao 266580, China
| | - Xinglong Fan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao 266035, China
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17
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Wongchai M, Wongkaewkhiaw S, Kanthawong S, Roytrakul S, Aunpad R. Dual-function antimicrobial-antibiofilm peptide hybrid to tackle biofilm-forming Staphylococcus epidermidis. Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob 2024; 23:44. [PMID: 38755634 PMCID: PMC11100219 DOI: 10.1186/s12941-024-00701-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to their resistance and difficulty in treatment, biofilm-associated infections are problematic among hospitalized patients globally and account for 60% of all bacterial infections in humans. Antibiofilm peptides have recently emerged as an alternative treatment since they can be effectively designed and exert a different mode of biofilm inhibition and eradication. METHODS A novel antibiofilm peptide, BiF, was designed from the conserved sequence of 18 α-helical antibiofilm peptides by template-assisted technique and its activity was improved by hybridization with a lipid binding motif (KILRR). Novel antibiofilm peptide derivatives were modified by substituting hydrophobic amino acids at positions 5 or 7, and both, with positively charged lysines (L5K, L7K). These peptide derivatives were tested for antibiofilm and antimicrobial activities against biofilm-forming Staphylococcus epidermidis and multiple other microbes using crystal violet and broth microdilution assays, respectively. To assess their impact on mammalian cells, the toxicity of peptides was determined through hemolysis and cytotoxicity assays. The stability of candidate peptide, BiF2_5K7K, was assessed in human serum and its secondary structure in bacterial membrane-like environments was analyzed using circular dichroism. The action of BiF2_5K7K on planktonic S. epidermidis and its effect on biofilm cell viability were assessed via viable counting assays. Its biofilm inhibition mechanism was investigated through confocal laser scanning microscopy and transcription analysis. Additionally, its ability to eradicate mature biofilms was examined using colony counting. Finally, a preliminary evaluation involved coating a catheter with BiF2_5K7K to assess its preventive efficacy against S. epidermidis biofilm formation on the catheter and its surrounding area. RESULTS BiF2_5K7K, the modified antibiofilm peptide, exhibited dose-dependent antibiofilm activity against S. epidermidis. It inhibited biofilm formation at subinhibitory concentrations by altering S. epidermidis extracellular polysaccharide production and quorum-sensing gene expression. Additionally, it exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and no significant hemolysis or toxicity against mammalian cell lines was observed. Its activity is retained when exposed to human serum. In bacterial membrane-like environments, this peptide formed an α-helix amphipathic structure. Within 4 h, a reduction in the number of S. epidermidis colonies was observed, demonstrating the fast action of this peptide. As a preliminary test, a BiF2_5K7K-coated catheter was able to prevent the development of S. epidermidis biofilm both on the catheter surface and in its surrounding area. CONCLUSIONS Due to the safety and effectiveness of BiF2_5K7K, we suggest that this peptide be further developed to combat biofilm infections, particularly those of biofilm-forming S. epidermidis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathira Wongchai
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Saharut Wongkaewkhiaw
- School of Dentistry, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sakawrat Kanthawong
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Sittiruk Roytrakul
- Functional Proteomics Technology Laboratory, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Ratchaneewan Aunpad
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand.
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18
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Lim BY, Azmi F, Ng SF. LL37 Microspheres Loaded on Activated Carbon-chitosan Hydrogel: Anti-bacterial and Anti-toxin Wound Dressing for Chronic Wound Infections. AAPS PharmSciTech 2024; 25:110. [PMID: 38740721 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-024-02826-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptide LL37 is a promising antibacterial candidate due to its potent antimicrobial activity with no known bacterial resistance. However, intrinsically LL37 is susceptible to degradation in wound fluids limits its effectiveness. Bacterial toxins which are released after cell lysis are found to hinder wound healing. To address these challenges, encapsulating LL37 in microspheres (MS) and loading the MS onto activated carbon (AC)-chitosan (CS) hydrogel. This advanced wound dressing not only protects LL37 from degradation but also targets bacterial toxins, aiding in the healing of chronic wound infections. First, LL37 MS and LL37-AC-CS hydrogel were prepared and characterised in terms of physicochemical properties, drug release, and peptide-polymer compatibility. Antibacterial and antibiofilm activity, bacterial toxin elimination, cell migration, and cell cytotoxicity activities were investigated. LL37-AC-CS hydrogel was effective against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. LL37-AC-CS hydrogel bound more endotoxin than AC with CS hydrogel alone. The hydrogel also induced cell migration after 72 h and showed no cytotoxicity towards NHDF after 72 h of treatment. In conclusion, the LL37-AC-CS hydrogel was shown to be a stable, non-toxic advanced wound dressing method with enhanced antimicrobial and antitoxin activity, and it can potentially be applied to chronic wound infections to accelerate wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bee-Yee Lim
- National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency, 36, Jalan Profesor Diraja Ungku Aziz, PJS 13, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, 46200, Malaysia
- Centre for Drug Delivery Technology and Vaccine, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia
| | - Fazren Azmi
- Centre for Drug Delivery Technology and Vaccine, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia
| | - Shiow-Fern Ng
- Centre for Drug Delivery Technology and Vaccine, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia.
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19
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Ralhan K, Iyer KA, Diaz LL, Bird R, Maind A, Zhou QA. Navigating Antibacterial Frontiers: A Panoramic Exploration of Antibacterial Landscapes, Resistance Mechanisms, and Emerging Therapeutic Strategies. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:1483-1519. [PMID: 38691668 PMCID: PMC11091902 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
The development of effective antibacterial solutions has become paramount in maintaining global health in this era of increasing bacterial threats and rampant antibiotic resistance. Traditional antibiotics have played a significant role in combating bacterial infections throughout history. However, the emergence of novel resistant strains necessitates constant innovation in antibacterial research. We have analyzed the data on antibacterials from the CAS Content Collection, the largest human-curated collection of published scientific knowledge, which has proven valuable for quantitative analysis of global scientific knowledge. Our analysis focuses on mining the CAS Content Collection data for recent publications (since 2012). This article aims to explore the intricate landscape of antibacterial research while reviewing the advancement from traditional antibiotics to novel and emerging antibacterial strategies. By delving into the resistance mechanisms, this paper highlights the need to find alternate strategies to address the growing concern.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Leilani Lotti Diaz
- CAS,
A Division of the American Chemical Society, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Robert Bird
- CAS,
A Division of the American Chemical Society, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Ankush Maind
- ACS
International India Pvt. Ltd., Pune 411044, India
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20
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Larwood DJ, Stevens DA. Antifungal Activity of Brilacidin, a Nonpeptide Host Defense Molecule. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:405. [PMID: 38786134 PMCID: PMC11117233 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13050405] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural host defensins, also sometimes termed antimicrobial peptides, are evolutionarily conserved. They have been studied as antimicrobials, but some pharmaceutical properties, undesirable for clinical use, have led to the development of synthetic molecules with constructed peptide arrangements and/or peptides not found in nature. The leading development currently is synthetic small-molecule nonpeptide mimetics, whose physical properties capture the characteristics of the natural molecules and share their biological attributes. We studied brilacidin, an arylamide of this type, for its activity in vitro against fungi (40 clinical isolates, 20 species) that the World Health Organization has highlighted as problem human pathogens. We found antifungal activity at low concentrations for many pathogens, which indicates that further screening for activity, particularly in vivo, is justified to evaluate this compound, and other mimetics, as attractive leads for the development of effective antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J. Larwood
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA;
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA 95128, USA
- Valley Fever Solutions, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
| | - David A. Stevens
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA 95128, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University Medical School, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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21
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Huidrom S, Mukherjee PK, Devi SI. Antimicrobial and Probiotic Potential of Lactobacilli Associated with Traditional Fermented Beverages. Curr Microbiol 2024; 81:137. [PMID: 38597994 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-024-03656-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Fermented foods have been recognized as a source of probiotic bacteria which can have a positive effect when administered to humans and animals. Discovering new probiotics in fermented food products poses a global economic and health importance. In this study, we investigated the antimicrobial and probiotic potential of lactobacilli isolated from fermented beverages produced traditionally by ethnic groups in Northeast India. Out of thirty Lactobacilli, fifteen exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter aerogenes with significant anti-biofilm and anti-quorum sensing activity. These isolates also showed characteristics associated with probiotic properties, such as tolerance to low pH and bile salts, survival in the gastric tract, auto-aggregation, and hydrophobicity without exhibiting hemolysis formation or resistance to certain antibiotics. The isolates were identified using gram staining, biochemical tests, and 16S rDNA sequencing. They exhibited probiotic potential, broad-spectrum of antibacterial activity, promising anti-biofilm, anti-quorum sensing activity, non-hemolytic, and tolerance to acidic pH and bile salts. Overall, four specific Lactobacillus isolates, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum BRD3A and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei RB10OW from fermented rice-based beverage, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum RB30Y and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei MP11A from traditional local curd demonstrated potent antimicrobial and probiotic properties. These findings suggest that these lactobacilli isolates from fermented beverages have the potential to be used as probiotics with therapeutic benefits, highlighting the importance of traditional fermented foods for promoting gut health and infectious disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surmani Huidrom
- Microbial Resources Division, Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Takyelpat, Imphal, Manipur, 795001, India
- School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751024, India
| | - Pulok K Mukherjee
- Microbial Resources Division, Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Takyelpat, Imphal, Manipur, 795001, India
| | - Sarangthem Indira Devi
- Microbial Resources Division, Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Takyelpat, Imphal, Manipur, 795001, India.
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22
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Thomas AM, Antony SP. Marine Antimicrobial Peptides: An Emerging Nightmare to the Life-Threatening Pathogens. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2024; 16:552-578. [PMID: 37022565 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-023-10061-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens due to improper usage of conventional antibiotics has created a global health crisis. Alternatives to antibiotics being an urgent need, the scientific community is forced to search for new antimicrobials. This exploration has led to the discovery of antimicrobial peptides, a group of small peptides occurring in different phyla such as Porifera, Cnidaria, Annelida, Arthropoda, Mollusca, Echinodermata, and Chordata, as a component of their innate immune system. The marine environment, possessing immense diversity of organisms, is undoubtedly one of the richest sources of unique potential antimicrobial peptides. The distinctiveness of marine antimicrobial peptides lies in their broad-spectrum activity, mechanism of action, less cytotoxicity, and high stability, which form the benchmark for developing a potential therapeutic. This review aims to (1) synthesise the available information on the distinctive antimicrobial peptides discovered from marine organisms, particularly over the last decade, and (2) discuss the distinctiveness of marine antimicrobial peptides and their prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Maria Thomas
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi, Kerala, 682016, India
| | - Swapna P Antony
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi, Kerala, 682016, India.
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23
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Alahyaribeik S, Nazarpour M. Peptide recovery from chicken feather keratin and their anti-biofilm properties against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 40:123. [PMID: 38441817 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-024-03921-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Bacteria have the potential to adhere to abiotic surfaces, which has an undesirable effect in the food industry because they can survive for sustained periods through biofilm formation. In this study, an antibacterial peptide (ABP), with a molecular mass of 3861 Da, was purified from hydrolyzed chicken feathers using a locally isolated keratinolytic bacterium, namely Rhodococcus erythropolis, and its antibacterial and antibiofilm potential were investigated against planktonic and biofilm cells of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA). The results demonstrated that purified ABP showed the growth inhibition of MRSA cells with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 45 µg/ml and disrupted MRSA biofilm formation at a concentration of 200 ug/ml, which results were confirmed by scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Moreover, the secondary structures of the peptide were assessed as part of the FTIR analysis to evaluate its mode of action. ExPASy tools were used to predict the ABP sequence, EPCVQUQDSRVVIQPSPVVVVTLPGPILSSFPQNTA, from a chicken feather keratin sequence database following in silico digestion by trypsin. Also, ABP had 54.29% hydrophobic amino acids, potentially contributing to its antimicrobial activity. The findings of toxicity prediction of the peptide by the ToxinPred tool revealed that ABP had non-toxic effects. Thus, these results support the potential of this peptide to be used as an antimicrobial agent for the treatment or prevention of MRSA biofilm formation in feed, food, or pharmaceutical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Alahyaribeik
- Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology Department, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Madineh Nazarpour
- Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology Department, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
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24
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Chen X, Yang J, Qu C, Zhang Q, Sun S, Liu L. Anti- Staphylococcus aureus effects of natural antimicrobial peptides and the underlying mechanisms. Future Microbiol 2024; 19:355-372. [PMID: 38440873 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2023-0168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus can cause localized infections such as abscesses and pneumonia, as well as systemic infections such as bacteremia and sepsis. Especially, methicillin-resistant S. aureus often presents multidrug resistance, which becomes a major clinical challenge. One of the most common reasons for methicillin-resistant S. aureus antibiotic resistance is the presence of biofilms. Natural antimicrobial peptides derived from different species have shown effectiveness in combating S. aureus biofilms. In this review, we summarize the inhibitory activity of antimicrobial peptides against S. aureus planktonic cells and biofilms. We also summarize the possible inhibitory mechanisms, involving cell adhesion inhibition, membrane fracture, biofilm disruption and DNA disruption. We believe this can provide the basis for further research against S. aureus biofilm-associated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqi Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiuli Yang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Shandong Engineering & Technology Research Center for Pediatric Drug Development, Shandong Medicine & Health Key Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy, Jinan, 250014, People's Republic of China
| | - Chang Qu
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Daxing District Hospital of Integrated Chinese & Western Medicine. Beijing, 102600, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Shujuan Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Second Provincial General Hospital. Jinan, 250022, People's Republic of China
| | - Lihong Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
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25
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Surekha S, Lamiyan AK, Gupta V. Antibiotic Resistant Biofilms and the Quest for Novel Therapeutic Strategies. Indian J Microbiol 2024; 64:20-35. [PMID: 38468748 PMCID: PMC10924852 DOI: 10.1007/s12088-023-01138-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the major leading causes of death around the globe. Present treatment pipelines are insufficient to overcome the critical situation. Prominent biofilm forming human pathogens which can thrive in infection sites using adaptive features results in biofilm persistence. Considering the present scenario, prudential investigations into the mechanisms of resistance target them to improve antibiotic efficacy is required. Regarding this, developing newer and effective treatment options using edge cutting technologies in medical research is the need of time. The reasons underlying the adaptive features in biofilm persistence have been centred on different metabolic and physiological aspects. The high tolerance levels against antibiotics direct researchers to search for novel bioactive molecules that can help combat the problem. In view of this, the present review outlines the focuses on an opportunity of different strategies which are in testing pipeline can thus be developed into products ready to use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saumya Surekha
- Department of Biochemistry, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | | | - Varsha Gupta
- GMCH: Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India
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26
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Juszczuk-Kubiak E. Molecular Aspects of the Functioning of Pathogenic Bacteria Biofilm Based on Quorum Sensing (QS) Signal-Response System and Innovative Non-Antibiotic Strategies for Their Elimination. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2655. [PMID: 38473900 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the key mechanisms enabling bacterial cells to create biofilms and regulate crucial life functions in a global and highly synchronized way is a bacterial communication system called quorum sensing (QS). QS is a bacterial cell-to-cell communication process that depends on the bacterial population density and is mediated by small signalling molecules called autoinducers (AIs). In bacteria, QS controls the biofilm formation through the global regulation of gene expression involved in the extracellular polymeric matrix (EPS) synthesis, virulence factor production, stress tolerance and metabolic adaptation. Forming biofilm is one of the crucial mechanisms of bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR). A common feature of human pathogens is the ability to form biofilm, which poses a serious medical issue due to their high susceptibility to traditional antibiotics. Because QS is associated with virulence and biofilm formation, there is a belief that inhibition of QS activity called quorum quenching (QQ) may provide alternative therapeutic methods for treating microbial infections. This review summarises recent progress in biofilm research, focusing on the mechanisms by which biofilms, especially those formed by pathogenic bacteria, become resistant to antibiotic treatment. Subsequently, a potential alternative approach to QS inhibition highlighting innovative non-antibiotic strategies to control AMR and biofilm formation of pathogenic bacteria has been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edyta Juszczuk-Kubiak
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Molecular Engineering, Department of Microbiology, Prof. Wacław Dąbrowski Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology-State Research Institute, Rakowiecka 36 Street, 02-532 Warsaw, Poland
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Zhao L, Li L, Hu M, Fang Y, Dong N, Shan A. Heterologous expression of the novel dimeric antimicrobial peptide LIG in Pichia pastoris. J Biotechnol 2024; 381:19-26. [PMID: 38181981 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2023.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
The antimicrobial peptide (AMP) LI is a fusion product of antimicrobial peptide LL37 produced by human neutrophils and Indolicidin secreted by bovine neutrophils. LI retained the antimicrobial activity of the parental peptides and showed high cell selectivity. In this study, the flexible linker Gly-Ser-Gly (G-S-G) was used to ligate LI into dimeric LIG, and constructed the Pichia pastoris (P. pastoris) expression vector pPIC9K-6×His-3×FLAG-LIG. The total protein expression of P. pastoris GS115 reached the highest level (189.6 mg/L) after 96 h induction with 3 % methanol at the initial pH value of 7.0. Finally, 5.9 mg/L of recombinant LIG (rLIG) was obtained after enterokinase digestion and purification. The rLIG had high antimicrobial activity and low hemolytic activity. Compared with monomer LI, GSG linked dimeric LIG, which had no significant change in antimicrobial activity and had good salt ions stability. In this study, the dimeric antimicrobial peptide LIG was successfully expressed, which provided a new idea for the expression of AMPs in the P. pastoris expression system, and had important significance for the application of AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Ling Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Mingyang Hu
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Yuxin Fang
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Na Dong
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, PR China.
| | - Anshan Shan
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, PR China
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Liu Y, Long S, Wang H, Wang Y. Biofilm therapy for chronic wounds. Int Wound J 2024; 21:e14667. [PMID: 38339793 PMCID: PMC10858329 DOI: 10.1111/iwj.14667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic wounds have been a major factor of serious harm to global public health. At present, it is known that almost all chronic wounds contain biofilms, which seriously hinder the healing process. Removal of biofilms can effectively promote the healing of chronic wounds. As the study of wound biofilms deepens, many new treatment methods have emerged, thus bringing revolutionary means for the treatment of chronic wound biofilm. This review summarizes various methods for the treatment of chronic wound biofilm worldwide to provide a theoretical summary and practical basis for the selection of suitable wound biofilm treatment methods in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Center of Gastrointestinal and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Third People's Hospital of ChengduAffiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong UniversityChengduChina
| | - Shengyong Long
- Department of TraumatologyTongren People's HospitalTongrenChina
| | - Hanfeng Wang
- Plastic Surgery DepartmentXi'an International Medical Center HospitalXi'anChina
| | - Yan Wang
- Center of Gastrointestinal and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Third People's Hospital of ChengduAffiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong UniversityChengduChina
- Medical Research Center, The Third People's Hospital of ChengduAffiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong UniversityChengduChina
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Grooters KE, Ku JC, Richter DM, Krinock MJ, Minor A, Li P, Kim A, Sawyer R, Li Y. Strategies for combating antibiotic resistance in bacterial biofilms. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1352273. [PMID: 38322672 PMCID: PMC10846525 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1352273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Biofilms, which are complexes of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces and secrete protective extracellular matrices, wield substantial influence across diverse domains such as medicine, industry, and environmental science. Despite ongoing challenges posed by biofilms in clinical medicine, research in this field remains dynamic and indeterminate. This article provides a contemporary assessment of biofilms and their treatment, with a focus on recent advances, to chronicle the evolving landscape of biofilm research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla E. Grooters
- Department of Medicine, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Jennifer C. Ku
- Department of Medicine, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - David M. Richter
- Department of Medicine, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Matthew J. Krinock
- Department of Medicine, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Ashley Minor
- Department of Medicine, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Patrick Li
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Audrey Kim
- Department of Medicine, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Robert Sawyer
- Department of Surgery, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Yong Li
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
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van Hoek ML, Alsaab FM, Carpenter AM. GATR-3, a Peptide That Eradicates Preformed Biofilms of Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 13:39. [PMID: 38247598 PMCID: PMC10812447 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13010039] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is a gram-negative bacterium that causes hospital-acquired and opportunistic infections, resulting in pneumonia, sepsis, and severe wound infections that can be difficult to treat due to antimicrobial resistance and the formation of biofilms. There is an urgent need to develop novel antimicrobials to tackle the rapid increase in antimicrobial resistance, and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent an additional class of potential agents with direct antimicrobial and/or host-defense activating activities. In this study, we present GATR-3, a synthetic, designed AMP that was modified from a cryptic peptide discovered in American alligator, as our lead peptide to target multidrug-resistant (MDR) A. baumannii. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and antibiofilm assays were performed to assess GATR-3 against a panel of 8 MDR A. baumannii strains, including AB5075 and some clinical strains. The GATR-3 mechanism of action was determined to be via loss of membrane integrity as measured by DiSC3(5) and ethidium bromide assays. GATR-3 exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against all tested multidrug-resistant A. baumannii strains with rapid killing. Biofilms are difficult to treat and eradicate. Excitingly, GATR-3 inhibited biofilm formation and, more importantly, eradicated preformed biofilms of MDR A. baumannii AB5075, as evidenced by MBEC assays and scanning electron micrographs. GATR3 did not induce resistance in MDR A. baumannii, unlike colistin. Additionally, the toxicity of GATR-3 was evaluated using human red blood cells, HepG2 cells, and waxworms using hemolysis and MTT assays. GATR-3 demonstrated little to no cytotoxicity against HepG2 and red blood cells, even at 100 μg/mL. GATR-3 injection showed little toxicity in the waxworm model, resulting in a 90% survival rate. The therapeutic index of GATR-3 was estimated (based on the HC50/MIC against human RBCs) to be 1250. Overall, GATR-3 is a promising candidate to advance to preclinical testing to potentially treat MDR A. baumannii infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique L. van Hoek
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Fahad M. Alsaab
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Al Ahsa 36428, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashley M. Carpenter
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
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Zhang ZJ, Cole C, Lin H, Wu C, Haro F, McSpadden E, van der Donk WA, Pamer EG. Exposure and resistance to lantibiotics impact microbiota composition and function. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.30.573728. [PMID: 38234830 PMCID: PMC10793476 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.30.573728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
The intestinal microbiota is composed of hundreds of distinct microbial species that interact with each other and their mammalian host. Antibiotic exposure dramatically impacts microbiota compositions and leads to acquisition of antibiotic-resistance genes. Lantibiotics are ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides produced by some bacterial strains to inhibit the growth of competing bacteria. Nisin A is a lantibiotic produced by Lactococcus lactis that is commonly added to food products to reduce contamination with Gram-positive pathogens. Little is known, however, about lantibiotic-resistance of commensal bacteria inhabiting the human intestine. Herein, we demonstrate that Nisin A administration to mice alters fecal microbiome compositions and the concentration of taurine-conjugated primary bile acids. Lantibiotic Resistance System genes (LRS) are encoded by lantibiotic-producing bacterial strains but, we show, are also prevalent in microbiomes across human cohorts spanning vastly different lifestyles and 5 continents. Bacterial strains encoding LRS have enhanced in vivo fitness upon dietary exposure to Nisin A but reduced fitness in the absence of lantibiotic pressure. Differential binding of host derived, secreted IgA contributes to fitness discordance between bacterial strains encoding or lacking LRS. Although LRS are associated with mobile genetic elements, sequence comparisons of LRS encoded by distinct bacterial species suggest they have been long-term components of their respective genomes. Our study reveals the prevalence, abundance and physiologic significance of an underappreciated subset of antimicrobial resistance genes encoded by commensal bacterial species constituting the human gut microbiome, and provides insights that will guide development of microbiome augmenting strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenrun J Zhang
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, 900 E. 57th St, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Department of Microbiology, Biological Sciences Division, University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Cody Cole
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, 900 E. 57th St, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Department of Microbiology, Biological Sciences Division, University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Huaiying Lin
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, 900 E. 57th St, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Chunyu Wu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, IL 61801, USA
| | - Fidel Haro
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, 900 E. 57th St, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Emma McSpadden
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, 900 E. 57th St, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Wilfred A van der Donk
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, IL 61801, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, IL 61801, USA
| | - Eric G Pamer
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, 900 E. 57th St, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases & Global Health, University of Chicago Medicine, 5841 South Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Department of Microbiology, Biological Sciences Division, University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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Li L, Li J, Yu X, Cao R, Hong M, Xu Z, Ren Lu J, Wang Y, Zhu H. Antimicrobial peptides fight against Pseudomonas aeruginosa at a sub-inhibitory concentration via anti-QS pathway. Bioorg Chem 2023; 141:106922. [PMID: 37865056 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
The broad-spectrum antimicrobial ability of de novo designed amphiphilic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) G(IIKK)3I-NH2 (G3) and C8-G(IIKK)2I-NH2 (C8G2) have been demonstrated. Nonetheless, their potential as anti-quorum-sensing (anti-QS) agents, particularly against the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa at subinhibitory concentrations, has received limited attention. In this study, we proved that treating P. aeruginosa PAO1 with both AMPs at subinhibitory concentrations led to significant inhibition of QS-regulated virulence factors, including pyocyanin, elastase, proteases, and bacterial motility. Additionally, the AMPs exhibited remarkable capabilities in suppressing biofilm formation and their elimination rate of mature biofilm exceeded 95%. Moreover, both AMPs substantially downregulated the expression of QS-related genes. CD analysis revealed that both AMPs induced structural alterations in the important QS-related protein LasR in vitro. Molecular docking results indicated that both peptides bind to the hydrophobic groove of the LasR dimer. Notably, upon mutating key binding sites (D5, E11, and F87) to Ala, the binding efficiency of LasR to both peptides significantly decreased. We revealed the potential of antibacterial peptides G3 and C8G2 at their sub-MIC concentrations as QS inhibitors against P. aeruginosa and elucidated their action mechanism. These findings contribute to our understanding of the therapeutic potential of these peptides in combating P. aeruginosa infections by targeting the QS system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Fujian-Taiwan Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Industrial Biocatalysis, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jiaxin Li
- Fujian-Taiwan Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Industrial Biocatalysis, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaodan Yu
- Fujian-Taiwan Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Industrial Biocatalysis, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Ruipin Cao
- Fujian-Taiwan Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Industrial Biocatalysis, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Meiling Hong
- Fujian-Taiwan Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Industrial Biocatalysis, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Zuxian Xu
- Fujian-Taiwan Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Industrial Biocatalysis, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jian Ren Lu
- Biological Physics Group, Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Yinglu Wang
- Fujian-Taiwan Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Industrial Biocatalysis, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, Beijing, China.
| | - Hu Zhu
- Fujian-Taiwan Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Industrial Biocatalysis, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
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Zhang T, Luo X, Xu K, Zhong W. Peptide-containing nanoformulations: Skin barrier penetration and activity contribution. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 203:115139. [PMID: 37951358 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115139] [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] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Transdermal drug delivery presents a less invasive pathway, circumventing the need to pass through the gastrointestinal tract and liver, thereby reducing drug breakdown, initial metabolism, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Nevertheless, the unique composition and dense structure of the stratum corneum present a significant barrier to transdermal delivery. This article presents an overview of the current developments in peptides and nanotechnology to address this challenge. Initially, we sum up peptide-containing nanoformulations for transdermal drug delivery, examining them through the lenses of both inorganic and organic materials. Particular emphasis is placed on the diverse roles that peptides play within these nanoformulations, including conferring functionality upon nanocarriers and enhancing the biological efficacy of drugs. Subsequently, we summarize innovative strategies for enhancing skin penetration, categorizing them into passive and active approaches. Lastly, we discuss the therapeutic potential of peptide-containing nanoformulations in addressing a range of diseases, drawing insights from the biological activities and functions of peptides. Furthermore, the challenges hindering clinical translation are also discussed, providing valuable insights for future advancements in transdermal drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xuan Luo
- Department of Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Keming Xu
- Department of Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Key Laboratory of Biomedical Functional Materials, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Wenying Zhong
- Department of Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Key Laboratory of Biomedical Functional Materials, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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Mechesso AF, Su Y, Xie J, Wang G. Enhanced Antimicrobial Screening Sensitivity Enabled the Identification of an Ultrashort Peptide KR-8 for Engineering of LL-37mini to Combat Drug-Resistant Pathogens. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:2215-2225. [PMID: 37812567 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Identification of novel antibiotics is of top importance because of the threat of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Antimicrobial screening in Mueller-Hinton broth is frequently the first step in antimicrobial discovery. Although widely utilized, this medium is not ideal as it could mask activity of candidates such as human cathelicidin LL-37 against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This study identified a sensitive medium where LL-37 displayed excellent activity against numerous pathogens, including MRSA. Our screen of ultrashort overlapping LL-37 peptides in this medium led to the identification of KR-8, four residues shorter than KR-12. Hence, our screen condition may increase positive compound hits during antimicrobial screening. KR-8 provided an appealing template for us to design LL-37mini, which was potent against MRSA, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa but not toxic to mammalian cells. LL-37mini also inhibited bacterial attachment and biofilm formation and disrupted preformed biofilms in vitro and killed MRSA in murine wound biofilms in vivo. Consistent with membrane targeting, MRSA failed to develop resistance to LL-37mini in a multiple-passage experiment. Because LL-37mini can be made cost effectively, it can be developed into new antibiofilm and antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham Fikru Mechesso
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5900, United States
| | - Yajuan Su
- Department of Surgery-Transplant and Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
| | - Jingwei Xie
- Department of Surgery-Transplant and Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
| | - Guangshun Wang
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5900, United States
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van Gent ME, Schonkeren-Ravensbergen B, Achkif A, Beentjes D, Dolezal N, van Meijgaarden KE, Drijfhout JW, Nibbering PH. C-Terminal PEGylation Improves SAAP-148 Peptide's Immunomodulatory Activities. J Innate Immun 2023; 15:724-738. [PMID: 37725929 PMCID: PMC10601628 DOI: 10.1159/000534068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic antibacterial and anti-biofilm peptide (SAAP)-148 was developed to combat bacterial infections not effectively treatable with current antibiotics. SAAP-148 is highly effective against antimicrobial-resistant bacteria without inducing resistance; however, challenges for further development of SAAP-148 include its cytotoxicity and short circulation half-life. To circumvent these drawbacks, a library of SAAP-148 linked to polyethylene glycol (PEG) groups of various lengths was synthesized and screened for in vitro antibacterial activity and hemolytic activity. Results indicated that PEGylated SAAP-148 variants combine antibacterial activities with reduced hemolysis compared to SAAP-148. Interestingly, proinflammatory immunomodulatory activities of SAAP-148 were enhanced upon C-terminal PEGylation, with SAAP-148-PEG27 showing the most effect. SAAP-148-PEG27 enhanced SAAP-148's capacity to chemoattract human neutrophils and was able to more efficiently (re)direct M-CSF-induced monocyte-macrophage differentiation toward type 1 macrophages as opposed to SAAP-148. Furthermore, dendritic cells with a stronger mature expression profile were produced if monocytes were exposed to SAAP-148-PEG27 during monocyte-immature dendritic cell differentiation in comparison to SAAP-148. Parameters that influenced the immunomodulatory activities of the peptide-PEG conjugate include (i) the length of the PEG group, (ii) the position of PEG conjugation, and (iii) the peptide sequence. Together, these results indicate that SAAP-148-PEG27 is highly effective in redirecting monocyte-macrophage differentiation toward a proinflammatory phenotype and promoting monocyte-mature dendritic cell development. Therefore, SAAP-148-PEG27 may be a promising agent to modulate inadequate immune responses in case of tumors and chronically infected wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam E. van Gent
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Asma Achkif
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Daan Beentjes
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Natasja Dolezal
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jan Wouter Drijfhout
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Peter H. Nibbering
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Chen X, Su S, Yan Y, Yin L, Liu L. Anti- Pseudomonas aeruginosa activity of natural antimicrobial peptides when used alone or in combination with antibiotics. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1239540. [PMID: 37731929 PMCID: PMC10508351 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1239540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization has recently published a list of 12 drug-resistant bacteria that posed a significant threat to human health, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) was among them. In China, P. aeruginosa is a common pathogen in hospital acquired pneumonia, accounting for 16.9-22.0%. It is a ubiquitous opportunistic pathogen that can infect individuals with weakened immune systems, leading to hospital-acquired acute and systemic infections. The excessive use of antibiotics has led to the development of various mechanisms in P. aeruginosa to resist conventional drugs. Thus, there is an emergence of multidrug-resistant strains, posing a major challenge to conventional antibiotics and therapeutic approaches. Antimicrobial peptides are an integral component of host defense and have been found in many living organisms. Most antimicrobial peptides are characterized by negligible host toxicity and low resistance rates, making them become promising for use as antimicrobial products. This review particularly focuses on summarizing the inhibitory activity of natural antimicrobial peptides against P. aeruginosa planktonic cells and biofilms, as well as the drug interactions when these peptides used in combination with conventional antibiotics. Moreover, the underlying mechanism of these antimicrobial peptides against P. aeruginosa strains was mainly related to destroy the membrane structure through interacting with LPS or increasing ROS levels, or targeting cellular components, leaded to cell lysis. Hopefully, this analysis will provide valuable experimental data on developing novel compounds to combat P. aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqi Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shan Su
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Taian City Central Hospital of Qingdao University, Taian, China
| | - Yan Yan
- Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Limei Yin
- Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lihong Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
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Sathe N, Beech P, Croft L, Suphioglu C, Kapat A, Athan E. Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Infections and novel approaches to treatment "Knowing the enemy" the threat of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and exploring novel approaches to treatment. INFECTIOUS MEDICINE 2023; 2:178-194. [PMID: 38073886 PMCID: PMC10699684 DOI: 10.1016/j.imj.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an aerobic Gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium with a comparatively large genome and an impressive genetic capability allowing it to grow in a variety of environments and tolerate a wide range of physical conditions. This biological flexibility enables the P. aeruginosa to cause a broad range of infections in patients with serious underlying medical conditions, and to be a principal cause of health care associated infection worldwide. The clinical manifestations of P. aeruginosa include mostly health care associated infections and community-acquired infections. P. aeruginosa possesses an array of virulence factors that counteract host defence mechanisms. It can directly damage host tissue while utilizing high levels of intrinsic and acquired antimicrobial resistance mechanisms to counter most classes of antibiotics. P. aeruginosa co-regulates multiple resistance mechanisms by perpetually moving targets poses a significant therapeutic challenge. Thus, there is an urgent need for novel approaches in the development of anti-Pseudomonas agents. Here we review the principal infections caused by P. aeruginosa and we discuss novel therapeutic options to tackle antibiotic resistance and treatment of P. aeruginosa infections that may be further developed for clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Sathe
- Reliance Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., Dhirubhai Ambani Life Sciences Centre, Thane Belapur Road, Rabale, Navi Mumbai 400701, India
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood Victoria 3125, Australia
| | - Peter Beech
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood Victoria 3125, Australia
| | - Larry Croft
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood Victoria 3125, Australia
| | - Cenk Suphioglu
- NeuroAllergy Research Laboratory, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong Campus at Waurn Ponds, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - Arnab Kapat
- Reliance Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., Dhirubhai Ambani Life Sciences Centre, Thane Belapur Road, Rabale, Navi Mumbai 400701, India
| | - Eugene Athan
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, PO Box 281 Geelong 3220, Australia
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Alsaab FM, Dean SN, Bobde S, Ascoli GG, van Hoek ML. Computationally Designed AMPs with Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activity against MDR Acinetobacter baumannii. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1396. [PMID: 37760693 PMCID: PMC10525135 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12091396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of new antimicrobials is necessary to combat multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, especially those that infect wounds and form prodigious biofilms, such as Acinetobacter baumannii. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a promising class of new therapeutics against drug-resistant bacteria, including gram-negatives. Here, we utilized a computational AMP design strategy combining database filtering technology plus positional analysis to design a series of novel peptides, named HRZN, designed to be active against A. baumannii. All of the HRZN peptides we synthesized exhibited antimicrobial activity against three MDR A. baumannii strains with HRZN-15 being the most active (MIC 4 µg/mL). This peptide also inhibited and eradicated biofilm of A. baumannii strain AB5075 at 8 and 16 µg/mL, which is highly effective. HRZN-15 permeabilized and depolarized the membrane of AB5075 rapidly, as demonstrated by the killing kinetics. HRZN 13 and 14 peptides had little to no hemolysis activity against human red blood cells, whereas HRZN-15, -16, and -17 peptides demonstrated more significant hemolytic activity. HRZN-15 also demonstrated toxicity to waxworms. Further modification of HRZN-15 could result in a new peptide with an improved toxicity profile. Overall, we successfully designed a set of new AMPs that demonstrated activity against MDR A. baumannii using a computational approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahad M. Alsaab
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA (S.B.)
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Al Ahsa 36428, Saudi Arabia
| | - Scott N. Dean
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, USA
| | - Shravani Bobde
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA (S.B.)
| | - Gabriel G. Ascoli
- Aspiring Scientist Summer Internship Program, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Monique L. van Hoek
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA (S.B.)
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
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Song YQ, Kyung SM, Kim S, Kim G, Lee SY, Yoo HS. Effects of synthetic peptide RP557 and its origin, LL-37, on carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0043023. [PMID: 37555659 PMCID: PMC10581083 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00430-23] [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: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common bacterium in nosocomial infection. The biofilm-forming ability and antimicrobial resistance make P. aeruginosa biofilm infection refractory to patients requiring hospitalization, especially patients in the intensive care unit. Therefore, many alternative compounds have been developed. A newly synthesized peptide, RP557, derived from human cathelicidin LL-37, was evaluated for its antimicrobial and antibiofilm effect toward carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa (CRPA). The results showed that regardless of the resistance to carbapenems, the minimal inhibition concentrations of RP557 and LL-37 against P. aeruginosa were 32 µg/mL and 256 µg/mL, respectively. Both RP557 and LL-37 significantly reduced the P. aeruginosa biofilm mass at subMICs, while subMICs of carbapenems induced biofilm formation. RP557 could also remove approximately 50% of the mature biofilm at a concentration of 64 µg/mL, while 256 µg/mL LL-37 was needed to remove it. A quarter MIC of RP557 and LL-37 was used together with carbapenems (ertapenem, imipenem, and meropenem). The results show that both RP-557 and LL-37 might increase the susceptibility to CRPA by 4-16 times. Significant gene expression level changes were observed in RP557- or LL-37-treated CRPA. Confocal images showed that biofilm structures and biofilm cell viability were significantly reduced in the LL-37- or RP557-treated groups. Therefore, RP557 and its structural origin, LL-37, could be potential treatments for carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa infection, especially for chronic biofilm infection. IMPORTANCE Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the major pathogens of nosocomial infection. Combined its biofilm-forming ability with carbapenem-resistance, it is hard to handle P. aeruginosa infection, especially for patients requiring hospitalization. Antimicrobial peptide is a type of potential compound for bacterial infection treatment. Among these, RP557 was found effective in inhibiting biofilm previously. By assessing its effect on both carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa planktonic cells and biofilm, our results offered a potential treatment for carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa infection. It could be helpful to treat severe nosocomial infection related to carbapenem-resistant bacteria and increase the patients' survival rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Qi Song
- Department of Infectious Disease, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Min Kyung
- Department of Infectious Disease, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Suji Kim
- Department of Infectious Disease, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gun Kim
- Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmacology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - So Yeong Lee
- Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmacology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Han Sang Yoo
- Department of Infectious Disease, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Stillger L, Viau L, Holtmann D, Müller D. Antibiofilm assay for antimicrobial peptides combating the sulfate-reducing bacteria Desulfovibrio vulgaris. Microbiologyopen 2023; 12:e1376. [PMID: 37642483 PMCID: PMC10441178 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.1376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In medical, environmental, and industrial processes, the accumulation of bacteria in biofilms can disrupt many processes. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are receiving increasing attention in the development of new substances to avoid or reduce biofilm formation. There is a lack of parallel testing of the effect against biofilms in this area, as well as in the testing of other antibiofilm agents. In this paper, a high-throughput screening was developed for the analysis of the antibiofilm activity of AMPs, differentiated into inhibition and removal of a biofilm. The sulfate-reducing bacterium Desulfovibrio vulgaris was used as a model organism. D. vulgaris represents an undesirable bacterium, which is considered one of the major triggers of microbiologically influenced corrosion. The application of a 96-well plate and steel rivets as a growth surface realizes real-life conditions and at the same time establishes a flexible, simple, fast, and cost-effective assay. All peptides tested in this study demonstrated antibiofilm activity, although these peptides should be individually selected depending on the addressed aim. For biofilm inhibition, the peptide DASamP1 is the most suitable, with a sustained effect for up to 21 days. The preferred peptides for biofilm removal are S6L3-33, in regard to bacteria reduction, and Bactenecin, regarding total biomass reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Stillger
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical TechnologyUniversity of Applied Sciences MittelhessenGiessenGermany
| | - Lucile Viau
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical TechnologyUniversity of Applied Sciences MittelhessenGiessenGermany
| | - Dirk Holtmann
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical TechnologyUniversity of Applied Sciences MittelhessenGiessenGermany
- Institute of Process Engineering in Life SciencesKarlsruhe Institute of TechnologyKarlsruheGermany
| | - Daniela Müller
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical TechnologyUniversity of Applied Sciences MittelhessenGiessenGermany
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology and BiopharmacyPhilipps‐University MarburgMarburgGermany
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Witzany C, Rolff J, Regoes RR, Igler C. The pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modelling framework as a tool to predict drug resistance evolution. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2023; 169:001368. [PMID: 37522891 PMCID: PMC10433423 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PKPD) models, which describe how drug concentrations change over time and how that affects pathogen growth, have proven highly valuable in designing optimal drug treatments aimed at bacterial eradication. However, the fast rise of antimicrobial resistance calls for increased focus on an additional treatment optimization criterion: avoidance of resistance evolution. We demonstrate here how coupling PKPD and population genetics models can be used to determine treatment regimens that minimize the potential for antimicrobial resistance evolution. Importantly, the resulting modelling framework enables the assessment of resistance evolution in response to dynamic selection pressures, including changes in antimicrobial concentration and the emergence of adaptive phenotypes. Using antibiotics and antimicrobial peptides as an example, we discuss the empirical evidence and intuition behind individual model parameters. We further suggest several extensions of this framework that allow a more comprehensive and realistic prediction of bacterial escape from antimicrobials through various phenotypic and genetic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jens Rolff
- Evolutionary Biology, Institute for Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Roland R. Regoes
- Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Igler
- Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Ganesan N, Mishra B, Felix L, Mylonakis E. Antimicrobial Peptides and Small Molecules Targeting the Cell Membrane of Staphylococcus aureus. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2023; 87:e0003722. [PMID: 37129495 PMCID: PMC10304793 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00037-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical management of Staphylococcus aureus infections presents a challenge due to the high incidence, considerable virulence, and emergence of drug resistance mechanisms. The treatment of drug-resistant strains, such as methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), is further complicated by the development of tolerance and persistence to antimicrobial agents in clinical use. To address these challenges, membrane disruptors, that are not generally considered during drug discovery for agents against S. aureus, should be explored. The cell membrane protects S. aureus from external stresses and antimicrobial agents, but membrane-targeting antimicrobial agents are probably less likely to promote bacterial resistance. Nontypical linear cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), highly modified AMPs such as daptomycin (lipopeptide), bacitracin (cyclic peptide), and gramicidin S (cyclic peptide), are currently in clinical use. Recent studies have demonstrated that AMPs and small molecules can penetrate the cell membrane of S. aureus, inhibit phospholipid biosynthesis, or block the passage of solutes between the periplasm and the exterior of the cell. In addition to their primary mechanism of action (MOA) that targets the bacterial membrane, AMPs and small molecules may also impact bacteria through secondary mechanisms such as targeting the biofilm, and downregulating virulence genes of S. aureus. In this review, we discuss the current state of research into cell membrane-targeting AMPs and small molecules and their potential mechanisms of action against drug-resistant physiological forms of S. aureus, including persister cells and biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narchonai Ganesan
- Infectious Diseases Division, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Biswajit Mishra
- Infectious Diseases Division, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - LewisOscar Felix
- Infectious Diseases Division, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Eleftherios Mylonakis
- Infectious Diseases Division, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
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Zhang LM, Yang M, Zhou SW, Zhang H, Feng Y, Shi L, Li DS, Lu QM, Zhang ZH, Zhao M. Blapstin, a Diapause-Specific Peptide-Like Peptide from the Chinese Medicinal Beetle Blaps rhynchopetera, Has Antifungal Function. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0308922. [PMID: 37140456 PMCID: PMC10269622 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03089-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance against bacteria and fungi has become common in recent years, and it is urgent to discover novel antimicrobial peptides to manage this problem. Many antimicrobial peptides from insects have been reported to have antifungal activity and are candidate molecules in the treatment of human diseases. In the present study, we characterized an antifungal peptide named blapstin that was isolated from the Chinese medicinal beetle Blaps rhynchopetera used in folk medicine. The complete coding sequence was cloned from the cDNA library prepared from the midgut of B. rhynchopetera. It is a 41-amino-acid diapause-specific peptide (DSP)-like peptide stabilized by three disulfide bridges and shows antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Trichophyton rubrum with MICs of 7 μM and 5.3 μM, respectively. The C. albicans and T. rubrum treated with blapstin showed irregular and shrunken cell membranes. In addition, blapstin inhibited the activity of C. albicans biofilm and showed little hemolytic or toxic activity on human cells and it is highly expressed in the fat body, followed by the hemolymph, midgut, muscle, and defensive glands. These results indicate that blapstin may help insects fight against fungi and showed a potential application in the development of antifungal reagents. IMPORTANCE Candida albicans is one of the conditional pathogenic fungi causing severe nosocomial infections. Trichophyton rubrum and other skin fungi are the main pathogens of superficial cutaneous fungal diseases, especially in children and the elderly. At present, antibiotics such as amphotericin B, ketoconazole, and fluconazole are the main drugs for the clinical treatment of C. albicans and T. rubrum infections. However, these drugs have certain acute toxicity. Long-term use can increase kidney damage and other side effects. Therefore, obtaining broad-spectrum antifungal drugs with high efficiency and low toxicity for the treatment of C. albicans and T. rubrum infections is a top priority. Blapstin is an antifungal peptide which shows activity against C. albicans and T. rubrum. The discovery of blapstin provides a novel clue for our understanding of the innate immunity of Blaps rhynchopetera and provides a template for designing antifungal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- La-Mei Zhang
- Institute of Highland Forest Science, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming, China
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of Breeding and Utilization of Resource Insects, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Kunming, China
| | - Min Yang
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Sheng-Wen Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Feng
- Institute of Highland Forest Science, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory of Breeding and Utilization of Resource Insects, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Kunming, China
| | - Lei Shi
- Institute of Highland Forest Science, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory of Breeding and Utilization of Resource Insects, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Kunming, China
| | - Dong-Sheng Li
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Sino-African Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Science, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qiu-Min Lu
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Sino-African Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Science, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhong-He Zhang
- Institute of Highland Forest Science, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory of Breeding and Utilization of Resource Insects, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Kunming, China
| | - Min Zhao
- Institute of Highland Forest Science, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory of Breeding and Utilization of Resource Insects, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Kunming, China
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Ling KM, Stick SM, Kicic A. Pulmonary bacteriophage and cystic fibrosis airway mucus: friends or foes? Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1088494. [PMID: 37265479 PMCID: PMC10230084 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1088494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
For those born with cystic fibrosis (CF), hyper-concentrated mucus with a dysfunctional structure significantly impacts CF airways, providing a perfect environment for bacterial colonization and subsequent chronic infection. Early treatment with antibiotics limits the prevalence of bacterial pathogens but permanently alters the CF airway microenvironment, resulting in antibiotic resistance and other long-term consequences. With little investment into new traditional antibiotics, safe and effective alternative therapeutic options are urgently needed. One gathering significant traction is bacteriophage (phage) therapy. However, little is known about which phages are effective for respiratory infections, the dynamics involved between phage(s) and the host airway, and associated by-products, including mucus. Work utilizing gut cell models suggest that phages adhere to mucus components, reducing microbial colonization and providing non-host-derived immune protection. Thus, phages retained in the CF mucus layer result from the positive selection that enables them to remain in the mucus layer. Phages bind weakly to mucus components, slowing down the diffusion motion and increasing their chance of encountering bacterial species for subsequent infection. Adherence of phage to mucus could also facilitate phage enrichment and persistence within the microenvironment, resulting in a potent phage phenotype or vice versa. However, how the CF microenvironment responds to phage and impacts phage functionality remains unknown. This review discusses CF associated lung diseases, the impact of CF mucus, and chronic bacterial infection. It then discusses the therapeutic potential of phages, their dynamic relationship with mucus and whether this may enhance or hinder airway bacterial infections in CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kak-Ming Ling
- Wal-Yan Respiratory Research Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Occupation, Environment and Safety, School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Stephen Michael Stick
- Wal-Yan Respiratory Research Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Division of Paediatrics, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, The University of Western Australia and Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Anthony Kicic
- Wal-Yan Respiratory Research Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Occupation, Environment and Safety, School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, The University of Western Australia and Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA, Australia
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Li Y, Ma Y, Yu J, Li C, Yu D, Dai R, Li Q, Cao CY. A dual functional polypeptide with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties for the treatment of periodontitis. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 242:124920. [PMID: 37196724 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124920] [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] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Periodontitis has been reported as the sixth most prevalent disease in human beings. This destructive disease is closely related to systemic diseases. Existing local drug delivery systems for periodontitis suffer from poor antibacterial effect and drug resistance. Inspired by the pathogenesis of periodontitis, we implemented a strategy to construct a dual functional polypeptide LL37-C15, which exhibited remarkable antibacterial effect against P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans. In addition, LL37-C15 inhibits the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines by controlling the inflammatory pathway and reversing macrophage M1. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory effect of LL37-C15 was also verified in vivo in a periodontitis rat model through the morphometry and histological observations of alveolar bone, hematoxylin-eosin, and Trap staining in gingival tissue. The results of molecular dynamics simulations showed that LL37-C15 could selectively destroy the bacterial cell membrane and protect the animal cell membrane in a self-destructive manner. The results showed that the polypeptide LL37-C15, as a novel promising therapeutic agent, exhibited a great potential for the periodontitis management. What's more, this dual functional polypeptide provides a promising strategy for building a multifunctional therapeutic platform against the inflammation and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuexiang Li
- Stomatologic Hospital & College, Anhui Medical University, Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yunfeng Ma
- Stomatologic Hospital & College, Anhui Medical University, Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jianan Yu
- Stomatologic Hospital & College, Anhui Medical University, Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Cancan Li
- Stomatologic Hospital & College, Anhui Medical University, Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Da Yu
- Stomatologic Hospital & College, Anhui Medical University, Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ruoxi Dai
- Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Department of Comprehensive Care, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Quanli Li
- Stomatologic Hospital & College, Anhui Medical University, Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Chris Ying Cao
- Stomatologic Hospital & College, Anhui Medical University, Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Hefei 230032, China.
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Enright TP, Garcia DL, Storti G, Heindl JE, Sidorenko A. Synthesis and Antibiotic Activity of Chitosan-Based Comb-like Co-Polypeptides. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:md21040243. [PMID: 37103382 PMCID: PMC10143536 DOI: 10.3390/md21040243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria have been named one of the most urgent global health threats due to antimicrobial resistance. Considerable efforts have been made to develop new antibiotic drugs and investigate the mechanism of resistance. Recently, Anti-Microbial Peptides (AMPs) have served as a paradigm in the design of novel drugs that are active against multidrug-resistant organisms. AMPs are rapid-acting, potent, possess an unusually broad spectrum of activity, and have shown efficacy as topical agents. Unlike traditional therapeutics that interfere with essential bacterial enzymes, AMPs interact with microbial membranes through electrostatic interactions and physically damage cell integrity. However, naturally occurring AMPs have limited selectivity and modest efficacy. Therefore, recent efforts have focused on the development of synthetic AMP analogs with optimal pharmacodynamics and an ideal selectivity profile. Hence, this work explores the development of novel antimicrobial agents which mimic the structure of graft copolymers and mirror the mode of action of AMPs. A family of polymers comprised of chitosan backbone and AMP side chains were synthesized via the ring-opening polymerization of the N-carboxyanhydride of l-lysine and l-leucine. The polymerization was initiated from the functional groups of chitosan. The derivatives with random- and block-copolymer side chains were explored as drug targets. These graft copolymer systems exhibited activity against clinically significant pathogens and disrupted biofilm formation. Our studies highlight the potential of chitosan-graft-polypeptide structures in biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy P Enright
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Dominic L Garcia
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Gia Storti
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jason E Heindl
- Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA
| | - Alexander Sidorenko
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Agüero-Chapin G, Antunes A, Mora JR, Pérez N, Contreras-Torres E, Valdes-Martini JR, Martinez-Rios F, Zambrano CH, Marrero-Ponce Y. Complex Networks Analyses of Antibiofilm Peptides: An Emerging Tool for Next-Generation Antimicrobials' Discovery. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12040747. [PMID: 37107109 PMCID: PMC10135022 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12040747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial biofilms cause several environmental and industrial issues, even affecting human health. Although they have long represented a threat due to their resistance to antibiotics, there are currently no approved antibiofilm agents for clinical treatments. The multi-functionality of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), including their antibiofilm activity and their potential to target multiple microbes, has motivated the synthesis of AMPs and their relatives for developing antibiofilm agents for clinical purposes. Antibiofilm peptides (ABFPs) have been organized in databases that have allowed the building of prediction tools which have assisted in the discovery/design of new antibiofilm agents. However, the complex network approach has not yet been explored as an assistant tool for this aim. Herein, a kind of similarity network called the half-space proximal network (HSPN) is applied to represent/analyze the chemical space of ABFPs, aiming to identify privileged scaffolds for the development of next-generation antimicrobials that are able to target both planktonic and biofilm microbial forms. Such analyses also considered the metadata associated with the ABFPs, such as origin, other activities, targets, etc., in which the relationships were projected by multilayer networks called metadata networks (METNs). From the complex networks' mining, a reduced but informative set of 66 ABFPs was extracted, representing the original antibiofilm space. This subset contained the most central to atypical ABFPs, some of them having the desired properties for developing next-generation antimicrobials. Therefore, this subset is advisable for assisting the search for/design of both new antibiofilms and antimicrobial agents. The provided ABFP motifs list, discovered within the HSPN communities, is also useful for the same purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermin Agüero-Chapin
- CIIMAR/CIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, 4450-208 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Agostinho Antunes
- CIIMAR/CIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, 4450-208 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - José R Mora
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Colegio de Ciencias e Ingenierías "El Politécnico", Instituto de Simulación Computacional (ISC-USFQ), Diego de Robles y vía Interoceánica, Quito 170157, Pichincha, Ecuador
| | - Noel Pérez
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Colegio de Ciencias e Ingenierías "El Politécnico", Instituto de Simulación Computacional (ISC-USFQ), Diego de Robles y vía Interoceánica, Quito 170157, Pichincha, Ecuador
| | - Ernesto Contreras-Torres
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Grupo de Medicina Molecular y Traslacional (MeM&T), Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud (COCSA), Escuela de Medicina, Edificio de Especialidades Médicas and Instituto de Simulación Computacional (ISC-USFQ), Diego de Robles y vía Interoceánica, Quito 170157, Pichincha, Ecuador
| | | | - Felix Martinez-Rios
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Panamericana, Augusto Rodin No. 498, Insurgentes Mixcoac, Benito Juárez, Ciudad de México 03920, Mexico
| | - Cesar H Zambrano
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Colegio de Ciencias e Ingenierías "El Politécnico", Instituto de Simulación Computacional (ISC-USFQ), Diego de Robles y vía Interoceánica, Quito 170157, Pichincha, Ecuador
| | - Yovani Marrero-Ponce
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Grupo de Medicina Molecular y Traslacional (MeM&T), Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud (COCSA), Escuela de Medicina, Edificio de Especialidades Médicas and Instituto de Simulación Computacional (ISC-USFQ), Diego de Robles y vía Interoceánica, Quito 170157, Pichincha, Ecuador
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Computación, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada (CICESE), Ensenada 22860, Baja California, Mexico
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López-Cano A, Ferrer-Miralles N, Sánchez J, Carratalá JV, Rodriguez XR, Ratera I, Guasch J, Pich OQ, Bierge P, Garcia-de-la-Maria C, Miro JM, Garcia-Fruitós E, Arís A. A Novel Generation of Tailored Antimicrobial Drugs Based on Recombinant Multidomain Proteins. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041068. [PMID: 37111554 PMCID: PMC10146347 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance has exponentially increased during the last years. It is necessary to develop new antimicrobial drugs to prevent and treat infectious diseases caused by multidrug- or extensively-drug resistant (MDR/XDR)-bacteria. Host Defense Peptides (HDPs) have a versatile role, acting as antimicrobial peptides and regulators of several innate immunity functions. The results shown by previous studies using synthetic HDPs are only the tip of the iceberg, since the synergistic potential of HDPs and their production as recombinant proteins are fields practically unexplored. The present study aims to move a step forward through the development of a new generation of tailored antimicrobials, using a rational design of recombinant multidomain proteins based on HDPs. This strategy is based on a two-phase process, starting with the construction of the first generation molecules using single HDPs and further selecting those HDPs with higher bactericidal efficiencies to be combined in the second generation of broad-spectrum antimicrobials. As a proof of concept, we have designed three new antimicrobials, named D5L37βD3, D5L37D5L37 and D5LAL37βD3. After an in-depth exploration, we found D5L37D5L37 to be the most promising one, since it was equally effective against four relevant pathogens in healthcare-associated infections, such as methicillin-susceptible (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant (MRSA) Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE) and MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa, being MRSA, MRSE and P. aeruginosa MDR strains. The low MIC values and versatile activity against planktonic and biofilm forms reinforce the use of this platform to isolate and produce unlimited HDP combinations as new antimicrobial drugs by effective means.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrià López-Cano
- Department of Ruminant Production, Institute of Agriculture and Food Research (IRTA), Caldes de Montbui, 08140 Barcelona, Spain; (A.L.-C.); (E.G.-F.)
| | - Neus Ferrer-Miralles
- Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; (N.F.-M.); (J.S.); (J.V.C.)
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; (X.R.R.); (I.R.); (J.G.)
| | - Julieta Sánchez
- Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; (N.F.-M.); (J.S.); (J.V.C.)
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose Vicente Carratalá
- Institute for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; (N.F.-M.); (J.S.); (J.V.C.)
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Rodriguez Rodriguez
- Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; (X.R.R.); (I.R.); (J.G.)
- Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Imma Ratera
- Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; (X.R.R.); (I.R.); (J.G.)
- Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Judith Guasch
- Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBER-BBN), Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain; (X.R.R.); (I.R.); (J.G.)
- Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- Dynamic Biomimetics for Cancer Immunotherapy, Max Planck Partner Group, Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oscar Q. Pich
- Laboratori de Recerca en Microbiologia i Malalties Infeccioses, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d’Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT-CERCA), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08208 Sabadell, Spain; (O.Q.P.); (P.B.)
| | - Paula Bierge
- Laboratori de Recerca en Microbiologia i Malalties Infeccioses, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d’Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT-CERCA), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08208 Sabadell, Spain; (O.Q.P.); (P.B.)
| | - Cristina Garcia-de-la-Maria
- Infectious Diseases Service, Hospital Clinic-IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain; (C.G.-d.-l.-M.); (J.M.M.)
| | - Jose M. Miro
- Infectious Diseases Service, Hospital Clinic-IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain; (C.G.-d.-l.-M.); (J.M.M.)
- CIBERINFEC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Garcia-Fruitós
- Department of Ruminant Production, Institute of Agriculture and Food Research (IRTA), Caldes de Montbui, 08140 Barcelona, Spain; (A.L.-C.); (E.G.-F.)
| | - Anna Arís
- Department of Ruminant Production, Institute of Agriculture and Food Research (IRTA), Caldes de Montbui, 08140 Barcelona, Spain; (A.L.-C.); (E.G.-F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-93-467-40-40
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49
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Yamamuro Y, Kabata T, Nojima T, Hayashi K, Tokoro M, Kajino Y, Inoue D, Ohmori T, Yoshitani J, Ueno T, Ueoka K, Taninaka A, Kataoka T, Saiki Y, Yanagi Y, Tsuchiya H. Combined adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell and antibiotic therapy can effectively treat periprosthetic joint infection in rats. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3949. [PMID: 36894548 PMCID: PMC9996572 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30087-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is characterized by biofilm infection, which is difficult to alleviate while preserving implant integrity. Furthermore, long-term antibiotic therapy may increase the prevalence of drug-resistant bacterial strains, necessitating a non-antibacterial approach. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) exert antibacterial effects; however, their efficacy in PJI remains unclear. This study investigates the efficacy of combined intravenous ADSCs and antibiotic therapy in comparison to antibiotic monotherapy in a methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA)-infected PJI rat model. The rats were randomly assigned and equally divided into 3 groups: no-treatment group, antibiotic group, ADSCs with antibiotic group. The ADSCs with antibiotic group exhibited the fastest recovery from weight loss, with lower bacterial counts (p = 0.013 vs. no-treatment group; p = 0.024 vs. antibiotic group) and less bone density loss around the implants (p = 0.015 vs. no-treatment group; p = 0.025 vs. antibiotic group). The modified Rissing score was used to evaluate localized infection on postoperative day 14 and was the lowest in the ADSCs with antibiotic group; however, no significant difference was observed between the antibiotic group and ADSCs with antibiotic group (p < 0.001 vs. no-treatment group; p = 0.359 vs. antibiotic group). Histological analysis revealed a clear, thin, and continuous bony envelope, a homogeneous bone marrow, and a defined, normal interface in the ADSCs with antibiotic group. Moreover, the expression of cathelicidin expression was significantly higher (p = 0.002 vs. no-treatment group; p = 0.049 vs. antibiotic group), whereas that of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin(IL)-6 was lower in the ADSCs with antibiotic group than in the no-treatment group (TNF-α, p = 0.010 vs. no-treatment group; IL-6, p = 0.010 vs. no-treatment group). Thus, the combined intravenous ADSCs and antibiotic therapy induced a stronger antibacterial effect than antibiotic monotherapy in a MSSA-infected PJI rat model. This strong antibacterial effect may be related to the increased cathelicidin expression and decreased inflammatory cytokine expression at the site of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Yamamuro
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8641, Japan
| | - Tamon Kabata
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8641, Japan.
| | - Takayuki Nojima
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8641, Japan.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8641, Japan
| | - Katsuhiro Hayashi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8641, Japan
| | - Masaharu Tokoro
- Department of Global Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8641, Japan
| | - Yoshitomo Kajino
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8641, Japan
| | - Daisuke Inoue
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8641, Japan
| | - Takaaki Ohmori
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8641, Japan
| | - Junya Yoshitani
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8641, Japan
| | - Takuro Ueno
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8641, Japan
| | - Ken Ueoka
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8641, Japan
| | - Atsushi Taninaka
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8641, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Kataoka
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8641, Japan
| | - Yoshitomo Saiki
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8641, Japan
| | - Yu Yanagi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8641, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Tsuchiya
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-8641, Japan
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50
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Calderón-Rivera N, Múnera-Jaramillo J, Jaramillo-Berrio S, Suesca E, Manrique-Moreno M, Leidy C. Cardiolipin Strongly Inhibits the Leakage Activity of the Short Antimicrobial Peptide ATRA-1 in Comparison to LL-37, in Model Membranes Mimicking the Lipid Composition of Staphylococcus aureus. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:304. [PMID: 36984691 PMCID: PMC10051595 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13030304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Cardiolipin is one of the main phospholipid components of Staphylococcus aureus membranes. This lipid is found at varying concentrations in the bilayer, depending on the growth stage of the bacteria, and as a response to environmental stress. Cardiolipin is an anionic phospholipid with four acyl chains, which modulates the bending properties of the membrane due to its inverted conical shape. It has been shown to inhibit the pore forming activity of several antimicrobial peptides, in general doubling the peptide concentration needed to induce leakage. Here we find that the short snake-derived antimicrobial peptide ATRA-1 is inhibited by several orders of magnitude in the presence of cardiolipin in saturated membranes (DMPG) compared to the human cathelicidin LL-37, which is only inhibited two-fold in its leakage-inducing concentration. The ATRA-1 is too short to span the membrane and its leakage activity is likely related to detergent-like alterations of bilayer structure. Fluorescence spectroscopy shows only a minor effect on ATRA-1 binding to DMPG membranes due to the presence of cardiolipin. However, FTIR spectroscopy shows that the acyl chain structure of DMPG membranes, containing cardiolipin, become more organized in the presence of ATRA-1, as reflected by an increase in the gel to liquid-crystalline phase transition temperature. Instead, a depression in the melting temperature is induced by ATRA-1 in DMPG in the absence of cardiolipin. In comparison, LL-37 induces a depression of the main phase transition of DMPG even in the presence of cardiolipin. These data suggest that cardiolipin inhibits the penetration of ATRA-1 into the membrane core, impeding its capacity to disrupt lipid packing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalia Calderón-Rivera
- Biophysics Group, Physics Department, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá 111711, Cundinamarca, Colombia
| | - Jessica Múnera-Jaramillo
- Faculty of Natural of Exact Sciences, Chemistry Institute, University of Antioquia, A.A. 1226, Medellin 050010, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Sara Jaramillo-Berrio
- Biophysics Group, Physics Department, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá 111711, Cundinamarca, Colombia
| | - Elizabeth Suesca
- Biophysics Group, Physics Department, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá 111711, Cundinamarca, Colombia
| | - Marcela Manrique-Moreno
- Faculty of Natural of Exact Sciences, Chemistry Institute, University of Antioquia, A.A. 1226, Medellin 050010, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Chad Leidy
- Biophysics Group, Physics Department, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá 111711, Cundinamarca, Colombia
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