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Peel E, Hogg C, Belov K. Characterisation of defensins across the marsupial family tree. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 158:105207. [PMID: 38797458 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2024.105207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Defensins are antimicrobial peptides involved in innate immunity, and gene number differs amongst eutherian mammals. Few studies have investigated defensins in marsupials, despite their potential involvement in immunological protection of altricial young. Here we use recently sequenced marsupial genomes and transcriptomes to annotate defensins in nine species across the marsupial family tree. We characterised 35 alpha and 286 beta defensins; gene number differed between species, although Dasyuromorphs had the largest repertoire. Defensins were encoded in three gene clusters within the genome, syntenic to eutherians, and were expressed in the pouch and mammary gland. Marsupial beta defensins were closely related to eutherians, however marsupial alpha defensins were more divergent. We identified marsupial orthologs of human DEFB3 and 6, and several marsupial-specific beta defensin lineages which may have novel functions. Marsupial predicted mature peptides were highly variable in length and sequence composition. We propose candidate peptides for future testing to elucidate the function of marsupial defensins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Peel
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Australia.
| | - Carolyn Hogg
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Australia.
| | - Katherine Belov
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Australia.
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2
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van Dijk A, Guabiraba R, Bailleul G, Schouler C, Haagsman HP, Lalmanach AC. Evolutionary diversification of defensins and cathelicidins in birds and primates. Mol Immunol 2023; 157:53-69. [PMID: 36996595 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2023.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Divergent evolution for more than 310 million years has resulted in an avian immune system that is complex and more compact than that of primates, sharing much of its structure and functions. Not surprisingly, well conserved ancient host defense molecules, such as defensins and cathelicidins, have diversified over time. In this review, we describe how evolution influenced the host defense peptides repertoire, its distribution, and the relationship between structure and biological functions. Marked features of primate and avian HDPs are linked to species-specific characteristics, biological requirements, and environmental challenge.
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The LiaFSR transcriptome reveals an interconnected regulatory network in group A Streptococcus. Infect Immun 2021; 89:e0021521. [PMID: 34370508 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00215-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms by which bacteria sense the host environment and alter gene expression are poorly understood. LiaFSR is a gene regulatory system unique to Gram-positive bacteria including group A Streptococcus (GAS) and responds to cell envelope stress. We previously showed that LiaF acts as an inhibitor to LiaFSR activation in GAS. To better understand gene regulation associated with LiaFSR activation, we performed RNA-sequencing on isogenic deletion mutants fixed in a LiaFSR "always on" (ΔliaF) or "always off" (ΔliaR) state. Transcriptome analyses of ΔliaF and ΔliaR in GAS showed near perfect inverse correlation including the gene encoding the global transcriptional regulator SpxA2. In addition, mutant transcriptomes included genes encoding multiple virulence factors and showed substantial overlap with the CovRS regulon. Chromatin immunoprecipitation quantitative PCR demonstrated direct spxA2 gene regulation following activation of the response regulator, LiaR. High SpxA2 levels as a result of LiaFSR activation were directly correlated with increased CovR-regulated virulence gene transcription. Further, consistent with known virulence gene repression by phosphorylated CovR, elevated SpxA2 levels were inversely correlated with CovR phosphorylation. Despite increased transcription of several virulence factors, ΔliaF (high SpxA2) exhibited a paradoxical virulence phenotype in both in vivo mouse and ex vivo human blood models of disease. Likewise, despite decreased virulence factor transcription in ΔliaR (low SpxA2), increased virulence was observed in an in vivo mouse model of disease - a phenotype attributable, in part, to known SpxA2-associated speB transcription. Our findings provide evidence of a critical role of LiaFSR in sensing the host environment and suggest a potential mechanism for gene regulatory system crosstalk shared by many Gram-positive pathogens.
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Neutrophils in Tuberculosis: Cell Biology, Cellular Networking and Multitasking in Host Defense. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094801. [PMID: 33946542 PMCID: PMC8125784 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neutrophils readily infiltrate infection foci, phagocytose and usually destroy microbes. In tuberculosis (TB), a chronic pulmonary infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), neutrophils harbor bacilli, are abundant in tissue lesions, and their abundances in blood correlate with poor disease outcomes in patients. The biology of these innate immune cells in TB is complex. Neutrophils have been assigned host-beneficial as well as deleterious roles. The short lifespan of neutrophils purified from blood poses challenges to cell biology studies, leaving intracellular biological processes and the precise consequences of Mtb–neutrophil interactions ill-defined. The phenotypic heterogeneity of neutrophils, and their propensity to engage in cellular cross-talk and to exert various functions during homeostasis and disease, have recently been reported, and such observations are newly emerging in TB. Here, we review the interactions of neutrophils with Mtb, including subcellular events and cell fate upon infection, and summarize the cross-talks between neutrophils and lung-residing and -recruited cells. We highlight the roles of neutrophils in TB pathophysiology, discussing recent findings from distinct models of pulmonary TB, and emphasize technical advances that could facilitate the discovery of novel neutrophil-related disease mechanisms and enrich our knowledge of TB pathogenesis.
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Balog A, Varga B, Fülöp F, Lantos I, Toldi G, Vécsei L, Mándi Y. Kynurenic Acid Analog Attenuates the Production of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, Calgranulins (S100A 8/9 and S100A 12), and the Secretion of HNP1-3 and Stimulates the Production of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Stimulated Gene-6 in Whole Blood Cultures of Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:632513. [PMID: 33897688 PMCID: PMC8062753 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.632513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, inflammatory joint disease with complex pathogenesis involving a variety of immunological events. Recently, it has been suggested that kynurenic acid (KYNA) might be a potential regulator of inflammatory processes in arthritis. KYNA has a definitive anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive function. The aim of the present study is to investigate the complex effects of a newly synthesized KYNA analog—SZR72 on the in vitro production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), tumor necrosis factor-stimulated gene-6 (TSG-6), calprotectin (SA1008/9), SA100 12 (EN-RAGE), and HNP1–3 (defensin-α) in the peripheral blood of patients with RA and the various effects of the disease. Methods: Patients with RA (n = 93) were selected based on the DAS28 score, medication, and their rheumatoid factor (RF) status, respectively. Peripheral blood samples from 93 patients with RA and 50 controls were obtained, and activated by heat-inactivated S. aureus. Parallel samples were pretreated before the activation with the KYNA analog N-(2-N, N-dimethylaminoethyl)-4-oxo-1H-quinoline-2-carboxamide hydrochloride. Following the incubation period (18 h), the supernatants were tested for TNF-α, TSG-6, calprotectin, S100A12, and HNP1–3 content by ELISA. Results: SZR72 inhibited the production of the following inflammatory mediators: TNF-α, calprotectin, S100A12, and HNP1–3 in whole blood cultures. This effect was observed in each group of patients in various phases of the disease. The basic (control) levels of these mediators were higher in the blood of patients than in healthy donors. In contrast, lower TSG-6 levels were detected in patients with RA compared to healthy controls. In addition, the KYNA analog exerted a stimulatory effect on the TSG-6 production ex vivo in human whole blood cultures of patients with RA in various phases of the disease. Conclusion: These data further support the immunomodulatory role of KYNA in RA resulting in anti-inflammatory effects and draw the attention to the importance of the synthesis of the KYNA analog, which might have a future therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila Balog
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Borisz Varga
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Fülöp
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Research Group for Stereochemistry, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ildikó Lantos
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunobiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gergely Toldi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Vécsei
- Department of Neurology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Yvette Mándi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunobiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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Gaglione R, Pizzo E, Notomista E, de la Fuente-Nunez C, Arciello A. Host Defence Cryptides from Human Apolipoproteins: Applications in Medicinal Chemistry. Curr Top Med Chem 2021; 20:1324-1337. [PMID: 32338222 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200427091454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Several eukaryotic proteins with defined physiological roles may act as precursors of cryptic bioactive peptides released upon protein cleavage by the host and/or bacterial proteases. Based on this, the term "cryptome" has been used to define the unique portion of the proteome encompassing proteins with the ability to generate bioactive peptides (cryptides) and proteins (crypteins) upon proteolytic cleavage. Hence, the cryptome represents a source of peptides with potential pharmacological interest. Among eukaryotic precursor proteins, human apolipoproteins play an important role, since promising bioactive peptides have been identified and characterized from apolipoproteins E, B, and A-I sequences. Human apolipoproteins derived peptides have been shown to exhibit antibacterial, anti-biofilm, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic, antioxidant, or anticancer activities in in vitro assays and, in some cases, also in in vivo experiments on animal models. The most interesting Host Defence Peptides (HDPs) identified thus far in human apolipoproteins are described here with a focus on their biological activities applicable to biomedicine. Altogether, reported evidence clearly indicates that cryptic peptides represent promising templates for the generation of new drugs and therapeutics against infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Gaglione
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Elio Pizzo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Eugenio Notomista
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Cesar de la Fuente-Nunez
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, and Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Angela Arciello
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy.,Istituto Nazionale di Biostrutture e Biosistemi (INBB), 00136 Rome, Italy
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Gedik TE, Kucuk H, Goker B, Haznedaroglu S, Pasaoglu H, Varan O, Ozturk MA, Pasaoglu OT, Tufan A. Serum defensin levels in patients with systemic sclerosis. Adv Rheumatol 2020; 60:54. [PMID: 33353556 DOI: 10.1186/s42358-020-00156-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis of skin and lung as well as involvement of kidney, gastrointestinal system and heart. Aetiology and exact mechanism of disease is poorly understood. The association between antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and other diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, diffuse panbronchiolitis, pulmoner alveolar proteinosis and psoriasis have been reported. A small number of studies have examined the role of AMPs on autoimmune diseases which has not been studied in scleroderma yet. We aimed to investigate AMP serum levels and their association with disease characteristics of SSc. METHODS Forty-two patients (40 female, mean age 42 years) and 38 healthy subjects (32 female, mean age 38 years) were enrolled. For SSc patients, the following data were recorded: disease subset (limited/diffuse), autoantibodies (antinuclear, anti-centromere (ACA), and anti-SCL-70), blood tests, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP), modified Rodnan skin score, presence and history of digital ulcers, kidney, gastrointestinal disease and lung involvement assessed by computed tomography and pulmonary function tests. Association between serum AMPs and disease characteristics were analysed. RESULTS Twenty-nine of the patients had diffuse (69%) and 13 of the patients had limited (31%) systemic sclerosis. Average disease duration was 5.5 years. Pulmonary involvement was detected in 20 patients (47.6%). Serum concentration of alpha defensin was higher than healthy subjects (563 ± 415 vs 377 ± 269 ng/mL, p = 0.02). However, no difference was observed for beta-1 and beta-2 defensins in SSc patients and healthy controls. In sub-group analysis patients with interstitial lung disease had higher levels of alpha defensin than those without lung involvement (684 ± 473 vs 430 ± 299 ng/ml, p = 0.04). There was also correlation between alfa defensin serum concentrations and CRP (r = 0.34). CONCLUSIONS Alpha defensin levels are increased in scleroderma patients and correlated with lung involvement indicating a role in the pathogenesis of disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION This study is not a clinical trial study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tugce Emiroglu Gedik
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. .,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Hamit Kucuk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Berna Goker
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Seminur Haznedaroglu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hatice Pasaoglu
- Department of Biochemistry, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ozkan Varan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Akif Ozturk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ozge Tugce Pasaoglu
- Department of Biochemistry, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Abdurrahman Tufan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
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Abstract
Defensins are a major family of host defense peptides expressed predominantly in neutrophils and epithelial cells. Their broad antimicrobial activities and multifaceted immunomodulatory functions have been extensively studied, cementing their role in innate immunity as a core host-protective component against bacterial, viral and fungal infections. More recent studies, however, paint defensins in a bad light such that they are "alleged" to promote viral and bacterial infections in certain biological settings. This mini review summarizes the latest findings on the potential pathogenic properties of defensins against the backdrop of their protective roles in antiviral and antibacterial immunity. Further, a succinct description of both tumor-proliferative and -suppressive activities of defensins is also given to highlight their functional and mechanistic complexity in antitumor immunity. We posit that given an enabling environment defensins, widely heralded as the "Swiss army knife," can function as a "double-edged sword" in host immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Xu
- Institute of Mitochondrial Biology and Medicine, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Wuyuan Lu
- Institute of Human Virology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Wu G, Li R, Tong C, He M, Qi Z, Chen H, Deng T, Liu H, Qi H. Non-invasive prenatal testing reveals copy number variations related to pregnancy complications. Mol Cytogenet 2019; 12:38. [PMID: 31485271 PMCID: PMC6716937 DOI: 10.1186/s13039-019-0451-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pregnancy complications could lead to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosing and managing complications have been associated with good outcomes. The placenta was an important organ for development of pregnancy complications. Thus, non-invasive prenatal testing technologies could detect genetic variations, such as aneuploidies and sub-chromosomal copy number variations, reflecting defective placenta by maternal plasma cffDNAs. Maternal cffDNAs had been proved to derive from trophoblast cells of placenta. Results In order to find out the relationship between genetic variations and pregnancy complications, we reviewed NIPT results for subchromosomal copy number variations in a cohort of 3890 pregnancies without complications and 441 pregnancies with pregnancy complications including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) and placenta implantation abnormalities (PIA). For GDMs, we identified three CNV regions containing some members of alpha- and beta-defensins, such as DEFA1, DEFA3, DEFB1. For PIHs, we found three duplication and one deletion region including Pcdhα, Pcdhβ, and Pcdhγ, known as protocadherins, which were complicated by hypertensive disorders. For PPROMs and PIAs, we identified one and two CNV regions, respectively. SFTPA2, SFTPD and SFTPA1, belonging to surfactant protein, was considered to moderated the inflammatory activation within the fetal extra-embryonic compartment, associated to duration of preterm prelabor rupture of fetal membranes, while MEF2C and TM6SF1 could be involved in trophoblast invasion and differentiation. Conclusions Our findings gave a clue to correlation between genetic variations of maternal cell-free DNAs and pregnancy complications. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13039-019-0451-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangping Wu
- 1Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 People's Republic of China.,2State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 People's Republic of China.,3International Collaborative Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, No.1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016 People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Li
- 1Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 People's Republic of China.,2State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 People's Republic of China.,3International Collaborative Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, No.1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016 People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Tong
- 1Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 People's Republic of China.,2State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 People's Republic of China.,3International Collaborative Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, No.1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016 People's Republic of China
| | - Miaonan He
- Beijing CapitalBio Medical Laboratory, Beijing, 101111 China
| | - Zhiwei Qi
- Beijing CapitalBio Medical Laboratory, Beijing, 101111 China
| | - Huijuan Chen
- Beijing CapitalBio Medical Laboratory, Beijing, 101111 China
| | - Tao Deng
- Beijing CapitalBio Medical Laboratory, Beijing, 101111 China
| | - Hailiang Liu
- CapitalBio Technology Inc., Beijing, 101111 China.,6Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong China
| | - Hongbo Qi
- 1Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 People's Republic of China.,2State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 People's Republic of China.,3International Collaborative Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, No.1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016 People's Republic of China
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Huynh E, Penney J, Caswell J, Li J. Protective Effects of Protegrin in Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Murine Colitis. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:156. [PMID: 30873029 PMCID: PMC6403130 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cathelicidins, a class of antimicrobial peptides, have been widely studied for their antimicrobial role in innate immune responses during infection and inflammation. At sub-antimicrobial concentrations, various cathelicidins from different species have been reported to exert chemotactic activity on neutrophils, monocytes, dendritic cells and T-cells, and also enhance angiogenesis and wound healing. To date, the role of the pig cathelicidin, protegrin-1 (PG-1), in immune modulation and tissue repair in the intestinal tract has not been investigated. The aim of the present study was to examine the potential protective effects of recombinant PG-1 in a mouse dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis inflammation model. This is the first report showing the protective effects of PG-1 in its various forms (pro-, cathelin-, and mature-forms) in attenuating significant body weight loss associated with DSS-induced colitis (p < 0.05). PG-1 treatment improved histological scores (P < 0.05) and influenced the gene expression of inflammatory mediators and tissue repair factors such as trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) and mucin (MUC-2). Protegrin treatment also altered the metabolite profile, returning the metabolite levels closer to untreated control levels. These findings lay the foundation for future oral application of recombinant PG-1 to potentially treat intestinal damage and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evanna Huynh
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Jenna Penney
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Jeff Caswell
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Julang Li
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
- Department of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
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11
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Fischer S, Popoff MR, Barth H. Human alpha-defensin-1 protects cells from intoxication with Clostridium perfringens iota toxin. Pathog Dis 2018; 76:4931056. [PMID: 29635426 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/fty022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Iota toxin is produced by Clostridium perfringens type E strains and associated with diarrhea in cattle and lambs. This binary protein toxin comprises the enzyme component iota a (Ia), which ADP-ribosylates G-actin, and the separate transport component iota b (Ib), which delivers Ia into the cytosol of target cells. Ib binds to cell receptors and forms biologically active toxin complexes with Ia, which cause rounding of adherent cells due to the destruction of the actin cytoskeleton. Here, we report that the human peptide α-defensin-1 protects cultured cells including human colon cells from intoxication with iota toxin. In contrast, the related ß-defensin-1 had no effect, indicating a specific mode of action. The α-defensin-1 did not inhibit ADP-ribosylation of actin by Ia in vitro. Pretreatment of Ib with α-defensin-1 prior to addition of Ia prevented intoxication. Additionally, α-defensin-1 protected cells from cytotoxic effects mediated by Ib in the absence of Ia, implicating that α-defensin-1 interacts with Ib to prevent the formation of biologically active iota toxin on cells. In conclusion, the findings contribute to a better understanding of the functions of α-defensin-1 and suggest that this human peptide might be an attractive starting point to develop novel pharmacological options to treat/prevent diseases associated with iota toxin-producing Clostridium perfringens strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Fischer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ulm Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Michel R Popoff
- Department of Anaerobic Bacteria, Pasteur Institute, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Holger Barth
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ulm Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
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12
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Fruitwala S, El-Naccache DW, Chang TL. Multifaceted immune functions of human defensins and underlying mechanisms. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2018; 88:163-172. [PMID: 29501617 PMCID: PMC6485945 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2018.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Defensins have been long recognized as natural antimicrobial peptides, but they also possess diverse and versatile immune functions. Defensins can both induce inflammation and suppress inflammatory responses by acting on specific cells through distinct mechanisms. Defensins can also modulate the immune response by forming a complex with cellular molecules including proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates. The mechanisms of defensin-mediated immune modulation appear to be cell-type and context specific. Because the levels of human defensins are often altered in response to infection or disease states, suggesting their clinical relevance, this review summarizes the complex immune functions of human defensins and their underlying mechanisms of action, which have implications for the development of new therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saahil Fruitwala
- Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Darine W El-Naccache
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA; Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Theresa L Chang
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA; Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA.
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13
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Raposo-García S, Guerra-Laso JM, García-García S, Juan-García J, López-Fidalgo E, Diez-Tascón C, Nebreda-Mayoral T, López-Medrano R, Rivero-Lezcano OM. Immunological response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in blood from type 2 diabetes patients. Immunol Lett 2017; 186:41-45. [PMID: 28377108 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2017.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Revised: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The convergence of tuberculosis and diabetes represents a co-epidemic that threatens progress against tuberculosis. We have investigated type 2 diabetes as a risk factor for tuberculosis susceptibility, and have used as experimental model whole blood infected in vitro with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Blood samples from diabetic patients were found to have a higher absolute neutrophil count that non-diabetic controls, but their immune functionality seemed impaired because they displayed a lower capacity to phagocytose M. tuberculosis, a finding that had been previously reported only for monocytes. In contrast, an increased production of TNFα was detected in infected blood from diabetic patients. Despite the altered phagocytic capacity showed by cells from these patients, the antimicrobial activity measured in both whole blood and monocyte derived macrophages was similar to that of controls. This unexpected result prompts further improvements in the whole blood model to analyze the immune response of diabetes patients to tuberculosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Raposo-García
- Servicio de Medicina Interna, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León, Altos de Nava s/n, 24008 León, Spain
| | - José Manuel Guerra-Laso
- Servicio de Medicina Interna, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León, Altos de Nava s/n, 24008 León, Spain
| | - Silvia García-García
- Servicio de Neumología, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León, Altos de Nava s/n, 24008 León, Spain
| | - Javier Juan-García
- Servicio de Neumología, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León, Altos de Nava s/n, 24008 León, Spain
| | - Eduardo López-Fidalgo
- Unidad de Investigación, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León, Altos de Nava s/n, 24008 León, Spain
| | - Cristina Diez-Tascón
- Servicio de Anatomía Patológica, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León, Altos de Nava s/n, 24008 León, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, León, Spain
| | - Teresa Nebreda-Mayoral
- Servicio de Microbiología Clínica, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León, Altos de Nava s/n, 24008 León, Spain
| | | | - Octavio Miguel Rivero-Lezcano
- Unidad de Investigación, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León, Altos de Nava s/n, 24008 León, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, León, Spain; Fundación Instituto de Estudios de Ciencias de la Salud de Castilla y León, Soria, Spain.
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Schmid W, Novacek G, Vogelsang H, Papay P, Primas C, Eser A, Panzer S. Platelets Toll-like receptor-4 in Crohns disease. Eur J Clin Invest 2017; 47:109-116. [PMID: 27714784 DOI: 10.1111/eci.12686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Platelets are activated in Crohn's disease (CD) and interplay with leukocytes. Engagement of Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), which is expressed in human platelets, may be involved in crosstalks between platelets and leukocytes leading to their mutual activation for host defense. MATERIALS AND METHODS Human neutrophil peptides (HNPs), lipoprotein binding peptides, and sCD14 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in 42 patients with active CD, in 43 patients with CD in remission, and in 30 healthy individuals. Neutrophil-platelet aggregates and binding of the TLR-4 monoclonal antibody to platelets were determined by flow cytometry. RESULTS Levels of HNPs were higher in patients with CD than in controls (P = 0.0003 vs. active CD and P = 0.01 vs. CD in remission). Likewise, neutrophils with adhering platelets were higher in patients with active CD than in controls (P = 0.004). Binding of the TLR-4 antibody in patients with active CD was similar to that in controls, while patients in remission had significantly higher binding capacities (P = 0.59 and P = 0.003). Incubation of plasma from patients with active disease or patients in remission with platelets from healthy controls confirmed lower binding of the TLR-4 antibody in the presence of plasma from active diseased patients compared to controls (P = 0.039), possibly due to high levels of lipopolysaccharides, as suggested by high levels of sCD14 and lipoprotein binding protein. CONCLUSION Our study indicates involvement of platelet TLR-4 in enhancing the secretion of antimicrobial peptides from neutrophils. While platelet aggregation can be due to a variety of mechanisms in inflammatory disease, the mutual activation of platelets and neutrophils may augment host defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Werner Schmid
- Division of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Department of Anesthesiology, General Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gottfried Novacek
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Harald Vogelsang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Pavol Papay
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Primas
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Eser
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Simon Panzer
- Department of Blood Group Serology and Transfusion Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Tsybikov NN, Petrisheva IV, Fefelova EV, Kuznik BI, Magen E. Plasma α-defensins are elevated during exacerbation of atopic dermatitis. Clin Exp Dermatol 2015; 41:253-9. [PMID: 26411782 DOI: 10.1111/ced.12767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is no currently no information regarding the role of α-defensins in the pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis (AD). AIM To investigate levels of plasma α-defensins at exacerbation and remission of AD, and to assess their association with clinical severity of AD. METHODS Patients with AD during exacerbation were recruited from the Dermatology department at the Chita Medical Academy (Chita, Russian Federation). SCORAD (SCORing Atopic Dermatitis), itch intensity, plasma concentrations of α-defensins, and serum total IgE, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8 and IL-10 levels were measured at study entry and after 4 months. RESULTS In total, 82 patients with AD [35 (45.1%) female and 47 (54.9%) male patients, mean ± SD age 42.2 ± 11.5 years, range 15-40] and 30 healthy controls (HCs) were included. Mean objective SCORAD score was 48.8 ± 19.4 and 16.1 ± 8.3 during AD during exacerbation and remission, respectively (P < 0.01). Plasma α-defensin levels in patients with AD (1.41 ± 0.32 μg/L) were significantly higher than in HCs (0.91 ± 0.34 μg/L) (P < 0.001). Significant correlations were found between plasma α-defensin levels with objective SCORAD (r = 0.55, P < 0.001), itch severity (r = 0.25, P < 0.05) and serum IgE levels (r = 0.38, P < 0.001) during AD exacerbation. Serum concentrations of IL-1β, IL-4 and IL-8 were significantly higher and levels of IL-10 were lower at AD exacerbation in patients than in HCs, with a weak negative correlation between plasma α-defensin and serum IL-10 levels (r = -0.22; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION During AD exacerbation, plasma α-defensin levels are elevated, and are positively correlated with AD clinical severity, itch intensity and serum IgE levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- N N Tsybikov
- Pathophysiology Department, Chita Medical Academy, Chita, Russia
| | - I V Petrisheva
- Pathophysiology Department, Chita Medical Academy, Chita, Russia
| | - E V Fefelova
- Pathophysiology Department, Chita Medical Academy, Chita, Russia
| | - B I Kuznik
- Normal Physiology Department, Chita Medical Academy, Chita, Russia
| | - E Magen
- Clinical Immunology and Allergy Unit, Medicine B Department, Barzilai Medical Center, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Ashkelon, Israel
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Lieberthal TJ, Cohen HC, Kao WJ. Poly(ethylene glycol)-containing hydrogels modulate α-defensin release from polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocyte recruitment. J Biomed Mater Res A 2015; 103:3772-80. [DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.35519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Revised: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Jacob Lieberthal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering; University of Wisconsin-Madison; 1550 Engineering Drive Madison Wisconsin 53706
| | - Hannah Caitlin Cohen
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy; University of Wisconsin-Madison; 777 Highland Avenue Madison Wisconsin 53705
| | - W. John Kao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering; University of Wisconsin-Madison; 1550 Engineering Drive Madison Wisconsin 53706
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy; University of Wisconsin-Madison; 777 Highland Avenue Madison Wisconsin 53705
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health; University of Wisconsin-Madison; 600 Highland Avenue Madison Wisconsin 53792
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Baricelli J, Rocafull MA, Vázquez D, Bastidas B, Báez-Ramirez E, Thomas LE. β-defensin-2 in breast milk displays a broad antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria. J Pediatr (Rio J) 2015; 91:36-43. [PMID: 25211380 DOI: 10.1016/j.jped.2014.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Revised: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the antimicrobial activity of β-defensin-2 produced in the mammary gland and secreted in human breast milk. METHODS The peptide production was performed by DNA cloning. β-defensin-2 levels were quantified in 61 colostrum samples and 39 mature milk samples from healthy donors, by an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Using halo inhibition assay, this study assessed activity against seven clinical isolates from diarrheal feces of children between 0 and 2 years of age. The activity of β-defensin-2 against three opportunistic pathogens that can cause nosocomial infections was determined by microdilution test. RESULTS The peptide levels were higher in colostrum (n=61) than in mature milk samples (n=39), as follows: median and range, 8.52 (2.6-16.3) μg/ml versus 0.97 (0.22-3.78), p<0.0001; Mann-Whitney test. The recombinant peptide obtained showed high antimicrobial activity against a broad range of pathogenic bacteria. Its antibacterial activity was demonstrated in a disk containing between 1-4 μg, which produced inhibition zones ranging from 18 to 30 mm against three isolates of Salmonella spp. and four of E. coli. β-defensin-2 showed minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 0.25 μg/mL and 0.5 μg/mL for S. marcescen and P. aeruginosa, respectively, while a higher MIC (4 μg/mL) was obtained against an isolated of multidrug-resistant strain of A. baumannii. CONCLUSIONS To the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to report β-defensin-2 levels in Latin American women. The production and the activity of β-defensin-2 in breast milk prove its importance as a defense molecule for intestinal health in pediatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Baricelli
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Molecular, Centro de Biofísica y Bioquímica, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Caracas, Venezuela; Banco de Leche Humana, Hospital Universitario de Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Miguel A Rocafull
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Molecular, Centro de Biofísica y Bioquímica, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Caracas, Venezuela; Banco de Leche Humana, Hospital Universitario de Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Desiree Vázquez
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Molecular, Centro de Biofísica y Bioquímica, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Caracas, Venezuela; Banco de Leche Humana, Hospital Universitario de Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Betsi Bastidas
- Banco de Leche Humana, Hospital Universitario de Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela; Laboratorio Delgado Launois, Clínica Lugo, Maracay, Venezuela
| | - Estalina Báez-Ramirez
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Molecular, Centro de Biofísica y Bioquímica, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Caracas, Venezuela; Banco de Leche Humana, Hospital Universitario de Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Luz E Thomas
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Molecular, Centro de Biofísica y Bioquímica, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Caracas, Venezuela; Banco de Leche Humana, Hospital Universitario de Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela.
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Baricelli J, Rocafull MA, Vázquez D, Bastidas B, Báez‐Ramirez E, Thomas LE. β‐defensin‐2 in breast milk displays a broad antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria. JORNAL DE PEDIATRIA (VERSÃO EM PORTUGUÊS) 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedp.2014.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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20
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Gremmel T, Durstberger M, Eichelberger B, Koppensteiner R, Kopp CW, Panzer S. Human neutrophil α-defensins are associated with adenosine diphosphate-inducible neutrophil-platelet aggregate formation and response to clopidogrel in patients with atherosclerosis. Transl Res 2014; 164:202-8. [PMID: 24731293 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2014.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Revised: 03/10/2014] [Accepted: 03/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Human neutrophil α-defensins (HNPs) are antimicrobial peptides stored primarily in the azurophilic granules of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Recently, it was shown that HNPs act as platelet agonists. We hypothesized that HNP levels are associated with the formation of neutrophil-platelet aggregates, and that they influence the response to clopidogrel therapy. HNP levels were determined by a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 305 patients undergoing angioplasty and stenting for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Neutrophil-platelet aggregates were measured by flow cytometry, and on-treatment platelet reactivity was determined using the VerifyNow P2Y12 and aspirin assays. HNP levels did not correlate with the formation of neutrophil-platelet aggregates in vivo (r = 0.05, P = 0.4). In contrast, HNP levels correlated significantly with adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-inducible neutrophil-platelet aggregate formation (r = 0.13, P = 0.04). On-treatment platelet reactivity by the VerifyNow P2Y12 assay was significantly more pronounced in patients with high HNP levels compared with patients with low HNP levels (211 P2Y12 reaction units [PRU; range, 143-293 PRU] vs 181 PRU [range, 129-237 PRU], P = 0.009). This association remained significant after adjusting for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and interleukin 6 by multivariate regression analysis (P = 0.007). Moreover, high on-treatment residual platelet reactivity by the VerifyNow P2Y12 assay was more frequent in patients with high HNP levels than in patients with low HNP levels (40% vs 26.6%, P = 0.01). In conclusion, HNP levels are associated with ADP-inducible neutrophil-platelet aggregate formation and clopidogrel-mediated platelet inhibition. High levels of HNPs may, in part, be responsible for the observed response variability to clopidogrel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Gremmel
- Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Markus Durstberger
- Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Beate Eichelberger
- Department of Blood Group Serology and Transfusion Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Renate Koppensteiner
- Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph W Kopp
- Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Simon Panzer
- Department of Blood Group Serology and Transfusion Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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The effect of Biolex-MB40 on the phagocytic activity and oxidative metabolism of peripheral blood granulocytes and monocytes in lambs. Pol J Vet Sci 2014; 17:281-91. [PMID: 24988854 DOI: 10.2478/pjvs-2014-0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the effect of Biolex-MB40 on the phagocytic activity and oxidative metabolism of peripheral blood granulocytes and monocytes in lambs. The experimental material comprised 32 lambs aged 30 +/- 3 days, divided into two equal groups: control and experimental. Experimental group animals were fed a diet supplemented with the Biolex-MB40 (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in the amount of 3 g/kg of the concentrate. At the beginning of the experiment (day 0) and on experimental days 15, 30 and 60, blood was sampled from the jugular vein to determine and compare the phagocytic activity (PHAGOTEST) and oxidative metabolism (BURSTTEST) of peripheral blood granulocytes and monocytes by flow cytometry. Based on the results of an analysis of granulocyte and monocyte phagocytic activity, statistically higher levels of phagocytic activity were observed in the group of lambs administered Biolex-MB40 than in the control animals, expressed in terms of the percentage of phagocytic cells as well as mean fluorescence intensity. Biolex-MB40 also had a positive effect on the oxidative metabolism of both granulocytes and monocytes after stimulation with Escherichia coli bacteria and with PMA (4-phorbol-12-beta-myristate-13-acetate), expressed in terms of the percentage of oxidative metabolism as well as mean fluorescence intensity.
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Zamolodchikova TS, Scherbakov IT, Khrennikov BN, Svirshchevskaya EV. Expression of duodenase-like protein in epitheliocytes of Brunner's glands in human duodenal mucosa. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2014; 78:954-7. [PMID: 24228885 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297913080130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A duodenase, a protease structurally related to human cathepsin G, was found earlier in bovine duodenal mucosa. It was demonstrated that under the influence of duodenase an enteropeptidase zymogen is activated in vitro showing the possible participation of duodenase in the cascade of activation of digestive enzymes. To identify a duodenase functional analog in human duodenum, an immunofluorescence study of duodenal mucosa was conducted by confocal microscopy using antibodies to human cathepsin G and to bovine duodenase. The previously unknown place of synthesis and secretion of cathepsin G - Paneth cells located at the bottom of Lieberkuhn crypts - was revealed. Binding of cathepsin G-specific antibodies in a rough endoplasmic reticulum zone and in the cryptal duct was observed. Duodenase-specific immunofluorescence but not that of cathepsin G was found in the epitheliocytes and secretory ducts of Brunner's glands, which are characteristic sites of duodenase biosynthesis in cattle. Binding of CD14-specific antibodies in the Brunner's glands, where the antibodies co-localized with the antibodies to duodenase, was also demonstrated. These data indicate the presence of a protein immunologically similar to duodenase in the human duodenal mucosa. Our study demonstrated the absence of its co-localization with cathepsin G in Brunner's glands.
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Affiliation(s)
- T S Zamolodchikova
- Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia.
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Narciandi F, Lloyd A, Meade KG, O'Farrelly C. A novel subclass of bovine β-defensins links reproduction and immunology. Reprod Fertil Dev 2014; 26:769-77. [DOI: 10.1071/rd13153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 06/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
β-defensins are effector molecules of the innate immune system, found in many diverse species. Their presence in invertebrates as well as vertebrates suggests highly conserved functional roles. Most β-defensins are believed to act as antimicrobial agents at epithelial surfaces, although additional functions have also been described, including immune regulatory activity, wound repair and a role in coat-colour determination. High expression of β-defensins have been found in testis and epididymidal epithelium as well as in the seminal fluid of humans, macaque, rat, mouse and cow. Human and macaque β-defensins have recently been shown to affect sperm motility while a mutation in β-defensin 126 is associated with reduced fertility in men. Genetic variation in bovine defensin genes may explain the increased incidence of low fertility in cattle. Here, we present a summary of the known functions of β-defensins as well as their emerging role in reproduction and their potential to improve fertility in cattle.
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Meade KG, Cormican P, Narciandi F, Lloyd A, O'Farrelly C. Bovine β-defensin gene family: opportunities to improve animal health? Physiol Genomics 2014; 46:17-28. [DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00085.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent analysis of the bovine genome revealed an expanded suite of β-defensin genes that encode what are referred to as antimicrobial or host defense peptides (HDPs). Whereas primate genomes also encode α- and θ-defensins, the bovine genome contains only the β-defensin subfamily of HDPs. β-Defensins perform diverse functions that are critical to protection against pathogens but also in regulation of the immune response and reproduction. As the most comprehensively studied subclass of HDPs, β-defensins possess the widest taxonomic distribution, found in invertebrates as well as plants, indicating an ancient point of origin. Cross-species comparison of the genomic arrangement of β-defensin gene repertoire revealed them to vary in number among species presumably due to differences in pathogenic selective pressures but also genetic drift. β-Defensin genes exist in a single cluster in birds, but four gene clusters exist in dog, rat, mouse, and cow. In humans and chimpanzees, one of these clusters is split in two as a result of a primate-specific pericentric inversion producing five gene clusters. A cluster of β-defensin genes on bovine chromosome 13 has been recently characterized, and full genome sequencing has identified extensive gene copy number variation on chromosome 27. As a result, cattle have the most diverse repertoire of β-defensin genes so far identified, where four clusters contain at least 57 genes. This expansion of β-defensin HDPs may hold significant potential for combating infectious diseases and provides opportunities to harness their immunological and reproductive functions in commercial cattle populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. G. Meade
- Animal & Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Co. Meath, Ireland
| | - P. Cormican
- Animal & Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Co. Meath, Ireland
| | - F. Narciandi
- Comparative Immunology Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland; and
| | - A. Lloyd
- Department of Science & Health, Carlow Institute of Technology, Co. Carlow, Ireland
| | - C. O'Farrelly
- Comparative Immunology Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland; and
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25
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Gabriel C, Her Z, Ng LF. Neutrophils: Neglected Players in Viral Diseases. DNA Cell Biol 2013; 32:665-75. [DOI: 10.1089/dna.2013.2211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Christelle Gabriel
- Laboratory of Chikungunya Virus Immunity, Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Biopolis, Singapore
| | - Zhisheng Her
- Laboratory of Chikungunya Virus Immunity, Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Biopolis, Singapore
| | - Lisa F.P. Ng
- Laboratory of Chikungunya Virus Immunity, Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Biopolis, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Cohen HC, Joyce EJ, Kao WJ. Biomaterials selectively modulate interactions between human blood-derived polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2013; 182:2180-90. [PMID: 23708212 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2013.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2012] [Revised: 12/03/2012] [Accepted: 02/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Implantation of a biomaterial into the body elicits a host foreign body response, during which polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and then monocytes (MCs) are recruited to the site of implantation. MCs and MC-derived macrophages are central players in this response because they secrete proinflammatory and/or pro-wound-healing cytokines and growth factors that influence subsequent healing events. Although mechanisms of MC response to biomaterials are often studied in in vitro monoculture models, few studies have investigated how biomaterials modulate PMN-MC paracrine and juxtacrine interactions. To address this, we cultured human blood-derived MCs alone or in the presence of autologous PMN-conditioned medium (PCM) on poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels, poly(dimethyl siloxane), and tissue culture polystyrene. We also directly co-cultured autologous PMNs and MCs on these biomaterials. PCM increased MC adhesion/viability and expression of IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α in a biomaterial- and time-dependent manner when compared with MCs that were not cultured in PCM. There were also biomaterial- and time-dependent differences in cell adhesion/viability, apoptosis, and expression of IL-6 and IL-8 in the PMN-MC direct co-cultures when compared with the sums of these activities in PMN and MC monocultures. In conclusion, these data suggest that biomaterials selectively modulate PMN-MC paracrine and juxtacrine interactions to influence MC and/or PMN adhesion/viability, apoptosis, and cytokine expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah C Cohen
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA
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Khan FF, Carpenter D, Mitchell L, Mansouri O, Black HA, Tyson J, Armour JAL. Accurate measurement of gene copy number for human alpha-defensin DEFA1A3. BMC Genomics 2013; 14:719. [PMID: 24138543 PMCID: PMC4046698 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-14-719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2013] [Accepted: 09/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Multi-allelic copy number variants include examples of extensive variation between individuals in the copy number of important genes, most notably genes involved in immune function. The definition of this variation, and analysis of its impact on function, has been hampered by the technical difficulty of large-scale but accurate typing of genomic copy number. The copy-variable alpha-defensin locus DEFA1A3 on human chromosome 8 commonly varies between 4 and 10 copies per diploid genome, and presents considerable challenges for accurate high-throughput typing. Results In this study, we developed two paralogue ratio tests and three allelic ratio measurements that, in combination, provide an accurate and scalable method for measurement of DEFA1A3 gene number. We combined information from different measurements in a maximum-likelihood framework which suggests that most samples can be assigned to an integer copy number with high confidence, and applied it to typing 589 unrelated European DNA samples. Typing the members of three-generation pedigrees provided further reassurance that correct integer copy numbers had been assigned. Our results have allowed us to discover that the SNP rs4300027 is strongly associated with DEFA1A3 gene copy number in European samples. Conclusions We have developed an accurate and robust method for measurement of DEFA1A3 copy number. Interrogation of rs4300027 and associated SNPs in Genome-Wide Association Study SNP data provides no evidence that alpha-defensin copy number is a strong risk factor for phenotypes such as Crohn’s disease, type I diabetes, HIV progression and multiple sclerosis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2164-14-719) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - John A L Armour
- School of Biology, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
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Characterization of Antimicrobial Peptides toward the Development of Novel Antibiotics. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2013; 6:1055-81. [PMID: 24276381 PMCID: PMC3817730 DOI: 10.3390/ph6081055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2013] [Revised: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 08/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial agents have eradicated many infectious diseases and significantly improved our living environment. However, abuse of antimicrobial agents has accelerated the emergence of multidrug-resistant microorganisms, and there is an urgent need for novel antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have attracted attention as a novel class of antimicrobial agents because AMPs efficiently kill a wide range of species, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, via a novel mechanism of action. In addition, they are effective against pathogens that are resistant to almost all conventional antibiotics. AMPs have promising properties; they directly disrupt the functions of cellular membranes and nucleic acids, and the rate of appearance of AMP-resistant strains is very low. However, as pharmaceuticals, AMPs exhibit unfavorable properties, such as instability, hemolytic activity, high cost of production, salt sensitivity, and a broad spectrum of activity. Therefore, it is vital to improve these properties to develop novel AMP treatments. Here, we have reviewed the basic biochemical properties of AMPs and the recent strategies used to modulate these properties of AMPs to enhance their safety.
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Role of the LytSR two-component regulatory system in adaptation to cationic antimicrobial peptides in Staphylococcus aureus. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2013; 57:3875-82. [PMID: 23733465 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00412-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Many host defense cationic antimicrobial peptides (HDPs) perturb the staphylococcal cell membrane (CM) and alter transmembrane potential (ΔΨ) as key parts of their lethal mechanism. Thus, a sense-response system for detecting and mediating adaptive responses to such stresses could impact organism survival; the Staphylococcus aureus LytSR two-component regulatory system (TCRS) may serve as such a ΔΨ sensor. One well-known target of this system is the lrgAB operon, which, along with the related cidABC operon, has been shown to be a regulator in the control of programmed cell death and lysis. We used an isogenic set of S. aureus strains: (i) UAMS-1, (ii) its isogenic ΔlytS and ΔlrgAB mutants, and (iii) plasmid-complemented ΔlytSR and ΔlrgAB mutants. The ΔlytS strain displayed significantly increased in vitro susceptibilities to all HDPs tested (neutrophil-derived human neutrophil peptide 1 [hNP-1], platelet-derived thrombin-induced platelet microbicidal proteins [tPMPs], and the tPMP-mimetic peptide RP-1), as well as to calcium-daptomycin (DAP), a cationic antimicrobial peptide (CAP). In contrast, the ΔlrgAB strain exhibited no significant changes in susceptibilities to these cationic peptides, indicating that although lytSR positively regulates transcription of lrgAB, increased HDP/CAP susceptibilities in the ΔlytS mutant were lrgAB independent. Further, parental UAMS-1 (but not the ΔlytS mutant) became more resistant to hNP-1 and DAP following pretreatment with carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) (a CM-depolarizing agent). Of note, lytSR-dependent survival against CAP/HDP killing was not associated with changes in either surface positive charge, expression of mprF and dlt, or CM fluidity. The ΔlytS strain (but not the ΔlrgAB mutant) displayed a significant reduction in target tissue survival in an endocarditis model during DAP treatment. Collectively, these results suggest that the lytSR TCRS plays an important role in adaptive responses of S. aureus to CM-perturbing HDPs/CAPs, likely by functioning as a sense-response system for detecting subtle changes in ΔΨ.
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Ebrahem MA. Expression of human beta defensins (HBDs) 1, 2 and 3 in gingival crevicular fluid of patients affected by localized aggressive periodontitis. Saudi Dent J 2013; 25:75-82. [PMID: 23960559 DOI: 10.1016/j.sdentj.2013.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2012] [Revised: 11/28/2012] [Accepted: 02/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To study the effect of nonsurgical periodontal therapy on the expression frequencies of human beta-defensin (HBD)-1, -2, and -3 in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of patients affected by localized aggressive periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty patients affected by localized aggressive periodontitis (age range, 20-35 years) and 20 healthy subjects (age range, 21-37 years) were examined with clinical periodontal parameters and radiographic examination with the long-cone parallel technique. All periodontitis patients underwent nonsurgical periodontal therapy combined with doxycycline treatment and a maintenance program (including brushing with regular toothpaste). GCF samples were collected from patients and healthy control subjects at baseline as well as 3 months after periodontal therapy for the patient group. RESULTS In the patient group, the expression frequencies of HBD-1, -2, and -3 mRNA at baseline were 30%, 85%, and 35%, respectively, which changed after periodontal therapy to 80%, 45%, and 85%, respectively (all P < 0.001). In the healthy control subjects, the expression frequencies were 95%, 40%, and 95% for HBD-1, -2, and -3, respectively, which were different from those of diseased patients at baseline (all P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The appropriate expression of HBD peptides in health and disease may contribute to the maintenance of periodontal homeostasis, possibly through its antimicrobial effects and the promotion of adaptive immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Abdelmoniem Ebrahem
- Department of Oral Medicine, Periodontology and Oral Diagnosis, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Minia University, Egypt
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Urbonaviciene G, Frystyk J, Flyvbjerg A, Urbonavicius S, Henneberg EW, Lindholt JS. Markers of inflammation in relation to long-term cardiovascular mortality in patients with lower-extremity peripheral arterial disease. Int J Cardiol 2012; 160:89-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2011.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2010] [Revised: 03/05/2011] [Accepted: 03/16/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Aoki W, Kuroda K, Ueda M. Next generation of antimicrobial peptides as molecular targeted medicines. J Biosci Bioeng 2012; 114:365-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2012.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2012] [Revised: 05/02/2012] [Accepted: 05/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Abstract
Defensins are small, multifunctional cationic peptides. They typically contain six conserved cysteines whose three intramolecular disulfides stabilize a largely β-sheet structure. This review of human α-defensins begins by describing their evolution, including their likely relationship to the Big Defensins of invertebrates, and their kinship to the β-defensin peptides of many if not all vertebrates, and the θ-defensins found in certain non-human primates. We provide a short history of the search for leukocyte-derived microbicidal molecules, emphasizing the roles played by luck (good), preconceived notions (mostly bad), and proper timing (essential). The antimicrobial, antiviral, antitoxic, and binding properties of human α-defensins are summarized. The structural features of α-defensins are described extensively and their functional contributions are assessed. The properties of HD6, an enigmatic Paneth cell α-defensin, are contrasted with those of the four myeloid α-defensins (HNP1-4) and of HD5, the other α-defensin of human Paneth cells. The review ends with a decalogue that may assist researchers or students interested in α-defensins and related aspects of neutrophil function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert I Lehrer
- Department of Medicine and Molecular Biology Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1688, USA.
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Horn M, Bertling A, Brodde MF, Müller A, Roth J, Van Aken H, Jurk K, Heilmann C, Peters G, Kehrel BE. Human neutrophil alpha-defensins induce formation of fibrinogen and thrombospondin-1 amyloid-like structures and activate platelets via glycoprotein IIb/IIIa. J Thromb Haemost 2012; 10:647-61. [PMID: 22268819 DOI: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2012.04640.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human neutrophil α-defensins (HNPs) are important constituents of the innate immune system. Beyond their antimicrobial properties, HNPs also have pro-inflammatory features. While HNPs in plasma from healthy individuals are barely detectable, their level is strongly elevated in septic plasma and plasma from patients with acute coronary syndromes. OBJECTIVES As thrombosis and inflammation are intertwined processes and activation of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) and subsequent degranulation is associated with full activation of surrounding platelets, we studied the effect of HNPs on platelet function. METHODS The effect of HNPs on platelet activation parameters and apoptosis was investigated via aggregometry, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy and the ELISA technique. RESULTS It was found that HNPs activate platelets in pathophysiologically relevant doses, inducing fibrinogen and thrombospondin-1 binding, aggregation, granule secretion, sCD40L shedding, and procoagulant activity. HNPs bound directly to the platelet membrane, induced membrane pore formation, microparticle formation, mitochondrial membrane depolarization and caspase-3-activity. Confocal microscopy revealed the HNP-induced formation of polymeric fibrinogen and thrombospondin-1 amyloid-like structures, which bound microorganisms. Platelets adhered to these structures and formed aggregates. Blocking of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GPIIb/IIIa) markedly inhibited HNP-induced platelet activation. In addition, heparin, heparinoid, serpins and α(2)-macroglobulin, which all bind to HNPs, blocked HNP-1-induced platelet activation in contrast to direct thrombin inhibitors such as hirudin. CONCLUSIONS HNPs activate platelets and induce platelet apoptosis by formation of amyloid-like proteins. As these structures entrapped bacteria and fungi, they might reflect an additional function of HNPs in host defense. The described mechanism links again thrombosis and infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Horn
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Experimental and Clinical Haemostasis, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
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Nagaoka I, Suzuki K, Niyonsaba F, Tamura H, Hirata M. Modulation of neutrophil apoptosis by antimicrobial peptides. ISRN MICROBIOLOGY 2012; 2012:345791. [PMID: 23724322 PMCID: PMC3658579 DOI: 10.5402/2012/345791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2011] [Accepted: 01/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Peptide antibiotics possess the potent antimicrobial activities against invading microorganisms and contribute to the innate host defense. Human antimicrobial peptides, α-defensins (human neutrophil peptides, HNPs), human β-defensins (hBDs), and cathelicidin (LL-37) not only exhibit potent bactericidal activities against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, but also function as immunomodulatory molecules by inducing cytokine and chemokine production, and inflammatory and immune cell activation. Neutrophil is a critical effector cell in host defense against microbial infection, and its lifespan is regulated by various pathogen- and host-derived substances. Here, we provided the evidence that HNP-1, hBD-3, and LL-37 cannot only destroy bacteria but also potently modulate (suppress) neutrophil apoptosis, accompanied with the phosphorylation of ERK-1/-2, the downregulation of tBid (an proapoptotic protein) and upregulation of Bcl-xL (an antiapoptotic protein), and the inhibition of mitochondrial membrane potential change and caspase 3 activity, possibly via the actions on the distinct receptors, the P2Y6 nucleotide receptor, the chemokine receptor CCR6, and the low-affinity formyl-peptide receptor FPRL1/the nucleotide receptor P2X7, respectively. Suppression of neutrophil apoptosis results in the prolongation of their lifespan and may be advantageous for the host defense against bacterial invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isao Nagaoka
- Department of Host Defense and Biochemical Research, Juntendo University, Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
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Zoega M, Ravnsborg T, Højrup P, Houen G, Schou C. Proteinase 3 carries small unusual carbohydrates and associates with αlpha-defensins. J Proteomics 2012; 75:1472-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2011.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2011] [Revised: 11/02/2011] [Accepted: 11/15/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Lee SY, Kim DK, Kim KD, Myung SC, Lee MY. The Relaxing Effect of α-Defensin 1 on the Adrenergic Responses of Rat Bladder. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF PHARMACOLOGY 2011; 15:143-7. [PMID: 21860592 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2011.15.3.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2011] [Revised: 06/08/2011] [Accepted: 06/09/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Defensins, cysteine-rich cationic polypeptides released from neutrophils, are known to have powerful antimicrobial properties. In this study, we sacrificed 30 rats to investigate the effects of α-defensin 1 on detrusor muscle contractions in isolated rat bladder. From the experiments we found relaxing effects of α-defensin 1 on the contractions induced by phenylephrine (PE) but not by bethanechol (BCh) in the detrusor smooth muscles. To determine the mechanisms of the effects of α-defensin 1, the changes of effects on PE-induced contraction by α-defensin 1 pretreatment were observed after pretreatment of Rho kinase inhibitor (Y-27632), protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor (Calphostin C), potent activator of PKC (PDBu; phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate), and NF-κB inhibitors (PDTC; pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate and sulfasalazine). The contractile responses of PE (10(-9)~10(-4) M) were significantly decreased in some concentrations of α-defensin 1 (5×10(-9) and 5×10(-8) M). When strips were pretreated with NF-κB inhibitors (PDTC and sulfasalazine; 10(-7)~10(-6) M), the relaxing responses by α-defensin 1 pretreatment were disappeared. The present study demonstrated that α-defensin 1 has relaxing effects on the contractions of rat detrusor muscles, through NF-κB pathway. Further studies in vivo are required to clarify whether α-defensin 1 might be clinically related with bladder dysfunction by inflammation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Young Lee
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 156-756, Korea
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Analysis of the networks controlling the antimicrobial-peptide-dependent induction of Klebsiella pneumoniae virulence factors. Infect Immun 2011; 79:3718-32. [PMID: 21708987 DOI: 10.1128/iai.05226-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (APs) impose a threat to the survival of pathogens, and it is reasonable to postulate that bacteria have developed strategies to counteract them. Polymyxins are becoming the last resort to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria and, similar to APs, they interact with the anionic lipopolysaccharide. Given that polymyxins and APs share the initial target, it is possible that bacterial defense mechanisms against polymyxins will be also effective against host APs. We sought to determine whether exposure to polymyxin will increase Klebsiella pneumoniae resistance to host APs. Indeed, exposure of K. pneumoniae to polymyxin induces cross-resistance not only to polymyxin itself but also to APs present in the airways. Polymyxin treatment upregulates the expression of the capsule polysaccharide operon and the loci required to modify the lipid A with aminoarabinose and palmitate with a concomitant increase in capsule and lipid A species containing such modifications. Moreover, these surface changes contribute to APs resistance and also to polymyxin-induced cross-resistance to APs. Bacterial loads of lipid A mutants in trachea and lungs of intranasally infected mice were lower than those of wild-type strain. PhoPQ, PmrAB, and the Rcs system govern polymyxin-induced transcriptional changes, and there is a cross talk between PhoPQ and the Rcs system. Our findings support the notion that Klebsiella activates a defense program against APs that is controlled by three signaling systems. Therapeutic strategies directed to prevent the activation of this program could be a new approach worth exploring to facilitate the clearance of the pathogen from the airways.
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Lindner HB, Zhang A, Eldridge J, Demcheva M, Tsichlis P, Seth A, Vournakis J, Muise-Helmericks RC. Anti-bacterial effects of poly-N-acetyl-glucosamine nanofibers in cutaneous wound healing: requirement for Akt1. PLoS One 2011; 6:e18996. [PMID: 21559496 PMCID: PMC3084735 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0018996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2010] [Accepted: 03/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Treatment of cutaneous wounds with poly-N-acetyl-glucosamine nanofibers (sNAG) results in increased kinetics of wound closure in diabetic animal models, which is due in part to increased expression of several cytokines, growth factors, and innate immune activation. Defensins are also important for wound healing and anti-microbial activities. Therefore, we tested whether sNAG nanofibers induce defensin expression resulting in bacterial clearance. Methodology The role of sNAG in defensin expression was examined using immunofluoresence microscopy, pharmacological inhibition, and shRNA knockdown in vitro. The ability of sNAG treatment to induce defensin expression and bacterial clearance in WT and AKT1−/− mice was carried out using immunofluoresent microscopy and tissue gram staining. Neutralization, using an antibody directed against β-defensin 3, was utilized to determine if the antimicrobial properties of sNAG are dependent on the induction of defensin expression. Conclusions/Findings sNAG treatment causes increased expression of both α- and β-type defensins in endothelial cells and β-type defensins in keratinocytes. Pharmacological inhibition and shRNA knockdown implicates Akt1 in sNAG-dependent defensin expression in vitro, an activity also shown in an in vivo wound healing model. Importantly, sNAG treatment results in increased kinetics of wound closure in wild type animals. sNAG treatment decreases bacterial infection of cutaneous wounds infected with Staphylococcus aureus in wild type control animals but not in similarly treated Akt1 null animals. Furthermore, sNAG treatment of S. aureus infected wounds show an increased expression of β-defensin 3 which is required for sNAG-dependent bacterial clearance. Our findings suggest that Akt1 is involved in the regulation of defensin expression and the innate immune response important for bacterial clearance. Moreover, these findings support the use of sNAG nanofibers as a novel method for enhancing wound closure while simultaneously decreasing wound infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley Buff Lindner
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
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Nordenfelt P, Tapper H. Phagosome dynamics during phagocytosis by neutrophils. J Leukoc Biol 2011; 90:271-84. [PMID: 21504950 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.0810457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The neutrophil is a key player in immunity, and its activities are essential for the resolution of infections. Neutrophil-pathogen interactions usually trigger a large arsenal of antimicrobial measures that leads to the highly efficient killing of pathogens. In neutrophils, the phagocytic process, including the formation and maturation of the phagosome, is in many respects very different from that in other phagocytes. Although the complex mechanisms that coordinate the membrane traffic, oxidative burst, and release of granule contents required for the microbicidal activities of neutrophils are not completely understood, it is evident that they are unique and differ from those in macrophages. Neutrophils exhibit more rapid rates of phagocytosis and higher intensity of oxidative respiratory response than do macrophages. The phagosome maturation pathway in macrophages, which is linked to the endocytic pathway, is replaced in neutrophils by the rapid delivery of preformed granules to nonacidic phagosomes. This review describes the plasticity and dynamics of the phagocytic process with a special focus on neutrophil phagosome maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pontus Nordenfelt
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Infection Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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Mahanonda R, Sa-Ard-Iam N, Rerkyen P, Champaiboon C, Vanavit N, Pichyangkul S. Innate antiviral immunity of periodontal tissue. Periodontol 2000 2011; 56:143-53. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0757.2010.00378.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Noga EJ, Ullal AJ, Corrales J, Fernandes JM. Application of antimicrobial polypeptide host defenses to aquaculture: Exploitation of downregulation and upregulation responses. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2011; 6:44-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2010.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2010] [Revised: 06/01/2010] [Accepted: 06/02/2010] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Tiszlavicz Z, Németh B, Fülöp F, Vécsei L, Tápai K, Ocsovszky I, Mándi Y. Different inhibitory effects of kynurenic acid and a novel kynurenic acid analogue on tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production by mononuclear cells, HMGB1 production by monocytes and HNP1-3 secretion by neutrophils. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2011; 383:447-55. [PMID: 21336543 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-011-0605-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2010] [Accepted: 01/24/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Kynurenic acid (KynA), a broad spectrum antagonist of excitatory amino acid receptors, may serve as a protective agent in neurological disorders. The potential anti-inflammatory effect of KynA in human leukocytes has not been characterized. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of KynA with those of a new analogue, 2-(2-N,N-dimethylaminoethylamine-1-carbonyl)-1H-quinolin-4-one hydrochloride on tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production and high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) secretion. The effects of KynA on granulocyte activation were investigated via the secretion of human neutrophil peptide 1-3 (HNP1-3). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells and granulocytes or CD14 positive monocytes were applied as effector cells, or whole blood cultures were used. TNF-α, HMGB1 and HNP1-3 concentrations were determined by ELISA, TNF-α and HNP1-3 mRNA expressions were quantified by reverse transcription PCR. KynA attenuated the TNF-α production of human mononuclear cells activated by heat-inactivated Staphylococcus aureus, inhibiting TNF-α production at the transcription level. Furthermore, KynA diminished HMGB1 secretion by U 937 monocytic cells and by peripheral blood monocytes. KynA inhibited the HNP1-3 secretion in whole blood and in granulocyte cultures. The suppressive effect of the KynA analogue was more potent than that of an equimolar concentration KynA in TNF-α, HMGB1 and HNP1-3 inhibition. These results suggest that the new KynA analogue has a more potent immunoregulatory effect than KynA on human mononuclear cells, monocytes and granulocytes and indicate the potential benefits of further exploration of its uses in human inflammatory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltán Tiszlavicz
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunobiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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Arnett E, Lehrer RI, Pratikhya P, Lu W, Seveau S. Defensins enable macrophages to inhibit the intracellular proliferation of Listeria monocytogenes. Cell Microbiol 2011; 13:635-51. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-5822.2010.01563.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Smith JG, Silvestry M, Lindert S, Lu W, Nemerow GR, Stewart PL. Insight into the mechanisms of adenovirus capsid disassembly from studies of defensin neutralization. PLoS Pathog 2010; 6:e1000959. [PMID: 20585634 PMCID: PMC2891831 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1000959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2010] [Accepted: 05/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Defensins are effectors of the innate immune response with potent antibacterial activity. Their role in antiviral immunity, particularly for non-enveloped viruses, is poorly understood. We recently found that human alpha-defensins inhibit human adenovirus (HAdV) by preventing virus uncoating and release of the endosomalytic protein VI during cell entry. Consequently, AdV remains trapped in the endosomal/lysosomal pathway rather than trafficking to the nucleus. To gain insight into the mechanism of defensin-mediated neutralization, we analyzed the specificity of the AdV-defensin interaction. Sensitivity to alpha-defensin neutralization is a common feature of HAdV species A, B1, B2, C, and E, whereas species D and F are resistant. Thousands of defensin molecules bind with low micromolar affinity to a sensitive serotype, but only a low level of binding is observed to resistant serotypes. Neutralization is dependent upon a correctly folded defensin molecule, suggesting that specific molecular interactions occur with the virion. CryoEM structural studies and protein sequence analysis led to a hypothesis that neutralization determinants are located in a region spanning the fiber and penton base proteins. This model was supported by infectivity studies using virus chimeras comprised of capsid proteins from sensitive and resistant serotypes. These findings suggest a mechanism in which defensin binding to critical sites on the AdV capsid prevents vertex removal and thereby blocks subsequent steps in uncoating that are required for release of protein VI and endosomalysis during infection. In addition to informing the mechanism of defensin-mediated neutralization of a non-enveloped virus, these studies provide insight into the mechanism of AdV uncoating and suggest new strategies to disrupt this process and inhibit infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason G. Smith
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Science, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Mariena Silvestry
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Steffen Lindert
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Wuyuan Lu
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Glen R. Nemerow
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Science, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Phoebe L. Stewart
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Grahnert A, Grahnert A, Klein C, Schilling E, Wehrhahn J, Hauschildt S. Review: NAD +: a modulator of immune functions. Innate Immun 2010; 17:212-33. [PMID: 20388721 DOI: 10.1177/1753425910361989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Latterly, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) has emerged as a molecule with versatile functions and of enormous impact on the maintenance of cell integrity. Besides playing key roles in almost all major aspects of energy metabolism, there is mounting evidence that NAD+ and its degradation products affect various biological activities including calcium homeostasis, gene transcription, DNA repair, and intercellular communication. This review is aimed at giving a brief insight into the life cycle of NAD+ in the cell, referring to synthesis, action and degradation aspects. With respect to their immunological relevance, the importance and function of the major NAD+ metabolizing enzymes, namely CD38/CD157, ADP-ribosyltransferases (ARTs), poly-ADP-ribose-polymerases (PARPs), and sirtuins are summarized and roles of NAD+ and its main degradation product adenosine 5'-diphosphoribose (ADPR) in cell signaling are discussed. In addition, an outline of the variety of immunological processes depending on the activity of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (Nampt), the key enzyme of the salvage pathway of NAD+ synthesis, is presented. Taken together, an efficient supply of NAD+ seems to be a crucial need for a multitude of cell functions, underlining the yet only partly revealed potency of this small molecule to influence cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Grahnert
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biology, University of Leipzig, Talstrasse 33, Leipzig, Germany
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Rodríguez-García M, Climent N, Oliva H, Casanova V, Franco R, Leon A, Gatell JM, García F, Gallart T. Increased alpha-defensins 1-3 production by dendritic cells in HIV-infected individuals is associated with slower disease progression. PLoS One 2010; 5:e9436. [PMID: 20195543 PMCID: PMC2828484 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0009436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2009] [Accepted: 01/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Defensins are natural endogenous antimicrobial peptides with potent anti-HIV activity and immuno-modulatory effects. We recently demonstrated that immature dendritic cells (DC) produce α-defensins1-3 and that α-defensins1-3 modulate DC generation and maturation. Since DC-HIV interaction plays a critical role during the first steps of HIV infection, we investigated the possible impact of α-defensins1-3 production by DC on disease progression. Methodology/Principal Findings Monocyte-derived DC (MDDC) were analyzed comparatively in healthy controls (HC) and HIV-infected patients, including untreated “elite” and “viremic” controllers, untreated viremic non-controllers and antiretroviral-treated patients. We found that production of α-defensins1-3 was significantly increased in MDDC from HIV-infected patients versus HC, and this increase was mainly due to that observed in controllers, while in non-controllers the increase was not statistically significant (controllers vs. HC, p<0.005; controllers vs. non-controllers p<0.05). Secreted α-defensins1-3 by immature MDDC positively correlated with CD4 T cell counts in controllers, but not in non-controllers. Moreover, independently of their clinical classification, HIV-infected patients with higher α-defensins1-3 secretion by immature MDDC showed slower disease progression, measured as no decrease in the number of CD4+ T-cells below 350 cell/mm3, lower increase of plasma viral load and no initiation of treatment over time. Plasma alpha-defensins1-3 levels lacked any relationship with immunologic and virologic parameters. Conclusions/Significance High production of α-defensins1-3 by immature DCs appears as a host protective factor against progression of HIV-1infection, suggesting potential diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive implications. This protective effect may arise from the activity of α-defensins1-3 to damage the virions prior and/or after their internalization by immature DC, and hence favoring a more efficient viral processing and presentation to HIV-specific CD4+ T cells, without or with a minor rate of transmission of infectious HIV-1 virions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Rodríguez-García
- Services of Immunology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-AIDS Research Group, and Catalonian Center for HIV Vaccines (HIVACAT), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Climent
- Services of Immunology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-AIDS Research Group, and Catalonian Center for HIV Vaccines (HIVACAT), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Harold Oliva
- Services of Immunology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-AIDS Research Group, and Catalonian Center for HIV Vaccines (HIVACAT), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Víctor Casanova
- Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, University of Barcelona School of Medicine, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Franco
- Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, University of Barcelona School of Medicine, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Barcelona, Spain
- Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Agathe Leon
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-AIDS Research Group, and Catalonian Center for HIV Vaccines (HIVACAT), Barcelona, Spain
- Infectious Diseases and AIDS Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José M. Gatell
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-AIDS Research Group, and Catalonian Center for HIV Vaccines (HIVACAT), Barcelona, Spain
- Infectious Diseases and AIDS Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Felipe García
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-AIDS Research Group, and Catalonian Center for HIV Vaccines (HIVACAT), Barcelona, Spain
- Infectious Diseases and AIDS Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Teresa Gallart
- Services of Immunology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-AIDS Research Group, and Catalonian Center for HIV Vaccines (HIVACAT), Barcelona, Spain
- * E-mail:
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50
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Rieg S, Meier B, Fähnrich E, Huth A, Wagner D, Kern WV, Kalbacher H. Differential activity of innate defense antimicrobial peptides against Nocardia species. BMC Microbiol 2010; 10:61. [PMID: 20178618 PMCID: PMC2834671 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-10-61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2009] [Accepted: 02/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Members of the genus Nocardia are ubiquitous environmental saprophytes capable to cause human pulmonary, disseminated and cutaneous nocardiosis or bovine mastitis. Innate immunity appears to play an important role in early defense against Nocardia species. To elucidate the contribution of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in innate defense against Nocardia, the activity of human α-defensins human neutrophil peptides (HNPs) 1-3, human β-defensin (hBD)-3 and cathelicidin LL-37 as well as bovine β-defensins lingual and tracheal antimicrobial peptides (LAP, TAP) and bovine neutrophil-derived indolicidin against four important Nocardia species was investigated. Results Whereas N. farcinica ATCC 3318 and N. nova ATCC 33726 were found to be susceptible to all investigated human and bovine AMPs, N. asteroides ATCC 19247 was killed exclusively by neutrophil-derived human α-defensins HNP 1-3 and bovine indolicidin. N. brasiliensis ATCC 19296 was found to exhibit complete resistance to investigated human AMPs and to be susceptible only to bovine indolicidin. Conclusion Selected AMPs are capable to contribute to the first line of defense against Nocardia, yet, susceptibility appears to vary across different Nocardia species. Obtained results of neutrophil-derived AMPs to possess the broadest antinocardial spectrum are remarkable, since nocardiosis is characterized by a neutrophil-rich infiltrate in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siegbert Rieg
- Center for Infectious Diseases & Travel Medicine, University Medical Center, Hugstetter Strasse 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany.
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