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Simoni A, Schwartz L, Junquera GY, Ching CB, Spencer JD. Current and emerging strategies to curb antibiotic-resistant urinary tract infections. Nat Rev Urol 2024:10.1038/s41585-024-00877-9. [PMID: 38714857 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-024-00877-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Rising rates of antibiotic resistance in uropathogenic bacteria compromise patient outcomes and prolong hospital stays. Consequently, new strategies are needed to prevent and control the spread of antibiotic resistance in uropathogenic bacteria. Over the past two decades, sizeable clinical efforts and research advances have changed urinary tract infection (UTI) treatment and prevention strategies to conserve antibiotic use. The emergence of antimicrobial stewardship, policies from national societies, and the development of new antimicrobials have shaped modern UTI practices. Future UTI management practices could be driven by the evolution of antimicrobial stewardship, improved and readily available diagnostics, and an improved understanding of how the microbiome affects UTI. Forthcoming UTI treatment and prevention strategies could employ novel bactericidal compounds, combinations of new and classic antimicrobials that enhance bacterial killing, medications that prevent bacterial attachment to uroepithelial cells, repurposing drugs, and vaccines to curtail the rising rates of antibiotic resistance in uropathogenic bacteria and improve outcomes in people with UTI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Simoni
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Nationwide Children's Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Laura Schwartz
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Nationwide Children's Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH, USA
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Guillermo Yepes Junquera
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Christina B Ching
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Nationwide Children's Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - John David Spencer
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Nationwide Children's Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH, USA.
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA.
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2
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Das S, Konwar BK. Influence of connatural factors in shaping vaginal microflora and ensuring its health. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 309:871-886. [PMID: 37676318 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-07200-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Vaginal canal (VC) is exposed to the external environment affected by habitual factors like hygiene and sexual behaviour as well as physiological factors like puberty, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, child birth and menopause. Healthy VC harbours beneficial microflora supported by vaginal epithelium and cervical fluid. Connatural antimicrobial peptide (AMPs) of female reproductive tract (FRT) conjunctly with these beneficial microbes provide protection from a large number of infectious diseases. Such infections may either be caused by native microbes of the VC or transitory microbes like bacteria or virus which are not a part of VC microflora. This review highlight's the role of hormones, enzymes, innate immunological factors, epithelial cells and vaginal mucus that support beneficial microbes over infectious ones thus, helping to maintain homeostasis in VC and further protect the FRT. We also discuss the prospective use of vaginal probiotics and AMPs against pathogens which can serve as a potential cure for vaginal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreaya Das
- Department of MBBT, Tezpur University, Napaam, Assam, 784028, India.
| | - Bolin K Konwar
- Department of MBBT, Tezpur University, Napaam, Assam, 784028, India
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3
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Widjaja NA, Hamidah A, Purnomo MT, Ardianah E. Effect of lactoferrin in oral nutrition supplement (ONS) towards IL-6 and IL-10 in failure to thrive children with infection. F1000Res 2023; 12:897. [PMID: 38434639 PMCID: PMC10904948 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.130176.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Growth failure due to infection in children is a major health problem throughout the world. It provokes a systemic immune response, with increased interleukin (IL)-6 and reduced IL-10. Lactoferrin (Lf) is a multifunctional iron-binding protein that can be found in whey protein inside formula milk such as oral nutrition supplement (ONS), which is able to upregulate anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) and modulate pro-inflammatory cytokines. We conducted this study to investigate the effect of Lf supplementation in ONS on IL-6 and IL-10 levels in children with failure to thrive and infection. Methods We performed a quasi-experimental pre- and post-study in children aged 12-60 months old with failure to thrive due to infectious illness. The subjects received 400 ml of oral nutritional supplements (ONS, 1 ml equivalent to 1 kcal) each day for 90 days, and their parents received dietary advice and medication based on the underlying illness. Blood was drawn to measure IL-6 and IL-10 before and after the intervention. Results There were 75 subjects recruited and divided into group-1 and group-2 based on age. The incidence of undernutrition was 37.33%. Lf in ONS intervention improved body weight and body length. Lf also reduced IL-6, although there was not a significant difference before and after the intervention. However, the IL-6 reduction was significantly higher in subjects with undernutrition compared with subjects with weight faltering. Pre-intervention IL-6 levels were higher in children with stunting than in children with normal stature. There was a greater change in IL-6 in children with severe stunting than in children with normal stature or stunting. IL-10 was significantly reduced after the intervention. Conclusions In addition to improving body weight and length, Lf supplementation in ONS improved immune response homeostasis by balancing IL-6 and IL-10 levels and by improving the IL-6/IL-10 ratio.ClinicalTrials.gov number ID: NCT05289674, dated May 3 rd 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Azizah Hamidah
- Child Health, Airlangga University, Surabaya, East Java, 60286, Indonesia
| | | | - Eva Ardianah
- Child Health, Airlangga University, Surabaya, East Java, 60286, Indonesia
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Schwartz L, de Dios Ruiz-Rosado J, Stonebrook E, Becknell B, Spencer JD. Uropathogen and host responses in pyelonephritis. Nat Rev Nephrol 2023; 19:658-671. [PMID: 37479904 PMCID: PMC10913074 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-023-00737-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections seen in clinical practice. The ascent of UTI-causing pathogens to the kidneys results in pyelonephritis, which can trigger kidney injury, scarring and ultimately impair kidney function. Despite sizable efforts to understand how infections develop or are cleared in the bladder, our appreciation of the mechanisms by which infections develop, progress or are eradicated in the kidney is limited. The identification of virulence factors that are produced by uropathogenic Escherichia coli to promote pyelonephritis have begun to fill this knowledge gap, as have insights into the mechanisms by which kidney tubular epithelial cells oppose uropathogenic E. coli infection to prevent or eradicate UTIs. Emerging data also illustrate how specific cellular immune responses eradicate infection whereas other immune cell populations promote kidney injury. Insights into the mechanisms by which uropathogenic E. coli circumvent host immune defences or antibiotic therapy to cause pyelonephritis is paramount to the development of new prevention and treatment strategies to mitigate pyelonephritis and its associated complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Schwartz
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Nationwide Children's Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA.
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Juan de Dios Ruiz-Rosado
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Nationwide Children's Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Emily Stonebrook
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Nationwide Children's Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Brian Becknell
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Nationwide Children's Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - John David Spencer
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Nationwide Children's Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA.
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA.
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5
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Ohradanova-Repic A, Praženicová R, Gebetsberger L, Moskalets T, Skrabana R, Cehlar O, Tajti G, Stockinger H, Leksa V. Time to Kill and Time to Heal: The Multifaceted Role of Lactoferrin and Lactoferricin in Host Defense. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1056. [PMID: 37111542 PMCID: PMC10146187 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein present in most human exocrine fluids, particularly breast milk. Lactoferrin is also released from neutrophil granules, and its concentration increases rapidly at the site of inflammation. Immune cells of both the innate and the adaptive immune system express receptors for lactoferrin to modulate their functions in response to it. On the basis of these interactions, lactoferrin plays many roles in host defense, ranging from augmenting or calming inflammatory pathways to direct killing of pathogens. Complex biological activities of lactoferrin are determined by its ability to sequester iron and by its highly basic N-terminus, via which lactoferrin binds to a plethora of negatively charged surfaces of microorganisms and viruses, as well as to mammalian cells, both normal and cancerous. Proteolytic cleavage of lactoferrin in the digestive tract generates smaller peptides, such as N-terminally derived lactoferricin. Lactoferricin shares some of the properties of lactoferrin, but also exhibits unique characteristics and functions. In this review, we discuss the structure, functions, and potential therapeutic uses of lactoferrin, lactoferricin, and other lactoferrin-derived bioactive peptides in treating various infections and inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, we summarize clinical trials examining the effect of lactoferrin supplementation in disease treatment, with a special focus on its potential use in treating COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ohradanova-Repic
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Romana Praženicová
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 51 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Laura Gebetsberger
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Tetiana Moskalets
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 51 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Rostislav Skrabana
- Laboratory of Structural Biology of Neurodegeneration, Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ondrej Cehlar
- Laboratory of Structural Biology of Neurodegeneration, Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Gabor Tajti
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Hannes Stockinger
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Vladimir Leksa
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 51 Bratislava, Slovakia
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6
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Lee YJ, Kim KM, Jung HL, Shim JY, Kim DS, Shim JW. Relationship between Breastfeeding, Birth History, and Acute Pyelonephritis in Infants. J Korean Med Sci 2020; 35:e32. [PMID: 32103642 PMCID: PMC7049624 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2020.35.e32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the clinical importance of the immunological benefits of breastfeeding has been emphasized for decades, their direct relationship with acute pyelonephritis (APN) is still not clear. Our goal was to determine whether breastfeeding truly provides protection against APNs, while investigating the effects of other factors such as sex, age, mode of delivery, and birth weight on APN. METHODS A total of 62 infants under 6 months of age who had both microbiologically and radiologically-confirmed APN were enrolled in the case group. Healthy infants (n = 178) who visited the hospital for scheduled vaccinations were enrolled in the control group. The following participant characteristics were compared between the case and control groups: age, sex, birth order among siblings, feeding methods, weight percentile by month, birth weight percentile by gestational age, gestational age at birth, and mode of delivery. RESULTS Babies exclusively fed with manufactured infant formulae before 6 months of age had significantly higher risk for APN than breastfed or mixed-fed infants (odds ratio [OR], 3.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.687-7.031; P = 0.001). Firstborn babies had lower risk for APN than 2nd- or 3rd-born babies (OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.210-0.919). Other factors that increased the risk for APN were low birth weight percentiles (OR, 8.33; 95% CI, 2.300-30.166) and birth via caesarean section (OR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.097-4.887). There were more preterm births in the case group (10.9% vs. 1.7%; P = 0.002), but this did not increase the risk for APN (OR, 4.47; P = 0.063). CONCLUSION Feeding exclusively with formula before 6 months of age was related to higher risk for APN, which demonstrates that breastfeeding has a protective effect against APN. The other risk factors for APN were birth order (≥ 2nd-born), low birth weight, and birth via caesarean section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Ju Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung Moon Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Hwacheon Health Center and County Hospital, Hwacheon, Korea
| | - Hye Lim Jung
- Department of Pediatrics, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung Yeon Shim
- Department of Pediatrics, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Deok Soo Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Won Shim
- Department of Pediatrics, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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7
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Lee BC, Hung CW, Lin CY, Shih CH, Tsai HJ. Oral administration of transgenic biosafe microorganism containing antimicrobial peptide enhances the survival of tilapia fry infected bacterial pathogen. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 95:606-616. [PMID: 31682999 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2019.10.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
To develop an alternative to conventional antibiotics used in the aquaculture and livestock industries, we employed Bacillus subtilis, considered a biosafe microorganism, to express the degradable antimicrobial peptide lactoferricin. An expression plasmid pP43-6LFBII-GFP, in which reporter GFP cDNA was fused downstream of lactoferricin cDNA driven by an endogenous constitutive P43 promoter was electroporated into B. subtilis, followed by regeneration and cultivation. The putative colonies harboring plasmids were primarily screened by PCR-amplification of lactoferricin cDNA. Four transformants which were stable inheritance of plasmid containing lactoferricin cDNA included strains T1, T4, T7 and T13. Based on Western blot and Southern blot analyses, we found that transgenic strains T1 and T13 not only highly expressed exogenous recombinant lactoferricin, but also exhibited more stable inheritance of plasmids with 931 and 647 copies per cell, respectively. In the antibacterial in vitro experiment, the bactericidal activity of each microliter of cell lysate from transgenic strains T1 and T13 (5 × 108 CFU) for Escherichia coli was equivalent to 56 and 53 ng of Ampicillin dosage, respectively, while for Staphylococcus epidermidis, the equivalency T1 and T13 was 154 and 130 ng of Ampicillin dosage, respectively. Equivalencies of bacterial activity for Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Edwardsiella tarda followed suit. In the antibacterial in vivo experiment, we oral-in-tube fed tilapia fry (Oreochromis mossambicus X O. niloticus) with cell lysate from transgenic strain T1 and T13 individually. After 1-h of incubation, we immersed these treated fish fry in a water tank containing E. tarda (5 × 1011 CFU) for a 5-hr bacterial challenge. After one month cultivation, an average survival rate of 63 and 67% was observed after having fed the fish fry with transgenic strains T1 and T13, respectively. However, the average survival rate of fish fry fed with B. subtilis WT strain and transgenic strain T19 without expressing recombinant lactoferricin reached only 5 and 9%, respectively. These data indicate that the survival of fish fry infected by the intestinal pathogen tested could be significantly enhanced by feeding transgenic B. subtilis containing antibacterial peptide. Therefore, we suggest that this strategy could be applied to both aquaculture and livestock industries to (i) reduce the dependency on conventional antibiotics during seasonal outbreaks and (ii) eliminate the problem of antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Chang Lee
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chun-Wei Hung
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Cheng-Yung Lin
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chen-Han Shih
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Huai-Jen Tsai
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan, ROC.
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8
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Alhalwani AY, Davey RL, Kaul N, Barbee SA, Alex Huffman J. Modification of lactoferrin by peroxynitrite reduces its antibacterial activity and changes protein structure. Proteins 2019; 88:166-174. [PMID: 31295370 DOI: 10.1002/prot.25782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Lactoferrin (LF) is a multifunctional protein that plays important physiological roles as one of the most concentrated proteins in many human and other mammalian fluids and tissues. In particular, LF provides antibacterial properties to human milk, saliva, and tear fluid. LF also protects against stress-induced lipid peroxidation at inflammation sites through its iron-binding ability. Previous studies have shown that LF can be efficiently nitrated via biologically relevant mediators such as peroxynitrite (ONOO- ), which are also present at high intracellular concentrations during inflammation and nitrosative stress. Here, we examine changes in antibacterial properties and structure of LF following ONOO- treatment. The reaction induces nitration of tyrosine and tryptophan residues, which are commonly used as biomarker molecules for several diseases. Treatment with ONOO- at a 10/1 M ratio of ONOO- to tyrosine inhibited all antibacterial activity exhibited by native LF. Secondary structural changes in LF were assessed using circular dichroism spectroscopy. Nitration products with and without the addition of Fe3+ show significant reduction in alpha-helical properties, suggesting partial protein unfolding. Iron-binding capacity of LF was also reduced after treatment with ONOO- , suggesting a decreased ability of LF to protect against cellular damage. LC-MS/MS spectrometry was used to identify LF peptide fragments nitrated by ONOO- , including tyrosine residue Y92 located in the iron-binding region. These results suggest that posttranslational modification of LF by ONOO- could be an important pathway to exacerbate infection, for example, in inflamed tissues and to reduce the ability of LF to act as an immune responder and decrease oxidative damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amani Y Alhalwani
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado
| | - Rachel L Davey
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado
| | - Navneeta Kaul
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado
| | - Scott A Barbee
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado
| | - J Alex Huffman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado
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9
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Håkansson J, Ringstad L, Umerska A, Johansson J, Andersson T, Boge L, Rozenbaum RT, Sharma PK, Tollbäck P, Björn C, Saulnier P, Mahlapuu M. Characterization of the in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo Efficacy of the Antimicrobial Peptide DPK-060 Used for Topical Treatment. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:174. [PMID: 31192163 PMCID: PMC6548878 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides, also known as host defense peptides, have recently emerged as a promising new category of therapeutic agents for the treatment of infectious diseases. This study evaluated the preclinical in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo antimicrobial activity, as well as the potential to cause skin irritation, of human kininogen-derived antimicrobial peptide DPK-060 in different formulations designed for topical delivery. We found that DPK-060 formulated in acetate buffer or poloxamer gel caused a marked reduction of bacterial counts of Staphylococcus aureus in vitro (minimum microbicidal concentration <5 μg/ml). We also found that DPK-060 in poloxamer gel significantly suppressed microbial survival in an ex vivo wound infection model using pig skin and in an in vivo mouse model of surgical site infection (≥99 or ≥94% reduction in bacterial counts was achieved with 1% DPK-060 at 4 h post-treatment, respectively). Encapsulation of DPK-060 in different types of lipid nanocapsules or cubosomes did not improve the bactericidal potential of the peptide under the applied test conditions. No reduction in cell viability was observed in response to administration of DPK-060 in any of the formulations tested. In conclusion, the present study confirms that DPK-060 has the potential to be an effective and safe drug candidate for the topical treatment of microbial infections; however, adsorption of the peptide to nanocarriers failed to show any additional benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joakim Håkansson
- Division of Bioscience and Materials, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Borås, Sweden
| | - Lovisa Ringstad
- Division of Bioscience and Materials, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Borås, Sweden
| | - Anita Umerska
- Université de Lorraine, CITHEFOR, Nancy, France.,INSERM 1066, CNRS 6021, Université Bretagne Loire, MINT, UNIV Angers, Angers, France
| | - Jenny Johansson
- Division of Bioscience and Materials, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Borås, Sweden
| | - Therese Andersson
- Division of Bioscience and Materials, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Borås, Sweden
| | - Lukas Boge
- Division of Bioscience and Materials, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Borås, Sweden
| | - René T Rozenbaum
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Prashant K Sharma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Petter Tollbäck
- Division of Bioscience and Materials, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Borås, Sweden
| | - Camilla Björn
- Division of Bioscience and Materials, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Borås, Sweden
| | - Patrick Saulnier
- INSERM 1066, CNRS 6021, Université Bretagne Loire, MINT, UNIV Angers, Angers, France
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10
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Patras KA, Ha AD, Rooholfada E, Olson J, Ramachandra Rao SP, Lin AE, Nizet V. Augmentation of Urinary Lactoferrin Enhances Host Innate Immune Clearance of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli. J Innate Immun 2019; 11:481-495. [PMID: 31055580 DOI: 10.1159/000499342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a prominent global health care burden. Although UTI is readily treated with antibiotics in healthy adults, complicated cases in immune-compromised individuals and the emerging antibiotic resistance of several uropathogens have accelerated the need for new treatment strategies. Here, we surveyed the composition of urinary exosomes in a mouse model of uropathgenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) UTI to identify specific urinary tract defense constituents for therapeutic development. We found an enrichment of the iron-binding glycoprotein lactoferrin in the urinary exosomes of infected mice. In subsequent in vitro studies, we identified human bladder epithelial cells as a source of lactoferrin during UPEC infection. We further established that exogenous treatment with human lactoferrin (hLf) reduces UPEC epithelial adherence and enhances neutrophil antimicrobial functions including bacterial killing and extracellular trap production. Notably, a single intravesicular dose of hLf drastically reduced bladder bacterial burden and neutrophil infiltration in our murine UTI model. We propose that lactoferrin is an important modulator of innate immune responses in the urinary tract and has potential application in novel therapeutic design for UTI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn A Patras
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Albert D Ha
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Emma Rooholfada
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Joshua Olson
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Satish P Ramachandra Rao
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.,Center for Clinical Research & Education, IAIM HealthCare Center, Yelahanka, India
| | - Ann E Lin
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Victor Nizet
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA, .,Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA,
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11
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Asadi Karam MR, Habibi M, Bouzari S. Urinary tract infection: Pathogenicity, antibiotic resistance and development of effective vaccines against Uropathogenic Escherichia coli. Mol Immunol 2019; 108:56-67. [PMID: 30784763 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2019.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2018] [Revised: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are recognized as one of the most common infectious diseases in the world that can be divided to different types. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strains are the most prevalent causative agent of UTIs that applied different virulence factors such as fimbriae, capsule, iron scavenger receptors, flagella, toxins, and lipopolysaccharide for their pathogenicity in the urinary tract. Despite the high pathogenicity of UPEC strains, host utilizes different immune systems such as innate and adaptive immunity for eradication of them from the urinary tract. The routine therapy of UTIs is based on the use of antibiotics such as β-lactams, trimethoprim, nitrofurantoin and quinolones in many countries. Unfortunately, the widespread and misuse of these antibiotics resulted in the increasing rate of resistance to them in the societies. Increasing antibiotic resistance and their side effects on human body show the need to develop alternative strategies such as vaccine against UTIs. Developing a vaccine against UTI pathogens will have an important role in reduction the mortality rate as well as reducing economic costs. Different vaccines based on the whole cells (killed or live-attenuated vaccines) and antigens (subunits, toxins and conjugatedvaccines) have been evaluated against UTIs pathogens. Furthermore, other therapeutic strategies such as the use of probiotics and antimicrobial peptides are considered against UTIs. Despite the extensive efforts, limited success has been achieved and more studies are needed to reach an alternative of antibiotics for treatment of UTIs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mehri Habibi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Pasteur Ave., Tehran, 13164, Iran.
| | - Saeid Bouzari
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Pasteur Ave., Tehran, 13164, Iran.
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Intragraft Antiviral-Specific Gene Expression as a Distinctive Transcriptional Signature for Studies in Polyomavirus-Associated Nephropathy. Transplantation 2017; 100:2062-70. [PMID: 27140517 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000001214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polyomavirus nephropathy (PVAN) is a common cause of kidney allograft dysfunction and loss. To identify PVAN-specific gene expression and underlying molecular mechanisms, we analyzed kidney biopsies with and without PVAN. METHODS The study included 168 posttransplant renal allograft biopsies (T cell-mediated rejection [TCMR] = 26, PVAN = 10, normal functioning graft = 73, and interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy = 59) from 168 unique kidney allograft recipients. We performed gene expression assays and bioinformatics analysis to identify a set of PVAN-specific genes. Validity and relevance of a subset of these genes are validated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis of all the biopsies revealed high similarity between PVAN and TCMR gene expression. Increased statistical stringency identified 158 and 252 unique PVAN and TCMR injury-specific gene transcripts respectively. Although TCMR-specific genes were overwhelmingly involved in immune response costimulation and TCR signaling, PVAN-specific genes were mainly related to DNA replication process, RNA polymerase assembly, and pathogen recognition receptors. A principal component analysis (PCA) using these genes further confirmed the most optimal separation between the 3 different clinical phenotypes. Validation of 4 PVAN-specific genes (RPS15, complement factor D, lactotransferrin, and nitric oxide synthase interacting protein) by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and confirmation by immunohistochemistry of 2 PVAN-specific proteins with antiviral function (lactotransferrin and IFN-inducible transmembrane 1) was done. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, even though PVAN and TCMR kidney allografts share great similarities on gene perturbation, PVAN-specific genes were identified with well-known antiviral properties that provide tools for discerning PVAN and AR as well as attractive targets for rational drug design.
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Drago-Serrano ME, Campos-Rodríguez R, Carrero JC, de la Garza M. Lactoferrin: Balancing Ups and Downs of Inflammation Due to Microbial Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:E501. [PMID: 28257033 PMCID: PMC5372517 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18030501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lactoferrin (Lf) is a glycoprotein of the primary innate immune-defense system of mammals present in milk and other mucosal secretions. This protein of the transferrin family has broad antimicrobial properties by depriving pathogens from iron, or disrupting their plasma membranes through its highly cationic charge. Noteworthy, Lf also exhibits immunomodulatory activities performing up- and down-regulation of innate and adaptive immune cells, contributing to the homeostasis in mucosal surfaces exposed to myriad of microbial agents, such as the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. Although the inflammatory process is essential for the control of invasive infectious agents, the development of an exacerbated or chronic inflammation results in tissue damage with life-threatening consequences. In this review, we highlight recent findings in in vitro and in vivo models of the gut, lung, oral cavity, mammary gland, and liver infections that provide experimental evidence supporting the therapeutic role of human and bovine Lf in promoting some parameters of inflammation and protecting against the deleterious effects of bacterial, viral, fungal and protozoan-associated inflammation. Thus, this new knowledge of Lf immunomodulation paves the way to more effective design of treatments that include native or synthetic Lf derivatives, which may be useful to reduce immune-mediated tissue damage in infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elisa Drago-Serrano
- Departamento de Sistemas Biológicos, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Xochimilco (UAM-X), CdMx 04960, Mexico.
| | - Rafael Campos-Rodríguez
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional (ESM-IPN), CdMx 11340, Mexico.
| | - Julio César Carrero
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (IIB-UNAM), CdMx 70228, Mexico.
| | - Mireya de la Garza
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), CdMx 07360, Mexico.
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Lars K. Breast-feeding and protection against infection. SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF FOOD & NUTRITION 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/11026480600601083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K. Lars
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Go¨teborg University, Go¨teborg, Sweden
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Björn C, Mahlapuu M, Mattsby-Baltzer I, Håkansson J. Anti-infective efficacy of the lactoferrin-derived antimicrobial peptide HLR1r. Peptides 2016; 81:21-8. [PMID: 27155369 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2016.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Revised: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/30/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as a new class of drug candidates for the treatment of infectious diseases. Here we describe a novel AMP, HLR1r, which is structurally derived from the human milk protein lactoferrin and demonstrates a broad spectrum microbicidal action in vitro. The minimum concentration of HLR1r needed for killing ≥99% of microorganisms in vitro, was in the range of 3-50μg/ml for common Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and for the yeast Candida albicans, when assessed in diluted brain-heart infusion medium. We found that HLR1r also possesses anti-inflammatory properties as evidenced by inhibition of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) secretion from human monocyte-derived macrophages and by repression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) secretion from human mesothelial cells, without any cytotoxic effect observed at the concentration range tested (up to 400μg/ml). HLR1r demonstrated pronounced anti-infectious effect in in vivo experimental models of cutaneous candidiasis in mice and of excision wounds infected with MRSA in rats as well as in an ex vivo model of pig skin infected with S. aureus. In conclusion, HLR1r may constitute a new therapeutic alternative for local treatment of skin infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Björn
- Pergamum AB, Karolinska Institutet Science Park, Fogdevreten 2, SE-171 65 Solna, Sweden; SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden, Medical Device Technology, Box 857, SE-501 15 Borås, Sweden; The Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Blå stråket 5, SE-413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Margit Mahlapuu
- Pergamum AB, Karolinska Institutet Science Park, Fogdevreten 2, SE-171 65 Solna, Sweden; The Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Blå stråket 5, SE-413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Inger Mattsby-Baltzer
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Box 440, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Joakim Håkansson
- Pergamum AB, Karolinska Institutet Science Park, Fogdevreten 2, SE-171 65 Solna, Sweden; SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden, Medical Device Technology, Box 857, SE-501 15 Borås, Sweden.
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Ipe DS, Horton E, Ulett GC. The Basics of Bacteriuria: Strategies of Microbes for Persistence in Urine. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2016; 6:14. [PMID: 26904513 PMCID: PMC4744864 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2016.00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteriuria, the presence of bacteria in urine, is associated with asymptomatic, as well as symptomatic, urinary tract infection (UTI). Bacteriuria underpins some of the dynamics of microbial colonization of the urinary tract, and probably impacts the progression and persistence of infection in some individuals. Recent molecular discoveries in vitro have elucidated how some key bacterial traits can enable organisms to survive and grow in human urine as a means of microbial fitness adaptation for UTI. Several microbial characteristics that confer bacteruric potential have been identified including de novo synthesis of guanine, relative resistance to D-serine, and catabolism of malic acid. Microbial characteristics such as these are increasingly being defined through the use of synthetic human urine (SHU) in vitro as a model to mimic the in vivo environment that bacteria encounter in the bladder. There is considerable variation in the SHU model systems that have been used to study bacteriuria to date, and this influences the utility of these models. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of bacteruric potential with a focus on the specific mechanisms underlying traits that promote the growth of bacteria in urine. We also review the application of SHU in research studies modeling UTI and discuss the chemical makeup, and benefits and limitations that are encountered in utilizing SHU to study bacterial growth in urine in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Glen C. Ulett
- School of Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith UniversityGold Coast, QLD, Australia
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Schmidt R, Ostorházi E, Wende E, Knappe D, Hoffmann R. Pharmacokinetics and in vivo efficacy of optimized oncocin derivatives. J Antimicrob Chemother 2016; 71:1003-11. [PMID: 26832757 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkv454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the efficacy of antimicrobial peptide Onc112 in a lethal Escherichia coli infection model and the pharmacokinetics of Onc72 and Onc112 administered intravenously or intraperitoneally in mice. METHODS Onc72, Onc112 and their major metabolites in blood, kidneys, liver, brain and urine were quantified by MS using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) and isotope-labelled peptides. RESULTS Onc112 rescued all animals when administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg and was thus slightly more efficient than Onc72. The MRM method provided limits of quantification in plasma, urine and kidney, liver and brain homogenates of 7-80 μg/L, well below the MICs of 2-4 mg/L. Onc72 and Onc112 reached all organs within 10 min when administered intraperitoneally (5 mg/kg). Their initial concentrations in plasma were 11.9 and 22.6 mg/L, respectively, with elimination t1/2 values of ∼14 and 21 min. The peptide concentrations in blood remained above their MICs for 20 min for Onc72 and 80 min for Onc112. The highest peptide concentrations were detected in kidney homogenates, which also contained the highest content of metabolites, indicating, together with the results from analysis of urine samples, that both peptides are cleared through the kidneys. CONCLUSIONS Onc72 and Onc112 reach organs, including the brain, within 10 min after intravenous and intraperitoneal administration. Onc112 remained in blood at concentrations above its MIC for 80 min. The pharmacokinetic profiles explain the high in vivo efficacies in models of systemic infection and indicate the potential use of these agents for the treatment of urinary tract infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rico Schmidt
- Institute of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Mineralogy, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany Center for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Eszter Ostorházi
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Elisabeth Wende
- Institute of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Mineralogy, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany Center for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Daniel Knappe
- Institute of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Mineralogy, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany Center for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ralf Hoffmann
- Institute of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Mineralogy, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany Center for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Spencer JD, Jackson AR, Li B, Ching CB, Vonau M, Easterling RS, Schwaderer AL, McHugh KM, Becknell B. Expression and Significance of the HIP/PAP and RegIIIγ Antimicrobial Peptides during Mammalian Urinary Tract Infection. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0144024. [PMID: 26658437 PMCID: PMC4675559 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0144024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 10/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence indicates that antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) serve key roles in defending the urinary tract against invading uropathogens. To date, the individual contribution of AMPs to urinary tract host defense is not well defined. In this study, we identified Regenerating islet-derived 3 gamma (RegIIIγ) as the most transcriptionally up-regulated AMP in murine bladder transcriptomes following uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) infection. We confirmed induction of RegIIIγ mRNA during cystitis and pyelonephritis by quantitative RT-PCR. Immunoblotting demonstrates increased bladder and urinary RegIIIγ protein levels following UPEC infection. Immunostaining localizes RegIIIγ protein to urothelial cells of infected bladders and kidneys. Human patients with UTI have increased urine concentrations of the orthologous Hepatocarcinoma-Intestine-Pancreas / Pancreatitis Associated Protein (HIP/PAP) compared to healthy controls. Recombinant RegIIIγ protein does not demonstrate bactericidal activity toward UPEC in vitro, but does kill Staphylococcus saprophyticus in a dose-dependent manner. Kidney and bladder tissue from RegIIIγ knockout mice and wild-type mice contain comparable bacterial burden following UPEC and Gram-positive UTI. Our results demonstrate that RegIIIγ and HIP/PAP expression is induced during human and murine UTI. However, their specific function in the urinary tract remains uncertain.
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Affiliation(s)
- John David Spencer
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Ashley R. Jackson
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Birong Li
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Christina B. Ching
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Martin Vonau
- Department of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | | | - Andrew L. Schwaderer
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Kirk M. McHugh
- Department of Anatomy, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Center for Molecular and Human Genetics, Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Brian Becknell
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
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Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs), including pyelonephritis, are among the most common and serious infections encountered in nephrology practice. UTI risk is increased in selected patient populations with renal and urinary tract disorders. As the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant uropathogens increases, novel and alternative treatment options will be needed to reduce UTI-associated morbidity. Discoveries over the past decade demonstrate a fundamental role for the innate immune system in protecting the urothelium from bacterial challenge. Antimicrobial peptides, an integral component of this urothelial innate immune system, demonstrate potent bactericidal activity toward uropathogens and might represent a novel class of UTI therapeutics. The urothelium of the bladder and the renal epithelium secrete antimicrobial peptides into the urinary stream. In the kidney, intercalated cells--a cell-type involved in acid-base homeostasis--have been shown to be an important source of antimicrobial peptides. Intercalated cells have therefore become the focus of new investigations to explore their function during pyelonephritis and their role in maintaining urinary tract sterility. This Review provides an overview of UTI pathogenesis in the upper and lower urinary tract. We describe the role of intercalated cells and the innate immune response in preventing UTI, specifically highlighting the role of antimicrobial peptides in maintaining urinary tract sterility.
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Lassek C, Burghartz M, Chaves-Moreno D, Otto A, Hentschker C, Fuchs S, Bernhardt J, Jauregui R, Neubauer R, Becher D, Pieper DH, Jahn M, Jahn D, Riedel K. A metaproteomics approach to elucidate host and pathogen protein expression during catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). Mol Cell Proteomics 2015; 14:989-1008. [PMID: 25673765 PMCID: PMC4390275 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m114.043463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2014] [Revised: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term catheterization inevitably leads to a catheter-associated bacteriuria caused by multispecies bacterial biofilms growing on and in the catheters. The overall goal of the presented study was (1) to unravel bacterial community structure and function of such a uropathogenic biofilm and (2) to elucidate the interplay between bacterial virulence and the human immune system within the urine. To this end, a metaproteomics approach combined with in vitro proteomics analyses was employed to investigate both, the pro- and eukaryotic protein inventory. Our proteome analyses demonstrated that the biofilm of the investigated catheter is dominated by three bacterial species, that is, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Morganella morganii, and Bacteroides sp., and identified iron limitation as one of the major challenges in the bladder environment. In vitro proteome analysis of P. aeruginosa and M. morganii isolated from the biofilm revealed that these opportunistic pathogens are able to overcome iron restriction via the production of siderophores and high expression of corresponding receptors. Notably, a comparison of in vivo and in vitro protein profiles of P. aeruginosa and M. morganii also indicated that the bacteria employ different strategies to adapt to the urinary tract. Although P. aeruginosa seems to express secreted and surface-exposed proteases to escape the human innate immune system and metabolizes amino acids, M. morganii is able to take up sugars and to degrade urea. Most interestingly, a comparison of urine protein profiles of three long-term catheterized patients and three healthy control persons demonstrated the elevated level of proteins associated with neutrophils, macrophages, and the complement system in the patient's urine, which might point to a specific activation of the innate immune system in response to biofilm-associated urinary tract infections. We thus hypothesize that the often asymptomatic nature of catheter-associated urinary tract infections might be based on a fine-tuned balance between the expression of bacterial virulence factors and the human immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Lassek
- From the ‡Institute of Microbiology, University of Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Strasse 15, Germany; §Institute of Microbiology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Spielmannstrasse 7, Germany
| | - Melanie Burghartz
- §Institute of Microbiology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Spielmannstrasse 7, Germany
| | - Diego Chaves-Moreno
- ¶Microbial Interactions and Processes Research Group, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Inhoffenstrasse 7, Germany
| | - Andreas Otto
- From the ‡Institute of Microbiology, University of Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Strasse 15, Germany
| | - Christian Hentschker
- From the ‡Institute of Microbiology, University of Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Strasse 15, Germany
| | - Stephan Fuchs
- From the ‡Institute of Microbiology, University of Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Strasse 15, Germany
| | - Jörg Bernhardt
- From the ‡Institute of Microbiology, University of Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Strasse 15, Germany
| | - Ruy Jauregui
- ¶Microbial Interactions and Processes Research Group, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Inhoffenstrasse 7, Germany
| | | | - Dörte Becher
- From the ‡Institute of Microbiology, University of Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Strasse 15, Germany
| | - Dietmar H Pieper
- ¶Microbial Interactions and Processes Research Group, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Inhoffenstrasse 7, Germany
| | - Martina Jahn
- §Institute of Microbiology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Spielmannstrasse 7, Germany
| | - Dieter Jahn
- §Institute of Microbiology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Spielmannstrasse 7, Germany
| | - Katharina Riedel
- From the ‡Institute of Microbiology, University of Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Strasse 15, Germany; ¶Microbial Interactions and Processes Research Group, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Inhoffenstrasse 7, Germany;
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Current and potential applications of host-defense peptides and proteins in urology. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:189016. [PMID: 25815308 PMCID: PMC4359858 DOI: 10.1155/2015/189016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2014] [Revised: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 10/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The use of antibiotics has become increasingly disfavored as more multidrug resistant pathogens are on the rise. A promising alternative to the use of these conventional drugs includes antimicrobial peptides or host-defense peptides. These peptides typically consist of short amino acid chains with a net cationic charge and a substantial portion of hydrophobic residues. They mainly target the bacterial cell membrane but are also capable of translocating through the membrane and target intracellular components, making it difficult for bacteria to gain resistance as multiple essential cellular processes are being targeted. The use of these peptides in the field of biomedical therapies has been examined, and the different approaches to using them under various settings are constantly being discovered. In this review, we discuss the current and potential applications of these host-defense peptides in the field of urology. Besides the use of these peptides as antimicrobial agents, the value of these biological molecules has recently been expanded to their use as antitumor and anti-kidney-stone agents.
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Hernández-Ledesma B, García-Nebot MJ, Fernández-Tomé S, Amigo L, Recio I. Dairy protein hydrolysates: Peptides for health benefits. Int Dairy J 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.idairyj.2013.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Théolier J, Fliss I, Jean J, Hammami R. Antimicrobial Peptides of Dairy Proteins: From Fundamental to Applications. FOOD REVIEWS INTERNATIONAL 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/87559129.2014.896017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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A phase 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the safety and efficacy of talactoferrin in patients with severe sepsis. Crit Care Med 2013; 41:706-16. [PMID: 23425819 DOI: 10.1097/ccm.0b013e3182741551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Lactoferrin is a glycoprotein with anti-infective and anti-inflammatory properties found in secretions and immune cells. Talactoferrin alfa, a recombinant form of human lactoferrin, has similar properties and plays an important role in maintaining the gastrointestinal mucosal barrier integrity. In experimental animal models, administration of talactoferrin reduces translocation of bacteria from the gut into the systemic circulation and mortality from sepsis. Our objective was to determine if talactoferrin could reduce 28-day all-cause mortality in patients with severe sepsis and to assess its safety. DESIGN Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter phase 2 trial. SETTING Adult ICUs and emergency departments in the United States. PATIENTS One hundred ninety-four adults within 24 hrs of the onset of severe sepsis. INTERVENTIONS Enterally administered talactoferrin 1.5g or placebo every 8 hrs for up to 28 days or until discharge from the ICU. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Modified intention-to-treat analysis was used to assess the primary (28-day all-cause mortality) and secondary endpoints. The all-cause mortality at 28 days was 26.9% in the placebo group and 14.4% in the talactoferrin group (two-sided p = 0.052), representing a 12.5% absolute and a 46.5% relative reduction in mortality, meeting the protocol-specified primary endpoint. Reduction in all cause mortality was sustained at 6 months (p = 0.039). These reductions in mortality were observed across a wide spectrum of subgroups. The drug was well tolerated with a safety profile similar to that of placebo. CONCLUSIONS Enteral administration of talactoferrin reduced 28-day all-cause mortality in patients with severe sepsis. This reduction in mortality was sustained at 6 months. Talactoferrin was very well tolerated.
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Björn C, Håkansson J, Myhrman E, Sjöstrand V, Haug T, Lindgren K, Blencke HM, Stensvåg K, Mahlapuu M. Anti-infectious and anti-inflammatory effects of peptide fragments sequentially derived from the antimicrobial peptide centrocin 1 isolated from the green sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis. AMB Express 2012; 2:67. [PMID: 23237525 PMCID: PMC3561256 DOI: 10.1186/2191-0855-2-67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2012] [Accepted: 12/04/2012] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial resistance against antibiotic treatment has become a major threat to public health. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as promising alternative agents for treatment of infectious diseases. This study characterizes novel synthetic peptides sequentially derived from the AMP centrocin 1, isolated from the green sea urchin, for their applicability as anti-infective agents. The microbicidal effect of centrocin 1 heavy chain (CEN1 HC-Br), its debrominated analogue (CEN1 HC), the C-terminal truncated variants of both peptides, i.e. CEN1 HC-Br (1–20) and CEN1 HC (1–20), as well as the cysteine to serine substituted equivalent CEN1 HC (Ser) was evaluated using minimal microbicidal concentration assay. The anti-inflammatory properties were assessed by measuring the inhibition of secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. All the peptides tested exhibited marked microbicidal and anti-inflammatory properties. No difference in efficacy was seen comparing CEN1 HC-Br and CEN1 HC, while the brominated variant had higher cytotoxicity. C-terminal truncation of both peptides reduced salt-tolerability of the microbicidal effect as well as anti-inflammatory actions. Also, serine substitution of cysteine residue decreased the microbicidal effect. Thus, from the peptide variants tested, CEN1 HC showed the best efficacy and safety profile. Further, CEN1 HC significantly reduced bacterial counts in two different animal models of infected wounds, while Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) failed to develop resistance against this peptide under continued selection pressure. In summary, CEN1 HC appears a promising new antimicrobial agent, and clinical studies are warranted to evaluate the applicability of this AMP for local treatment of infections in man.
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The novel antimicrobial peptide PXL150 in the local treatment of skin and soft tissue infections. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2012; 97:3085-96. [PMID: 23053090 PMCID: PMC3602619 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-012-4439-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2012] [Revised: 09/10/2012] [Accepted: 09/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Dramatic increase in bacterial resistance towards conventional antibiotics emphasises the importance to identify novel, more potent antimicrobial therapies. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as a promising new group to be evaluated in therapeutic intervention of infectious diseases. Here we describe a novel AMP, PXL150, which demonstrates in vitro a broad spectrum microbicidal action against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including resistant strains. The potent microbicidal activity and broad antibacterial spectrum of PXL150 were not associated with any hemolytic activity. Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) failed to develop resistance towards PXL150 during continued selection pressure. PXL150 caused a rapid depolarisation of cytoplasmic membrane of S. aureus, and dissipating membrane potential is likely one mechanism for PXL150 to kill its target bacteria. Studies in human cell lines indicated that PXL150 has anti-inflammatory properties, which might be of additional benefit. PXL150 demonstrated pronounced anti-infectious effect in an in vivo model of full thickness wounds infected with MRSA in rats and in an ex vivo model of pig skin infected with S. aureus. Subcutaneous or topical application of the peptide in rats did not lead to any adverse reactions. In conclusion, PXL150 may constitute a new therapeutic alternative for local treatment of infections, and further studies are warranted to evaluate the applicability of this AMP in clinical settings.
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Dual host-defence functions of SPLUNC2/PSP and synthetic peptides derived from the protein. Biochem Soc Trans 2011; 39:1028-32. [PMID: 21787342 DOI: 10.1042/bst0391028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PSP (parotid secretory protein)/SPLUNC2 (short palate, lung and nasal epithelium clone 2) is expressed in human salivary glands and saliva. The protein exists as an N-glycosylated and non-glycosylated form and both appear to induce agglutination of bacteria, a major antibacterial function for salivary proteins. Both forms of PSP/SPLUNC2 bind LPS (lipopolysaccharide), suggesting that the protein may also play an anti-inflammatory role. Based on the predicted structure of PSP/SPLUNC2 and the location of known antibacterial and anti-inflammatory peptides in BPI (bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein) and LBP (LPS-binding protein), we designed GL13NH2 and GL13K, synthetic peptides that capture these proposed functions of PSP/SPLUNC2. GL13NH3 agglutinates bacteria, leading to increased clearance by macrophages and reduced spread of infection in a plant model. GL13K kills bacteria with a minimal inhibitory concentration of 5-10 μg/ml, kills bacteria in biofilm and retains activity in 150 mM NaCl and 50% saliva. Both peptides block endotoxin action, but only GL13K appears to bind endotoxin. The peptides do not cause haemolysis, haemagglutination in serum, inhibit mammalian cell proliferation or induce an inflammatory response in macrophages. These results suggest that the GL13NH2 and the modified peptide GL13K capture the biological activity of PSP/SPLUNC2 and can serve as lead compounds for the development of novel antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory peptides.
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Brouwer CPJM, Rahman M, Welling MM. Discovery and development of a synthetic peptide derived from lactoferrin for clinical use. Peptides 2011; 32:1953-63. [PMID: 21827807 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2011.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2011] [Revised: 07/22/2011] [Accepted: 07/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
There is an urgent need to develop new antimicrobial drugs especially for combating the rise of infections caused by multi-resistant pathogens such as MRSA and VRSA. The problem of antibiotic resistant micro-organisms is expected to increase disproportionally and controlling of infections is becoming difficult because of the rapid spread of those micro-organisms. Primary therapy with classical antibiotics is becoming more ineffective. Combinational therapy of antibiotics with antimicrobial peptides (AMP's) has been suggested as an alternative approach to improve treatment outcome. Their unique mechanism of action and safety profile makes AMP's appealing candidates for simultaneous or sequential use in different cases of infections. In this review, for antimicrobial treatment the application of synthetic antimicrobial peptide hLF(1-11), derived from the first 11 amino acids of human lactoferrin is evaluated in both pre-clinical and clinical settings. Present information indicates that this derivate from lactoferrin is well tolerated in pre-clinical tests and clinical trials and thus hLF(1-11) is an interesting candidate for further exploration in various clinical indications of obscure infections, including meningitis. Another approach of using AMP's is their use in prevention of infections e.g. as coating for dental or bone implants or in biosensing applications or useful as infection specific radiopharmaceutical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo P J M Brouwer
- Department of Radiology, Section of Nuclear Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Room C4-R-77, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Serine protease PrtA from Streptococcus pneumoniae plays a role in the killing of S. pneumoniae by apolactoferrin. Infect Immun 2011; 79:2440-50. [PMID: 21422179 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00489-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
It is known that apolactoferrin, the iron-free form of human lactoferrin, can kill many species of bacteria, including Streptococcus pneumoniae. Lactoferricin, an N-terminal peptide of apolactoferrin, and fragments of it are even more bactericidal than apolactoferrin. In this study we found that apolactoferrin must be cleaved by a serine protease in order for it to kill pneumococci. The serine protease inhibitors were able to block killing by apolactoferrin but did not block killing by a lactoferrin-derived peptide. Thus, the killing of pneumococci by apolactoferrin appears to require a protease to release a lactoferricin-like peptide(s). Incubation of apolactoferrin with growing pneumococci resulted in a 12-kDa reduction in its molecular mass, of which about 7 to 8 kDa of the reduction was protease dependent. Capsular type 2 and 19F strains with mutations in the gene encoding the major cell wall-associated serine protease, prtA, lost much of their ability to degrade apolactoferrin and were relatively resistant to killing by apolactoferrin (P < 0.001). Recombinant PrtA was also able to cleave apolactoferrin, reducing its mass by about 8 kDa, and greatly enhance the killing activity of the solution containing the apolactoferrin and its cleavage products. Mass spectroscopy revealed that PrtA makes a major cut between amino acids 78 and 79 of human lactoferrin, removing the N-terminal end of the molecule (about 8.6 kDa). The simplest interpretation of these data is that the mechanism by which apolactoferrin kills Streptococcus pneumoniae requires the release of a lactoferricin-like peptide(s) and that it is this peptide(s), and not the intact apolactoferrin, which kills pneumococci.
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Lactoferrin: an iron-binding antimicrobial protein against Escherichia coli infection. Biometals 2011; 24:585-94. [DOI: 10.1007/s10534-011-9423-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2010] [Accepted: 02/08/2011] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Wu Q, Jiang D, Minor MN, Martin RJ, Chu HW. In vivo function of airway epithelial TLR2 in host defense against bacterial infection. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2011; 300:L579-86. [PMID: 21239529 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00336.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Decreased Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) expression has been reported in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and in a murine asthma model, which may predispose the hosts to bacterial infections, leading to disease exacerbations. Since airway epithelial cells serve as the first line of respiratory mucosal defense, the present study aimed to reveal the role of airway epithelial TLR2 signaling to lung bacterial [i.e., Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mp)] clearance. In vivo TLR2 gene transfer via intranasal inoculation of adenoviral vector was performed to reconstitute TLR2 expression in airway epithelium of TLR2(-/-) BALB/c mice, with or without ensuing Mp infection. TLR2 and lactotransferrin (LTF) expression in airway epithelial cells and lung Mp load were assessed. Adenovirus-mediated TLR2 gene transfer to airway epithelial cells of TLR2(-/-) mice reconstituted 30-40% TLR2 expression compared with TLR2(+/+) cells. Such airway epithelial TLR2 reconstitution in TLR2(-/-) mice significantly reduced lung Mp load (an appropriate 45% reduction), coupled with elevated LTF expression. LTF expression in mice was shown to be mainly dependent on TLR2 signaling in response to Mp infection. Exogenous human LTF protein dose-dependently decreased lung bacterial load in Mp-infected TLR2(-/-) mice. In addition, human LTF protein directly dose-dependently decreased Mp levels in vitro. These data indicate that reconstitution of airway epithelial TLR2 signaling in TLR2(-/-) mice significantly restores lung defense against bacteria (e.g., Mp) via increased lung antimicrobial protein LTF production. Our findings may offer a deliverable approach to attenuate bacterial infections in airways of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with impaired TLR2 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qun Wu
- Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health and University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado 80206, USA
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Fungicidal activity of human lactoferrin-derived peptides based on the antimicrobial αβ region. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2010; 37:51-7. [PMID: 21075607 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2010.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2010] [Revised: 08/21/2010] [Accepted: 08/31/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Owing to the increasing number of infections in hospitalised patients caused by resistant strains of fungi, there is a need to develop new therapeutic agents for these infections. Naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides may constitute models for developing such agents. A modified peptide sequence (CFQWKRAMRKVR; HLopt2) based on amino acid residues 20-31 of the N-terminal end of human lactoferrin (hLF) as well as a double-sized human lactoferricin-like peptide (amino acid residues 16-40; HLBD1) were investigated for their antifungal activities in vitro and in vivo. By in vitro assay, HLopt2 was fungicidal at concentrations of 12.5-25 μg/mL against Cryptococcus neoformans, Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida kefyr and Candida parapsilosis, but not against Candida glabrata. HLopt2 was demonstrated to have ≥ 16-fold greater killing activity than HLBD1. By inducing some helical formation caused by lactam bridges or by extending the assay time (from 2h to 20 h), HLBD1 became almost comparable with HLopt2 in its fungicidal activity. Killing of C. albicans yeast cells by HLopt2 was rapid and was accompanied by cytoplasmic and mitochondrial membrane permeabilisation as well as formation of deep pits on the yeast cell surface. In a murine C. albicans skin infection model, atopic treatment with the peptides resulted in significantly reduced yields of Candida from the infected skin areas. The antifungal activities of HLopt2 in vitro and in vivo suggest possible potential as a therapeutic agent against most Candida spp. and C. neoformans. The greatly improved antifungal effect of the lactam-modified HLBD1 indicates the importance of amphipathic helix formation for lethal activity.
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Lactoferrin increases both resistance to Salmonella typhimurium infection and the production of antibodies in mice. Immunol Lett 2010; 134:35-46. [PMID: 20727369 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2010.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2009] [Revised: 07/16/2010] [Accepted: 08/10/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Lactoferrin (Lf) is a multifunctional iron-binding glycoprotein with antibacterial and immunomodulatory activities. The antibacterial influence of orally administered bovine Lf (bLf) against murine infection caused by Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium) has scarcely been explored. In the current study, Balb/c mice were treated orally for 7 days with either 5 or 100mg of bovine lactoferrin (bLf). On day 7 of treatment, mice were intragastrically infected with a lethal or sublethal dose of colony forming units (CFU) of S. typhimurium. During treatment with bLf, feces from mice sublethally infected were harvested daily to prepare fecal suspensions, which were serially diluted and plated onto Salmonella Shigella agar to estimate CFU/g of feces. After sacrificing the animals on day 7, 14 or 21 post-infection, samples of intestinal fluid, Peyer's patches (PP), liver and spleen were collected to count the number of CFU by plate dilution. Intestinal secretions were also employed, along with serum samples, to evaluate total IgA, IgG and IgM antibodies, and those against Salmonella surface proteins and bLf by ELISA assay. In lethally infected mice both bLf doses decreased mortality. In sublethally infected mice, both bLf doses decreased bacterial shedding in feces and intestinal fluid, and also reduced bacterial colonization at PP and bacterial translocation in the liver and spleen. Levels of total and those IgG and IgM in serum and IgA in intestinal secretions against Salmonella surface proteins and bLf were enhanced with both doses of bLf. These findings suggest that the effect of bLf against the infection by S. typhimurium in mice may be the result of an antimicrobial activity linked with its modulatory effect on immunocompetent cells (from intestinal and peripheral organs) involved in antibody production.
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A novel polypeptide derived from human lactoferrin in sodium hyaluronate prevents postsurgical adhesion formation in the rat. Ann Surg 2010; 250:1021-8. [PMID: 19953722 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0b013e3181b246a7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to evaluate whether a peptide derived from human lactoferrin, PXL01 could act safely to reduce the formation of peritoneal adhesions in the rat model and to map the molecular mechanisms of its action. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA Adhesion formation is a significant problem within every surgical discipline causing suffering for the patients and major cost for the society. For many decades, attempts have been made to reduce postsurgical adhesions by reducing surgical trauma. It is now believed that major improvements in adhesion prevention will only be reached by developing dedicated antiscarring products, which are administrated in connection to the surgical intervention. METHODS Anti-inflammatory as well as fibrinolytic activities of PXL01 were studied in relevant human cell lines. Using the sidewall defect-cecum abrasion model in the rat, the adhesion prevention properties of PXL01 formulated in sodium hyaluronate were evaluated. Large bowel anastomosis healing model in the rat was applied to study if PXL01 would have any negative effects on intestine healing. RESULTS PXL01 exhibits an inhibitory effect on the most important hallmarks of scar formation by reducing infections, prohibiting inflammation, and promoting fibrinolysis. PXL01 formulated in sodium hyaluronate markedly reduced formation of peritoneal adhesions in rat without any adverse effects on wound healing. CONCLUSIONS A new class of synthetically derived water soluble low molecular weight peptide compound, PXL01 showed marked reduction of peritoneal adhesion formation in an animal model without any negative effects on healing. On the basis of these data, a comprehensive adhesion prevention regimen in clinical situation is expected.
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KOYAMA KI, ONISHI H, SAKATA O, MACHIDA Y. Preparation and in Vitro Evaluation of Chitosan-coated Alginate/Calcium Complex Microparticles Loaded with Fluorescein-labeled Lactoferrin. YAKUGAKU ZASSHI 2009; 129:1507-14. [DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.129.1507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hiraku ONISHI
- Department of Drug Delivery Research, Hoshi University
| | - Osamu SAKATA
- Department of Drug Delivery Research, Hoshi University
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Structure-microbicidal activity relationship of synthetic fragments derived from the antibacterial alpha-helix of human lactoferrin. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2009; 54:418-25. [PMID: 19917761 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00908-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a need for new microbicidal agents with therapeutic potential due to antibiotic resistance in bacteria and fungi. In this study, the structure-microbicidal activity relationship of amino acid residues 14 to 31 (sequence 14-31) from the N-terminal end, corresponding to the antibacterial alpha-helix of human lactoferrin (LF), was investigated by downsizing, alanine scanning, and substitution of amino acids. Microbicidal analysis (99% killing) was performed by a microplate assay using Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans as test organisms. Starting from the N-terminal end, downsizing of peptide sequence 14-31 showed that the peptide sequence 19-31 (KCFQWQRNMRKVR, HL9) was the optimal length for antimicrobial activity. Furthermore, HL9 bound to lipid A/lipopolysaccharide, as shown by neutralizing endotoxic activity in a Limulus assay. Alanine scanning of peptide sequence 20-31 showed that Cys20, Trp23, Arg28, Lys29, or Arg31 was important for expressing full killing activity, particularly against C. albicans. Substituting the neutral hydrophilic amino acids Gln24 and Asn26 for Lys and Ala (HLopt2), respectively, enhanced microbicidal activity significantly against all test organisms compared to the amino acids natural counterpart, also, in comparison with HL9, HLopt2 had more than 10-fold-stronger fungicidal activity. Furthermore, HLopt2 was less affected by metallic salts than HL9. The microbicidal activity of HLopt2 was slightly reduced only at pH 7.0, as tested in the pH range of 4.5 to 7.5. The results showed that the microbicidal activity of synthetic peptide sequences, based on the antimicrobial alpha-helix region of LF, can be significantly enhanced by optimizing the length and substitution of neutral amino acids at specific positions, thus suggesting a sequence lead with therapeutic potential.
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Ali AS, Townes CL, Hall J, Pickard RS. Maintaining a Sterile Urinary Tract: The Role of Antimicrobial Peptides. J Urol 2009; 182:21-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2009.02.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ased S.M. Ali
- Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | | | - Judith Hall
- Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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Yen CC, Lin CY, Chong KY, Tsai TC, Shen CJ, Lin MF, Su CY, Chen HL, Chen CM. Lactoferrin as a natural regimen for selective decontamination of the digestive tract: recombinant porcine lactoferrin expressed in the milk of transgenic mice protects neonates from pathogenic challenge in the gastrointestinal tract. J Infect Dis 2009; 199:590-8. [PMID: 19125673 DOI: 10.1086/596212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nosocomial infection with antibiotic-resistant strains is a major threat to critical care medicine. Selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) is one of the strategies used to reduce ventilator-associated pneumonia and sepsis in critically ill patients. In the present study, we performed pathogenic challenges of the digestive tract in a transgenic milk-fed animal model to test whether porcine lactoferrin (pLF) is an effective SDD regimen. METHODS Transgenic mice expressing recombinant pLF in their milk at a mean+/-SD concentration of 120+/-13.6 mg/L during the lactation stage fed normal CD-1 mice pups for 4 weeks. The pups were subsequently challenged with pathogenic Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. RESULTS Compared with the control groups fed wild-type (normal) milk, the groups fed pLF-enriched milk demonstrated statistically significant improvements in weight gain; lower bacterial numbers in intestinal fluid, blood, and liver; healthier microvilli in the small intestine; and alveoli in the lungs. CONCLUSIONS Our results showed that oral administration of pLF-enriched milk to mice led to broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity in the digestive tract and protected the mucosa of the small intestine from injury, implying that pLF can be used as an effective SDD regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Ching Yen
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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Hanson LA, Silfverdal SA. The mother's immune system is a balanced threat to the foetus, turning to protection of the neonate. Acta Paediatr 2009; 98:221-8. [PMID: 19046342 DOI: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2008.01143.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Immunological tolerance by the mother prevents rejection of the foetus, but aberrations may increase risk of abnormalities like spontaneous abortion, or foetal growth restriction. The neonate is normally colonized with mother's gut microflora, mainly composed of protective anaerobes. This least threatening form of microbial colonization of the neonate, is impaired by sectio delivery, but supported by breastfeeding. Mother's transplacental IgG, secretory IgA and other milk components help protect the neonate together with its own slowly expanding immune system. CONCLUSION The mother's immune system tolerates her foetus via several mechanisms. Failure to do so may cause foetal growth retardation, or spontaneous abortion. The mother and the neonate cooperate in preventing infections in the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars A Hanson
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden
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Effect of lactoferricin on fluoroquinolone susceptibility of uropathogenic Escherichia coli. J Antibiot (Tokyo) 2009; 62:109-11. [PMID: 19198637 DOI: 10.1038/ja.2008.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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43
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Hanson LÅ, Silfverdal SA, Hahn-Zoric M, Håversen L, Baltzer IM, Moisei M, Motas C. Immune Function. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2008; 639:97-111. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4020-8749-3_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Onishi H, Machida Y, Koyama K. Preparation and In Vitro Characteristics of Lactoferrin-loaded Chitosan Microparticles. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2008; 33:641-7. [PMID: 17613028 DOI: 10.1080/03639040601085334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In order to achieve the delivery and controlled release of lactoferrin (LF), a biologically multifunctional protein, chitosan microparticles loaded with LF were prepared. Several types of chitosan microparticles containing LF were prepared by the w/o emulsification-solvent evaporation method, and the particle characteristics and release properties in JP 2nd fluid, pH 6.8, were examined. All kinds of microparticles were obtained at a yield of more than 75% (w/w). LF-loaded microparticles prepared by nonsonication and nonaddition of sulfate, named Ch-LF(N), showed high drug content, small particle size and spherical particle shape. Also, for release properties, Ch-LF(N) exhibited gradual drug release over 7 hr with less remaining in the microparticles. Considering the mucoadhesive properties of chitosan microparticles, Ch-LF(N) are suggested to be useful for gradual supply to topical diseased sites or for effective delivery to intestinal areas with abundant LF receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiraku Onishi
- Department of Drug Delivery Research, Hoshi University, Tokyo, Japan.
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Longhi C, Cossu A, Iebba V, Massaro M, Cipriani D, Chiarini F, Conte M, Seganti L, Osborn J, Schippa S. Virulence Traits in Escherichia Coli Strains Isolated from Outpatients with Urinary Tract Infections. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2008; 21:715-23. [DOI: 10.1177/039463200802100326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to characterize phenotypic and genotypic virulence traits in Escherichia coli strains, isolated from outpatients with urinary tract infections, comparing with those obtained from inpatients. Information on the pathogenic behavior of the uropathogenic strains was obtained by monitoring different biological properties, such as autoagglutination, hemagglutination, adhesiveness to and invasion of human bladder (HT1376) cells, biofilm formation, phylogenetic grouping, and virulence-related genes. The results show similar behavior in the two groups concerning autoagglutination, hemagglutination, and biofilm formation. None of the strains examined was invasive. However, in strains from outpatients there was an increased adhesion to HT1376 cells compared with clinical strains, a significant higher presence of genes codifying for adhesins and cell protection factors, and a lower proportion of strains belonging to B1 group. These findings add further information on the pathogenic traits of community E. coli, since strains isolated from the outpatients' group were differently “armed” in comparison with those of clinical cases, and more suitable to infect healthy individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Longhi
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - A. Cossu
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - V. Iebba
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - M.R. Massaro
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - D. Cipriani
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - F. Chiarini
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - M.P. Conte
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - L. Seganti
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - J. Osborn
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - S. Schippa
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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Abstract
The newborn receives, via the placenta, maternal IgG antibodies against the microbes present in its surroundings, but such antibodies have a pro-inflammatory action, initiating the complement system and phagocytes. Although the host defence mechanisms of the neonate that involve inflammatory reactivity are somewhat inefficient, this defence system can still have catabolic effects. Breast-feeding compensates for this relative inefficiency of host defence in the neonate by providing considerable amounts of secretory IgA antibodies directed particularly against the microbial flora of the mother and her environment. These antibodies bind the microbes that are appearing on the infant's mucosal membranes, preventing activation of the pro-inflammatory defence. The major milk protein lactoferrin can destroy microbes and reduce inflammatory responses. The non-absorbed milk oligosaccharides block attachment of microbes to the infant's mucosae, preventing infections. The milk may contain anti-secretory factor, which is anti-inflammatory, preventing mastitis in mothers and diarrhoea in infants. Numerous additional factors in the milk are of unknown function, although IL-7 is linked to the larger size of the thymus and the enhanced development of intestinal Tgammadelta lymphocytes in breast-fed compared with non-breast-fed infants. Several additional components in the milk may help to explain why breast-feeding can reduce infant mortality, protecting against neonatal septicaemia and meningitis. It is therefore important to start breast-feeding immediately. Protection is also apparent against diarrhoea, respiratory infections and otitis media. There may be protection against urinary tract infections and necrotizing enterocolitis, and possibly also against allergy and certain other immunological diseases, and tumours. In conclusion, breast-feeding provides a very broad multifactorial anti-inflammatory defence for the infant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars A Hanson
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden.
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47
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Mistry N, Drobni P, Näslund J, Sunkari VG, Jenssen H, Evander M. The anti-papillomavirus activity of human and bovine lactoferricin. Antiviral Res 2007; 75:258-65. [PMID: 17481742 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2007.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2006] [Revised: 03/21/2007] [Accepted: 03/27/2007] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) cause common warts, laryngeal papilloma and genital condylomata and is necessary for the development of cervical cancer. We have previously found that lactoferrin has antiviral activity against HPV-16 and others have demonstrated that lactoferricin, an N-terminal fragment of lactoferrin, has inhibitory activities against several viruses. Two cell lines and two virus types, HPV-5 and HPV-16, were used to study if lactoferrin and lactoferricin could inhibit HPV pseudovirus (PsV) infection. We demonstrated that bovine lactoferrin (bLf) and human lactoferrin (hLf) were both potent inhibitors of HPV-5 and -16 PsV infections. Among the four lactoferricin derivatives we analyzed, a 15 amino acid peptide from bovine lactoferricin (bLfcin) 17-31 was the most potent inhibitor of both HPV-5 and HPV-16 PsV infection. Among the other derivatives, the human lactoferricin (hLfcin) 1-49 showed some antiviral activity against HPV PsV infection while bLfcin 17-42 inhibited only HPV-5 PsV infection in one of the cell lines. When we studied initial attachment of HPV-16, only bLfcin 17-42 and hLfcin 1-49 had an antiviral effect. This is the first time that lactoferricin was demonstrated to have an inhibitory effect on HPV infection and the antiviral activity differed depending on size, charge and structures of the lactoferricin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitesh Mistry
- Department of Virology, Umeå University, SE-901-85 Umeå, Sweden
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48
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49
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Fischer R, Debbabi H, Dubarry M, Boyaka P, Tomé D. Regulation of physiological and pathological Th1 and Th2 responses by lactoferrin. Biochem Cell Biol 2006; 84:303-11. [PMID: 16936801 DOI: 10.1139/o06-058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, Lf has gained increasing interest as a result of its protective effects against a variety of diseases. While iron binding and interactions with mammalian receptors and microbial components are the best described mechanisms of action, recent studies have provided evidence that Lf properties may be related to immunoregulatory effects on Th1/Th2 cell activities. In vitro and in vivo experiments show that Lf is able to stimulate the differentiation of T cells from their immature precursors through the induction of the CD4 antigen. Studies performed under nonpathogenic conditions have shown distinct results with regard to the ability of Lf to support the proliferation and differentiation of Th cells into the Th1 or the Th2 phenotype. In addition, Lf plays different roles in diseases by affecting the Th1/Th2 cytokine balance in a manner dependent on the host's immune status. Thus, Lf could cause a Th1 polarization in diseases in which the ability to control infection or tumor relies on a strong Th1 response. Lf may also reduce the Th1 component to limit excessive inflammatory responses. Finally, Lf may provide protection against Th1- or Th2-induced diseases, such as autoimmune or allergic diseases, through correction of the Th1/Th2 imbalance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romy Fischer
- Unité INRA 914 Physiologie de la Nutrition et du Comportement Alimentaire, Institut National Agronomique Paris-Grignon, F75231 Paris CEDEX 05, France.
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50
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Yamauchi K, Wakabayashi H, Shin K, Takase M. Bovine lactoferrin: benefits and mechanism of action against infections. Biochem Cell Biol 2006; 84:291-6. [PMID: 16936799 DOI: 10.1139/o06-054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ingestion of bovine lactoferrin (bLF) has been reported to show anti-infective, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory effects. In particular, it has become evident that oral bLF had a beneficial effect on infections of both digestive and nondigestive tract tissue in various animal models. Furthermore, the effects of bLF have been indicated in clinical studies on patients with Helicobacter pylori infection, chronic hepatitis C, tinea pedis, and other diseases. Immunomodulation in the intestine and systemic sites has been suggested to mediate the protective effects of oral bLF against infection. Recently, we demonstrated the beneficial effects of oral bLF in influenza virus infected mice. BLF administration reduced the lung consolidation score and the number of infiltrating leukocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. We also investigated the effect of oral bLF on the transcription of genes related to immunity in the small intestine of mice using the quantitative RT-PCR method. We found that intake of bLF increased the expression of IL-12p40, IFN-beta, and NOD2. Thus, oral bLF activates the transcription of important immune-related genes in the small intestine, and such transcriptional activation may promote systemic host immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Yamauchi
- Nutritional Science Laboratory, Morinaga Milk Industry Co. Ltd, Zama, Kanagawa 228-8583, Japan.
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