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Roca-Pinilla R, Lisowski L, Arís A, Garcia-Fruitós E. The future of recombinant host defense peptides. Microb Cell Fact 2022; 21:267. [PMID: 36544150 PMCID: PMC9768982 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-022-01991-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The antimicrobial resistance crisis calls for the discovery and production of new antimicrobials. Host defense peptides (HDPs) are small proteins with potent antibacterial and immunomodulatory activities that are attractive for translational applications, with several already under clinical trials. Traditionally, antimicrobial peptides have been produced by chemical synthesis, which is expensive and requires the use of toxic reagents, hindering the large-scale development of HDPs. Alternatively, HDPs can be produced recombinantly to overcome these limitations. Their antimicrobial nature, however, can make them toxic to the hosts of recombinant production. In this review we explore the different strategies that are used to fine-tune their activities, bioengineer them, and optimize the recombinant production of HDPs in various cell factories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramon Roca-Pinilla
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XTranslational Vectorology Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Children’s Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145 Australia
| | - Leszek Lisowski
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XTranslational Vectorology Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Children’s Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145 Australia ,grid.415641.30000 0004 0620 0839Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Military Institute of Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Arís
- grid.8581.40000 0001 1943 6646Department of Ruminant Production, Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries IRTA, 08140 Caldes de Montbui, Spain
| | - Elena Garcia-Fruitós
- grid.8581.40000 0001 1943 6646Department of Ruminant Production, Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries IRTA, 08140 Caldes de Montbui, Spain
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Zhai YJ, Feng Y, Ma X, Ma F. Defensins: defenders of human reproductive health. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 29:126-154. [PMID: 36130055 PMCID: PMC9825273 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reproductive tract infection is an important factor leading to male and female infertility. Among female infertility factors, microbial and viral infections are the main factors affecting female reproductive health and causing tubal infertility, ectopic tubal pregnancy and premature delivery. Among male infertility factors, 13-15% of male infertility is related to infection. Defensins are cationic antibacterial and antiviral peptides, classified into α-defensins, β-defensins and θ-defensins. Humans only have α-defensins and β-defensins. Apart from their direct antimicrobial functions, defensins have an immunomodulatory function and are involved in many physiological processes. Studies have shown that defensins are widely distributed in the female reproductive tract (FRT) and male reproductive tract (MRT), playing a dual role of host defence and fertility protection. However, to our knowledge, the distribution, regulation and function of defensins in the reproductive tract and their relation to reproduction have not been reviewed. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review summarizes the expression, distribution and regulation of defensins in the reproductive tracts to reveal the updated research on the dual role of defensins in host defence and the protection of fertility. SEARCH METHODS A systematic search was conducted in PubMed using the related keywords through April 2022. Related data from original researches and reviews were integrated to comprehensively review the current findings and understanding of defensins in the human reproductive system. Meanwhile, female and male transcriptome data in the GEO database were screened to analyze defensins in the human reproductive tracts. OUTCOMES Two transcriptome databases from the GEO database (GSE7307 and GSE150852) combined with existing researches reveal the expression levels and role of the defensins in the reproductive tracts. In the FRT, a high expression level of α-defensin is found, and the expression levels of defensins in the vulva and vagina are higher than those in other organs. The expression of defensins in the endometrium varies with menstrual cycle stages and with microbial invasion. Defensins also participate in the local immune response to regulate the risk of spontaneous preterm birth. In the MRT, a high expression level of β-defensins is also found. It is mainly highly expressed in the epididymal caput and corpus, indicating that defensins play an important role in sperm maturation. The expression of defensins in the MRT varies with androgen levels, age and the status of microbial invasion. They protect the male reproductive system from bacterial infections by neutralizing lipopolysaccharide and downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, animal and clinical studies have shown that defensins play an important role in sperm maturation, motility and fertilization. WIDER IMPLICATIONS As a broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptide without drug resistance, defensin has great potential for developing new natural antimicrobial treatments for reproductive tract infections. However, increasing evidence has shown that defensins can not only inhibit microbial invasion but can also promote the invasion and adhesion of some microorganisms in certain biological environments, such as human immunodeficiency virus. Therefore, the safety of defensins as reproductive tract anti-infective drugs needs more in-depth research. In addition, the modulatory role of defensins in fertility requires more in-depth research since the current conclusions are based on small-size samples. At present, scientists have made many attempts at the clinical transformation of defensins. However, defensins have problems such as poor stability, low bioavailability and difficulties in their synthesis. Therefore, the production of safe, effective and low-cost drugs remains a challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xue Ma
- Correspondence address. Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China. E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7781-821X (F.M.); Department of Pediatric Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China. E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7650-6214 (X.M.)
| | - Fang Ma
- Correspondence address. Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China. E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7781-821X (F.M.); Department of Pediatric Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China. E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7650-6214 (X.M.)
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Zhang K, Lian S, Shen X, Zhao X, Zhao W, Li C. Recombinant porcine beta defensin 2 alleviates inflammatory responses induced by Escherichia coli in IPEC-J2 cells. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 208:890-900. [PMID: 35364205 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.03.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
pBD2 is one of the porcine beta defensins with broad antimicrobial activity, and plays an important role in immune regulation. However, the activities and mechanisms of pBD2 regulating host resistance to Escherichia coli infection are unclear. In this study, the immunomodulatory activity and mechanisms of recombinant pBD2 against Escherichia coli infection were explored in IPEC-J2 cells. Recombinant pBD2 had no obvious effect on the growth of cells below 80 μg/mL, however, it reduced the number of E. coli adhering to cells. Furthermore, pBD2 restored the abnormal expression of ZO-1 and occludin in cells challenged with E. coli. pBD2 treatment also reduced cell apoptosis and decreased the expression of the apoptosis-related genes Cox-2 and Caspase-3, and decreased the expression of the pro-inflammatory IL-6, IL-8, IL-1α and TNF-α, and Cxcl2 and Ccl20. pBD2 also reduced the expression of TAK1, and inhibited the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 following E. coli infection. In addition, pBD2 was localized in the cytoplasm. Collectively, pBD2 appeared to penetrate cells and alleviate inflammatory responses via the TAK1-NF-κB signaling pathway. Our results revealed the immunomodulatory activity of recombinant pBD2 against E. coli and provided insights into the molecular mechanisms that protected cells from E. coli infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 460045, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaoqiang Lian
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 460045, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyang Shen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 460045, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinhao Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 460045, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Weidong Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 460045, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunli Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 460045, Henan, People's Republic of China.
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Fu Q, Lin Q, Chen D, Yu B, Luo Y, Zheng P, Mao X, Huang Z, Yu J, Luo J, Yan H, He J. β-defensin 118 attenuates inflammation and injury of intestinal epithelial cells upon enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli challenge. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:142. [PMID: 35440001 PMCID: PMC9017018 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03242-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Antimicrobial peptides including various defensins have been attracting considerable research interest worldwide, as they have potential to substitute for antibiotics. Moreover, AMPs also have immunomodulatory activity. In this study, we explored the role and its potential mechanisms of β-defensin 118 (DEFB118) in alleviating inflammation and injury of IPEC-J2 cells (porcine jejunum epithelial cell line) upon the enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) challenge. Results The porcine jejunum epithelial cell line (IPEC-J2) pretreated with or without DEFB118 (25 μg/mL) were challenged by ETEC (1×106 CFU) or culture medium. We showed that DEFB118 pretreatment significantly increased the cell viability (P<0.05) and decreased the expressions of inflammatory cytokines such as the interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in IPEC-J2 cells exposure to ETEC (P<0.05). Interestingly, DEFB118 pretreatment significantly elevated the abundance of the major tight-junction protein zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), but decreased the number of apoptotic cells upon ETEC challenge (P<0.05). The expression of caspase 3, caspase 8, and caspase 9 were downregulated by DEFB118 in the IPEC-J2 cells exposure to ETEC (P<0.05). Importantly, DEFB118 suppressed two critical inflammation-associated signaling proteins, nuclear factor-kappa-B inhibitor alpha (IκB-α) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) in the ETEC-challenged IPEC-J2 cells. Conclusions DEFB118 can alleviate ETEC-induced inflammation in IPEC-J2 cells through inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway, resulting in reduced secretion of inflammatory cytokines and decreased cell apoptosis. Therefore, DEFB118 can act as a novel anti-inflammatory agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Fu
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 611130, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-resistant Nutrition, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 611130, P. R. China
| | - Qian Lin
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 611130, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-resistant Nutrition, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 611130, P. R. China
| | - Daiwen Chen
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 611130, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-resistant Nutrition, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 611130, P. R. China
| | - Bing Yu
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 611130, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-resistant Nutrition, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 611130, P. R. China
| | - Yuheng Luo
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 611130, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-resistant Nutrition, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 611130, P. R. China
| | - Ping Zheng
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 611130, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-resistant Nutrition, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 611130, P. R. China
| | - Xiangbing Mao
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 611130, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-resistant Nutrition, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 611130, P. R. China
| | - Zhiqing Huang
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 611130, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-resistant Nutrition, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 611130, P. R. China
| | - Jie Yu
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 611130, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-resistant Nutrition, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 611130, P. R. China
| | - Junqiu Luo
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 611130, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-resistant Nutrition, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 611130, P. R. China
| | - Hui Yan
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 611130, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-resistant Nutrition, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 611130, P. R. China
| | - Jun He
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 611130, P. R. China. .,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-resistant Nutrition, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 611130, P. R. China.
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Ge L, Zou S, Yuan Z, Chen W, Wang S, Cao X, Lv X, Getachew T, Mwacharo JM, Haile A, Sun W. Sheep β-Defensin 2 Regulates Escherichia coli F17 Resistance via NF-κB and MAPK Signaling Pathways in Ovine Intestinal Epithelial Cells. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10121356. [PMID: 34943272 PMCID: PMC8698448 DOI: 10.3390/biology10121356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary This study was conducted to explore the antibacterial ability of sheep β-defensin 2 (SBD-2) against E. coli F17 infection in ovine intestinal epithelial cells (OIECs). Our data revealed that E. coli F17 induces SBD-2 expression in OIECs in vitro, which appears to be mediated through the activation of the signaling pathways NF-κB and MAPK. Our results provide a novel insight for the functionality of SBD-2, which could be useful for developing anti-infective drugs and/or breeding for E. coli diarrhea disease-resistant sheep. Abstract Escherichia coli (E. coli) F17 is a member of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, which can cause massive diarrhea and high mortality in newborn lambs. β-defensin is mainly produced by the epithelial tissue of the gastrointestinal tract in response to microbial infection. However, the molecular mechanism of sheep β-defensin 2 (SBD-2) against E. coli F17 remains unclear. This study aims to reveal the antibacterial ability of SBD-2 against E. coli F17 infection in sheep. Firstly, we established the culture system of ovine intestinal epithelial cells (OIECs) in vitro, treated with different concentrations of E. coli F17 for an indicated time. Secondly, we performed RNA interference and overexpression to investigate the effect of SBD-2 expression on E. coli F17 adhesion to OIECs. Finally, inhibitors of NF-κB and MAPK pathways were pre-treated to explore the possible relationship involving in E. coli F17 infection regulating SBD-2 expression. The results showed that E. coli F17 markedly (p < 0.01) upregulated the expression levels of SBD-2 mRNA and protein in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Overexpression of SBD-2 contributed to enhancing E. coli F17 resistance in OIECs, while silencing SBD-2 dramatically improved the adhesion of E. coli F17 to OIECs (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). Furthermore, E. coli F17 stimulated SBD-2 expression was obviously decreased by pre-treatment with NF-κB inhibitor PDTC, p38 MAPK inhibitor SB202190 and ERK1/2 MAPK inhibitor PD98095 (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). Interestingly, adhesion of E. coli F17 to OIECs were highly enhanced by pre-treated with PDTC, SB202190 and PD98095. Our data suggested that SBD-2 could inhibit E. coli F17 infection in OIECs, possibly through NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Our results provide useful theoretical basis on developing anti-infective drug and breeding for E. coli diarrhea disease-resistant sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Ge
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China; (L.G.); (S.Z.); (W.C.); (S.W.)
| | - Shuangxia Zou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China; (L.G.); (S.Z.); (W.C.); (S.W.)
| | - Zehu Yuan
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China; (Z.Y.); (X.C.); (X.L.)
| | - Weihao Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China; (L.G.); (S.Z.); (W.C.); (S.W.)
| | - Shanhe Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China; (L.G.); (S.Z.); (W.C.); (S.W.)
| | - Xiukai Cao
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China; (Z.Y.); (X.C.); (X.L.)
| | - Xiaoyang Lv
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China; (Z.Y.); (X.C.); (X.L.)
| | - Tesfaye Getachew
- International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, Addis Ababa 999047, Ethiopia; (T.G.); (J.M.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Joram M. Mwacharo
- International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, Addis Ababa 999047, Ethiopia; (T.G.); (J.M.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Aynalem Haile
- International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, Addis Ababa 999047, Ethiopia; (T.G.); (J.M.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Wei Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China; (L.G.); (S.Z.); (W.C.); (S.W.)
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China; (Z.Y.); (X.C.); (X.L.)
- Correspondence:
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