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Zarina KZ, Pilmane M. Characterization of Angiogenic, Matrix Remodeling, and Antimicrobial Factors in Preterm and Full-Term Human Umbilical Cords. J Dev Biol 2024; 12:13. [PMID: 38804433 PMCID: PMC11130933 DOI: 10.3390/jdb12020013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about morphogenetic changes in the umbilical cord during the maturation process. Extracellular matrix remodeling, angiogenesis, progenitor activity, and immunomodulation are represented by specific markers; therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 (TIMP2), CD34, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and human β-defensin 2 (HBD2) in preterm and full-term human umbilical cord tissue. METHODS Samples of umbilical cord tissue were obtained from 17 patients and divided into two groups: very preterm and moderate preterm birth umbilical cords; late preterm birth and full-term birth umbilical cords. Routine histology examination was conducted. Marker-positive cells were detected using the immunohistochemistry method. The number of positive structures was counted semi-quantitatively using microscopy. Statistical analysis was carried out using the SPSS Statistics 29 program. RESULTS Extraembryonic mesenchyme cells are the most active cell producers, expressing MMP2, TIMP2, VEGF, and HBD2 at notable levels in preterm and full-term umbilical cord tissue. Statistically significant differences in the expression of CD34, MMP2, and TIMP2 between the two patient groups were found. The expression of VEGF was similar in both patient groups, with the highest number of VEGF-positive cells seen in the extraembryonic mesenchyme. The expression of HBD2 was the highest in the extraembryonic mesenchyme and the amniotic epithelium, where mostly moderate numbers of HBD2-positive cells were detected. CONCLUSIONS Extracellular matrix remodeling in preterm and term umbilical cords is strongly regulated, and tissue factors MMP2 and TIMP2 take part in this process. The expression of VEGF is not affected by the umbilical cord's age; however, individual patient factors can affect the production of VEGF. Numerous CD34-positive cells in the endothelium of the umbilical arteries suggest a significant role of progenitor cells in very preterm and moderate preterm birth umbilical cords. Antimicrobial activity provided by HBD2 is essential and constant in preterm and full-term umbilical cords.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mara Pilmane
- Institute of Anatomy and Anthropology, Riga Stradins University, Kronvalda Boulevard 9, LV-1010 Riga, Latvia;
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Venkata Subbiah H, Ramesh Babu P, Subbiah U. The Role of β-Defensin 1 Against Porphyromonas gingivalis Lipopolysaccharide-Mediated Inflammation in the THP-1 Cell Line. Cureus 2023; 15:e50880. [PMID: 38249288 PMCID: PMC10799292 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50880] [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] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (Pg-LPS) is one of the crucial virulence factors of periodontitis. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are emerging as alternatives or adjuncts to antibiotics in the treatment of microbial infections. In this study, cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory activity, anti-oxidative stress, cell cycle analysis, and apoptosis properties of AMP, β-defensin 1, were studied in Pg-LPS-stimulated THP-1 (Tohoku Hospital Pediatrics - 1) cell line. Methods The cytotoxic nature of Pg-LPS and β-defensin 1 was studied by the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) method. The cytotoxic effect of β-defensin 1 on Pg-LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells was also studied by the same method. The anti-inflammatory role of β-defensin 1 against cyclooxygenase (COX), lipoxygenase (LOX), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and inducible nitric oxide synthase activities were studied. The anti-oxidative nature of β-defensin 1 was analyzed by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) assay. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were studied by flow cytometry. The hemolytic nature of β-defensin 1 was predicted using the HemoPred web tool. Results The results of the study demonstrated that Pg-LPS showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity to THP-1 cells. β-Defensin 1 had dose-dependent cytotoxicity to THP-1 cells and showed a protective effect on THP-cells up to 1 µg/mL of Pg-LPS, beyond which cell viability decreased. β-Defensin 1 inhibited COX, LOX, MPO, and inducible nitric oxide synthase activities in a concentration-dependent manner. β-Defensin 1 showed anti-oxidative activity by suppressing the generation of ROS measured through fluorescence intensity. From the cell cycle analysis, it was found that β-defensin 1 was able to reduce the Pg-LPS-induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase. From the apoptosis profile, β-defensin 1 was found to increase the live cells when compared to THP-1 cells stimulated only with Pg-LPS, indicating that β-defensin 1 provided a protective role to THP-1 cells. β-Defensin 1 was found to be hemolytic in nature by the HemoPred web tool. Conclusion β-Defensin 1 exerted multifunctional activities and can be considered a promising agent for controlling periodontitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harini Venkata Subbiah
- Human Genetics Research Centre, Sree Balaji Dental College & Hospital, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, IND
| | - Polani Ramesh Babu
- Centre for Materials Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, IND
| | - Usha Subbiah
- Human Genetics Research Centre, Sree Balaji Dental College & Hospital, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, IND
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R PA, Anbarasu A. Antimicrobial Peptides as Immunomodulators and Antimycobacterial Agents to Combat Mycobacterium tuberculosis: a Critical Review. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2023; 15:1539-1566. [PMID: 36576687 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-022-10018-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) is a devastating disease foisting a significantly high morbidity, prepotent in low- and middle-income developing countries. Evolution of drug resistance among Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of tuberculosis, has made the TB treatment more complicated. The protracted nature of present TB treatment, persistent and tolerant Mtb populations, interaction with antiretroviral therapy and existing toxicity concerned with conventional anti-TB drugs are the four major challenges inflicted with emergence of drug-resistant mycobacterial strains, and the standard medications are unable to combat these strains. These factors emphasize an exigency to develop new drugs to overcome these barriers in current TB therapy. With this regard, antimycobacterial peptides derived from various sources such as human cells, bacterial sources, mycobacteriophages, fungal, plant and animal sources could be considered as antituberculosis leads as most of these peptides are associated with dual advantages of having both bactericidal activity towards Mtb as well as immuno-regulatory property. Some of the peptides possess the additional advantage of interacting synergistically with antituberculosis medications too, thereby increasing their efficiency, underscoring the vigour of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as best possible alternative therapeutic candidates or adjuvants in TB treatment. Albeit the beneficiary features of these peptides, few obstacles allied with them like cytotoxicity and proteolytic degradation are matter of concerns too. In this review, we have focused on structural hallmarks, targeting mechanisms and specific structural aspects contributing to antimycobacterial activity and discovered natural and synthetic antimycobacterial peptides along with their sources, anti-TB, immuno-regulatory properties, merits and demerits and possible delivery methods of AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preethi A R
- Medical & Biological Computing Laboratory, School of Bio-Sciences & Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore-632014, India
- Department of Biotechnology, SBST, VIT, Vellore-632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Anand Anbarasu
- Medical & Biological Computing Laboratory, School of Bio-Sciences & Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore-632014, India.
- Department of Biotechnology, SBST, VIT, Vellore-632014, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Brink KR, Hunt MG, Mu AM, Groszman K, Hoang KV, Lorch KP, Pogostin BH, Gunn JS, Tabor JJ. An E. coli display method for characterization of peptide-sensor kinase interactions. Nat Chem Biol 2023; 19:451-459. [PMID: 36482094 PMCID: PMC10065900 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-01207-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria use two-component system (TCS) signaling pathways to sense and respond to peptides involved in host defense, quorum sensing and inter-bacterial warfare. However, little is known about the broad peptide-sensing capabilities of TCSs. In this study, we developed an Escherichia coli display method to characterize the effects of human antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) on the pathogenesis-regulating TCS PhoPQ of Salmonella Typhimurium with much higher throughput than previously possible. We found that PhoPQ senses AMPs with diverse sequences, structures and biological functions. We further combined thousands of displayed AMP variants with machine learning to identify peptide sub-domains and biophysical features linked to PhoPQ activation. Most of the newfound AMP activators induce PhoPQ in S. Typhimurium, suggesting possible roles in virulence regulation. Finally, we present evidence that PhoPQ peptide-sensing specificity has evolved across commensal and pathogenic bacteria. Our method enables new insights into the specificities, mechanisms and evolutionary dynamics of TCS-mediated peptide sensing in bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn R Brink
- Ph.D. Program in Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maxwell G Hunt
- Ph.D. Program in Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Andrew M Mu
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ken Groszman
- Operations Research Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ky V Hoang
- Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Infectious Diseases Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kevin P Lorch
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - John S Gunn
- Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Infectious Diseases Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jeffrey J Tabor
- Ph.D. Program in Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
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Kompuinen J, Keskin M, Yilmaz D, Gürsoy M, Gürsoy UK. Human β-Defensins in Diagnosis of Head and Neck Cancers. Cells 2023; 12:cells12060830. [PMID: 36980171 PMCID: PMC10047923 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancers are malignant growths with high death rates, which makes the early diagnosis of the affected patients of utmost importance. Over 90% of oral cavity cancers come from squamous cells, and the tongue, oral cavity, and salivary glands are the most common locations for oral squamous cell carcinoma lesions. Human β-defensins (hBDs), which are mainly produced by epithelial cells, are cationic peptides with a wide antimicrobial spectrum. In addition to their role in antimicrobial defense, these peptides also take part in the regulation of the immune response. Recent studies produced evidence that these small antimicrobial peptides are related to the gene and protein expression profiles of tumors. While the suppression of hBDs is a common finding in head and neck cancer studies, opposite findings were also presented. In the present narrative review, the aim will be to discuss the changes in the hBD expression profile during the onset and progression of head and neck cancers. The final aim will be to discuss the use of hBDs as diagnostic markers of head and neck cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Kompuinen
- Department of Periodontology, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Mutlu Keskin
- Oral and Dental Health Department, Altınbaş University, İstanbul 34147, Turkey
| | - Dogukan Yilmaz
- Department of Periodontology, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
- Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Sakarya University, Sakarya 54050, Turkey
| | - Mervi Gürsoy
- Department of Periodontology, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
- Welfare Division, Oral Health Care, 20101 Turku, Finland
| | - Ulvi Kahraman Gürsoy
- Department of Periodontology, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
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Bonfield TL, Sutton MT, Fletcher DR, Reese-Koc J, Roesch EA, Lazarus HM, Chmiel JF, Caplan AI. Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell (hMSC) Donor Potency Selection for the "First in Cystic Fibrosis" Phase I Clinical Trial (CEASE-CF). Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:220. [PMID: 37259368 PMCID: PMC9960767 DOI: 10.3390/ph16020220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell (hMSC) immunotherapy has been shown to provide both anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effectiveness in a variety of diseases. The clinical potency of hMSCs is based upon an initial direct hMSC effect on the pro-inflammatory and anti-microbial pathophysiology as well as sustained potency through orchestrating the host immunity to optimize the resolution of infection and tissue damage. Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients suffer from a lung disease characterized by excessive inflammation and chronic infection as well as a variety of other systemic anomalies associated with the consequences of abnormal cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) function. The application of hMSC immunotherapy to the CF clinical armamentarium is important even in the era of modulators when patients with an established disease still need anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial therapies. Additionally, people with CF mutations not addressed by current modulator resources need anti-inflammation and anti-infection management. Furthermore, hMSCs possess dynamic therapeutic properties, but the potency of their products is highly variable with respect to their anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effects. Due to the variability of hMSC products, we utilized standardized in vitro and in vivo models to select hMSC donor preparations with the greatest potential for clinical efficacy. The models that were used recapitulate many of the pathophysiologic outcomes associated with CF. We applied this strategy in pursuit of identifying the optimal donor to utilize for the "First in CF" Phase I clinical trial of hMSCs as an immunotherapy and anti-microbial therapy for people with cystic fibrosis. The hMSCs screened in this study demonstrated significant diversity in antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory function using models which mimic some aspects of CF infection and inflammation. However, the variability in activity between in vitro potency and in vivo effectiveness continues to be refined. Future studies require and in-depth pursuit of hMSC molecular signatures that ultimately predict the capacity of hMSCs to function in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey L. Bonfield
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, National Center Regenerative Medicine and Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Avenue, BRB 822, Cleveland, OH 444106, USA
- National Center for Regenerative Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 444106, USA
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonary, Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Morgan T. Sutton
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, National Center Regenerative Medicine and Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Avenue, BRB 822, Cleveland, OH 444106, USA
- National Center for Regenerative Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 444106, USA
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonary, Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - David R. Fletcher
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, National Center Regenerative Medicine and Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Avenue, BRB 822, Cleveland, OH 444106, USA
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonary, Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Jane Reese-Koc
- National Center for Regenerative Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 444106, USA
- University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Erica A. Roesch
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonary, Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Hillard M. Lazarus
- National Center for Regenerative Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 444106, USA
- University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - James F. Chmiel
- Department of Pediatrics, Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Arnold I. Caplan
- National Center for Regenerative Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 444106, USA
- Skeletal Research Center, Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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Ting DSJ, Mohammed I, Lakshminarayanan R, Beuerman RW, Dua HS. Host Defense Peptides at the Ocular Surface: Roles in Health and Major Diseases, and Therapeutic Potentials. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:835843. [PMID: 35783647 PMCID: PMC9243558 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.835843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sight is arguably the most important sense in human. Being constantly exposed to the environmental stress, irritants and pathogens, the ocular surface – a specialized functional and anatomical unit composed of tear film, conjunctival and corneal epithelium, lacrimal glands, meibomian glands, and nasolacrimal drainage apparatus – serves as a crucial front-line defense of the eye. Host defense peptides (HDPs), also known as antimicrobial peptides, are evolutionarily conserved molecular components of innate immunity that are found in all classes of life. Since the first discovery of lysozyme in 1922, a wide range of HDPs have been identified at the ocular surface. In addition to their antimicrobial activity, HDPs are increasingly recognized for their wide array of biological functions, including anti-biofilm, immunomodulation, wound healing, and anti-cancer properties. In this review, we provide an updated review on: (1) spectrum and expression of HDPs at the ocular surface; (2) participation of HDPs in ocular surface diseases/conditions such as infectious keratitis, conjunctivitis, dry eye disease, keratoconus, allergic eye disease, rosacea keratitis, and post-ocular surgery; (3) HDPs that are currently in the development pipeline for treatment of ocular diseases and infections; and (4) future potential of HDP-based clinical pharmacotherapy for ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren Shu Jeng Ting
- Academic Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Ophthalmology, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Anti-Infectives Research Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- *Correspondence: Darren Shu Jeng Ting
| | - Imran Mohammed
- Academic Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | | | - Roger W. Beuerman
- Anti-Infectives Research Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Harminder S. Dua
- Academic Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Ophthalmology, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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In silico targeting of red complex bacteria virulence factors of periodontitis with β-defensin 1. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2022; 20:59. [PMID: 35438383 PMCID: PMC9019007 DOI: 10.1186/s43141-022-00342-3] [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: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Periodontitis is a multi-factorial infection with red complex bacteria playing a crucial role in the pathogenesis. As bacteria are tending to develop resistance against conventional antibiotics, new treatment modalities need to be developed. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are potential tools for drug development and are gaining widespread interest. β-defensin 1 is an important AMP and forms the first-line host defense mechanism. The present study analyzed the structure and molecular docking of β-defensin 1 with the virulence factors of red complex bacteria of periodontitis. The physico-chemical properties of β-defensin 1 were determined by various online tools such as ProtParam, ProteinPredict, ToxinPred, and BioPep web servers. The structure of β-defensin 1was predicted by the SWISS-MODEL web server and the structure was evaluated by different web tools. The structure of lipopolysaccharide of Porphyromonas gingivalis was drawn using Chem3D ultra 11.0 software. The structure of important protein virulence factors of red complex bacteria of periodontitis was determined by the SWISS-MODEL web server. The interaction study between β-defensin 1 and virulence factors was carried out by molecular docking using Auto dock version 4.0 software and pyDock WEB server. RESULTS Using online tools, β-defensin 1 was predicted to be stable and non-toxic. SWISS-MODEL web server predicted Ramachandran score as 94.12% and clash score 0.0 for β-defensin 1. Auto dock version 4.0 software and pyDock WEB server analyzed the interaction to have low binding energies and hydrogen bonds were formed between the peptide and virulence factors. CONCLUSION β-defensin 1 was found to have good binding interaction with the disease-causing factors of red complex bacteria of periodontitis and in turn could play a role in reducing the severity of infection. β-defensin 1 could be a potential candidate for drug development for periodontitis.
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Panigrahi S, Ghosh SK, Ferrari B, Wyrick JM, Podrez EA, Weinberg A, Sieg SF. Human β-Defensin-3 is Associated With Platelet-Derived Extracellular Vesicles and is a Potential Contributor to Endothelial Dysfunction. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:824954. [PMID: 35355507 PMCID: PMC8959671 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.824954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
While platelets are the essential mediators of hemostasis, they are being increasingly recognized for their potential of contributing to host defenses. Here, using immunofluorescent microscopy, western blot, and ELISA, we found that human β-defensin 3 (hBD-3), an important antimicrobial peptide produced by epithelial cells, can be detected in human platelets and megakaryocytes. Flow cytometry and immuno-electron microscopy revealed hBD-3 on the surface of thrombin activated platelets. Moreover, hBD-3 was also found in platelet derived extracellular vesicles (p-EVs), isolated from platelet poor plasma and from platelet supernatants following thrombin stimulation. Incubation of platelets with hBD-3 peptide resulted in modest platelet activation and pre-incubation of platelets with synthetic hBD-3 prior to exposure to thrombin appeared to increase hBD-3 content in platelet lysates as well as in p-EVs, suggesting that hBD-3 can be initially taken up by platelets, perhaps via their open canalicular system. Interestingly, in vitro exposure of primary human endothelial cells to either hBD-3 peptide or purified p-EVs, caused significant endothelial dysfunction as documented by diminished levels of phosphorylated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), Krüppel like factor-2 (KLF-2), and elevated relative expression of von Willebrand Factor (vWF). Pre-incubation of platelets with hBD-3 appeared to augment endothelial dysfunction caused by p-EVs. Overall, the current study provides evidence that hBD-3 enriched EVs can be released by activated platelets and may play a role in positive feedback of platelet activation as well as in endothelial dysfunction. Theoretically, these effects could contribute to both cellular recruitment to the endothelium creating a pro-thrombotic vascular microenvironment which serve as a bridge between innate immunity and hemostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumya Panigrahi
- Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Soumya Panigrahi, ; Scott F. Sieg,
| | - Santosh K. Ghosh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Brian Ferrari
- Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Jonathan M. Wyrick
- Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Eugene A Podrez
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Aaron Weinberg
- Department of Biological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Scott F. Sieg
- Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Soumya Panigrahi, ; Scott F. Sieg,
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Gao X, Ding J, Liao C, Xu J, Liu X, Lu W. Defensins: The natural peptide antibiotic. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 179:114008. [PMID: 34673132 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Defensins are a family of cationic antimicrobial peptides active against a broad range of infectious microbes including bacteria, viruses and fungi, playing important roles as innate effectors and immune modulators in immunological control of microbial infection. Their antibacterial properties and unique mechanisms of action have garnered considerable interest in developing defensins into a novel class of natural antibiotic peptides to fend off pathogenic infection by bacteria, particularly those resistant to conventional antibiotics. However, serious pharmacological and technical obstacles, some of which are unique to defensins and others are common to peptide drugs in general, have hindered the development and clinical translation of defensins as anti-infective therapeutics. To overcome them, several technologies have been developed, aiming for improved functionality, prolonged circulation time, enhanced proteolytic stability and bioavailability, and efficient and controlled delivery and release of defensins to the site of infection. Additional challenges include the alleviation of potential toxicity of defensins and their cost-effective manufacturing. In this review, we briefly introduce defensin biology, focus on various transforming strategies and practical techniques developed for defensins and their derivatives as antibacterial therapeutics, and conclude with a summation of future challenges and possible solutions.
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Elevated serum levels of cathelicidin and β-defensin 2 are associated with basal cell carcinoma. Cent Eur J Immunol 2021; 46:360-364. [PMID: 34764808 PMCID: PMC8574105 DOI: 10.5114/ceji.2021.109707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are one of the primary mechanisms used by the skin in the early stages of immune defense. AMPs have a broad antibacterial activity and also show antifungal and antiviral attributes. Various studies have also shown that levels of antimicrobial peptides change with the development of neoplasia. The aim of this paper is to assess the associations between the presence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and the plasma concentrations of cathelicidin and β-defensins (HBD1-3). We examined 108 patients (56 women, 52 men). The BCC group consisted of 49 patients with mean age 69.8 ±12.3 and the control group consisted of 59 participants with mean age 62.1 ±11.1. A statistical analysis of data was performed. The median serum concentration of cathelicidin was almost 3 times higher and the median concentration of HBD-2 more than 6 times higher in BCC patients than in the control group (p < 0.001). The logistic regression model revealed in univariate analysis that patients who had a detected cathelicidin level above ~1500 pg/ml had 9.9× higher likelihood of having BCC identified in the histopathology in comparison with the control group. In patients who had a HBD-2 level above ~1.2 ng/ml the OR of having BCC identified in the histopathology was 12.6 (p < 0.001). Elevated concentrations of cathelicidin and β-defensin 2 are associated with the presence of basal cell carcinoma. Additionally, the specificity of cathelicidin and β-defensin 2 in detecting basal cell carcinoma is high. However, it should be remembered that these factors are not specific only to this condition and further studies are needed.
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Cieślik M, Bagińska N, Górski A, Jończyk-Matysiak E. Human β-Defensin 2 and Its Postulated Role in Modulation of the Immune Response. Cells 2021; 10:cells10112991. [PMID: 34831214 PMCID: PMC8616480 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies described so far suggest that human β-defensin 2 is an important protein of innate immune response which provides protection for the human organism against invading pathogens of bacterial, viral, fungal, as well as parasitical origin. Its pivotal role in enhancing immunity was proved in infants. It may also be considered a marker of inflammation. Its therapeutic administration has been suggested for maintenance of the balance of systemic homeostasis based on the appropriate composition of the microbiota. It has been suggested that it may be an important therapeutic tool for modulating the response of the immune system in many inflammatory diseases, offering new treatment modalities. For this reason, its properties and role in the human body discussed in this review should be studied in more detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyna Cieślik
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wrocław, Poland; (M.C.); (N.B.); (E.J.-M.)
| | - Natalia Bagińska
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wrocław, Poland; (M.C.); (N.B.); (E.J.-M.)
| | - Andrzej Górski
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wrocław, Poland; (M.C.); (N.B.); (E.J.-M.)
- Phage Therapy Unit, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wrocław, Poland
- Infant Jesus Hospital, The Medical University of Warsaw, 02-006 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Ewa Jończyk-Matysiak
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wrocław, Poland; (M.C.); (N.B.); (E.J.-M.)
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13
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Beg AZ, Farhat N, Khan AU. Designing multi-epitope vaccine candidates against functional amyloids in Pseudomonas aeruginosa through immunoinformatic and structural bioinformatics approach. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 93:104982. [PMID: 34186254 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) displays high drug resistance and biofilm-mediated adaptability, which makes its infections difficult to treat. Alternative intervention methods and targets have made such infections treatment manageable. One of the biofilm components, functional amyloids of Pseudomonas (Fap) is correlated positively with virulence and mucoidy phenotype found in infection in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Extracellular accessibility, conservation across P. aeruginosa isolates and linkage with lung infections phenotype in CF patients, makes Fap a promising intervention target. Furthermore, the reported effect of bacterial amyloid on neuronal function and immune response makes it a targetable candidate. In the current study, Fap C protein and its immediate interactions were explored to extract antigenic T-cell and B-cell epitopes. A combination of epitopes and peptide adjuvants has been linked to derive vaccine candidate structures. The vaccine candidates were validated for antigenicity, allergenicity, physiochemical properties, stability and interactions with TLRs and MHC alleles. Immunosimulation studies have demonstrated that vaccines elicit Th1 dominated response, which can assist in good prognosis of infection in CF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha Z Beg
- Medical Microbiology and Molecular Biology Lab., Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
| | - Nabeela Farhat
- Medical Microbiology and Molecular Biology Lab., Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
| | - Asad U Khan
- Medical Microbiology and Molecular Biology Lab., Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India; Centre for Bioinformatic on Antimicrobial Resistance, IBU, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India.
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14
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Ligands and Signaling of Mas-Related G Protein-Coupled Receptor-X2 in Mast Cell Activation. Rev Physiol Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 179:139-188. [PMID: 33479839 DOI: 10.1007/112_2020_53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor-X2 (MRGPRX2) is known as a novel receptor to activate mast cells (MCs). MRGPRX2 plays a dual role in promoting MC-dependent host defense and immunomodulation and contributing to the pathogenesis of pseudo-allergic drug reactions, pain, itching, and inflammatory diseases. In this article, we discuss the possible signaling pathways of MCs activation mediated by MRGPRX2 and summarize and classify agonists and inhibitors of MRGPRX2 in MCs activation. MRGPRX2 is a low-affinity and low-selectivity receptor, which allows it to interact with a diverse group of ligands. Diverse MRGPRX2 ligands utilize conserved residues in its transmembrane (TM) domains and carboxyl-terminus Ser/Thr residues to undergo ligand binding and G protein coupling. The coupling likely initiates phosphorylation cascades, induces Ca2+ mobilization, and causes degranulation and generation of cytokines and chemokines via MAPK and NF-κB pathways, resulting in MCs activation. Agonists of MRGPRX2 on MCs are divided into peptides (including antimicrobial peptides, neuropeptides, MC degranulating peptides, peptide hormones) and nonpeptides (including FDA-approved drugs). Inhibitors of MRGPRX2 include non-selective GPCR inhibitors, herbal extracts, small-molecule MRGPRX2 antagonists, and DNA aptamer drugs. Screening and classifying MRGPRX2 ligands and summarizing their signaling pathways would improve our understanding of MRGPRX2-mediated physiological and pathological effects on MCs.
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15
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Bonfield TL, Sutton MT, Fletcher DR, Folz MA, Ragavapuram V, Somoza RA, Caplan AI. Donor-defined mesenchymal stem cell antimicrobial potency against nontuberculous mycobacterium. Stem Cells Transl Med 2021; 10:1202-1216. [PMID: 33943038 PMCID: PMC8284776 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.20-0521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic nontuberculous mycobacterial infections with Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare complicate bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive airway disease, and the health of aging individuals. These insidious intracellular pathogens cause considerable morbidity and eventual mortality in individuals colonized with these bacteria. Current treatment regimens with antibiotic macrolides are both toxic and often inefficient at providing infection resolution. In this article, we demonstrate that human marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells are antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory in vitro and in the context of an in vivo sustained infection of either M. avium and/or M. intracellulare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey L Bonfield
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,National Center for Regenerative Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Morgan T Sutton
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,National Center for Regenerative Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - David R Fletcher
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,National Center for Regenerative Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Michael A Folz
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,National Center for Regenerative Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Vaishnavi Ragavapuram
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,National Center for Regenerative Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Rodrigo A Somoza
- Department of Biology, Skeletal Research Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Arnold I Caplan
- Department of Biology, Skeletal Research Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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16
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Abass OA, Timofeev VI, Sarkar B, Onobun DO, Ogunsola SO, Aiyenuro AE, Aborode AT, Aigboje AE, Omobolanle BN, Imolele AG, Abiodun AA. Immunoinformatics analysis to design novel epitope based vaccine candidate targeting the glycoprotein and nucleoprotein of Lassa mammarenavirus (LASMV) using strains from Nigeria. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2021; 40:7283-7302. [PMID: 33719908 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1896387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Lassa mammarenavirus (LASMV) is responsible for a specific type of acute viral hemorrhagic fever known as Lassa fever. Lack of effective treatments and counter-measures against the virus has resulted in a high mortality rate in its endemic regions. Therefore, in this study, a novel epitope-based vaccine has been designed using the methods of immunoinformatics targeting the glycoprotein and nucleoprotein of the virus. After numerous robust analyses, two CTL epitopes, eight HTL epitopes and seven B-cell epitopes were finally selected for constructing the vaccine. All these most promising epitopes were found to be antigenic, non-allergenic, nontoxic and non-human homolog, which made them suitable for designing the subunit vaccine. Furthermore, the selected T-cell epitopes which were found to be fully conserved across different isolates of the virus, were also considered for final vaccine construction. After that, numerous validation experiments, i.e. molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation and immune simulation were conducted, which predicted that our designed vaccine should be stable within the biological environment and effective in combating the LASMV infection. In the end, codon adaptation and in silico cloning studies were performed to design a recombinant plasmid for producing the vaccine industrially. However, further in vitro and in vivo assessments should be done on the constructed vaccine to finally confirm its safety and efficacy.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ohilebo Abdulateef Abass
- Department of Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Centre for BioCode, Benin, Nigeria.,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria
| | - Vladimir I Timofeev
- Shubnikov Institute of Crystallography of Federal Scientific Research Centre "Crystallography and Photonics" of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Bishajit Sarkar
- Department of Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Desmond Odiamehi Onobun
- Department of Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Centre for BioCode, Benin, Nigeria.,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Abdullahi Tunde Aborode
- Research & Development, Shaping Women in STEM (SWIS) Africa, Lagos, Nigeria.,Research & Development, Healthy Africans Platform, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | - Alade Adebowale Abiodun
- Bio-Computing Research Unit, Molecular Biology & Simulations (Mols & Sims) Centre, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
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17
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Alecu M, Coman G, Mușetescu A, Coman OA. Antimicrobial peptides as an argument for the involvement of innate immunity in psoriasis (Review). Exp Ther Med 2020; 20:192. [PMID: 33101482 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.9322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a group of oligopeptides found in most multicellular organisms with a capacity for rapid and nonspecific destruction of pathogens. The action of destroying pathogens is associated with a strong proinflammatory activity, stimulating the secretion of cytokines, chemokines, growth factors but also chemotaxis, the activation of dendritic cells and involving adaptive immunity also. The action of AMPs fits perfectly into the characteristics of innate immunity which makes these peptides candidates to be considered as an important element of this type of immunity. It has been shown that AMPs are involved in a number of cellular processes such as: differentiation, proliferation, maturation, thus widening the degree of involvement of these peptides in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases. In psoriasis, AMPs act both as a pro-inflammatory and chemotaxis factor and through the cathelicidin (LL-37)/dc DNA complex as a possible autoantigen for T cells, triggering an autoimmune response, activating the Th17/IL23 axis and maintaining the inflammatory process. Thus, many arguments are accumulated to consider that innate immunity through AMPs is an important link in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Moreover, the action of antimicrobial peptides in psoriasis is almost entirely characteristic for the general mode of action of innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihail Alecu
- Department of Dermatovenereology, 'Dr. Victor Babes' Clinical Hospital for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, 030303 Bucharest, Romania.,Departments of Dermatovenereology, Faculty of Medicine, 'Titu Maiorescu' University, 040051 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gabriela Coman
- Department of Dermatovenereology, 'Dr. Victor Babes' Clinical Hospital for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, 030303 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alina Mușetescu
- Department of Dermatovenereology, 'Dr. Victor Babes' Clinical Hospital for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, 030303 Bucharest, Romania.,Departments of Dermatovenereology, Faculty of Medicine, 'Titu Maiorescu' University, 040051 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Oana Andreia Coman
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
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18
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Rehman HM, Mirza MU, Ahmad MA, Saleem M, Froeyen M, Ahmad S, Gul R, Alghamdi HA, Aslam MS, Sajjad M, Bhinder MA. A Putative Prophylactic Solution for COVID-19: Development of Novel Multiepitope Vaccine Candidate against SARS-COV-2 by Comprehensive Immunoinformatic and Molecular Modelling Approach. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:E296. [PMID: 32962156 PMCID: PMC7563440 DOI: 10.3390/biology9090296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The outbreak of 2019-novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes severe respiratory infection (COVID-19) has spread in China, and the World Health Organization has declared it a pandemic. However, no approved drug or vaccines are available, and treatment is mainly supportive and through a few repurposed drugs. The urgency of the situation requires the development of SARS-CoV-2-based vaccines. Immunoinformatic and molecular modelling are time-efficient methods that are generally used to accelerate the discovery and design of the candidate peptides for vaccine development. In recent years, the use of multiepitope vaccines has proved to be a promising immunization strategy against viruses and pathogens, thus inducing more comprehensive protective immunity. The current study demonstrated a comprehensive in silico strategy to design stable multiepitope vaccine construct (MVC) from B-cell and T-cell epitopes of essential SARS-CoV-2 proteins with the help of adjuvants and linkers. The integrated molecular dynamics simulations analysis revealed the stability of MVC and its interaction with human Toll-like receptors (TLRs), which trigger an innate and adaptive immune response. Later, the in silico cloning in a known pET28a vector system also estimated the possibility of MVC expression in Escherichia coli. Despite that this study lacks validation of this vaccine construct in terms of its efficacy, the current integrated strategy encompasses the initial multiple epitope vaccine design concepts. After validation, this MVC can be present as a better prophylactic solution against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafiz Muzzammel Rehman
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54590, Punjab, Pakistan; (H.M.R.); (M.S.A.)
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore 54590, Punjab, Pakistan; (M.A.A.); (M.A.B.)
| | - Muhammad Usman Mirza
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Medicinal Chemistry, University of Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.U.M.); (M.F.)
| | - Mian Azhar Ahmad
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore 54590, Punjab, Pakistan; (M.A.A.); (M.A.B.)
- Department of Health, Government of the Punjab, Lahore 54590, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Mahjabeen Saleem
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54590, Punjab, Pakistan; (H.M.R.); (M.S.A.)
| | - Matheus Froeyen
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Medicinal Chemistry, University of Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.U.M.); (M.F.)
| | - Sarfraz Ahmad
- Drug Design and Development Research Group (DDDRG), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | - Roquyya Gul
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Gulab Devi Educational Complex, Lahore 54590, Punjab, Pakistan;
| | - Huda Ahmed Alghamdi
- Department of Biology, College of Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Muhammad Shahbaz Aslam
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54590, Punjab, Pakistan; (H.M.R.); (M.S.A.)
| | - Muhammad Sajjad
- School of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab, Quaid e Azam Campus, Lahore 54590, Punjab, Pakistan;
| | - Munir Ahmad Bhinder
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore 54590, Punjab, Pakistan; (M.A.A.); (M.A.B.)
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19
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Mercer DK, O'Neil DA. Innate Inspiration: Antifungal Peptides and Other Immunotherapeutics From the Host Immune Response. Front Immunol 2020; 11:2177. [PMID: 33072081 PMCID: PMC7533533 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.02177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to describe antifungal therapeutic candidates in preclinical and clinical development derived from, or directly influenced by, the immune system, with a specific focus on antimicrobial peptides (AMP). Although the focus of this review is AMP with direct antimicrobial effects on fungi, we will also discuss compounds with direct antifungal activity, including monoclonal antibodies (mAb), as well as immunomodulatory molecules that can enhance the immune response to fungal infection, including immunomodulatory AMP, vaccines, checkpoint inhibitors, interferon and colony stimulating factors as well as immune cell therapies. The focus of this manuscript will be a non-exhaustive review of antifungal compounds in preclinical and clinical development that are based on the principles of immunology and the authors acknowledge the incredible amount of in vitro and in vivo work that has been conducted to develop such therapeutic candidates.
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20
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Nurk S, Walenz BP, Rhie A, Vollger MR, Logsdon GA, Grothe R, Miga KH, Eichler EE, Phillippy AM, Koren S. HiCanu: accurate assembly of segmental duplications, satellites, and allelic variants from high-fidelity long reads. Genome Res 2020; 30:1291-1305. [PMID: 32801147 PMCID: PMC7545148 DOI: 10.1101/gr.263566.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 350] [Impact Index Per Article: 87.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Complete and accurate genome assemblies form the basis of most downstream genomic analyses and are of critical importance. Recent genome assembly projects have relied on a combination of noisy long-read sequencing and accurate short-read sequencing, with the former offering greater assembly continuity and the latter providing higher consensus accuracy. The recently introduced Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) HiFi sequencing technology bridges this divide by delivering long reads (>10 kbp) with high per-base accuracy (>99.9%). Here we present HiCanu, a modification of the Canu assembler designed to leverage the full potential of HiFi reads via homopolymer compression, overlap-based error correction, and aggressive false overlap filtering. We benchmark HiCanu with a focus on the recovery of haplotype diversity, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) variants, satellite DNAs, and segmental duplications. For diploid human genomes sequenced to 30× HiFi coverage, HiCanu achieved superior accuracy and allele recovery compared to the current state of the art. On the effectively haploid CHM13 human cell line, HiCanu achieved an NG50 contig size of 77 Mbp with a per-base consensus accuracy of 99.999% (QV50), surpassing recent assemblies of high-coverage, ultralong Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) reads in terms of both accuracy and continuity. This HiCanu assembly correctly resolves 337 out of 341 validation BACs sampled from known segmental duplications and provides the first preliminary assemblies of nine complete human centromeric regions. Although gaps and errors still remain within the most challenging regions of the genome, these results represent a significant advance toward the complete assembly of human genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Nurk
- Genome Informatics Section, Computational and Statistical Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20894, USA
| | - Brian P Walenz
- Genome Informatics Section, Computational and Statistical Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20894, USA
| | - Arang Rhie
- Genome Informatics Section, Computational and Statistical Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20894, USA
| | - Mitchell R Vollger
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| | - Glennis A Logsdon
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| | - Robert Grothe
- Pacific Biosciences, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA
| | - Karen H Miga
- UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA
| | - Evan E Eichler
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| | - Adam M Phillippy
- Genome Informatics Section, Computational and Statistical Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20894, USA
| | - Sergey Koren
- Genome Informatics Section, Computational and Statistical Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20894, USA
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21
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Chompunud Na Ayudhya C, Roy S, Thapaliya M, Ali H. Roles of a Mast Cell-Specific Receptor MRGPRX2 in Host Defense and Inflammation. J Dent Res 2020; 99:882-890. [PMID: 32392433 DOI: 10.1177/0022034520919107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mast cells are multifunctional immune cells that are found most abundantly at host-environment interfaces, such as the skin, respiratory tract, and oral/gastrointestinal mucosa. Not surprisingly, mast cells act as sentinel cells that sense microbial attacks and initiate a protective immune response and promote healing. Although mast cells share many features with other innate immune effector cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages, they uniquely interact closely with blood vessels and release an extensive set of mediators for the recruitment of innate and adaptive immune cells. A novel human G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), known as Mas-related GPCR-X2 (MRGPRX2, mouse ortholog, MrgprB2), has recently been identified, which is expressed on mast cells but not neutrophils and macrophages. Interestingly, activation of MrgprB2 by bacteria-derived quorum-sensing peptides inhibits bacterial growth, prevents biofilm formation, and leads to the recruitment of neutrophils to effectively clear bacteria. Furthermore, host defense antimicrobial peptides and small-molecule peptide mimetics also activate mast cells via MRGPRX2/B2. MrgprB2-mediated activation of local mast cells also clears cutaneous bacterial infection, promotes healing, and protects against reinfection. In addition to their role in host defense, mast cells contribute to a number of chronic inflammatory diseases such as periodontitis, neurogenic inflammation, and inflammatory pain likely via the activation of MRGPRX2. In this review, we discuss the roles of MRGPRX2/B2 in the clearance of bacterial infection, wound healing, periodontal disease, neurogenic inflammation, and inflammatory pain. We propose that harnessing mast cells' host defense and immunomodulatory properties via the activation of MRGPRX2 may lead to novel approaches for the treatment of drug-resistant bacterial infections. On the other hand, increased MRGPRX2 expression on mast cells and their inappropriate activation may contribute to periodontitis, neurogenic inflammation, and inflammatory pain. Thus, targeting MRGPRX2 could provide novel approaches to modulate these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Chompunud Na Ayudhya
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - S Roy
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - M Thapaliya
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - H Ali
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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22
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Abstract
Defensins are a major family of host defense peptides expressed predominantly in neutrophils and epithelial cells. Their broad antimicrobial activities and multifaceted immunomodulatory functions have been extensively studied, cementing their role in innate immunity as a core host-protective component against bacterial, viral and fungal infections. More recent studies, however, paint defensins in a bad light such that they are "alleged" to promote viral and bacterial infections in certain biological settings. This mini review summarizes the latest findings on the potential pathogenic properties of defensins against the backdrop of their protective roles in antiviral and antibacterial immunity. Further, a succinct description of both tumor-proliferative and -suppressive activities of defensins is also given to highlight their functional and mechanistic complexity in antitumor immunity. We posit that given an enabling environment defensins, widely heralded as the "Swiss army knife," can function as a "double-edged sword" in host immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Xu
- Institute of Mitochondrial Biology and Medicine, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Wuyuan Lu
- Institute of Human Virology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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23
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β-Defensin Strengthens Antimicrobial Peritoneal Mast Cell Response. J Immunol Res 2020; 2020:5230172. [PMID: 32411798 PMCID: PMC7201483 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5230172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mast cells (MCs) are engaged in the processes of host defense, primarily via the presence of receptors responsible for the detection of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Since BDs are exclusively host defense molecules, and MCs can elicit the antimicrobial response, this study is aimed at determining whether BDs might be involved in MC pathogen defense. We found that defensin BD-2 significantly augments the mRNA and protein expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and retinoic acid-inducible gene-I-like receptor (RLR) essential for the detection of viral molecules, i.e., TLR3, TLR7, TLR9, and RIG-I in mature tissue rat peritoneal MCs (PMCs). We established that BD-2 might stimulate PMCs to release proinflammatory and immunoregulatory mediators and to induce a migratory response. Presented data on IgE-coated PMC upon BD-2 treatment suggest that in the case of allergies, there is an enhanced MC immune response and cell influx to the site of the ongoing infection. In conclusion, our data highlight that BD-2 might strongly influence MC features and activity, mainly by strengthening their role in the inflammatory mechanisms and controlling the activity of cells participating in antimicrobial processes.
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24
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Wu T, Tang C, Chen Y, Yong X, Liu Z, Jiang L, Zeng Q, Tao R. Regulatory effect of 17β-estradiol on the expression of β-defensin-2 and proinflammatory cytokines in human oral epithelial cells. J Oral Pathol Med 2020; 49:365-372. [PMID: 32176389 DOI: 10.1111/jop.13016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although estrogen deficiency has been proposed as a risk factor for oral mucosal inflammatory diseases in post-menopausal women, the mechanisms involved remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of 17β-estradiol (E2) on the inflammatory response stimulated by interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) in human oral mucosal epithelial cells (hOMECs) and its possible mechanism. METHODS Primary hOMECs were obtained from female infants and cultured in keratinocyte growth medium. The hOMECs at second passage were collected and stimulated by 10-7 mol/L ICI182,780 or 10-7 mol/L G1 for 1 hour, E2 (10-7 mol/L, 10-8 mol/L, 10-9 mol/L) for 36 hour, 100 ng/mL IL-1β for 12 hours, respectively. Human beta-2 defensin (hBD-2), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF)-α, IL-6, IL-8, estrogen receptor-alpha (ERα), estrogen receptor-beta (ERβ), and G protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30) mRNA levels and protein levels were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Western Blot (WB), respectively. RESULTS Expression of hBD-2 and inflammatory cytokines increased after IL-1β stimulation, which was down-regulated by E2 pre-treatment. With ICI182,780, the suppression of E2 on hBD-2 mRNA was attenuated. With G1, the mRNA expression and protein expression of hBD-2 were reduced. CONCLUSION Pre-treatment of hOMECs with E2 at physiological concentrations inhibited the IL-1β-induced expression of hBD-2 and inflammatory cytokines. The protective effects of E2 suggest its potential use treating oral inflammatory diseases in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Wu
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, College of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, Guangxi Universities and Colleges Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Disease Treatment, Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Craniofacial Deformity, Nanning, China
| | - Caijin Tang
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, College of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, Guangxi Universities and Colleges Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Disease Treatment, Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Craniofacial Deformity, Nanning, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, College of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, Guangxi Universities and Colleges Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Disease Treatment, Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Craniofacial Deformity, Nanning, China
| | - Xiangzhi Yong
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, College of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, Guangxi Universities and Colleges Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Disease Treatment, Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Craniofacial Deformity, Nanning, China
| | - Zhenmin Liu
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, College of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Lanlan Jiang
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, College of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Qixin Zeng
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, College of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, Guangxi Universities and Colleges Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Disease Treatment, Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Craniofacial Deformity, Nanning, China
| | - Renchuan Tao
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, College of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, Guangxi Universities and Colleges Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Disease Treatment, Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Craniofacial Deformity, Nanning, China
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25
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Prasad SV, Fiedoruk K, Daniluk T, Piktel E, Bucki R. Expression and Function of Host Defense Peptides at Inflammation Sites. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 21:ijms21010104. [PMID: 31877866 PMCID: PMC6982121 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a growing interest in the complex role of host defense peptides (HDPs) in the pathophysiology of several immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. The physicochemical properties and selective interaction of HDPs with various receptors define their immunomodulatory effects. However, it is quite challenging to understand their function because some HDPs play opposing pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory roles, depending on their expression level within the site of inflammation. While it is known that HDPs maintain constitutive host protection against invading microorganisms, the inducible nature of HDPs in various cells and tissues is an important aspect of the molecular events of inflammation. This review outlines the biological functions and emerging roles of HDPs in different inflammatory conditions. We further discuss the current data on the clinical relevance of impaired HDPs expression in inflammation and selected diseases.
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26
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Catinean A, Neag MA, Mitre AO, Bocsan CI, Buzoianu AD. Microbiota and Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases-An Overview. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7090279. [PMID: 31438634 PMCID: PMC6781142 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7090279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, increased attention has been paid to the relationship between microbiota and various diseases, especially immune-mediated diseases. Because conventional therapy for many autoimmune diseases is limited both in efficacy and safety, there is an increased interest in identifying nutraceuticals, particularly probiotics, able to modulate the microbiota and ameliorate these diseases. In this review, we analyzed the research focused on the role of gut microbiota and skin in immunity, their role in immune-mediated skin diseases (IMSDs), and the beneficial effect of probiotics in patients with this pathology. We selected articles published between 2009 and 2019 in PubMed and ScienceDirect that provided information regarding microbiota, IMSDs and the role of probiotics in these diseases. We included results from different types of studies including observational and interventional clinical trials or in vivo and in vitro experimental studies. Our results showed that probiotics have a beneficial effect in changing the microbiota of patients with IMSDs; they also influence disease progression. Further studies are needed to better understand the impact of new therapies on intestinal microbiota. It is also important to determine whether the microbiota of patients with autoimmune diseases can be manipulated in order to restore homeostasis of the microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Catinean
- Department of Internal Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Maria Adriana Neag
- Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology Department, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Andrei Otto Mitre
- Faculty of Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Corina Ioana Bocsan
- Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology Department, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Anca Dana Buzoianu
- Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology Department, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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27
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The effects of cigarette smoking extracts on cell cycle and tumor spread: novel evidence. Future Sci OA 2019. [DOI: 10.4155/fsoa-2019-0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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28
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Pezzuto A, Citarella F, Croghan I, Tonini G. The effects of cigarette smoking extracts on cell cycle and tumor spread: novel evidence. Future Sci OA 2019; 5:FSO394. [PMID: 31205749 PMCID: PMC6556819 DOI: 10.2144/fsoa-2019-0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cigarette smoking is a major preventable risk factor for lung cancer, contributing to lung cancer progression and metastasis. Moreover, cigarette smoking correlates with increased metastasis frequency of pancreatic, breast and bladder cancer. The aim of this review was to examine the role of cigarette smoke extract in cell cycle and cancer progression. Clinical impact and the effects of cigarette smoke extract on carcinogenesis are discussed. 98 of the over 5000 chemicals in tobacco smoke are known carcinogens that can act on cancer genes such as K-RAS and p53. Through various mechanisms these compounds can activate molecules involved in the cell cycle, such as cyclins, and molecules involved in apoptosis and autophagy, such as Beclin-1 or LC3B. A search of the literature, including in vitro and in vivo studies, was carried out and the results summarized. There is evidence of cancerogenic effects of cigarette smoke compounds. Cigarette smoke extract is a tobacco condensate obtained by filtration processes. Studies have shown that it can modify the cell cycle, inducing uncontrolled cell proliferation. This effect occurs through activation of genetic and epigenetic pathways and increasing the expression of proteins involved in inflammation. The pathways activated by cigarette smoke extract open up opportunities for researchers to develop new targeted therapies toward the specific molecules involved. Furthermore, the effects exerted by cigarette smoke extract on normal epithelial cells hold potential for use in the development of prevention medicine and early cancer diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Pezzuto
- Cardiovascular & Thoracic Department, AOU Sant'Andrea, Sapienza - Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Ivana Croghan
- Department of Medicine Clinical Research Office & Primary Care Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Giuseppe Tonini
- Oncology Department, Campus Bio-Medico Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
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29
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Ghosh SK, McCormick TS, Weinberg A. Human Beta Defensins and Cancer: Contradictions and Common Ground. Front Oncol 2019; 9:341. [PMID: 31131258 PMCID: PMC6509205 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00341] [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: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Human beta-defensins (hBDs, −1, 2, 3) are a family of epithelial cell derived antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that protect mucosal membranes from microbial challenges. In addition to their antimicrobial activities, they possess other functions; e.g., cell activation, proliferation, regulation of cytokine/chemokine production, migration, differentiation, angiogenesis, and wound healing processes. It has also become apparent that defensin levels change with the development of neoplasia. However, inconsistent observations published by various laboratories make it difficult to reach a consensus as to the direction of the dysregulation and role the hBDs may play in various cancers. This is particularly evident in studies focusing on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). By segregating each hBD by cancer type, interrogating methodologies, and scrutinizing the subject cohorts used in the studies, we have endeavored to identify the “take home message” for each one of the three hBDs. We discovered that (1) consensus-driven findings indicate that hBD-1 and−2 are down- while hBD-3 is up-regulated in OSCC; (2) hBD dysregulation is cancer-type specific; (3) the inhibition/activation effect an hBD has on cancer cell lines is related to the direction of the hBD dysregulation (up or down) in the cancer from which the cell lines derive. Therefore, studies addressing hBD dysregulation in various cancers are not generalizable and comparisons should be avoided. Systematic delineation of the fate and role of the hBDs in a specific cancer type may lead to innovative ways to use defensins as prospective biomarkers for diagnostic/prognostic purposes and/or in novel therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santosh K Ghosh
- Biological Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Thomas S McCormick
- Biological Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States.,Dermatology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Aaron Weinberg
- Biological Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
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30
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Yeasmin R, Buck M, Weinberg A, Zhang L. Translocation of Human β Defensin Type 3 through a Neutrally Charged Lipid Membrane: A Free Energy Study. J Phys Chem B 2018; 122:11883-11894. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.8b08285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rabeta Yeasmin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, Tennessee 38505, United States
| | | | | | - Liqun Zhang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, Tennessee 38505, United States
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31
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Lee J, Jang A, Kim JW, Han JH, Chun BH, Jung HS, Jeon CO, Myung SC. Distinct Histone Modifications Modulate DEFB1 Expression in Human Vaginal Keratinocytes in Response to Lactobacillus spp. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2018; 9:406-414. [PMID: 28508168 PMCID: PMC5670195 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-017-9286-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Vaginal commensal lactobacilli are considered to contribute significantly to the control of vaginal microbiota by competing with other microflora for adherence to the vaginal epithelium and by producing antimicrobial compounds. However, the molecular mechanisms of symbiotic prokaryotic-eukaryotic communication in the vaginal ecosystem remain poorly understood. Here, we showed that both DNA methylation and histone modifications were associated with expression of the DEFB1 gene, which encodes the antimicrobial peptide human β-defensin-1, in vaginal keratinocyte VK2/E6E7 cells. We investigated whether exposure to Lactobacillus gasseri and Lactobacillus reuteri would trigger the epigenetic modulation of DEFB1 expression in VK2/E6E7 cells in a bacterial species-dependent manner. While enhanced expression of DEFB1 was observed when VK2/E6E7 cells were exposed to L. gasseri, treatment with L. reuteri resulted in reduced DEFB1 expression. Moreover, L. gasseri stimulated the recruitment of active histone marks and, in contrast, L. reuteri led to the decrease of active histone marks at the DEFB1 promoter. It was remarkable that distinct histone modifications within the same promoter region of DEFB1 were mediated by L. gasseri and L. reuteri. Therefore, our study suggested that one of the underlying mechanisms of DEFB1 expression in the vaginal ecosystem might be associated with the epigenetic crosstalk between individual Lactobacillus spp. and vaginal keratinocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaehyouk Lee
- Department of Urology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
- Advanced Urogenital Diseases Research Center, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
- Bio-Integration Research Center for Nutra-Pharmaceutical Epigenetics, Chung-Ang University, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Ara Jang
- Department of Urology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
- Advanced Urogenital Diseases Research Center, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
- Bio-Integration Research Center for Nutra-Pharmaceutical Epigenetics, Chung-Ang University, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Wook Kim
- Department of Urology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Hyun Han
- Department of Urology, Hallym University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, Hwaseong-si, 18450, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Hee Chun
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Su Jung
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Che Ok Jeon
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon Chul Myung
- Department of Urology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea.
- Advanced Urogenital Diseases Research Center, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea.
- Bio-Integration Research Center for Nutra-Pharmaceutical Epigenetics, Chung-Ang University, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea.
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32
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Fruitwala S, El-Naccache DW, Chang TL. Multifaceted immune functions of human defensins and underlying mechanisms. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2018; 88:163-172. [PMID: 29501617 PMCID: PMC6485945 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2018.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Defensins have been long recognized as natural antimicrobial peptides, but they also possess diverse and versatile immune functions. Defensins can both induce inflammation and suppress inflammatory responses by acting on specific cells through distinct mechanisms. Defensins can also modulate the immune response by forming a complex with cellular molecules including proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates. The mechanisms of defensin-mediated immune modulation appear to be cell-type and context specific. Because the levels of human defensins are often altered in response to infection or disease states, suggesting their clinical relevance, this review summarizes the complex immune functions of human defensins and their underlying mechanisms of action, which have implications for the development of new therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saahil Fruitwala
- Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Darine W El-Naccache
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA; Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Theresa L Chang
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA; Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA.
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33
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Human beta-defensin 3 contributes to the carcinogenesis of cervical cancer via activation of NF-κB signaling. Oncotarget 2018; 7:75902-75913. [PMID: 27713149 PMCID: PMC5342786 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Human beta-defensin 3 (hBD3), an antimicrobial peptide (AMP) expressed in epithelium in response to various stimulations including human papillomavirus infection, has recently been found to be overexpressed in head and neck cancers and exhibit tumorigenic activities. However, the role of hBD3 in cervical cancer remains to be investigated. In this study, we showed by immunohistochemistry that hBD3 expression was elevated in cervical cancer samples of different stages versus the normal tissue, and was positively correlated with the progression of the disease. Overexpression of hBD3 in cervical cancer cell lines promoted cell proliferation by accelerating G1/S progression and enhanced cell migration and invasion in vitro. These oncogenic effects of hBD3 were associated with activation of NF-κB signaling. Using a mouse xenograft model, we further demonstrated that hBD3 overexpression promoted the growth of cervical cancer cells in vivo. Our results suggested that hBD3 is involved in the carcinogenesis and development of cervical cancer, and may serve as a biomarker or therapeutic target of this disease.
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34
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Cyclic Peptides as Novel Therapeutic Microbicides: Engineering of Human Defensin Mimetics. Molecules 2017; 22:molecules22071217. [PMID: 28726740 PMCID: PMC6152268 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22071217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclic peptides are receiving significant attention thanks to their antimicrobial activity and high serum stability, which is useful to develop and design novel antimicrobial agents. Antimicrobial peptides appear to be key components of innate defences against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Among the others, defensins possess a strong microbicidial activity. Defensins are cationic and amphipathic peptides with six cysteine residues connected by three disulfide bonds found in plants, insects, and mammals; they are divided in three families: α-, β-, and θ-defensins. α-Defensins are contained in the primary granules of human neutrophils; β-defensins are expressed in human epithelia; and θ-defensins are pseudo-cyclic defensins not found in humans, but in rhesus macaques. The structural diversities among the three families are reflected in a different antimicrobial action as well as in serum stability. The engineering of these peptides is an exciting opportunity to obtain more functional antimicrobial molecules highlighting their potential as therapeutic agents. The present review reports the most recent advances in the field of cyclic peptides with a specific regard to defensin analogs.
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35
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Ghatge M, Sharma A, Maity S, Kakkar VV, Vangala RK. Danger-recognizing proteins, β-defensin-128 and histatin-3, as potential biomarkers of recurrent coronary events. Int J Mol Med 2017. [PMID: 28627688 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2017.3031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional risk factors have limited ability to predict recurrent events in subjects with first-time coronary artery disease (CAD). This aim of this study was to identify novel biomarkers using comparative global proteome analysis to improve the risk assessment for recurrent coronary events. We used samples from phase-I of the Indian Atherosclerosis Research Study (IARS), consisting of 2,332 subjects, of whom 772 were CAD-affected subjects, including 152 with recurrent events identified during a 5-year follow-up period. Global proteome analysis was performed on serum samples of 85 subjects with recurrent coronary events and 85 age- and gender-matched subjects with first-time CAD using surface-enhanced laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry with CM10 arrays. TagIdent was used for protein identification followed by validation by western blot analysis and ELISA. Data were analyzed by logistic analysis, Cox-regression, hazards ratio, C-statistics and combined-marker risk score using SPSS version-17 and R-package version-2.13.0 software. We identified 16 significantly differentially expressed protein peaks. Of these, 2 peaks corresponding to m/z 8588 and 1864 were identified as β-defensin-128 and histatin-3, belonging to the danger-recognizing peptide family, which exhibited a significant independent association with recurrent events (odds ratios of 7.49 and 1.4, respectively). C-statistics improved significantly from 0.677 for conventional risk factors alone to 0.800 (p-value=0.001) in combination with β-defensin-128 and histatin-3 with a hazards ratio of 1.833. A combined risk score of β-defensin-128 and histatin-3 could reclassify 112 out of the 170 subjects into intermediate- and high-risk groups. On the whole, our data indicate that β-defensin-128 and histatin-3 may be potential biomarkers whch may be used to improve risk the stratification for recurrent coronary events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madankumar Ghatge
- Tata Proteomics and Coagulation Unit, Thrombosis Research Institute, Bangalore 560099, India
| | - Ankit Sharma
- Manipal University, Madhav Nagar, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Sangeeta Maity
- Tata Proteomics and Coagulation Unit, Thrombosis Research Institute, Bangalore 560099, India
| | | | - Rajani Kanth Vangala
- Tata Proteomics and Coagulation Unit, Thrombosis Research Institute, Bangalore 560099, India
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Lafferty MK, Sun L, Christensen-Quick A, Lu W, Garzino-Demo A. Human Beta Defensin 2 Selectively Inhibits HIV-1 in Highly Permissive CCR6⁺CD4⁺ T Cells. Viruses 2017; 9:v9050111. [PMID: 28509877 PMCID: PMC5454423 DOI: 10.3390/v9050111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemokine receptor type 6 (CCR6)⁺CD4⁺ T cells are preferentially infected and depleted during HIV disease progression, but are preserved in non-progressors. CCR6 is expressed on a heterogeneous population of memory CD4⁺ T cells that are critical to mucosal immunity. Preferential infection of these cells is associated, in part, with high surface expression of CCR5, CXCR4, and α4β7. In addition, CCR6⁺CD4⁺ T cells harbor elevated levels of integrated viral DNA and high levels of proliferation markers. We have previously shown that the CCR6 ligands MIP-3α and human beta defensins inhibit HIV replication. The inhibition required CCR6 and the induction of APOBEC3G. Here, we further characterize the induction of apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme (APOBEC3G) by human beta defensin 2. Human beta defensin 2 rapidly induces transcriptional induction of APOBEC3G that involves extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) activation and the transcription factors NFATc2, NFATc1, and IRF4. We demonstrate that human beta defensin 2 selectively protects primary CCR6⁺CD4⁺ T cells infected with HIV-1. The selective protection of CCR6⁺CD4⁺ T cell subsets may be critical in maintaining mucosal immune function and preventing disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark K Lafferty
- Division of Basic Science, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Lingling Sun
- Division of Basic Science, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Aaron Christensen-Quick
- Division of Basic Science, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Wuyuan Lu
- Division of Basic Science, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Alfredo Garzino-Demo
- Division of Basic Science, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova 35121, Italy.
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Abstract
Anti-microbial peptides (AMPs) were originally thought to exert protecting actions against bacterial infection by disintegrating bacterial membranes. Upon identification of internal bacterial targets, the view changed and moved toward inhibition of prokaryote-specific biochemical processes. However, the level of none of these activities can explain the robust efficacy of some of these peptides in animal models of systemic and cutaneous infections. A rapidly growing panel of reports suggests that AMPs, now called host-defense peptides (HDPs), act through activating the immune system of the host. This includes recruitment and activation of macrophages and mast cells, inducing chemokine production and altering NF-κB signaling processes. As a result, both pro- and anti-inflammatory responses are elevated together with activation of innate and adaptive immunity mechanisms, wound healing, and apoptosis. HDPs sterilize the systemic circulation and local injury sites significantly more efficiently than pure single-endpoint in vitro microbiological or biochemical data would suggest and actively aid recovering from tissue damage after or even without bacterial infections. However, the multiple and, often opposing, immunomodulatory functions of HDPs require exceptional care in therapeutic considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laszlo Otvos
- 1 Olpe LLC, Audubon, PA, USA
- 2 Institute of Medical Microbiology , Semmelweis University , Budapest, Hungary
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Elevated Concentration of Defensins in Hepatitis C Virus-Infected Patients. J Immunol Res 2016; 2016:8373819. [PMID: 27413763 PMCID: PMC4931052 DOI: 10.1155/2016/8373819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Revised: 04/17/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the major etiological agent of human non-A and non-B hepatitis, affecting around 180 million people worldwide. Defensins, small cysteine-rich cationic peptides, are shown to have potent antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Defensins can be found in both normal and microbial infected patients, at variable concentrations. Notably, viral infections are often associated with elevated concentrations of defensins. The current study aimed to estimate the concentrations of total, α-, and β-defensins in serum taken from normal and HCV-infected patients. 12 healthy (noninfected) and 34 HCV-infected patients were enrolled. Standardized immunoassay kits were used to obtain serum concentrations of defensins. The obtained results were calibrated against kit standard reagents. Total defensin concentrations in HCV-infected patients were significantly higher (2- to 105-fold) compared to healthy individuals. The concentrations of α-defensins were also significantly elevated in the HCV-infected patients (31–1398 ng/50 μL). However, concentrations of β-defensins ranged from 44.5 ng/50 μL to 1056 ng/50 μL. The results did not reveal differences in serum defensin concentration between male and female HCV-infected patients. A-defensin concentration of ≥250 ng/50 μL was found to contain more β-defensins than total defensins and α-defensins. This study concludes, for the first time, that serum defensin levels are elevated in HCV-infected patients.
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FAD-I, a Fusobacterium nucleatum Cell Wall-Associated Diacylated Lipoprotein That Mediates Human Beta Defensin 2 Induction through Toll-Like Receptor-1/2 (TLR-1/2) and TLR-2/6. Infect Immun 2016; 84:1446-1456. [PMID: 26930710 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01311-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 02/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously identified a cell wall-associated protein from Fusobacterium nucleatum, a Gram-negative bacterium of the oral cavity, that induces human beta defensin 2 (hBD-2) in primary human oral epithelial cells (HOECs) and designated it FAD-I (Fusobacterium-associated defensin inducer). Here, we report differential induction of hBD-2 by different strains of F. nucleatum; ATCC 25586 and ATCC 23726 induce significantly more hBD-2 mRNA than ATCC 10953. Heterologous expression of plasmid-borne fadI from the highly hBD-2-inducing strains in a ΔfadI mutant of ATCC 10953 resulted in hBD-2 induction to levels comparable to those of the highly inducing strains, indicating that FAD-I is the principal F. nucleatum agent for hBD-2 induction in HOECs. Moreover, anti-FAD-I antibodies blocked F. nucleatum induction of hBD-2 by more than 80%. Recombinant FAD-I (rFAD-I) expressed in Escherichia coli triggered levels of hBD-2 transcription and peptide release in HOECs similar to those of native FAD-I (nFAD-I) isolated from F. nucleatum ATCC 25586. Tandem mass spectrometry revealed a diacylglycerol modification at the cysteine residue in position 16 for both nFAD-I and rFAD-I. Cysteine-to-alanine substitution abrogated FAD-I's ability to induce hBD-2. Finally, FAD-I activation of hBD-2 expression was mediated via both Toll-like receptor-1/2 (TLR-1/2) and TLR-2/6 heterodimerization. Microbial molecules like FAD-I may be utilized in novel therapeutic ways to bolster the host innate immune response at mucosal surfaces.
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References. Antibiotics (Basel) 2015. [DOI: 10.1128/9781555819316.refs] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Baines KJ, Wright TK, Simpson JL, McDonald VM, Wood LG, Parsons KS, Wark PA, Gibson PG. Airway β-Defensin-1 Protein Is Elevated in COPD and Severe Asthma. Mediators Inflamm 2015; 2015:407271. [PMID: 26568662 PMCID: PMC4629049 DOI: 10.1155/2015/407271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Revised: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Innate immune antimicrobial peptides, including β-defensin-1, promote the chemotaxis and activation of several immune cells. The role of β-defensin-1 in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains unclear. METHODS Induced sputum was collected from healthy controls and individuals with asthma or COPD. β-defensin-1 protein in sputum supernatant was quantified by ELISA. Biomarker potential was examined using receiver operating characteristic curves. β-defensin-1 release from primary bronchial epithelial cells (pBECs) was investigated in culture with and without cigarette smoke extract (CSE). RESULTS Airway β-defensin-1 protein was elevated in COPD participants compared to asthma participants and healthy controls. Inflammatory phenotype had no effect on β-defensin-1 levels in asthma or COPD. β-defensin-1 protein was significantly higher in severe asthma compared to controlled and uncontrolled asthma. β-defensin-1 protein could predict the presence of COPD from both healthy controls and asthma patients. Exposure of pBECs to CSE decreased β-defensin-1 production in healthy controls; however in pBECs from COPD participants the level of β-defensin-1 remanied unchanged. CONCLUSIONS Elevated β-defensin-1 protein is a feature of COPD and severe asthma regardless of inflammatory phenotype. β-defensin-1 production is dysregulated in the epithelium of patients with COPD and may be an effective biomarker and potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine J. Baines
- Priority Research Centre for Asthma and Respiratory Diseases, Hunter Medical Research Institute, The University of Newcastle, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Thomas K. Wright
- Priority Research Centre for Asthma and Respiratory Diseases, Hunter Medical Research Institute, The University of Newcastle, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Jodie L. Simpson
- Priority Research Centre for Asthma and Respiratory Diseases, Hunter Medical Research Institute, The University of Newcastle, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Vanessa M. McDonald
- Priority Research Centre for Asthma and Respiratory Diseases, Hunter Medical Research Institute, The University of Newcastle, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Lisa G. Wood
- Priority Research Centre for Asthma and Respiratory Diseases, Hunter Medical Research Institute, The University of Newcastle, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Kristy S. Parsons
- Priority Research Centre for Asthma and Respiratory Diseases, Hunter Medical Research Institute, The University of Newcastle, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Peter A. Wark
- Priority Research Centre for Asthma and Respiratory Diseases, Hunter Medical Research Institute, The University of Newcastle, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Peter G. Gibson
- Priority Research Centre for Asthma and Respiratory Diseases, Hunter Medical Research Institute, The University of Newcastle, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
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Jaradat SW, Cubillos S, Krieg N, Lehmann K, Issa B, Piehler S, Wehner-Diab S, Hipler UC, Norgauer J. Low DEFB4 copy number and high systemic hBD-2 and IL-22 levels are associated with dermatophytosis. J Invest Dermatol 2015; 135:750-758. [PMID: 25178103 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2014.369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Revised: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Dermatophytes initiate dermatophytosis, but susceptibility to infection is dictated by host genetic factors, although the role of some of these-such as human beta-defensin 2 (hBD-2) genomic (DEFB4) copy number (CN) variation and its induction by IL-22-remains unclear. This was investigated in this cross-sectional study in 442 unrelated Caucasian subjects, including 195 healthy controls and 247 dermatophytosis patients who were divided into five subgroups according to clinical presentation. DNA samples were evaluated for DEFB4 CN variation by relative quantification using the comparative CT method, and serum hBD-2 and IL-22 levels were determined by ELISA. DEFB4 CN in patients was significantly lower and, except in the tinea cruris subgroup, serum hBD-2 levels were higher than in controls. The positive correlation between hBD-2 levels and DEFB4 CN observed in controls was not detected in patients, who also had higher serum IL-22 levels that were positively correlated with hBD-2 levels. Moreover, unlike in control subjects, the serum IL-22 level was negatively correlated with DEFB4 CN in patients. Taken together, these findings suggest an association between decreased DEFB4 CN, elevated serum hBD-2 and IL-22 levels, and dermatophytosis, underscoring a gene/cytokine interaction in the occurrence of this infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameh W Jaradat
- Department of Dermatology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany; Department of Conservative Dentistry, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany; Jena School for Microbial Communication, Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Jena, Germany.
| | - Susana Cubillos
- Department of Dermatology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Nadine Krieg
- Department of Dermatology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Katja Lehmann
- Department of Dermatology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Bassam Issa
- Private Dental Practices, Orland Park, Illinois, USA
| | - Susann Piehler
- Department of Dermatology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
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Suarez-Carmona M, Hubert P, Gonzalez A, Duray A, Roncarati P, Erpicum C, Boniver J, Castronovo V, Noel A, Saussez S, Peulen O, Delvenne P, Herfs M. ΔNp63 isoform-mediated β-defensin family up-regulation is associated with (lymph)angiogenesis and poor prognosis in patients with squamous cell carcinoma. Oncotarget 2015; 5:1856-68. [PMID: 24732135 PMCID: PMC4039122 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.1819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Beside a role in normal development/differentiation, high p63 immunoreactivity is also frequently observed in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Due to the complexity of the gene, the role of each p63 isotype in tumorigenesis is still confusing. Constitutively produced or induced in inflammatory conditions, human beta-defensins (HβDs) are cationic peptides involved in host defenses against bacteria, viruses and fungi. Here, we investigated both the role of p63 proteins in the regulation of HβDs and the implication of these antimicrobial peptides in tumor (lymph)angiogenesis. Thus, in contrast to TAp63 isotypes, we observed that ΔNp63 proteins (α, β, γ) induce HβD1, 2 and 4 expression. Similar results were observed in cancer tissues and cell lines. We next demonstrated that ΔNp63-overexpressing SCC are associated with both a poor prognosis and a high tumor vascularisation and lymphangiogenesis. Moreover, we showed that HβDs exert a chemotactic activity for (lymphatic) endothelial cells in a CCR6-dependent manner. The ability of HβDs to enhance (lymph)angiogenesis in vivo was also evaluated. We observed that HβDs increase the vessel number and induce a significant increase in relative vascular area compared to negative control. Taken together, the results of this study suggest that ΔNp63-regulated HβD could promote tumor (lymph)angiogenesis in SCC microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meggy Suarez-Carmona
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
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Hill TA, Shepherd NE, Diness F, Fairlie DP. Constraining cyclic peptides to mimic protein structure motifs. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2014; 53:13020-41. [PMID: 25287434 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201401058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 306] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2014] [Revised: 04/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Many proteins exert their biological activities through small exposed surface regions called epitopes that are folded peptides of well-defined three-dimensional structures. Short synthetic peptide sequences corresponding to these bioactive protein surfaces do not form thermodynamically stable protein-like structures in water. However, short peptides can be induced to fold into protein-like bioactive conformations (strands, helices, turns) by cyclization, in conjunction with the use of other molecular constraints, that helps to fine-tune three-dimensional structure. Such constrained cyclic peptides can have protein-like biological activities and potencies, enabling their uses as biological probes and leads to therapeutics, diagnostics and vaccines. This Review highlights examples of cyclic peptides that mimic three-dimensional structures of strand, turn or helical segments of peptides and proteins, and identifies some additional restraints incorporated into natural product cyclic peptides and synthetic macrocyclic peptidomimetics that refine peptide structure and confer biological properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy A Hill
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072 (Australia)
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Hill TA, Shepherd NE, Diness F, Fairlie DP. Fixierung cyclischer Peptide: Mimetika von Proteinstrukturmotiven. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201401058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Defensins are a major family of antimicrobial peptides expressed predominantly in neutrophils and epithelial cells, and play important roles in innate immune defense against infectious pathogens. Their biological functions in and beyond innate immunity, structure and activity relationships, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic potential continue to be interesting research topics. This review examines recent progress in our understanding of alpha and theta-defensins - the two structural classes composed of members of myeloid origin. RECENT FINDINGS A novel mode of antibacterial action is described for human enteric alpha-defensin 6, which forms structured nanonets to entrap bacterial pathogens and protect against bacterial invasion of the intestinal epithelium. The functional multiplicity and mechanistic complexity of defensins under different experimental conditions contribute to a debate over the role of enteric alpha-defensins in mucosal immunity against HIV-1 infection. Contrary to common belief, hydrophobicity rather than cationicity plays a dominant functional role in the action of human alpha-defensins; hydrophobicity-mediated high-order assembly endows human alpha-defensins with an extraordinary ability to acquire structural diversity and functional versatility. Growing evidence suggests that theta-defensins offer the best opportunity for therapeutic development as a novel class of broadly active anti-infective and anti-inflammatory agents. SUMMARY Defensins are the 'Swiss army knife' in innate immunity against microbial pathogens. Their modes of action are often reminiscent of the story of 'The Blind Men and the Elephant'. The functional diversity and mechanistic complexity, as well as therapeutic potential of defensins, will continue to attract attention to this important family of antimicrobial peptides.
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Bickhart DM, Liu GE. The challenges and importance of structural variation detection in livestock. Front Genet 2014; 5:37. [PMID: 24600474 PMCID: PMC3927395 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2014.00037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2013] [Accepted: 01/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies in humans and other model organisms have demonstrated that structural variants (SVs) comprise a substantial proportion of variation among individuals of each species. Many of these variants have been linked to debilitating diseases in humans, thereby cementing the importance of refining methods for their detection. Despite progress in the field, reliable detection of SVs still remains a problem even for human subjects. Many of the underlying problems that make SVs difficult to detect in humans are amplified in livestock species, whose lower quality genome assemblies and incomplete gene annotation can often give rise to false positive SV discoveries. Regardless of the challenges, SV detection is just as important for livestock researchers as it is for human researchers, given that several productive traits and diseases have been linked to copy number variations (CNVs) in cattle, sheep, and pig. Already, there is evidence that many beneficial SVs have been artificially selected in livestock such as a duplication of the agouti signaling protein gene that causes white coat color in sheep. In this review, we will list current SV and CNV discoveries in livestock and discuss the problems that hinder routine discovery and tracking of these polymorphisms. We will also discuss the impacts of selective breeding on CNV and SV frequencies and mention how SV genotyping could be used in the future to improve genetic selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek M Bickhart
- Animal Improvement Programs Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - George E Liu
- Bovine Functional Genomics Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service Beltsville, MD, USA
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Subramanian H, Gupta K, Lee D, Bayir AK, Ahn H, Ali H. β-Defensins activate human mast cells via Mas-related gene X2. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 191:345-52. [PMID: 23698749 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1300023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Human β-defensins (hBDs) stimulate degranulation in rat peritoneal mast cells in vitro and cause increased vascular permeability in rats in vivo. In this study, we sought to determine whether hBDs activate murine and human mast cells and to delineate the mechanisms of their regulation. hBD2 and hBD3 did not induce degranulation in murine peritoneal or bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC) in vitro and had no effect on vascular permeability in vivo. By contrast, these peptides induced sustained Ca(2+) mobilization and substantial degranulation in human mast cells, with hBD3 being more potent. Pertussis toxin (PTx) had no effect on hBD-induced Ca(2+) mobilization, but La(3+) and 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (a dual inhibitor of inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor and transient receptor potential channels) caused substantial inhibition of this response. Interestingly, degranulation induced by hBDs was substantially inhibited by PTx, La(3+), or 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate. Whereas human mast cells endogenously express G protein-coupled receptor, Mas-related gene X2 (MrgX2), rat basophilic leukemia, RBL-2H3 cells, and murine BMMCs do not. Silencing the expression of MrgX2 in human mast cells inhibited hBD-induced degranulation, but had no effect on anaphylatoxin C3a-induced response. Furthermore, ectopic expression of MrgX2 in RBL-2H3 and murine BMMCs rendered these cells responsive to hBDs for degranulation. This study demonstrates that hBDs activate human mast cells via MrgX2, which couples to both PTx-sensitive and insensitive signaling pathways most likely involving Gαq and Gαi to induce degranulation. Furthermore, murine mast cells are resistant to hBDs for degranulation, and this reflects the absence of MrgX2 in these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hariharan Subramanian
- Department of Pathology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6030, USA
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Pierson T, Learmonth-Pierson S, Pinto D, van Hoek ML. Cigarette smoke extract induces differential expression levels of beta-defensin peptides in human alveolar epithelial cells. Tob Induc Dis 2013; 11:10. [PMID: 23627872 PMCID: PMC3648470 DOI: 10.1186/1617-9625-11-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The damaging effects of cigarette smoke on the lungs are well known in terms of cancer risks. Additional molecular changes within the lung tissue can also occur as a result of exposure to cigarette smoke. The human β-defensin (hBD) class of antimicrobial peptides is the focus of our research. In addition to antimicrobial activity, β-defensins also have immunomodulatory functions. Over 30 previously unrecognized β-defensin genes have recently been identified in the human genome, many with yet to be determined functions. We postulated that altered β-defensin production may play a role in the pathogenesis observed in the lungs of smokers. Our hypothesis is that cigarette smoke exposure will affect the expression of β-defensins in human lung alveolar epithelial cells (A549). Methods We exposed A549 cells to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and measured the changes in mRNA levels of several antimicrobial peptides by quantitative real-time PCR, and directly observed peptide expression in cells by immunofluorescence (IF) microscopy. Results We found that hBD3, hBD5, and hBD9 gene expression was upregulated in A549 cells exposed to CSE. HBD1, hBD8, hBD18 and LL-37 gene expression did not significantly change upon exposure to CSE. Expression of hBD3 and hBD4 peptides was visualized by IF. Conclusions This differential expression suggests that hBD3, hBD5, and hBD9 may play a role in the changes to the lung tissue observed in smokers. Establishing differential β-defensin expression following CSE treatment will add to our understanding of the molecular response of the lung alveolar epithelium to cigarette smoke exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony Pierson
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA.
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