1
|
Wang J, Zhang M, Li C, Liu M, Qi Y, Xie X, Zhou C, Ma L. A novel cathelicidin TS-CATH derived from Thamnophis sirtalis combats drug-resistant gram-negative bacteria in vitro and in vivo. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:2388-2406. [PMID: 38882682 PMCID: PMC11176561 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are promising therapeutic agents for treating drug-resistant bacterial disease due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and decreased susceptibility to evolutionary resistance. In this study, three novel cathelicidin antimicrobial peptides were identified from Thamnophis sirtalis, Balaenoptera musculus, and Lipotes vexillifer by protein database mining and sequence alignment and were subsequently named TS-CATH, BM-CATH, and LV-CATH, respectively. All three peptides exhibited satisfactory antibacterial activity and broad antibacterial spectra against clinically isolated E. coli, P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, and A. baumannii in vitro. Among them, TS-CATH displayed the best antimicrobial/bactericidal activity, with a rapid elimination efficiency against the tested drug-resistant gram-negative bacteria within 20 min, and exhibited the lowest cytotoxicity toward mammalian cells. Furthermore, TS-CATH effectively enhanced the survival rate of mice with ceftazidime-resistant E. coli bacteremia and promoted wound healing in meropenem-resistant P. aeruginosa infection. These results were achieved through the eradication of bacterial growth in target organs and wounds, further inhibiting the systemic dissemination of bacteria and the inflammatory response. TS-CATH exhibited direct antimicrobial activity by damaging the inner and outer membranes, resulting in leakage of the bacterial contents at super-MICs. Moreover, TS-CATH disrupted the bacterial respiratory chain, which inhibited ATP synthesis and induced ROS formation, significantly contributing to its antibacterial efficacy at sub-MICs. Overall, TS-CATH has potential for use as an antibacterial agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wang
- Institution of all authors: College of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Meina Zhang
- Institution of all authors: College of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Chao Li
- Institution of all authors: College of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Mengyuan Liu
- Institution of all authors: College of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Yixin Qi
- Institution of all authors: College of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Xiaolin Xie
- Institution of all authors: College of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Changlin Zhou
- Institution of all authors: College of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Lingman Ma
- Institution of all authors: College of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sun J, Chen M, Hu Z, Xu N, Wang W, Ping Z, Zhu J, Sun D, Zhu Z, Li H, Ge X, Luo L, Zhou W, Bai R, Xu Z, Sheng J. Ribonuclease 4 functions as an intestinal antimicrobial protein to maintain gut microbiota and metabolite homeostasis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5778. [PMID: 38987259 PMCID: PMC11237007 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50223-1] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial proteins contribute to host-microbiota interactions and are associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but our understanding on antimicrobial protein diversity and functions remains incomplete. Ribonuclease 4 (Rnase4) is a potential antimicrobial protein with no known function in the intestines. Here we find that RNASE4 is expressed in intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) including Paneth and goblet cells, and is detectable in human and mouse stool. Results from Rnase4-deficient mice and recombinant protein suggest that Rnase4 kills Parasutterella to modulate intestinal microbiome, thereby enhancing indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) expression and subsequently kynurenic and xanthurenic acid production in IECs to reduce colitis susceptibility. Furthermore, deceased RNASE4 levels are observed in the intestinal tissues and stool from patients with IBD, correlating with increased stool Parasutterella. Our results thus implicate Rnase4 as an intestinal antimicrobial protein regulating gut microbiota and metabolite homeostasis, and as a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for IBD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Sun
- Institute of Environmental Medicine and Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Muxiong Chen
- Institute of Environmental Medicine and Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zhen Hu
- Institute of Environmental Medicine and Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Ningqin Xu
- Division of Health Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310015, China
| | - Wenguang Wang
- Institute of Environmental Medicine and Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zejun Ping
- Institute of Environmental Medicine and Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jiayi Zhu
- Institute of Environmental Medicine and Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Desen Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, China
| | - Zhehao Zhu
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Hangyu Li
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xiaolong Ge
- Institute of Environmental Medicine and Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Liang Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Institute of Environmental Medicine and Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Rongpan Bai
- Institute of Environmental Medicine and Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Zhengping Xu
- Institute of Environmental Medicine and Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Jinghao Sheng
- Institute of Environmental Medicine and Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
He Y, Ruan S, Liang G, Hao J, Zhou X, Li Z, Mu L, Wu J, Yang H. A Nonbactericidal Anionic Antimicrobial Peptide Provides Prophylactic and Therapeutic Efficacies against Bacterial Infections in Mice by Immunomodulatory-Antithrombotic Duality. J Med Chem 2024; 67:7487-7503. [PMID: 38688020 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Although bactericidal cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been well characterized, less information is available about the antibacterial properties and mechanisms of action of nonbactericidal AMPs, especially nonbactericidal anionic AMPs. Herein, a novel anionic antimicrobial peptide (Gy-CATH) with a net charge of -4 was identified from the skin of the frog Glyphoglossus yunnanensis. Gy-CATH lacks direct antibacterial effects but exhibits significantly preventive and therapeutic capacities in mice that are infected with Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacteriaceae coli, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), or carbapenem-resistant E. coli (CREC). In vitro and in vivo investigations proved the regulation of Gy-CATH on neutrophils and macrophages involved in the host immune defense against infection. Moreover, Gy-CATH significantly reduced the extent of pulmonary fibrin deposition and prevented thrombosis in mice, which was attributed to the regulatory role of Gy-CATH in physiological anticoagulants and platelet aggregation. These findings show that Gy-CATH is a potential candidate for the treatment of bacterial infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanmei He
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Shimei Ruan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Guozhu Liang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Jing Hao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Zhuorui Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Lixian Mu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Jing Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Hailong Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ambrogi M, Vezina CM. Roles of airway and intestinal epithelia in responding to pathogens and maintaining tissue homeostasis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1346087. [PMID: 38736751 PMCID: PMC11082347 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1346087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Epithelial cells form a resilient barrier and orchestrate defensive and reparative mechanisms to maintain tissue stability. This review focuses on gut and airway epithelia, which are positioned where the body interfaces with the outside world. We review the many signaling pathways and mechanisms by which epithelial cells at the interface respond to invading pathogens to mount an innate immune response and initiate adaptive immunity and communicate with other cells, including resident microbiota, to heal damaged tissue and maintain homeostasis. We compare and contrast how airway and gut epithelial cells detect pathogens, release antimicrobial effectors, collaborate with macrophages, Tregs and epithelial stem cells to mount an immune response and orchestrate tissue repair. We also describe advanced research models for studying epithelial communication and behaviors during inflammation, tissue injury and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Chad M. Vezina
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Duque HM, Dos Santos C, Brango-Vanegas J, Díaz-Martín RD, Dias SC, Franco OL. Unwrapping the structural and functional features of antimicrobial peptides from wasp venoms. Pharmacol Res 2024; 200:107069. [PMID: 38218356 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
The study of wasp venoms has captured attention due to the presence of a wide variety of active compounds, revealing a diverse array of biological effects. Among these compounds, certain antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) such as mastoparans and chemotactic peptides have emerged as significant players, characterized by their unique amphipathic short linear alpha-helical structure. These peptides exhibit not only antibiotic properties but also a range of other biological activities, which are related to their ability to interact with biological membranes to varying degrees. This review article aims to provide updated insights into the structure/function relationships of AMPs derived from wasp venoms, linking this knowledge to the potential development of innovative treatments against infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harry Morales Duque
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, PC: (CEP) 70.790-160 Brasília, DF, Brazil.
| | - Cristiane Dos Santos
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, PC: (CEP) 79117-010 Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - José Brango-Vanegas
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, PC: (CEP) 70.790-160 Brasília, DF, Brazil; S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, PC: (CEP) 79117-010 Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Ruben Dario Díaz-Martín
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, PC: (CEP) 70.790-160 Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Simoni Campos Dias
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, PC: (CEP) 70.790-160 Brasília, DF, Brazil; Program in Animal Biology, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF70910-900, Brazil
| | - Octávio Luiz Franco
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, PC: (CEP) 70.790-160 Brasília, DF, Brazil; S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, PC: (CEP) 79117-010 Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Memariani M, Memariani H. Antifungal properties of cathelicidin LL-37: current knowledge and future research directions. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 40:34. [PMID: 38057654 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-023-03852-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The threat of fungal diseases is substantially underestimated worldwide, but they have serious consequences for humans, animals, and plants. Given the limited number of existing antifungal drugs together with the emergence of drug-resistant strains, many researchers have actively sought alternatives or adjuvants to antimycotics. The best way to tackle these issues is to unearth potential antifungal agents with new modes of action. Antimicrobial peptides are being hailed as a promising source of novel antimicrobials since they exhibit rapid and broad-spectrum microbicidal activities with a reduced likelihood of developing drug resistance. Recent years have witnessed an explosion in knowledge on microbicidal activity of LL-37, the sole human cathelicidin. Herein, we provide a summary of the current understanding about antifungal properties of LL-37, with particular emphasis on its molecular mechanisms. We further illustrate fruitful areas for future research. LL-37 is able to inhibit the growth of clinically and agronomically relevant fungi including Aspergillus, Candida, Colletotrichum, Fusarium, Malassezia, Pythium, and Trichophyton. Destruction of the cell wall integrity, membrane permeabilization, induction of oxidative stress, disruption of endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis, formation of autophagy-like structures, alterations in expression of numerous fungal genes, and inhibition of cell cycle progression are the key mechanisms underlying antifungal effects of LL-37. Burgeoning evidence also suggests that LL-37 may act as a potential anti-virulence peptide. It is hoped that this review will not only motivate researchers to conduct more detailed studies in this field, but also inspire further innovations in the design of LL-37-based drugs for the treatment of fungal infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mojtaba Memariani
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Memariani
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jin M, Liang S, Wang J, Zhang H, Zhang Y, Zhang W, Liu S, Xie F. Endopeptidase O promotes Streptococcus suis immune evasion by cleaving the host- defence peptide cathelicidins. Virulence 2023; 14:2283896. [PMID: 38010345 PMCID: PMC10732652 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2283896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus suis is a zoonotic Gram-positive bacterium that causes invasive infections such as sepsis and meningitis, threatening public health worldwide. For successful establishment of infection, the bacterium should subvert the innate effectors of immune defence, including the cathelicidin family of host-defence peptides that combat pathogenic bacteria by directly disrupting cell membranes and coordinating immune responses. Here, our study shows that an extracellular endopeptidase O (PepO) of S. suis contributes to assisting the bacterium to resist cathelicidin-mediated killing, as the deletion of the pepO gene makes S. suis more sensitive to the human cathelicidin LL-37, as well as its mouse equivalent, mCRAMP. This protease targets and cleaves both LL-37 and mCRAMP, degrading them into shorter peptides with only a few amino acids, thereby abrogating their ability to kill S. suis. By cleaving LL-37 and mCRAMP, PepO impairs their chemotactic properties for neutrophil migration and undermines their anti-apoptosis activity, which is required for prolonging neutrophil lifespan. Also, PepO inhibits the ability of LL-37 and mCRAMP to promote lysosome development in macrophages. Moreover, the loss of PepO attenuates organ injury and decreases bacterial burdens in a murine model of S. suis bacteraemia. Taken together, these data provide novel insights into the role of the intrinsic proteolytic characteristics of PepO in S. suis-host interaction. Our findings demonstrate that S. suis utilizes the PepO protease to cleave cathelicidins, which is an immunosuppressive strategy adopted by this bacterium to facilitate pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingjie Jin
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Siyu Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Huihui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Yueling Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Wanjiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Siguo Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Fang Xie
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Shin MK, Park HR, Hwang IW, Bu KB, Jang BY, Lee SH, Oh JW, Yoo JS, Sung JS. In Silico-Based Design of a Hybrid Peptide with Antimicrobial Activity against Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Using a Spider Toxin Peptide. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:668. [PMID: 38133172 PMCID: PMC10747792 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15120668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The escalating prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria poses an immediate and grave threat to public health. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have gained significant attention as a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics. Animal venom comprises a diverse array of bioactive compounds, which can be a rich source for identifying new functional peptides. In this study, we identified a toxin peptide, Lycotoxin-Pa1a (Lytx-Pa1a), from the transcriptome of the Pardosa astrigera spider venom gland. To enhance its functional properties, we employed an in silico approach to design a novel hybrid peptide, KFH-Pa1a, by predicting antibacterial and cytotoxic functionalities and incorporating the amino-terminal Cu(II)- and Ni(II) (ATCUN)-binding motif. KFH-Pa1a demonstrated markedly superior antimicrobial efficacy against pathogens, including multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa, compared to Lytx-Pa1a. Notably, KFH-Pa1a exerted several distinct mechanisms, including the disruption of the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane, the generation of intracellular ROS, and the cleavage and inhibition of bacterial DNA. Additionally, the hybrid peptide showed synergistic activity when combined with conventional antibiotics. Our research not only identified a novel toxin peptide from spider venom but demonstrated in silico-based design of hybrid AMP with strong antimicrobial activity that can contribute to combating MDR pathogens, broadening the utilization of biological resources by incorporating computational approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Kyoung Shin
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea; (M.K.S.); (H.-R.P.); (I.-W.H.); (K.-B.B.); (B.-Y.J.); (S.-H.L.); (J.W.O.)
| | - Hye-Ran Park
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea; (M.K.S.); (H.-R.P.); (I.-W.H.); (K.-B.B.); (B.-Y.J.); (S.-H.L.); (J.W.O.)
| | - In-Wook Hwang
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea; (M.K.S.); (H.-R.P.); (I.-W.H.); (K.-B.B.); (B.-Y.J.); (S.-H.L.); (J.W.O.)
| | - Kyung-Bin Bu
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea; (M.K.S.); (H.-R.P.); (I.-W.H.); (K.-B.B.); (B.-Y.J.); (S.-H.L.); (J.W.O.)
| | - Bo-Young Jang
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea; (M.K.S.); (H.-R.P.); (I.-W.H.); (K.-B.B.); (B.-Y.J.); (S.-H.L.); (J.W.O.)
| | - Seung-Ho Lee
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea; (M.K.S.); (H.-R.P.); (I.-W.H.); (K.-B.B.); (B.-Y.J.); (S.-H.L.); (J.W.O.)
| | - Jin Wook Oh
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea; (M.K.S.); (H.-R.P.); (I.-W.H.); (K.-B.B.); (B.-Y.J.); (S.-H.L.); (J.W.O.)
| | - Jung Sun Yoo
- Species Diversity Research Division, National Institute of Biological Resources, Incheon 22689, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jung-Suk Sung
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea; (M.K.S.); (H.-R.P.); (I.-W.H.); (K.-B.B.); (B.-Y.J.); (S.-H.L.); (J.W.O.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
He Y, Shen Y, Feng X, Ruan S, Zhao Y, Mu L, Wu J, Yang H. Tree Frog-Derived Cathelicidin Protects Mice against Bacterial Infection through Its Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Activities and Regulatory Effect on Phagocytes. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:2252-2268. [PMID: 37855266 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Due to excessive use or abuse in the food industry, agriculture, and medicine, many pathogens are developing resistance against conventional antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) hold promise as effective therapeutic options for the treatment of bacterial infections. Herein, a novel cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (Zs-CATH) was identified from the tree frog Zhangixalus smaragdinus. Zs-CATH mainly adopted an amphipathic β-sheet structure in a membrane-mimetic environment. It showed broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in vitro and significantly protected mice from lethal infections induced by Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 or Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 in vivo. In addition, Zs-CATH exerted a strong anti-inflammatory effect by neutralizing lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and promoting macrophage M2 polarization, thus inhibiting the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) and enhancing the production of M2 macrophage markers IL-10, IL-4, and CD206. The MAPK and NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathways and transcriptional activator 6 (STAT6) were involved in this effect. In mice, Zs-CATH rapidly recruited neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages to the abdominal cavity but not T and B lymphocytes. Zs-CATH did not exhibit a direct chemoattractant effect on phagocytes but significantly promoted phagocyte migration in the presence of macrophages. Zs-CATH stimulated macrophages to secrete chemokines CXCL1, CXCL2, and CCL2, which mediated the recruitment of phagocytes. Furthermore, Zs-CATH promoted the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which are oxygen-dependent and oxygen-independent mechanisms of the microbicidal activity of neutrophils, respectively. Zs-CATH exhibited no toxic side effects on mammalian cells and mice. These findings show that in addition to direct antibacterial activity, Zs-CATH also possesses the ability to modulate immune and inflammatory processes during bacterial infection, showing potential for development as anti-infective and/or anti-inflammatory agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanmei He
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Yan Shen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiaoli Feng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Shimei Ruan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Yingying Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Lixian Mu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Jing Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Hailong Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Barman P, Sharma C, Joshi S, Sharma S, Maan M, Rishi P, Singla N, Saini A. In Vivo Acute Toxicity and Therapeutic Potential of a Synthetic Peptide, DP1 in a Staphylococcus aureus Infected Murine Wound Excision Model. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2023:10.1007/s12602-023-10176-1. [PMID: 37910332 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-023-10176-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial infections at the surgical sites are one of the most prevalent skin infections that impair the healing mechanism. They account for about 20% of all types of infections and lead to approximately 75% of surgical-site infection-associated mortality. Several antibiotics, such as cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, quinolones, penicillin, sulfonamides, etc., that are used to treat such wound infections not only counter infections but also disrupt the normal flora. Moreover, antibiotics, when used for a prolonged duration, may impair the formation of new blood vessels, delay collagen production, or inhibit the migration of certain cells involved in wound repair, leading to an impaired healing process. Therefore, there is a dire need for alternate therapeutic approaches against such infections. Antimicrobial peptides have gained considerable attention as a promising strategy to counter these pathogens and prevent the spread of infection. Recently, we have reported a designed peptide, DP1, and its broad-spectrum in vitro antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In the present study, in vivo acute toxicity of DP1 was evaluated and even at a high dose (20 mg/kg body weight) of DP1, a 100% survival of mice was observed. Subsequently, a Staphylococcus aureus-infected murine wound excision model was established to assess the wound healing efficacy of DP1. The study revealed significant wound healing vis-a-vis attenuated S. aureus bioburden at the wound site and also controlled the oxidative stress depicting anti-oxidant activity as well. Healing of the infected wounds was also verified by histopathological examination. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that DP1 improves wound resolution despite infections and promotes the healing mechanism. Hence, DP1 holds compelling potential as a novel antimicrobial drug that requires further explorations in clinical platforms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Panchali Barman
- Institute of Forensic Science and Criminology (UIEAST), Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Chakshu Sharma
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh, U.T, 160014, India
| | - Shubhi Joshi
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh, U.T, 160014, India
| | - Sheetal Sharma
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh, U.T, 160014, India
| | - Mayank Maan
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh, U.T, 160014, India
| | - Praveen Rishi
- Department of Microbiology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, U.T, 160014, India
| | - Neha Singla
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh, U.T, 160014, India
| | - Avneet Saini
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh, U.T, 160014, India.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Concilio M, Garcia Maset R, Lemonche LP, Kontrimas V, Song JI, Rajendrakumar SK, Harrison F, Becer CR, Perrier S. Mechanism of Action of Oxazoline-Based Antimicrobial Polymers Against Staphylococcus aureus: In Vivo Antimicrobial Activity Evaluation. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2301961. [PMID: 37522292 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial-resistant pathogens have reached alarming levels, becoming one of the most pressing global health issues. Hence, new treatments are necessary for the fight against antimicrobial resistance. Synthetic nanoengineered antimicrobial polymers (SNAPs) have emerged as a promising alternative to antimicrobial peptides, overcoming some of their limitations while keeping their key features. Herein, a library of amphiphilic oxazoline-based SNAPs using cationic ring-opening polymerization (CROP) is designed. Amphipathic compounds with 70% cationic content exhibit the highest activity against clinically relevant Staphylococcus aureus isolates, maintaining good biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo. The mechanism of action of the lead compounds against S. aureus is assessed using various microscopy techniques, indicating cell membrane disruption, while the cell wall remains unaffected. Furthermore, a potential interaction of the compounds with bacterial DNA is shown, with possible implications on bacterial division. Finally, one of the compounds exhibits high efficacy in vivo in an insect infection model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matilde Concilio
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Ramón Garcia Maset
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | | | - Vito Kontrimas
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Ji-Inn Song
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | | | - Freya Harrison
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - C Remzi Becer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Sébastien Perrier
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
The phenomenon of swarming has long been observed in nature as a strategic event that serves as a good offense toward prey and predators. Imaging studies have uncovered that neutrophils employ this swarm-like tactic within infected and inflamed tissues as part of the innate immune response. Much of our understanding of neutrophil swarming builds from observations during sterile inflammation and various bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections of the skin. However, the architecture and function of the skin differ significantly from vital organs where highly specialized microenvironments carry out critical functions. Therefore, the detrimental extent this perturbation may have on organ function remains unclear. In this review, we examine organ-specific swarming within the skin, liver, and lungs, with a detailed focus on swarming within microvascular environments. In addition, we examine potential "swarmulants" that initiate both transient and persistent swarms that have been implicated in disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luke Brown
- Calvin, Phoebe and Joan Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Bryan G. Yipp
- Calvin, Phoebe and Joan Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
von Beck T, Navarrete K, Arce NA, Gao M, Dale GA, Davis-Gardner ME, Floyd K, Mena Hernandez L, Mullick N, Vanderheiden A, Skountzou I, Kuchipudi SV, Saravanan R, Li R, Skolnick J, Suthar MS, Jacob J. A wild boar cathelicidin peptide derivative inhibits severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 and its drifted variants. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14650. [PMID: 37670110 PMCID: PMC10480232 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41850-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) poses a clear threat to humanity. It has infected over 200 million and killed 4 million people worldwide, and infections continue with no end in sight. To control the pandemic, multiple effective vaccines have been developed, and global vaccinations are in progress. However, the virus continues to mutate. Even when full vaccine coverage is achieved, vaccine-resistant mutants will likely emerge, thus requiring new annual vaccines against drifted variants analogous to influenza. A complimentary solution to this problem could be developing antiviral drugs that inhibit SARS CoV-2 and its drifted variants. Host defense peptides represent a potential source for such an antiviral as they possess broad antimicrobial activity and significant diversity across species. We screened the cathelicidin family of peptides from 16 different species for antiviral activity and identified a wild boar peptide derivative that inhibits SARS CoV-2. This peptide, which we named Yongshi and means warrior in Mandarin, acts as a viral entry inhibitor. Following the binding of SARS-CoV-2 to its receptor, the spike protein is cleaved, and heptad repeats 1 and 2 multimerize to form the fusion complex that enables the virion to enter the cell. A deep learning-based protein sequence comparison algorithm and molecular modeling suggest that Yongshi acts as a mimetic to the heptad repeats of the virus, thereby disrupting the fusion process. Experimental data confirm the binding of Yongshi to the heptad repeat 1 with a fourfold higher affinity than heptad repeat 2 of SARS-CoV-2. Yongshi also binds to the heptad repeat 1 of SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV. Interestingly, it inhibits all drifted variants of SARS CoV-2 that we tested, including the alpha, beta, gamma, delta, kappa and omicron variants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Troy von Beck
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Karla Navarrete
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Nicholas A Arce
- Department of Pediatrics, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Mu Gao
- Center for the Study of Systems Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, 950 Atlantic Drive, NW, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Gordon A Dale
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Meredith E Davis-Gardner
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Katharine Floyd
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Luis Mena Hernandez
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Nikita Mullick
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Abigail Vanderheiden
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Ioanna Skountzou
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Suresh V Kuchipudi
- Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Rathi Saravanan
- Centre of Regulatory Excellence (CoRE), Duke-NUS Medical School, Level 6, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Renhao Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Jeffrey Skolnick
- Center for the Study of Systems Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, 950 Atlantic Drive, NW, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Mehul S Suthar
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Joshy Jacob
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Liu Y, Zhou Y, Chu C, Jiang X. The role of macrophages in rosacea: implications for targeted therapies. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1211953. [PMID: 37691916 PMCID: PMC10484341 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1211953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Rosacea, a widespread chronic skin condition, may be influenced by macrophages, key immune cells in the skin, although their exact role is not yet fully understood. This review delves into the function of macrophages, their potential contribution to rosacea pathogenesis, current treatments, and promising macrophage-targeted therapies. It concludes by identifying knowledge gaps and potential areas for future rosacea research. Method Leveraging systematic and narrative literature review techniques, we conducted a comprehensive search of databases such as PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Utilizing keywords like "rosacea" and "macrophages", we targeted English articles from the last 5 years (2018-2023). We manually checked reference lists of relevant articles for additional studies. We included only articles emphasizing macrophages' role in rosacea and/or the development of related therapies and published within the specified timeframe. Results The systematic search of electronic databases yielded a total of 4,263 articles. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 156 articles were selected for inclusion in this review. These articles included original research studies, review articles, and clinical trials that focused on the role of macrophages in rosacea and/or the development of macrophage-targeted therapies for the disease. The selected articles provided a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the current state of research on macrophages in rosacea, including their function in the skin, the potential mechanisms through which they may contribute to rosacea pathogenesis, and the current treatments and therapies available for the disease. Additionally, the articles identified gaps in knowledge regarding the role of macrophages in rosacea and suggested potential areas for future research. Conclusion This literature review emphasizes the important role that macrophages, vital immune cells in the skin, may play in the pathogenesis of rosacea, a common chronic inflammatory skin disorder. The selected studies suggest potential mechanisms by which these cells might contribute to rosacea progression, although these mechanisms are not yet fully understood. The studies also spotlight current rosacea treatments and illuminate the promising potential of new macrophage-focused therapies. Despite these insights, significant gaps persist in our understanding of the precise role of macrophages in rosacea. Future research in this area could provide further insights into the pathogenesis of rosacea and contribute to the development of more effective, targeted therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- Department of Dermatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Laboratory of Dermatology, Clinical Institute of Inflammation and Immunology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Medical Cosmetic Center, Chengdu Second People’s Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yin Zhou
- Medical Cosmetic Center, Chengdu Second People’s Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chenyu Chu
- Medical Cosmetic Center, Chengdu Second People’s Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xian Jiang
- Department of Dermatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Laboratory of Dermatology, Clinical Institute of Inflammation and Immunology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Falcão-Holanda RB, Leite GGF, Brunialti MKC, Jasiulionis MG, Salomão R. ALTERED LEVELS OF H3K9AC, H3K4ME3, AND H3K27ME3 IN PROMOTERS OF DIFFERENTIALLY EXPRESSED GENES RELATED TO INNATE IMMUNE RESPONSE IN SEPTIC PATIENTS WITH DIFFERENT CLINICAL OUTCOMES. Shock 2023; 59:882-891. [PMID: 37071074 DOI: 10.1097/shk.0000000000002131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Sepsis is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Monocytes seem to undergo functional reprogramming during sepsis, resulting in dysregulated host immune response. To clarify this dysregulation mechanism, we investigated three histone modifications found in promoters of genes involved in innate immune response, and associated these findings with gene transcription in septic patients. These results were compared with public transcriptome data of the target genes and epigenetic enzymes that modulate the histone modifications. We used peripheral blood mononuclear cell from surviving and nonsurviving septic patients, and healthy volunteers to evaluate the expression of genes involved in innate immune response and the enrichment of H3K9ac, H3K4me3, and H3K27me3 in their promoters, by RT-qPCR and ChIP, respectively. Finally, we used transcriptome data sets to validate our findings. We found alterations in the chromatin enrichment of different genes, with an increase in H3K9ac in the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and the antimicrobial gene FPR1 , as well as an increase in H3K27me3 in the IL-10 and HLA-DR promoter in nonsurvivors septic patients when compared with survivors. These alterations were partially associated with the gene expression profile. In addition, we found moderate to strong correlation between gene transcription and the enzymes that modulate these histone modifications in the transcriptome data sets. Our study, one of the pioneering by evaluating septic patients' samples, suggests that epigenetic enzymes modulate the prevalent histone marks in promoters of genes involved in the immune-inflammatory response, altering the transcription of these specific genes during sepsis. Furthermore, nonsurviving sepsis patients have a more pronounced epigenetic dysregulation compared with survivors, suggesting a more dysfunctional response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renata Brito Falcão-Holanda
- Program in Translational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM/UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Milena Karina Colo Brunialti
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM/UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Miriam Galvonas Jasiulionis
- Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM/UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Leite ML, Duque HM, Rodrigues GR, da Cunha NB, Franco OL. The LL-37 domain: a clue to cathelicidin immunomodulatory response? Peptides 2023; 165:171011. [PMID: 37068711 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.171011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Host defense peptides (HDPs) are naturally occurring polypeptide sequences that, in addition to being active against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other parasites, may stimulate immunomodulatory responses. Cathelicidins, a family of HDPs, are produced by diverse animal species, such as mammals, fish, birds, amphibians, and reptiles, to protect them against pathogen infections. These peptides have variable C-terminal domains responsible for their antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities and a highly conserved N-terminal pre-pro region homologous to cathelin. Although cathelicidins are the major components of innate immunity, the molecular basis by which they induce an immune response is still unclear. In this review, we will address the role of the LL-37 domain and its SK-24, IV-20, FK-13 and LL-37 fragments in the immunity response. Other cathelicidins also share structural and functional characteristics with the LL-37 domain, suggesting that these fragments may be responsible for interaction between these peptides and receptors in humans. Fragments of the LL-37 domain can give us clues about how homologous cathelicidins, in general, induce an immune response. AVAILABILITY OF DATA AND MATERIAL: No data was used for the research described in the article.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michel Lopes Leite
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Harry Morales Duque
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Gisele Regina Rodrigues
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Nicolau Brito da Cunha
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil; Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, Brasil
| | - Octávio Luiz Franco
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil; S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhang Q, Ul Ain Q, Schulz C, Pircher J. Role of antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin in thrombosis and thromboinflammation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1151926. [PMID: 37090695 PMCID: PMC10114025 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1151926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Thrombosis is a frequent cause of cardiovascular mortality and hospitalization. Current antithrombotic strategies, however, target both thrombosis and physiological hemostasis and thereby increase bleeding risk. In recent years the pathophysiological understanding of thrombus formation has significantly advanced and inflammation has become a crucial element. Neutrophils as most frequent immune cells in the blood and their released mediators play a key role herein. Neutrophil-derived cathelicidin next to its strong antimicrobial properties has also shown to modulates thrombosis and thus presents a potential therapeutic target. In this article we review direct and indirect (immune- and endothelial cell-mediated) effects of cathelicidin on platelets and the coagulation system. Further we discuss its implications for large vessel thrombosis and consecutive thromboinflammation as well as immunothrombosis in sepsis and COVID-19 and give an outlook for potential therapeutic prospects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing Zhang
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians- Universität, Munich, Germany
- Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Munich, Germany
| | - Qurrat Ul Ain
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians- Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Schulz
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians- Universität, Munich, Germany
- Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Munich, Germany
| | - Joachim Pircher
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians- Universität, Munich, Germany
- Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Munich, Germany
- *Correspondence: Joachim Pircher,
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Marchwicka A, Nowak K, Satyr A, Wołowiec D, Marcinkowska E. Immuno-Stimulating Activity of 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D in Blood Cells from Five Healthy People and in Blasts from Five Patients with Leukemias and Pre-Leukemic States. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076504. [PMID: 37047477 PMCID: PMC10094698 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Hematological malignancies are characterized by an immortalization, uncontrolled proliferation of blood cells and their differentiation block, followed by the loss of function. The primary goal in the treatment of leukemias is the elimination of rapidly proliferating leukemic cells (named blasts). However, chemotherapy, which removes proliferating blasts, also prevents the remaining immune cells from being activated. Acute leukemias affect elderly people, who are often not fit to survive aggressive chemotherapy. Therefore, there is a need of milder treatment, named differentiation therapy, which might simulate the immune system of the patient. 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D, or low-calcemic analogs of this compound, were proposed as supporting therapy in acute leukemias. (2) Bone marrow blasts from patients with hematological malignancies, and leukocytes from healthy volunteers were ex vivo exposed to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and then their genomes and transcriptomes were investigated. (3) Our analysis indicates that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D regulates in blood cells predominantly genes involved in immune response, such as CAMP (cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide), CP (ceruloplasmin), CXCL9 (C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 9), CD14 (CD14 molecule) or VMO1 (vitelline membrane outer layer 1 homolog). This concerns blood cells from healthy people, as well as blasts from patients with hematological malignancies. In addition, in one patient, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D significantly downregulated transcription of genes responsible for cell division and immortalization. (4) In conclusion, the data presented in this paper suggest that addition of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D to the currently available treatments would stimulate immune system, inhibit proliferation and reduce immortal potential of blasts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Marchwicka
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Wrocław, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Kuba Nowak
- Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Wrocław, Joliot-Curie 15, 50-383 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Anastasiia Satyr
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Dariusz Wołowiec
- Department of Hematology, Blood Neoplasms and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Wrocław Medical University, Pasteura 4, 50-367 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Ewa Marcinkowska
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Wrocław, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wrocław, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Tobin I, Zhang G. Regulation of Host Defense Peptide Synthesis by Polyphenols. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:660. [PMID: 37107022 PMCID: PMC10135163 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12040660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The rise of antimicrobial resistance has created an urgent need for antibiotic-alternative strategies for disease control and prevention. Host defense peptides (HDPs), which have both antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties, are an important component of the innate immune system. A host-directed approach to stimulate the synthesis of endogenous HDPs has emerged as a promising solution to treat infections with a minimum risk for developing antimicrobial resistance. Among a diverse group of compounds that have been identified as inducers of HDP synthesis are polyphenols, which are naturally occurring secondary metabolites of plants characterized by the presence of multiple phenol units. In addition to their well-known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, a variety of polyphenols have been shown to stimulate HDP synthesis across animal species. This review summarizes both the in vitro and in vivo evidence of polyphenols regulating HDP synthesis. The mechanisms by which polyphenols induce HDP gene expression are also discussed. Natural polyphenols warrant further investigation as potential antibiotic alternatives for the control and prevention of infectious diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Guolong Zhang
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Colceriu MC, Aldea PL, Răchișan AL, Clichici S, Sevastre-Berghian A, Mocan T. Vesicoureteral Reflux and Innate Immune System: Physiology, Physiopathology, and Clinical Aspects. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12062380. [PMID: 36983379 PMCID: PMC10058356 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12062380] [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: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Vesicoureteral reflux represents one of the most concerning topics in pediatric nephrology due to its frequency, clinical expression with the potential to evolve into chronic kidney disease, and last but not least, its socio-economic implications. The presence of vesicoureteral reflux, the occurrence of urinary tract infections, and the development of reflux nephropathy, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and finally, end-stage renal disease represent a progressive spectrum of a single physiopathological condition. For the proper management of these patients with the best clinical outcomes, and in an attempt to prevent the spread of uropathogens' resistance to antibacterial therapy, we must better understand the physiopathology of urinary tract infections in patients with vesicoureteral reflux, and at the same time, we should acknowledge the implication and response of the innate immune system in this progressive pathological condition. The present paper focuses on theoretical aspects regarding the physiopathology of vesicoureteral reflux and the interconditionality between urinary tract infections and the innate immune system. In addition, we detailed aspects regarding cytokines, interleukins, antimicrobial peptides, and proteins involved in the innate immune response as well as their implications in the physiopathology of reflux nephropathy. New directions of study should focus on using these innate immune system effectors as diagnostic and therapeutic tools in renal pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marius-Cosmin Colceriu
- Department of Functional Biosciences, Discipline of Physiology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Paul Luchian Aldea
- Department of Community Medicine, Discipline of Public Health and Management, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andreea-Liana Răchișan
- Department of Mother and Child, Discipline of Pediatrics II, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Simona Clichici
- Department of Functional Biosciences, Discipline of Physiology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Alexandra Sevastre-Berghian
- Department of Functional Biosciences, Discipline of Physiology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Teodora Mocan
- Department of Functional Biosciences, Discipline of Physiology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Nanomedicine Department, Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 400158 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Memariani H, Memariani M. Antibiofilm properties of cathelicidin LL-37: an in-depth review. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 39:99. [PMID: 36781570 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-023-03545-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Notwithstanding ceaseless endeavors toward developing effective antibiofilm chemotherapeutics, biofilm-associated infections continue to be one of the most perplexing challenges confronting medicine today. Endogenous host defense peptides, such as the human cathelicidin LL-37, are being propounded as promising options for treating such infectious diseases. Over the past decennium, LL-37 has duly received tremendous research attention by virtue of its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and immunomodulatory properties. No attempt has hitherto been made, as far as we are aware, to comprehensively review the antibiofilm effects of LL-37. Accordingly, the intent in this paper is to provide a fairly all-embracing review of the literature available on the subject. Accumulating evidence suggests that LL-37 is able to prevent biofilm establishment by different bacterial pathogens such as Acinetobacter baumannii, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Bacteroides fragilis, Burkholderia thailandensis, Cutibacterium acnes, Escherichia coli, Francisella tularensis, Helicobacter pylori, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes. Inhibition of bacterial adhesion, downregulation of biofilm-associated genes, suppression of quorum-sensing pathways, degradation of biofilm matrix, and eradication of biofilm-residing cells are the major mechanisms responsible for antibiofilm properties of LL-37. In terms of its efficacy and safety in vivo, there are still many questions to be answered. Undoubtedly, LL-37 can open up new windows of opportunity to prevent and treat obstinate biofilm-mediated infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Memariani
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Memariani
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Morio KA, Sternowski RH, Brogden KA. Induction of Endogenous Antimicrobial Peptides to Prevent or Treat Oral Infection and Inflammation. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12020361. [PMID: 36830272 PMCID: PMC9952314 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12020361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotics are often used to treat oral infections. Unfortunately, excessive antibiotic use can adversely alter oral microbiomes and promote the development of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, which can be difficult to treat. An alternate approach could be to induce the local transcription and expression of endogenous oral antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). To assess the feasibility and benefits of this approach, we conducted literature searches to identify (i) the AMPs expressed in the oral cavity; (ii) the methods used to induce endogenous AMP expression; and (iii) the roles that expressed AMPs may have in regulating oral inflammation, immunity, healing, and pain. Search results identified human neutrophil peptides (HNP), human beta defensins (HBD), and cathelicidin AMP (CAMP) gene product LL-37 as prominent AMPs expressed by oral cells and tissues. HNP, HBD, and LL-37 expression can be induced by micronutrients (trace elements, elements, and vitamins), nutrients, macronutrients (mono-, di-, and polysaccharides, amino acids, pyropeptides, proteins, and fatty acids), proinflammatory agonists, thyroid hormones, and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, red light, or near infrared radiation (NIR). Localized AMP expression can help reduce infection, inflammation, and pain and help oral tissues heal. The use of a specific inducer depends upon the overall objective. Inducing the expression of AMPs through beneficial foods would be suitable for long-term health protection. Additionally, the specialized metabolites or concentrated extracts that are utilized as dosage forms would maintain the oral and intestinal microbiome composition and control oral and intestinal infections. Inducing AMP expression using irradiation methodologies would be applicable to a specific oral treatment area in addition to controlling local infections while regulating inflammatory and healing processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kim A. Brogden
- College of Dentistry, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Choi MC, Jo J, Lee M, Park J, Yao TP, Park Y. Cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide mediates skeletal muscle degeneration caused by injury and Duchenne muscular dystrophy in mice. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2022; 13:3091-3105. [PMID: 36059045 PMCID: PMC9745559 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cathelicidin, an antimicrobial peptide, plays a key role in regulating bacterial killing and innate immunity; however, its role in skeletal muscle function is unknown. We investigated the potential role of cathelicidin in skeletal muscle pathology resulting from acute injury and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in mice. METHODS Expression changes and muscular localization of mouse cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide (Cramp) were examined in the skeletal muscle of normal mice treated with chemicals (cardiotoxin and BaCl2 ) or in dystrophic muscle of DMD mouse models (mdx, mdx/Utrn+/- and mdx/Utrn-/- ). Cramp penetration into myofibres and effects on muscle damage were studied by treating synthetic peptides to mouse skeletal muscles or C2C12 myotubes. Cramp knockout (KO) mice and mdx/Utrn/Cramp KO lines were used to determine whether Cramp mediates muscle degeneration. Muscle pathophysiology was assessed by histological methods, serum analysis, grip strength and lifespan. Molecular factors targeted by Cramp were identified by the pull-down assay and proteomic analysis. RESULTS In response to acute muscle injury, Cramp was activated in muscle-infiltrating neutrophils and internalized into myofibres. Cramp treatments of mouse skeletal muscles or C2C12 myotubes resulted in muscle degeneration and myotube damage, respectively. Genetic ablation of Cramp reduced neutrophil infiltration and ameliorated muscle pathology, such as fibre size (P < 0.001; n = 6) and fibrofatty infiltration (P < 0.05). Genetic reduction of Cramp in mdx/Utrn+/- mice not only attenuated muscle damage (35%, P < 0.05; n = 9-10), myonecrosis (53%, P < 0.05), inflammation (37-65%, P < 0.01) and fibrosis (14%, P < 0.05) but also restored muscle fibre size (14%, P < 0.05) and muscle force (18%, P < 0.05). Reducing Cramp levels led to a 63% (male, P < 0.05; n = 10-14) and a 124% (female, P < 0.001; n = 20) increase in the lifespan of mdx/Utrn-/- mice. Proteomic and mechanistic studies revealed that Cramp cross-talks with Ca2+ signalling in skeletal muscle through sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ -ATPase1 (SERCA1). Cramp binds and inactivates SERCA1, leading to the activation of Ca2+ -dependent calpain proteases that exacerbate DMD progression. CONCLUSIONS These findings identify Cramp as an immune cell-derived regulator of skeletal muscle degeneration and provide a potential therapeutic target for DMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moon-Chang Choi
- Department of Biomedical Science, Chosun University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Jiwon Jo
- Department of Biomedical Science, Chosun University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Myeongjin Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, Chosun University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Jonggwan Park
- Department of Bioinformatics, Kongju National University, Kongju, South Korea
| | - Tso-Pang Yao
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yoonkyung Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, Chosun University, Gwangju, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Novel Alligator Cathelicidin As-CATH8 Demonstrates Anti-Infective Activity against Clinically Relevant and Crocodylian Bacterial Pathogens. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11111603. [DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11111603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Host defense peptides (HDPs) represent an alternative way to address the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Crocodylians are interesting species for the study of these molecules because of their potent immune system, which confers high resistance to infection. Profile hidden Markov models were used to screen the genomes of four crocodylian species for encoded cathelicidins and eighteen novel sequences were identified. Synthetic cathelicidins showed broad spectrum antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against several clinically important antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In particular, the As-CATH8 cathelicidin showed potent in vitro activity profiles similar to the last-resort antibiotics vancomycin and polymyxin B. In addition, As-CATH8 demonstrated rapid killing of planktonic and biofilm cells, which correlated with its ability to cause cytoplasmic membrane depolarization and permeabilization as well as binding to DNA. As-CATH8 displayed greater antibiofilm activity than the human cathelicidin LL-37 against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a human organoid model of biofilm skin infection. Furthermore, As-CATH8 demonstrated strong antibacterial effects in a murine abscess model of high-density bacterial infections against clinical isolates of S. aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii, two of the most common bacterial species causing skin infections globally. Overall, this work expands the repertoire of cathelicidin peptides known in crocodylians, including one with considerable therapeutic promise for treating common skin infections.
Collapse
|
25
|
Anand U, Bandyopadhyay A, Jha NK, Pérez de la Lastra JM, Dey A. Translational aspect in peptide drug discovery and development: An emerging therapeutic candidate. Biofactors 2022; 49:251-269. [PMID: 36326181 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In the last two decades, protein-protein interactions (PPIs) have been used as the main target for drug development. However, with larger or superficial binding sites, it has been extremely difficult to disrupt PPIs with small molecules. On the other hand, intracellular PPIs cannot be targeted by antibodies that cannot penetrate the cell membrane. Peptides that have a combination of conformational rigidity and flexibility can be used to target difficult binding interfaces with appropriate binding affinity and specificity. Since the introduction of insulin nearly a century ago, more than 80 peptide drugs have been approved to treat a variety of diseases. These include deadly diseases such as cancer and human immunodeficiency virus infection. It is also useful against diabetes, chronic pain, and osteoporosis. Today, more research is being done on these drugs as lessons learned from earlier approaches, which are still valid today, complement newer approaches such as peptide display libraries. At the same time, integrated genomics and peptide display libraries are new strategies that open new avenues for peptide drug discovery. The purpose of this review is to examine the problems in elucidating the peptide-protein recognition mechanism. This is important to develop peptide-based interventions that interfere with endogenous protein interactions. New approaches are being developed to improve the binding affinity and specificity of existing approaches and to develop peptide agents as potentially useful drugs. We also highlight the key challenges that must be overcome in peptide drug development to realize their potential and provide an overview of recent trends in peptide drug development. In addition, we take an in-depth look at early efforts in human hormone discovery, smart medicinal chemistry and design, natural peptide drugs, and breakthrough advances in molecular biology and peptide chemistry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Uttpal Anand
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | | | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering and Food Technology, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, India
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied and Life Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - José M Pérez de la Lastra
- Biotechnology of Macromolecules Research Group, Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología, IPNA-CSIC, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Abhijit Dey
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Machado A, Pereira I, Silva V, Pires I, Prada J, Poeta P, Costa L, Pereira JE, Gama M. Injectable hydrogel as a carrier of vancomycin and a cathelicidin-derived peptide for osteomyelitis treatment. J Biomed Mater Res A 2022; 110:1786-1800. [PMID: 36082973 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
A local drug delivery system that attempts to find a suitable balance between antimicrobial and regenerative actions was developed for osteomyelitis treatment (OM). This system combines the angiogenic and immunomodulatory peptide LLKKK18 (LL18) and vancomycin hydrochloride (VH), loaded into an injectable oxidized dextrin (ODEX)-based hydrogel (HG). In vitro cytotoxicity was analyzed in MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts and erythrocytes. The kinetics of LL18 release was studied. Antimicrobial activity was assessed in vitro against a clinical Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain. A rat model of acute OM was developed by direct inoculation into a tibia defect, concomitantly with the implantation of the drug-loaded HG. The local bioburden was quantified and damage in surrounding tissues was examined histologically. In vitro, ODEX-based HG displayed a safe hemolytic profile. Half of LL18 (53%) is released during the swelling phase at physiological pH, then being gradually released until complete HG degradation. LL18-loaded HG at 300 μM was the most effective peptide formulation in decreasing in vivo infection among concentrations ranging from 86 to 429 μM. The histopathological scores observed in vivo varied with the LL18 concentration in a dose-dependent manner. VH at 28 mM completely eradicated bacteria, although with substantial tissue injury. We have found that sub-millimolar doses of VH combined with LL18 at 300 μM may suffice to eradicate the infection, with reduced tissue damage. We propose an easy-to-handle, shape-fitting HG formulation with the potential to treat MRSA-infected bone with low VH doses associated with LL18.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Machado
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- LABBELS, Associate Laboratory, Braga Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Isabel Pereira
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- LABBELS, Associate Laboratory, Braga Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Vanessa Silva
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics Unit, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, University NOVA of Lisbon, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Isabel Pires
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Centre of Animal and Veterinary Science (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Justina Prada
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Centre of Animal and Veterinary Science (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Poeta
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- LAQV-REQUIMTE - Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry, University NOVA of Lisbon, Caparica, Portugal
- Centre of Animal and Veterinary Science (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Luís Costa
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Centre of Animal and Veterinary Science (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - José Eduardo Pereira
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Centre of Animal and Veterinary Science (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Miguel Gama
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- LABBELS, Associate Laboratory, Braga Guimarães, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Niyonsaba F. Editorial: The role of neutrophils and its NETosis in autoimmunity and autoinflammation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1035624. [DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1035624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
28
|
Talapko J, Meštrović T, Juzbašić M, Tomas M, Erić S, Horvat Aleksijević L, Bekić S, Schwarz D, Matić S, Neuberg M, Škrlec I. Antimicrobial Peptides-Mechanisms of Action, Antimicrobial Effects and Clinical Applications. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11101417. [PMID: 36290075 PMCID: PMC9598582 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11101417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The growing emergence of antimicrobial resistance represents a global problem that not only influences healthcare systems but also has grave implications for political and economic processes. As the discovery of novel antimicrobial agents is lagging, one of the solutions is innovative therapeutic options that would expand our armamentarium against this hazard. Compounds of interest in many such studies are antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which actually represent the host's first line of defense against pathogens and are involved in innate immunity. They have a broad range of antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, fungi, and viruses, with specific mechanisms of action utilized by different AMPs. Coupled with a lower propensity for resistance development, it is becoming clear that AMPs can be seen as emerging and very promising candidates for more pervasive usage in the treatment of infectious diseases. However, their use in quotidian clinical practice is not without challenges. In this review, we aimed to summarize state-of-the-art evidence on the structure and mechanisms of action of AMPs, as well as to provide detailed information on their antimicrobial activity. We also aimed to present contemporary evidence of clinical trials and application of AMPs and highlight their use beyond infectious diseases and potential challenges that may arise with their increasing availability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasminka Talapko
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
- Correspondence: (J.T.); (I.Š.)
| | - Tomislav Meštrović
- University Centre Varaždin, University North, 42000 Varaždin, Croatia
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Martina Juzbašić
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Matej Tomas
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Suzana Erić
- Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Josipa Huttlera 4, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Lorena Horvat Aleksijević
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Sanja Bekić
- Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Josipa Huttlera 4, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
- Family Medicine Practice, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Dragan Schwarz
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Suzana Matić
- Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Josipa Huttlera 4, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Marijana Neuberg
- University Centre Varaždin, University North, 42000 Varaždin, Croatia
| | - Ivana Škrlec
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
- Correspondence: (J.T.); (I.Š.)
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Tang J, Suo L, Li F, Bian K, Yang C, Wang Y. Transcriptome profiling of lung immune responses potentially related to acute respiratory distress syndrome in forest musk deer. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:701. [PMID: 36221054 PMCID: PMC9552132 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08917-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Forest musk deer is an endangered species globally. The death of captive forest musk deer can be caused by certain respiratory system diseases. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a huge threat to the life of forest muck deer that breed in our department. Methods Lung histopathologic analysis was conducted by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The lung gene changes triggered by ARDS were examined by RNA sequencing and related bioinformatics analysis in forest musk deer. The potential functions of unigenes were investigated by NR, SwissProt KOG, GO, and KEGG annotation analyses. Vital biological processes or pathways in ARDS were examined by GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. Results A total of 3265 unigenes were differentially expressed (|log2fold-change|> 2 and adjusted P value < 0.01) in lung tissues of 3 forest musk deer with ARDS compared with normal lung tissues of the non-ARDS group. These differentially expressed unigenes (DEGs) played crucial roles in immunity and defense responses to pathogens. Moreover, we identified the DEGs related to one or more of the following biological processes: lung development, immunity, and bacterial/viral/fungal infection. And six DEGs that might be involved in lung injury caused by immune dysregulation or viral/fungal infection were identified. Conclusion ARDS-mediated lung gene alterations were identified in forest musk deer. Moreover, multiple genes involved in lung development and lung defense responses to bacteria/viruses/fungi in ARDS were filtered out in forest musk deer. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08917-7.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Tang
- Shaanxi Institute of Zoology, Xi'an710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lijuan Suo
- Shaanxi Institute of Zoology, Xi'an710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Feiran Li
- Shaanxi Institute of Zoology, Xi'an710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Kun Bian
- Shaanxi Institute of Zoology, Xi'an710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Shaanxi Institute of Zoology, Xi'an710032, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Yan Wang
- Shaanxi Institute of Zoology, Xi'an710032, Shaanxi, China.,Shaanxi Provincial Field Observation & Research Station for Golden Monkey, Giant Panda and Biodiversity, Xi'an 723400, Shaanxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Immunomodulatory effects of chicken cathelicidin-2 on a primary hepatic cell co-culture model. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275847. [PMID: 36215285 PMCID: PMC9550040 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cathelicidin-2 is an antimicrobial peptide (AMP) produced as part of the innate immune system of chickens and might be a new candidate to combat infection and inflammation within the gut-liver axis. Studying the hepatic immune response is of high importance as the liver is primarily exposed to gut-derived pathogen-associated molecular patterns. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of chicken cathelicidin-2 alone or combined with lipoteichoic acid (LTA) or phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) on cell viability, immune response and redox homeostasis in a primary hepatocyte-non-parenchymal cell co-culture of chicken origin. Both concentrations of cathelicidin-2 decreased the cellular metabolic activity and increased the extracellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity reflecting reduced membrane integrity. Neither LTA nor PMA affected these parameters, and when combined with LTA, cathelicidin-2 could not influence the LDH activity. Cathelicidin-2 had an increasing effect on the concentration of the proinflammatory CXCLi2 and interferon- (IFN-)γ, and on that of the anti-inflammatory IL-10. Meanwhile, macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF), playing a complex role in inflammation, was diminished by the AMP. LTA elevated IFN-γ and decreased M-CSF levels, while PMA only increased the concentration of M-CSF. Both concentrations of cathelicidin-2 increased the H2O2 release of the cells, but the concentration of malondialdehyde as a lipid peroxidation marker was not affected. Our findings give evidence that cathelicidin-2 can also possess anti-inflammatory effects, reflected by the alleviation of the LTA-triggered IFN-γ elevation, and by reducing the M-CSF production induced by PMA. Based on the present results, cathelicidin-2 plays a substantial role in modulating the hepatic immune response with a multifaceted mode of action. It was found to have dose-dependent effects on metabolic activity, membrane integrity, and reactive oxygen species production, indicating that using it in excessively high concentrations can contribute to cell damage. In conclusion, cathelicidin-2 seems to be a promising candidate for future immunomodulating drug development with an attempt to reduce the application of antibiotics.
Collapse
|
31
|
Host Cell Antimicrobial Responses against Helicobacter pylori Infection: From Biological Aspects to Therapeutic Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810941. [PMID: 36142852 PMCID: PMC9504325 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The colonization of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in human gastric mucosa is highly associated with the occurrence of gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric cancer. Antibiotics, including amoxicillin, clarithromycin, furazolidone, levofloxacin, metronidazole, and tetracycline, are commonly used and considered the major treatment regimens for H. pylori eradication, which is, however, becoming less effective by the increasing prevalence of H pylori resistance. Thus, it is urgent to understand the molecular mechanisms of H. pylori pathogenesis and develop alternative therapeutic strategies. In this review, we focus on the virulence factors for H. pylori colonization and survival within host gastric mucosa and the host antimicrobial responses against H. pylori infection. Moreover, we describe the current treatments for H. pylori eradication and provide some insights into new therapeutic strategies for H. pylori infection.
Collapse
|
32
|
Noguès EB, Kropp C, Bétemps L, de Sousa C, Chain F, Auger S, Azevedo V, Langella P, Chatel JM. Lactococcus lactis engineered to deliver hCAP18 cDNA alleviates DNBS-induced colitis in C57BL/6 mice by promoting IL17A and IL10 cytokine expression. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15641. [PMID: 36123355 PMCID: PMC9485145 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19455-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
With its antimicrobial and immunomodulating properties, the cathelicidin (LL37) plays an important role in innate immune system. Here, we attempted to alleviate chemically induced colitis using a lactococci strain that either directly expressed the precursor to LL37, hCAP18 (LL-pSEC:hCAP18), or delivered hCAP18 cDNA to host cells under the control of the cytomegalovirus promoter (LL-Probi-H1:hCAP18). We also investigated whether the alleviation of symptoms could be explained through modification of the gut microbiota by hCAP18. Mice were administered daily doses of LL-pSEC:hCAP18 or LL-Probi-H1:hCAP18. On day 7, colitis was induced by DNBS. During autopsy, we assessed macroscopic tissue damage in the colon and collected tissue samples for the characterization of inflammation markers and histological analysis. Feces were collected at day 7 for 16S DNA sequencing. We also performed a fecal transplant experiment in which mice underwent colon washing and received feces from Lactococcus lactis-treated mice before DNBS-colitis induction. Treatment with LL-Probi-H1:hCAP18 reduced the severity of colitis symptoms. The protective effects were accompanied by increased levels of IL17A and IL10 in mesenteric lymph node cells. L. lactis administration altered the abundance of Lachnospiraceae and Muribaculaceae. However, fecal transplant from L. lactis-treated mice did not improve DNBS-induced symptoms in recipient mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esther Borras Noguès
- grid.462293.80000 0004 0522 0627Université Paris Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, UMR1319, MICALIS, 78352 Jouy en Josas, France
| | - Camille Kropp
- grid.462293.80000 0004 0522 0627Université Paris Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, UMR1319, MICALIS, 78352 Jouy en Josas, France
| | - Laureline Bétemps
- grid.462293.80000 0004 0522 0627Université Paris Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, UMR1319, MICALIS, 78352 Jouy en Josas, France
| | - Cassiana de Sousa
- grid.462293.80000 0004 0522 0627Université Paris Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, UMR1319, MICALIS, 78352 Jouy en Josas, France ,grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo-Horizonte, MG Brazil
| | - Florian Chain
- grid.462293.80000 0004 0522 0627Université Paris Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, UMR1319, MICALIS, 78352 Jouy en Josas, France
| | - Sandrine Auger
- grid.462293.80000 0004 0522 0627Université Paris Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, UMR1319, MICALIS, 78352 Jouy en Josas, France
| | - Vasco Azevedo
- grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo-Horizonte, MG Brazil
| | - Philippe Langella
- grid.462293.80000 0004 0522 0627Université Paris Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, UMR1319, MICALIS, 78352 Jouy en Josas, France
| | - Jean-Marc Chatel
- grid.462293.80000 0004 0522 0627Université Paris Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, UMR1319, MICALIS, 78352 Jouy en Josas, France
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Holani R, Rathnayaka C, Blyth GA, Babbar A, Lahiri P, Young D, Dufour A, Hollenberg MD, McKay DM, Cobo ER. Cathelicidins Induce Toll-Interacting Protein Synthesis to Prevent Apoptosis in Colonic Epithelium. J Innate Immun 2022; 15:204-221. [PMID: 36116427 PMCID: PMC10643900 DOI: 10.1159/000526121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cathelicidin peptides secreted by leukocytes and epithelial cells are microbicidal but also regulate pathogen sensing via toll-like receptors (TLRs) in the colon by mechanisms that are not fully understood. Herein, analyses with the attaching/effacing pathogen Citrobacter rodentium model of colitis in cathelicidin-deficient (Camp-/-) mice, and colonic epithelia demonstrate that cathelicidins prevent apoptosis by sustaining post-transcriptional synthesis of a TLR adapter, toll-interacting protein (TOLLIP). Cathelicidins induced phosphorylation-activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-kinase, which phosphorylated-inactivated miRNA-activating enzyme Argonaute 2 (AGO2), thus reducing availability of the TOLLIP repressor miRNA-31. Cathelicidins promoted stability of TOLLIP protein via a proteosome-dependent pathway. This cathelicidin-induced TOLLIP upregulation prevented apoptosis in the colonic epithelium by reducing levels of caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-1 in response to the proinflammatory cytokines, interferon-γ (IFNγ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα). Further, Camp-/- colonic epithelial cells were more susceptible to apoptosis during C. rodentium infection than wild-type cells. This antiapoptotic effect of cathelicidins, maintaining epithelial TOLLIP protein in the gut, provides insight into cathelicidin's ability to regulate TLR signaling and prevent exacerbated inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Holani
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Chathurika Rathnayaka
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Graham A.D. Blyth
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Anshu Babbar
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Priyoshi Lahiri
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Daniel Young
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Antoine Dufour
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Morley D. Hollenberg
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Calvin, Phoebe and Joan Snyder Institute for Chronic Disease, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Derek M. McKay
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Calvin, Phoebe and Joan Snyder Institute for Chronic Disease, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Eduardo R. Cobo
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Calvin, Phoebe and Joan Snyder Institute for Chronic Disease, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Oyelami FO, Usman T, Suravajhala P, Ali N, Do DN. Emerging Roles of Noncoding RNAs in Bovine Mastitis Diseases. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11091009. [PMID: 36145441 PMCID: PMC9501195 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11091009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are an abundant class of RNA with varying nucleotide lengths. They have been shown to have great potential in eutherians/human disease diagnosis and treatments and are now gaining more importance for the improvement of diseases in livestock. To date, thousands of ncRNAs have been discovered in the bovine genome and the continuous advancement in deep sequencing technologies and various bioinformatics tools has enabled the elucidation of their roles in bovine health. Among farm animals' diseases, mastitis, a common inflammatory disease in cattle, has caused devastating economic losses to dairy farmers over the last few decades. Here, we summarize the biology of bovine mastitis and comprehensively discuss the roles of ncRNAs in different types of mastitis infection. Based on our findings and relevant literature, we highlighted various evidence of ncRNA roles in mastitis. Different approaches (in vivo versus in vitro) for exploring ncRNA roles in mastitis are emphasized. More particularly, the potential applications of emerging genome editing technologies, as well as integrated omics platforms for ncRNA studies and implications for mastitis are presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Favour Oluwapelumi Oyelami
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Tahir Usman
- College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan 23200, KP, Pakistan
| | - Prashanth Suravajhala
- Amrita School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Clappana 690525, Kerala, India
| | - Nawab Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan 23200, KP, Pakistan
| | - Duy N. Do
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Viet Nam National University of Agriculture, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
- Department of Animal Science and Aquaculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS B2N 5E3, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-9029578789
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Antimicrobial Peptides in Early-Life Host Defense, Perinatal Infections, and Necrotizing Enterocolitis—An Update. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11175074. [PMID: 36079001 PMCID: PMC9457252 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11175074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Host defense against early-life infections such as chorioamnionitis, neonatal sepsis, or necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) relies primarily on innate immunity, in which antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) play a major role. AMPs that are important for the fetus and neonate include α and β defensins, cathelicidin LL-37, antiproteases (elafin, SLPI), and hepcidin. They can be produced by the fetus or neonate, the placenta, chorioamniotic membranes, recruited neutrophils, and milk-protein ingestion or proteolysis. They possess antimicrobial, immunomodulating, inflammation-regulating, and tissue-repairing properties. AMPs are expressed as early as the 13th week and increase progressively through gestation. Limited studies are available on AMP expression and levels in the fetus and neonate. Nevertheless, existing evidence supports the role of AMPs in pathogenesis of chorioamnionitis, neonatal sepsis, and NEC, and their association with disease severity. This suggests a potential role of AMPs in diagnosis, prevention, prognosis, and treatment of sepsis and NEC. Herein, we present an overview of the antimicrobial and immunomodulating properties of human AMPs, their sources in the intrauterine environment, fetus, and neonate, and their changes during pre- and post-natal infections and NEC. We also discuss emerging data regarding the potential utility of AMPs in early-life infections, as diagnostic or predictive biomarkers and as therapeutic alternatives or adjuncts to antibiotic therapy considering the increase of antibiotic resistance in neonatal intensive care units.
Collapse
|
36
|
Fodor CC, McCorkell R, Muench G, Cobo ER. Systemic murine cathelicidin CRAMP safely attenuated colonic neutrophil infiltration in pigs. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2022; 249:110443. [PMID: 35640361 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2022.110443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Post-weaning diarrheic colitis, often caused by enteropathogens, are severe and potentially lethal diseases in young pigs. Conventional treatment with antibiotics is problematic due to increasing prevalence of multi-drug resistant bacteria. Few alternative treatments exist, so development of antibiotic-free therapies is urgently needed for livestock. Cathelicidin peptides, produced by epithelial cells and neutrophils, are microbicidal compounds capable of modulating innate immune and inflammatory responses. However, the effects of exogenous cathelicidin on gut homeostasis is poorly understood in pigs. We administered the murine cathelicidin CRAMP systemically to healthy pigs, to establish the peptide's safety and assess its ability to modulate colonic mucosal defenses. A single intraperitoneal injection of CRAMP was well tolerated up to two weeks and pigs remained clinically healthy. CRAMP caused some alteration of mucus glycosylation patterns in the colon by increasing sialylated mucins (P < 0.05) and decreased neutrophil influx close to the epithelium (P < 0.001). This study supports further investigation of CRAMP as an immunomodulatory treatment for infectious colitis in pigs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina C Fodor
- Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Graduate Program, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Robert McCorkell
- Interim Dean Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Representing the DVM Class of 2022, Canada
| | - Greg Muench
- Assistant University Veterinarian, Animal Care Unit, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Eduardo R Cobo
- Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Greve JM, Cowan JA. Tackling antimicrobial stewardship through synergy and antimicrobial peptides. RSC Med Chem 2022; 13:511-521. [PMID: 35694695 PMCID: PMC9132191 DOI: 10.1039/d2md00048b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The unrestricted use of antibiotics has led to rapid development of antibiotic resistance (AR) and renewed calls to address this serious problem. This review summarizes the most common mechanisms of antibiotic action, and in turn antibiotic resistance, as well as pathways to mitigate the harm. Focus is then turned to emerging antibiotic strategies, including antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), with a discussion of their modes of action, biochemical features, and potential challenges for their use as antibiotics. The role of synergy in antimicrobials is also examined, with a focus on the synergy of AMPs and other emerging interactions with synergistic potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenna M Greve
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University 100 West 18th Avenue Columbus Ohio 43210 USA +1 614 292 2703
| | - James A Cowan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University 100 West 18th Avenue Columbus Ohio 43210 USA +1 614 292 2703
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Chen Z, Zhang J, Ming Z, Tong H, Wu J, Chen Q, Wang Y, Luo F, Wang Y, Feng T. As-Cathelicidin4 enhances the immune response and resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila in caridean shrimp. JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES 2022; 45:743-754. [PMID: 35100453 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.13588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Chen
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jinyu Zhang
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhihao Ming
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hao Tong
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jiahui Wu
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qiaoqiao Chen
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yintao Wang
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Fangmei Luo
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yipeng Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Tingting Feng
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Host Defence Peptides: A Potent Alternative to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance in the Era of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11040475. [PMID: 35453226 PMCID: PMC9032040 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11040475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the greatest challenges facing the medical community today is the ever-increasing trajectory of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which is being compounded by the decrease in our antimicrobial armamentarium. From their initial discovery to the current day, antibiotics have seen an exponential increase in their usage, from medical to agricultural use. Benefits aside, this has led to an exponential increase in AMR, with the fear that over 10 million lives are predicted to be lost by 2050, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). As such, medical researchers are turning their focus to discovering novel alternatives to antimicrobials, one being Host Defence Peptides (HDPs). These small cationic peptides have shown great efficacy in being used as an antimicrobial therapy for currently resistant microbial variants. With the sudden emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 variant and the subsequent global pandemic, the great versatility and potential use of HDPs as an alternative to conventional antibiotics in treating as well as preventing the spread of COVID-19 has been reviewed. Thus, to allow the reader to have a full understanding of the multifaceted therapeutic use of HDPs, this literature review shall cover the association between COVID-19 and AMR whilst discussing and evaluating the use of HDPs as an answer to antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Collapse
|
40
|
Nielsen JE, Alford MA, Yung DBY, Molchanova N, Fortkort JA, Lin JS, Diamond G, Hancock REW, Jenssen H, Pletzer D, Lund R, Barron AE. Self-Assembly of Antimicrobial Peptoids Impacts Their Biological Effects on ESKAPE Bacterial Pathogens. ACS Infect Dis 2022; 8:533-545. [PMID: 35175731 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising pharmaceutical candidates for the prevention and treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant ESKAPE pathogens, which are responsible for the majority of hospital-acquired infections. Clinical translation of AMPs has been limited, in part by apparent toxicity on systemic dosing and by instability arising from susceptibility to proteolysis. Peptoids (sequence-specific oligo-N-substituted glycines) resist proteolytic digestion and thus are of value as AMP mimics. Only a few natural AMPs such as LL-37 and polymyxin self-assemble in solution; whether antimicrobial peptoids mimic these properties has been unknown. Here, we examine the antibacterial efficacy and dynamic self-assembly in aqueous media of eight peptoid mimics of cationic AMPs designed to self-assemble and two nonassembling controls. These amphipathic peptoids self-assembled in different ways, as determined by small-angle X-ray scattering; some adopt helical bundles, while others form core-shell ellipsoidal or worm-like micelles. Interestingly, many of these peptoid assemblies show promising antibacterial, antibiofilm activity in vitro in media, under host-mimicking conditions and antiabscess activity in vivo. While self-assembly correlated overall with antibacterial efficacy, this correlation was imperfect. Certain self-assembled morphologies seem better-suited for antibacterial activity. In particular, a peptoid exhibiting a high fraction of long, worm-like micelles showed reduced antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antiabscess activity against ESKAPE pathogens compared with peptoids that form ellipsoidal or bundled assemblies. This is the first report of self-assembling peptoid antibacterials with activity against in vivo biofilm-like infections relevant to clinical medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josefine Eilsø Nielsen
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo 0315, Norway
| | - Morgan Ashley Alford
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Deborah Bow Yue Yung
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Natalia Molchanova
- The Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - John A. Fortkort
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Jennifer S. Lin
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Gill Diamond
- Department of Oral Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, School of Dentistry, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, United States
| | - Robert E. W. Hancock
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Håvard Jenssen
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde 4000, Denmark
| | - Daniel Pletzer
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Reidar Lund
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo 0315, Norway
| | - Annelise E. Barron
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Balhuizen MD, Versluis CM, van Grondelle MO, Veldhuizen EJ, Haagsman HP. Modulation of outer membrane vesicle-based immune responses by cathelicidins. Vaccine 2022; 40:2399-2408. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
42
|
Immunomodulatory and Allergenic Properties of Antimicrobial Peptides. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052499. [PMID: 35269641 PMCID: PMC8910669 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
With the growing problem of the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the search for alternative ways to combat bacterial infections is extremely urgent. While analyzing the effect of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) on immunocompetent cells, their effect on all parts of the immune system, and on humoral and cellular immunity, is revealed. AMPs have direct effects on neutrophils, monocytes, dendritic cells, T-lymphocytes, and mast cells, participating in innate immunity. They act on B-lymphocytes indirectly, enhancing the induction of antigen-specific immunity, which ultimately leads to the activation of adaptive immunity. The adjuvant activity of AMPs in relation to bacterial and viral antigens was the reason for their inclusion in vaccines and made it possible to formulate the concept of a “defensin vaccine” as an innovative basis for constructing vaccines. The immunomodulatory function of AMPs involves their influence on cells in the nearest microenvironment, recruitment and activation of other cells, supporting the response to pathogenic microorganisms and completing the inflammatory process, thus exhibiting a systemic effect. For the successful use of AMPs in medical practice, it is necessary to study their immunomodulatory activity in detail, taking into account their pleiotropy. The degree of maturity of the immune system and microenvironment can contribute to the prevention of complications and increase the effectiveness of therapy, since AMPs can suppress inflammation in some circumstances, but aggravate the response and damage of organism in others. It should also be taken into account that the real functions of one or another AMP depend on the types of total regulatory effects on the target cell, and not only on properties of an individual peptide. A wide spectrum of biological activity, including direct effects on pathogens, inactivation of bacterial toxins and influence on immunocompetent cells, has attracted the attention of researchers, however, the cytostatic activity of AMPs against normal cells, as well as their allergenic properties and low stability to host proteases, are serious limitations for the medical use of AMPs. In this connection, the tasks of searching for compounds that selectively affect the target and development of an appropriate method of application become critically important. The scope of this review is to summarize the current concepts and newest advances in research of the immunomodulatory activity of natural and synthetic AMPs, and to examine the prospects and limitations of their medical use.
Collapse
|
43
|
Hojman L, Karsulovic C. Cardiovascular Disease-Associated Skin Conditions. Vasc Health Risk Manag 2022; 18:43-53. [PMID: 35210782 PMCID: PMC8859268 DOI: 10.2147/vhrm.s343319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
According to data from the American Heart Association and the World Health Organization, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most frequent cause of premature death. Several inflammatory and non-inflammatory skin diseases have been associated with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk (CVR). Here, we classified these conditions into traditionally CVR-associated and those that have been linked to a lesser degree. Psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa are commonly associated with CVD, sharing common inflammatory pathways and a higher prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Many other diseases could be associated indirectly – with no common pathogenic features with the atheromatous disease – but share a higher prevalence of standard cardiovascular risk and chronic inflammatory state. This review aims to highlight the associated cardiovascular risk that exists for some dermatologic diseases and sensitize cardiologists, dermatologists, and first care providers to implement risk factor control promptly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lia Hojman
- Dermatology Department, Universidad del Desarrollo, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Santiago, Region Metropolitana, Chile
| | - Claudio Karsulovic
- Internal Medicine Department, Universidad del Desarrollo, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Santiago, Region Metropolitana, Chile
- Correspondence: Claudio Karsulovic, Internal Medicine Department, Universidad del Desarrollo, Facultad de Medicina Clinica Alemana, Avenida Vitacura 5951, Vitacura, Santiago, Region Metropolitana, Chile, Email
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Comune M, Rai A, Palma P, TondaTuro C, Ferreira L. Antimicrobial and pro-angiogenic properties of soluble and nanoparticle-immobilized LL37 peptides. Biomater Sci 2021; 9:8153-8159. [PMID: 34787608 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm01034d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), such as LL37 peptides, may be immobilized on the surface of medical devices to render them with antimicrobial and angiogenic properties. However, little is known about LL37 properties after immobilization. Here, we have studied the antimicrobial and pro-angiogenic activity of soluble and immobilized LL37 peptides (conjugated to gold nanoparticles). Both soluble and immobilized LL37 peptides have potent antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in the presence of 10% human serum (HS). However, the immobilized LL37 peptides showed less cytotoxicity to endothelial cells (ECs) at a concentration that was able to kill bacteria. Interestingly, although both soluble and immobilized LL37 peptides showed pro-angiogenic activities in Matrigel and chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assays, they induce different signalling pathways in ECs. The results described here highlight the importance of investigating the properties of immobilized AMPs that might act as a new entity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michela Comune
- CNC - Centro de Neurociências e Biologia Celular, CIBB - Centro de Inovação em Biomedicina e Biotecnologia, Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Akhilesh Rai
- CNC - Centro de Neurociências e Biologia Celular, CIBB - Centro de Inovação em Biomedicina e Biotecnologia, Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal. .,Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paulo Palma
- Institute of Endodontics, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Innovation and Research in Oral Sciences (CIROS), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Chiara TondaTuro
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Italy
| | - Lino Ferreira
- CNC - Centro de Neurociências e Biologia Celular, CIBB - Centro de Inovação em Biomedicina e Biotecnologia, Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal. .,Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Martell EM, González-Garcia M, Ständker L, Otero-González AJ. Host defense peptides as immunomodulators: The other side of the coin. Peptides 2021; 146:170644. [PMID: 34464592 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Host defense peptides (HDPs) exhibit a broad range of antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities. In this sense, both functions are like different sides of the same coin. The direct antimicrobial side was discovered first, and widely studied for the development of anti-infective therapies. In contrast, the immunomodulatory side was recognized later and in the last 20 years the interest in this field has been continuously growing. Different to their antimicrobial activities, the immunomodulatory activities of host defense peptides are more effective in vivo. They offer a great opportunity for new therapeutic applications in the fields of anti-infective therapy, chronic inflammatory diseases treatment, novel vaccine adjuvants development and anticancer immunotherapy. These immune related functions of HDPs includes chemoattraction of leukocytes, modulation of inflammation, enhancement of antigen presentation and polarization of adaptive immune responses. Our attempt with this review is to make a careful evaluation of different aspects of the less explored, but attractive immunomodulatory side of the HDP functional coin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto M Martell
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, Havana University, Cuba
| | | | - Ludger Ständker
- Core Facility Functional Peptidomics (CFP), Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Drayton M, Alford MA, Pletzer D, Haney EF, Machado Y, Luo HD, Overall CM, Kizhakkedathu JN, Hancock REW, Straus SK. Enzymatically releasable polyethylene glycol - host defense peptide conjugates with improved activity and biocompatibility. J Control Release 2021; 339:220-231. [PMID: 34597746 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.09.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Host defense peptides (HDPs) have been the subject of great interest for the treatment of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections due to their multimodal activity and low induction of resistance. However, aggregation, toxicity, and short biological half-life have limited their applicability for clinical treatment. Many methods have been explored to alleviate these issues, such as polymer (e.g., polyethylene glycol (PEG)) conjugation, but these are often accompanied by reductions in the activity of the HDP. Here, we detail the design of a novel PEG-HDP conjugate incorporating an enzymatic cleavage sequence targeting matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that accumulate at sites of inflammation and infection. Addition of the cleavage sequence onto either the N- or the C-terminal region of the parent peptide (peptide 73, a derivative of the HDP aurein 2.2) was explored to determine the location for optimal antimicrobial activity following MMP cleavage; furthermore, the susceptibility of the peptide to MMP cleavage after conjugation to 2 kDa or 5 kDa PEG was examined. The top candidate, L73, utilized an N-terminal cleavage site that was subsequently conjugated to a 2 kDa PEG polymer. Both L73 and the conjugate exhibited no antimicrobial activity in vitro until cleaved by purified MMP, which liberated a peptide fragment with 16- or 63-fold improved activity, respectively, corresponding to a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 8 μg/mL, comparable to that of peptide 73 (4 μg/mL). Furthermore, PEG conjugation improved the blood compatibility and reduced the aggregation tendency of the HDP in vitro, indicating enhanced biocompatibility. When administered as a single subcutaneous dose (~3.6 mg, or a peptide concentration of 142 mg/kg) in a mouse abscess model of high-density methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection, the conjugate displayed strong activity, reducing abscess size and bacterial load by 73.3% and 58-fold, respectively. This activity was completely lost when the cleavage site was rendered resistant to MMPs by the substitution of two d-amino acids, supporting the hypothesis that antimicrobial activity was dependent on cleavage by MMPs, which were shown here to increasingly accumulate at the abscess site up to 18 h post infection. Finally, the conjugate displayed biocompatibility in vivo, with no identifiable toxicity or aggregation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Drayton
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada; Centre for Blood Research, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Morgan A Alford
- Centre for Blood Research, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, 2259 Lower Mall Research Station, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Daniel Pletzer
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, 2259 Lower Mall Research Station, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, 720 Cumberland St, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Evan F Haney
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, 2259 Lower Mall Research Station, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Yoan Machado
- Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Haiming D Luo
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada; Centre for Blood Research, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Christopher M Overall
- Centre for Blood Research, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Jayachandran N Kizhakkedathu
- Centre for Blood Research, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, Canada; The School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2222 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Robert E W Hancock
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, 2259 Lower Mall Research Station, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Suzana K Straus
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Host Defense Peptides: Dual Antimicrobial and Immunomodulatory Action. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011172. [PMID: 34681833 PMCID: PMC8538224 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria has once again caused bacterial infections to become a global health concern. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), also known as host defense peptides (HDPs), offer a viable solution to these pathogens due to their diverse mechanisms of actions, which include direct killing as well as immunomodulatory properties (e.g., anti-inflammatory activity). HDPs may hence provide a more robust treatment of bacterial infections. In this review, the advent of and the mechanisms that lead to antibiotic resistance will be described. HDP mechanisms of antibacterial and immunomodulatory action will be presented, with specific examples of how the HDP aurein 2.2 and a few of its derivatives, namely peptide 73 and cG4L73, function. Finally, resistance that may arise from a broader use of HDPs in a clinical setting and methods to improve biocompatibility will be briefly discussed.
Collapse
|
48
|
Luo X, Ouyang J, Wang Y, Zhang M, Fu L, Xiao N, Gao L, Zhang P, Zhou J, Wang Y. A novel anionic cathelicidin lacking direct antimicrobial activity but with potent anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities from the salamander Tylototriton kweichowensis. Biochimie 2021; 191:37-50. [PMID: 34438004 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2021.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Cathelicidin is a family of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) existing in vertebrates, which play multiple functions in host responses against environmental stresses. All cathelicidins identified to date are cationic, no anionic member with net negative charges has been reported. In the present study, a novel anionic cathelicidin (TK-CATH) with a net charge of -3 was identified from the skin of the salamander, T. kweichowensis. Unlike most other cathelicidin members, it didn't exhibit direct antimicrobial activity. However, it demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory activity. It effectively inhibited the LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression and protein production in amphibian leukocytes and mouse macrophages by inhibiting the LPS-activated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Besides, TK-CATH showed potent wound healing activity. It could effectively induce the production of several cytokines, chemokines and growth factors relating to wound healing, promote the motility and proliferation of keratinocytes, and accelerate the skin wound healing in a mouse full-thickness wound model. These results imply that TK-CATH participates in both the inflammatory phase and new tissue formation phase of wound repair process. Meanwhile, TK-CATH exhibited weak but effective free radical scavenging activity and low cytotoxicity. All the results above indicate that TK-CATH is a multifunctional peptide in the skin of the salamander T. kweichowensis. It may play important roles in host immune responses against bacterial infection and skin wound repair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuanjin Luo
- Biology Department, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, 550000, Guizhou, China
| | - Jianhong Ouyang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Biology Department, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, 550000, Guizhou, China
| | - Minghui Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei Fu
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Ning Xiao
- Guiyang Nursing Vacational College, Guiyang, 550014, Guizhou, China
| | - Lianghui Gao
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, No. 1055 Sanxiang Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215004, China
| | - Jiang Zhou
- Biology Department, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, 550000, Guizhou, China.
| | - Yipeng Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Lointier M, Dussouillez C, Glattard E, Kichler A, Bechinger B. Different Biological Activities of Histidine-Rich Peptides Are Favored by Variations in Their Design. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:363. [PMID: 34065185 PMCID: PMC8160934 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13050363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The protein transduction and antimicrobial activities of histidine-rich designer peptides were investigated as a function of their sequence and compared to gene transfection, lentivirus transduction and calcein release activities. In membrane environments, the peptides adopt helical conformations where the positioning of the histidine side chains defines a hydrophilic angle when viewed as helical wheel. The transfection of DNA correlates with calcein release in biophysical experiments, being best for small hydrophilic angles supporting a model where lysis of the endosomal membrane is the limiting factor. In contrast, antimicrobial activities show an inverse correlation suggesting that other interactions and mechanisms dominate within the bacterial system. Furthermore, other derivatives control the lentiviral transduction enhancement or the transport of proteins into the cells. Here, we tested the transport into human cell lines of luciferase (63 kDa) and the ribosome-inactivating toxin saporin (30 kDa). Notably, depending on the protein, different peptide sequences are required for the best results, suggesting that the interactions are manifold and complex. As such, designed LAH4 peptides assure a large panel of biological and biophysical activities whereby the optimal result can be tuned by the physico-chemical properties of the sequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Morane Lointier
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, UMR7177, Institut de Chimie, 4, Rue Blaise Pascal, 67070 Strasbourg, France; (M.L.); (E.G.)
| | - Candice Dussouillez
- Laboratoire de Conception et Application de Molécules Bioactives, UMR7199 CNRS-Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, 67401 Illkirch, France;
| | - Elise Glattard
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, UMR7177, Institut de Chimie, 4, Rue Blaise Pascal, 67070 Strasbourg, France; (M.L.); (E.G.)
| | - Antoine Kichler
- Laboratoire de Conception et Application de Molécules Bioactives, UMR7199 CNRS-Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, 67401 Illkirch, France;
| | - Burkhard Bechinger
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, UMR7177, Institut de Chimie, 4, Rue Blaise Pascal, 67070 Strasbourg, France; (M.L.); (E.G.)
- Institut Universitaire de France, 75005 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Meca AD, Ștefănescu S, Bogdan M, Turcu-Știolică A, Nițu FM, Matei M, Cioboată R, Bugă AM, Pisoschi CG. Crosstalk between vitamin D axis, inflammation and host immunity mechanisms: A prospective study. Exp Ther Med 2021; 21:608. [PMID: 33936265 PMCID: PMC8082620 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10040] [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: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a public health burden, after many years at attempts for its eradication. Vitamin D (VD) status has been suggested to be related to TB susceptibility because it has the ability to regulate multiple axes of the innate and adaptive host immune response. VD mediates cathelicidin (LL-37) synthesis, a cationic bactericidal peptide, through the expression of vitamin D receptor (VDR). Host innate defense mechanisms include autophagy and apoptosis of alveolar macrophages. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between VD status, inflammation and host defense mechanisms before and after two months of first-line anti-TB pharmacotherapy. The study included newly diagnosed individuals with pulmonary TB without co-morbidities (HIV infection, diabetes, cancer) and without VD supplementation or other therapies interfering with VD serum levels. We measured serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-(OH)-D), the major circulating form of vitamin D, VDR, LL-37, beclin-1 (an autophagy marker) and M30 (an apoptosis biomarker) before and after two months of anti-TB treatment. Individuals presented lower levels of 25-(OH)-D before receiving first-line anti-TB treatment (T0) in comparison with its plasmatic levels after two-months of therapy (T2). At T2, patients were divided in two subgroups according the results of sputum-culture conversion. After two-months of therapy, decreased values of LL-37, beclin-1 and M30 were observed in the culture-negative patients compared to the culture-positive patients. Control of anti-TB treatment outcome could be improved by appraisal of VD status and host defense mechanisms such as autophagy and apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreea-Daniela Meca
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Simona Ștefănescu
- Clinical Laboratory, Clinical Emergency County Hospital, 200642 Craiova, Romania
| | - Maria Bogdan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Adina Turcu-Știolică
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Floarea Mimi Nițu
- Department of Pneumology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Marius Matei
- Department of Histology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Ramona Cioboată
- Department of Pneumology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Ana Maria Bugă
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | | |
Collapse
|