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Moellmann HL, Kommer K, Karnatz N, Pfeffer K, Henrich B, Rana M. Molecular Genetic Analysis of Perioperative Colonization by Infection-Related Microorganisms in Patients Receiving Intraoral Microvascular Grafts. J Clin Med 2024; 13:4103. [PMID: 39064142 PMCID: PMC11278416 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13144103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives: In oral and maxillofacial surgery, the reconstruction of defects often involves the transfer of skin tissue into the oral cavity utilizing microvascular grafts. This study investigates postoperative changes in microbial colonization following intraoral microvascular transplantation, as well as potential influencing factors. Methods: In 37 patients undergoing intraoral reconstructions, pre- and postoperative swabs were taken from the donor and recipient regions to quantify the seven selected marker bacteria using TaqMan PCRs. Patient-specific factors and clinical data were also recorded. Results: The infection-associated Acinetobacter baumannii tended to decrease postoperatively, while the infectious pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis and the family of Enterobacteriaceae showed a postoperative increase without being directly associated with a clinical infection. Streptococcus mitis showed a significant postoperative decrease on buccal mucosa and increase on the graft surface (oral dysbiosis) and was significantly reduced or displaced by other bacteria (e.g., Mycoplasma salivarium, positive selection) when treated with ampicillin/sulbactam. Conclusions: The cutaneous microbiome of the graft adapts to the local intraoral environment. Postoperative shifts in oral bacterial colonization and an increase in infection-relevant bacteria were observed. These perioperative changes in colonization are also influenced by the administration of ampicillin/sulbactam. Consequently, single doses of antibiotics appear to be more beneficial compared to longer-term preventive use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henriette Louise Moellmann
- Department of Cranio-and-Maxillo Facial Surgery, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (N.K.); (M.R.)
| | - Katharina Kommer
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (K.K.); (K.P.); (B.H.)
| | - Nadia Karnatz
- Department of Cranio-and-Maxillo Facial Surgery, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (N.K.); (M.R.)
| | - Klaus Pfeffer
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (K.K.); (K.P.); (B.H.)
| | - Birgit Henrich
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (K.K.); (K.P.); (B.H.)
| | - Majeed Rana
- Department of Cranio-and-Maxillo Facial Surgery, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (N.K.); (M.R.)
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2
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Marissen J, Reichert L, Härtel C, Fortmann MI, Faust K, Msanga D, Harder J, Zemlin M, Gomez de Agüero M, Masjosthusmann K, Humberg A. Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) and the Microbiome in Preterm Infants: Consequences and Opportunities for Future Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6684. [PMID: 38928389 PMCID: PMC11203687 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126684] [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: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are crucial components of the innate immune system in various organisms, including humans. Beyond their direct antimicrobial effects, AMPs play essential roles in various physiological processes. They induce angiogenesis, promote wound healing, modulate immune responses, and serve as chemoattractants for immune cells. AMPs regulate the microbiome and combat microbial infections on the skin, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. Produced in response to microbial signals, AMPs help maintain a balanced microbial community and provide a first line of defense against infection. In preterm infants, alterations in microbiome composition have been linked to various health outcomes, including sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis, atopic dermatitis, and respiratory infections. Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in the microbiome, can alter AMP profiles and potentially lead to inflammation-mediated diseases such as chronic lung disease and obesity. In the following review, we summarize what is known about the vital role of AMPs as multifunctional peptides in protecting newborn infants against infections and modulating the microbiome and immune response. Understanding their roles in preterm infants and high-risk populations offers the potential for innovative approaches to disease prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janina Marissen
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (J.M.); (L.R.)
- Würzburg Institute of Systems Immunology, Max-Planck Research Group, University of Würzburg, 97078 Würzburg, Germany;
| | - Lilith Reichert
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (J.M.); (L.R.)
| | - Christoph Härtel
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (J.M.); (L.R.)
- German Center for Infection Research, Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Mats Ingmar Fortmann
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, 23538 Lübeck, Germany; (M.I.F.); (K.F.)
| | - Kirstin Faust
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, 23538 Lübeck, Germany; (M.I.F.); (K.F.)
| | - Delfina Msanga
- Department of Pediatrics, Bugando Hospital, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza 33109, Tanzania;
| | - Jürgen Harder
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Quincke Research Center, Kiel University, 24105 Kiel, Germany;
| | - Michael Zemlin
- Department of General Pediatrics and Neonatology, Saarland University Medical Center, 66421 Homburg, Germany;
| | - Mercedes Gomez de Agüero
- Würzburg Institute of Systems Immunology, Max-Planck Research Group, University of Würzburg, 97078 Würzburg, Germany;
| | - Katja Masjosthusmann
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Children’s Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (K.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Alexander Humberg
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Children’s Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (K.M.); (A.H.)
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3
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Wang Y, Pan Z, Cui J, Zhang X, Li D, Sun H, Yang B, Li Y. Adhesive hydrogel releases protocatechualdehyde-Fe 3+ complex to promote three healing stages for accelerated therapy of oral ulcers. Acta Biomater 2024; 178:68-82. [PMID: 38452962 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.02.047] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Oral ulcers can significantly reduce the life quality of patients and even lead to malignant transformations. Local treatments using topical agents are often ineffective because of the wet and dynamic environment of the oral cavity. Current clinical treatments for oral ulcers, such as corticosteroids, have limitations and side effects for long-term usage. Here, we develop adhesive hydrogel patches (AHPs) that effectively promote the healing of oral ulcers in a rat model. The AHPs are comprised of the quaternary ammonium salt of chitosan, aldehyde-functionalized hyaluronic acid, and a tridentate complex of protocatechualdehyde and Fe3+ (PF). The AHPs exhibit tunable mechanical properties, self-healing ability, and wet adhesion on the oral mucosa. Through controlling the formula of the AHPs, PF released from the AHPs in a temporal manner. We further show that the AHPs have good biocompatibility and the capability to heal oral ulcers rapidly. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments indicate that the PF released from AHPs facilitated ulcer healing by suppressing inflammation, promoting macrophage polarization, enhancing cell proliferation, and inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition involving inflammation, proliferation, and maturation stages. This study provides insights into the healing of oral ulcers and presents an effective therapeutic biomaterial for the treatment of oral ulcers. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: By addressing the challenges associated with current clinical treatments for oral ulcers, the development of adhesive hydrogel patches (AHPs) presents an effective approach. These AHPs possess unique properties, such as tunable mechanical characteristics, self-healing ability, and strong adhesion to the mucosa. Through controlled release of protocatechualdehyde-Fe3+ complex, the AHPs facilitate the healing process by suppressing inflammation, promoting cell proliferation, and inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The study not only provides valuable insights into the healing mechanisms of oral ulcers but also introduces a promising therapeutic biomaterial. This work holds significant scientific interest and demonstrates the potential to greatly improve the treatment outcomes and quality of life for individuals suffering from oral ulcers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, China
| | - Ziyi Pan
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Tooth Development and Bone Remodeling, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, China
| | - Jing Cui
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Tooth Development and Bone Remodeling, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Tooth Development and Bone Remodeling, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, China
| | - Daowei Li
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Tooth Development and Bone Remodeling, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, China.
| | - Hongchen Sun
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Tooth Development and Bone Remodeling, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, China
| | - Bai Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, China; Joint Laboratory of Opto-Functional Theranostics in Medicine and Chemistry, The First Hospital of Jilin University, China
| | - Yunfeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, China; Joint Laboratory of Opto-Functional Theranostics in Medicine and Chemistry, The First Hospital of Jilin University, China.
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4
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Myers MJ, Xu Z, Ryan BJ, DeMars ZR, Ridder MJ, Johnson DK, Krute CN, Flynn TS, Kashipathy MM, Battaile KP, Schnicker N, Lovell S, Freudenthal BD, Bose JL. Molecular basis for the activation of the Fatty Acid Kinase complex of Staphylococcus aureus. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.19.585040. [PMID: 38562735 PMCID: PMC10983944 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.19.585040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Gram-positive bacteria utilize a Fatty Acid Kinase (FAK) complex to harvest fatty acids from the environment. The complex, consisting of the fatty acid kinase, FakA, and an acyl carrier protein, FakB, is known to impact virulence and disease outcomes. However, FAK's structure and enzymatic mechanism remain poorly understood. Here, we used a combination of modeling, biochemical, and cell-based approaches to establish critical details of FAK activity. Solved structures of the apo and ligand-bound FakA kinase domain captured the protein state through ATP hydrolysis. Additionally, targeted mutagenesis of an understudied FakA Middle domain identified critical residues within a metal-binding pocket that contribute to FakA dimer stability and protein function. Regarding the complex, we demonstrated nanomolar affinity between FakA and FakB and generated computational models of the complex's quaternary structure. Together, these data provide critical insight into the structure and function of the FAK complex which is essential for understanding its mechanism.
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5
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de Szalay S, Wertz PW. Protective Barriers Provided by the Epidermis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043145. [PMID: 36834554 PMCID: PMC9961209 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043145] [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: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The skin is the largest organ of the body and consists of an epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous adipose tissue. The skin surface area is often stated to be about 1.8 to 2 m2 and represents our interface with the environment; however, when one considers that microorganisms live in the hair follicles and can enter sweat ducts, the area that interacts with this aspect of the environment becomes about 25-30 m2. Although all layers of the skin, including the adipose tissue, participate in antimicrobial defense, this review will focus mainly on the role of the antimicrobial factors in the epidermis and at the skin surface. The outermost layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum, is physically tough and chemically inert which protects against numerous environmental stresses. It provides a permeability barrier which is attributable to lipids in the intercellular spaces between the corneocytes. In addition to the permeability barrier, there is an innate antimicrobial barrier at the skin surface which involves antimicrobial lipids, peptides and proteins. The skin surface has a low surface pH and is poor in certain nutrients, which limits the range of microorganisms that can survive there. Melanin and trans-urocanic acid provide protection from UV radiation, and Langerhans cells in the epidermis are poised to monitor the local environment and to trigger an immune response as needed. Each of these protective barriers will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah de Szalay
- Sarah de Szalay Consulting, LLC, Wesy Milford, NJ 07480, USA
| | - Philip W. Wertz
- Dows Institute for Dental Research, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA
- Correspondence:
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6
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Guo Y, Zhang J, Li X, Wu J, Han J, Yang G, Zhang L. Oxidative stress mediated immunosuppression caused by ammonia gas via antioxidant/oxidant imbalance in broilers. Br Poult Sci 2023; 64:36-46. [PMID: 36083210 DOI: 10.1080/00071668.2022.2122025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
1. Ammonia is one of major air pollutants in intensive poultry houses, where it causes immunosuppression in broilers. Although previous studies have focused on a particular organ, data on multiple organs have not been reported.2. In the following work, broilers were exposed to environmental ammonia (0, 10, 20, and 40 mg/m3 from 1-21 d old; and 0, 15, 30, and 60 mg/m3 from 22-42 d old).3. Ammonia exposure reduced bird spleen index at 42 d and thymus index at 14, 28, 35 and 42 d, meaning that ammonia caused immunosuppression in birds. Moreover, high ammonia exposure down-regulated the expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in lung tissue at 21 d, as well as TLR4 in lung and tracheal mucosa at 42 d when analysed using qRT-PCR. It increased SIgA in saliva at 42 d when analysed by ELISA. Ammonia increased interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, interferon-α (IFN-α), and IFN-γ in serum at 28 d from the ELISA assay, which indicated that all of these factors took part in ammonia-immunosuppression in birds.4. Three antioxidants (CAT, SOD, T-AOC) decreased, and one oxidant MDA increased after ammonia exposure in the liver and blood, which indicated that ammonia caused oxidative stress via the imbalance of antioxidants/oxidants in birds.5. Correlation analysis showed that TLR4 and TLR15 in the tracheal mucosa were significantly positively related to IFN-γ and negatively related to IL-6. TLR2 in the lung was significantly positively related to IL-1β, and TLR2 in bird tracheal mucosa was negatively related to IL-6 in serum.6. The results suggested that oxidative stress mediated immunosuppression caused by ammonia gas via antioxidant/oxidant imbalance in broilers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Guo
- Department of Animal Science, College of Biology and Food, Shangqiu Normal University, Shangqiu, Henan, China
- Henan Engineering Research Center of Development and Application of Green Feed Additives, Shangqiu, Henan, China
| | - J Zhang
- Department of Animal Science, College of Biology and Food, Shangqiu Normal University, Shangqiu, Henan, China
- Henan Engineering Research Center of Development and Application of Green Feed Additives, Shangqiu, Henan, China
| | - X Li
- Department of Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - J Wu
- Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - J Han
- Department of Animal Science, College of Biology and Food, Shangqiu Normal University, Shangqiu, Henan, China
- Henan Engineering Research Center of Development and Application of Green Feed Additives, Shangqiu, Henan, China
| | - G Yang
- Department of Animal Science, College of Biology and Food, Shangqiu Normal University, Shangqiu, Henan, China
- Henan Engineering Research Center of Development and Application of Green Feed Additives, Shangqiu, Henan, China
| | - L Zhang
- Department of Animal Science, College of Biology and Food, Shangqiu Normal University, Shangqiu, Henan, China
- Henan Engineering Research Center of Development and Application of Green Feed Additives, Shangqiu, Henan, China
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7
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Jong T, Mudgil P. Exploring antimicrobial properties of cholesterol esters: a systematic literature review. ALL LIFE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/26895293.2022.2085816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Jong
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
| | - Poonam Mudgil
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
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8
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Lai S, Zhang Q, Jin L. Natural and Man-Made Cyclic Peptide-Based Antibiotics. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 12:antibiotics12010042. [PMID: 36671244 PMCID: PMC9855121 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12010042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, an increasing number of drug-resistant bacterial strains have been identified due to the abuse of antibiotics, which seriously threatens human and animal health. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have become one of the most effective weapons to solve this problem. AMPs have little tendency to induce drug resistance and have outstanding antimicrobial effects. The study of AMPs, especially cyclic peptides, has become a hot topic. Among them, macrocyclic AMPs have received extensive attention. This mini-review discusses the structures and functions of the dominant cyclic natural and synthetic AMPs and provides a little outlook on the future direction of cyclic AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shian Lai
- Small Molecule Drugs Sichuan Key Laboratory, Institute of Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Doshisha University, Kyotanabe 610-0394, Japan
| | - Quan Zhang
- Small Molecule Drugs Sichuan Key Laboratory, Institute of Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China
| | - Lin Jin
- Small Molecule Drugs Sichuan Key Laboratory, Institute of Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China
- Correspondence:
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9
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Hassan M, Flanagan TW, Kharouf N, Bertsch C, Mancino D, Haikel Y. Antimicrobial Proteins: Structure, Molecular Action, and Therapeutic Potential. Pharmaceutics 2022; 15:pharmaceutics15010072. [PMID: 36678702 PMCID: PMC9864823 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010072] [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: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Second- and third-line treatments of patients with antibiotic-resistant infections can have serious side effects, such as organ failure with prolonged care and recovery. As clinical practices such as cancer therapies, chronic disease treatment, and organ transplantation rely on the ability of available antibiotics to fight infection, the increased resistance of microbial pathogens presents a multifaceted, serious public health concern worldwide. The pipeline of traditional antibiotics is exhausted and unable to overcome the continuously developing multi-drug resistance. To that end, the widely observed limitation of clinically utilized antibiotics has prompted researchers to find a clinically relevant alternate antimicrobial strategy. In recent decades, the discovery of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as an excellent candidate to overcome antibiotic resistance has received further attention, particularly from scientists, health professionals, and the pharmaceutical industry. Effective AMPs are characterized by a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activities, high pathogen specificity, and low toxicity. In addition to their antimicrobial activity, AMPs have been found to be involved in a variety of biological functions, including immune regulation, angiogenesis, wound healing, and antitumor activity. This review provides a current overview of the structure, molecular action, and therapeutic potential of AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Hassan
- Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Strasbourg University, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Department of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, INSERM UMR_S 1121, Biomaterials and Bioengineering, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Research Laboratory of Surgery-Oncology, Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-504-339-2671
| | - Thomas W. Flanagan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Naji Kharouf
- Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Strasbourg University, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Department of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, INSERM UMR_S 1121, Biomaterials and Bioengineering, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Christelle Bertsch
- Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Strasbourg University, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Department of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, INSERM UMR_S 1121, Biomaterials and Bioengineering, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Davide Mancino
- Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Strasbourg University, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Department of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, INSERM UMR_S 1121, Biomaterials and Bioengineering, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Youssef Haikel
- Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Strasbourg University, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Department of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, INSERM UMR_S 1121, Biomaterials and Bioengineering, 67000 Strasbourg, France
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Staphylococcal Corneocyte Adhesion: Assay Optimization and Roles of Aap and SasG Adhesins in the Establishment of Healthy Skin Colonization. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0246922. [PMID: 36219106 PMCID: PMC9769725 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02469-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic pathogen that causes the majority of wound and soft tissue infections. The accumulation-associated protein (Aap) from S. epidermidis and surface protein G (SasG) from S. aureus are cell wall-anchored (CWA) proteins known to be important in adhesion to healthy corneocytes from human skin. We investigated the mechanisms by which S. aureus colonizes healthy human skin by developing an optimized corneocyte adhesion assay. Trypan blue was used for enhanced red autofluorescent visualization of corneocytes with an overlay of green-fluorescent bacteria. The percent area of bacterial adhesion for images acquired by a fluorescence microscope was quantified using Fiji ImageJ. Using this optimized imaging procedure, differences in adhesion between various species and strains of staphylococci were measured. The ability of purified SasG to reduce Staphylococcus epidermidis adhesion was investigated in order to determine if these CWA proteins can compete for binding sites. To further test CWA-mediated adhesion, we engineered a nonadhering S. carnosus strain to express full-length SasG from two methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains. Finally, we demonstrated that the SasG A domain was a critical region of this surface protein for adherence to healthy human corneocytes. The developed imaging and expression methods are useful for studying staphylococcal adhesion to healthy human skin and have the potential to be used with a wide variety of fluorescently labeled organisms on both healthy and disease-state (such as atopic dermatitis) corneocytes. IMPORTANCE The skin is the largest organ of the human body and acts as a shield against hazards such as harmful bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus. A diverse skin microbiota and immune cross talk control S. aureus numbers. S. aureus can bind to healthy skin and subsequently proliferate when the skin barrier is compromised, such as in a wound or in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). It is important to understand these mechanisms in an effort to prevent pathogenic bacteria from causing infection. We describe an augmented corneocyte adhesion assay using fluorescence microscopy to study binding of various staphylococcal species to healthy human skin cells. In addition, we tested the ability of homologous proteins from different staphylococcal species to reduce binding, and developed a new S. carnosus expression system to test individual protein binding properties. Our newly developed methods and findings will enhance the understanding of how staphylococci bind to healthy human skin.
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11
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Pasman R, Krom BP, Zaat SAJ, Brul S. The Role of the Oral Immune System in Oropharyngeal Candidiasis-Facilitated Invasion and Dissemination of Staphylococcus aureus. FRONTIERS IN ORAL HEALTH 2022; 3:851786. [PMID: 35464779 PMCID: PMC9021398 DOI: 10.3389/froh.2022.851786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus account for most invasive fungal and bacterial bloodstream infections (BSIs), respectively. However, the initial point of invasion responsible for S. aureus BSIs is often unclear. Recently, C. albicans has been proposed to mediate S. aureus invasion of immunocompromised hosts during co-colonization of oral mucosal surfaces. The status of the oral immune system crucially contributes to this process in two distinct ways: firstly, by allowing invasive C. albicans growth during dysfunction of extra-epithelial immunity, and secondly following invasion by some remaining function of intra-epithelial immunity. Immunocompromised individuals at risk of developing invasive oral C. albicans infections could, therefore, also be at risk of contracting concordant S. aureus BSIs. Considering the crucial contribution of both oral immune function and dysfunction, the aim of this review is to provide an overview of relevant aspects of intra and extra-epithelial oral immunity and discuss predominant immune deficiencies expected to facilitate C. albicans induced S. aureus BSIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond Pasman
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbial Food Safety, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Bastiaan P. Krom
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sebastian A. J. Zaat
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Stanley Brul
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbial Food Safety, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Stanley Brul
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12
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Mudgil P. Antimicrobial Tear Lipids in the Ocular Surface Defense. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:866900. [PMID: 35433501 PMCID: PMC9008483 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.866900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The concept of antimicrobial lipids as effectors of innate host defense is an emerging field. There is limited knowledge on the antimicrobial role of lipids in the ocular environment. Tears act as first line of defense to protect the ocular surface from infections. Antimicrobial effects of tear lipids have been demonstrated using meibomian lipids that are the source of majority of lipids in tears. This article describes the knowledge available on the antimicrobial role of tear lipids at the ocular surface and the antimicrobial potential of various lipid classes present in tears that can contribute to antimicrobial protection of the eye. Like other mucosal secretions, tears contain many proteins and lipids with known antimicrobial effects. The antimicrobial defense of tears is far stronger than can be demonstrated by the effects of individual compounds many of which are present in low concentrations but synergistic and additive interactions between them provide substantial antimicrobial protection to the ocular surface. It is inferred that antimicrobial lipids play important role in innate defense of tears, and cooperative interactions between various antimicrobial lipids and proteins in tears provide a potent host defense mechanism that is effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens and renders self-sterilizing properties to tears for keeping the microbial load low at the ocular surface.
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Ebersole JL, Kirakodu S, Nguyen L, Gonzalez OA. Gingival Transcriptome of Innate Antimicrobial Factors and the Oral Microbiome With Aging and Periodontitis. FRONTIERS IN ORAL HEALTH 2022; 3:817249. [PMID: 35330821 PMCID: PMC8940521 DOI: 10.3389/froh.2022.817249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelial barrier at mucosal sites comprises an important mechanical protective feature of innate immunity, and is intimately involved in communicating signals of infection/tissue damage to inflammatory and immune cells in these local environments. A wide array of antimicrobial factors (AMF) exist at mucosal sites and in secretions that contribute to this innate immunity. A non-human primate model of ligature-induced periodontitis was used to explore characteristics of the antimicrobial factor transcriptome (n = 114 genes) of gingival biopsies in health, initiation and progression of periodontal lesions, and in samples with clinical resolution. Age effects and relationship of AMF to the dominant members of the oral microbiome were also evaluated. AMF could be stratified into 4 groups with high (n = 22), intermediate (n = 29), low (n = 18) and very low (n = 45) expression in healthy adult tissues. A subset of AMF were altered in healthy young, adolescent and aged samples compared with adults (e.g., APP, CCL28, DEFB113, DEFB126, FLG2, PRH1) and were affected across multiple age groups. With disease, a greater number of the AMF genes were affected in the adult and aged samples with skewing toward decreased expression, for example WDC12, PGLYRP3, FLG2, DEFB128, and DEF4A/B, with multiple age groups. Few of the AMF genes showed a >2-fold increase with disease in any age group. Selected AMF exhibited significant positive correlations across the array of AMF that varied in health and disease. In contrast, a rather limited number of the AMF significantly correlated with members of the microbiome; most prominent in healthy samples. These correlated microbes were different in younger and older samples and differed in health, disease and resolution samples. The findings supported effects of age on the expression of AMF genes in healthy gingival tissues showing a relationship to members of the oral microbiome. Furthermore, a dynamic expression of AMF genes was related to the disease process and showed similarities across the age groups, except for low/very low expressed genes that were unaffected in young samples. Targeted assessment of AMF members from this large array may provide insight into differences in disease risk and biomolecules that provide some discernment of early transition to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey L. Ebersole
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, United States
- Center for Oral Health Research, College of Dentistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
- *Correspondence: Jeffrey L. Ebersole
| | - Sreenatha Kirakodu
- Center for Oral Health Research, College of Dentistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Linh Nguyen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, United States
| | - Octavio A. Gonzalez
- Center for Oral Health Research, College of Dentistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
- Division of Periodontology, College of Dentistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
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Beadell BA, Chieng A, Parducho KR, Dai Z, Ho SO, Fujii G, Wang Y, Porter E. Nano- and Macroscale Imaging of Cholesterol Linoleate and Human Beta Defensin 2-Induced Changes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10111279. [PMID: 34827217 PMCID: PMC8615053 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10111279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The biofilm production of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is central to establishing chronic infection in the airways in cystic fibrosis. Epithelial cells secrete an array of innate immune factors, including antimicrobial proteins and lipids, such as human beta defensin 2 (HBD2) and cholesteryl lineolate (CL), respectively, to combat colonization by pathogens. We have recently shown that HBD2 inhibits biofilm production by PA, possibly linked to interference with the transport of biofilm precursors. Considering that both HBD2 and CL are increased in airway fluids during infection, we hypothesized that CL synergizes with HBD2 in biofilm inhibition. CL was formulated in phospholipid-based liposomes (CL-PL). As measured by atomic force microscopy of single bacteria, CL-PL alone and in combination with HBD2 significantly increased bacterial surface roughness. Additionally, extracellular structures emanated from untreated bacterial cells, but not from cells treated with CL-PL and HBD2 alone and in combination. Crystal violet staining of the biofilm revealed that CL-PL combined with HBD2 effected a significant decrease of biofilm mass and increased the number of larger biofilm particles consistent with altered cohesion of formed biofilms. These data suggest that CL and HBD2 affect PA biofilm formation at the single cell and community-wide level and that the community-wide effects of CL are enhanced by HBD2. This research may inform future novel treatments for recalcitrant infections in the airways of CF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brent A. Beadell
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA; (B.A.B.); (K.R.P.)
| | - Andy Chieng
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA; (A.C.); (Y.W.)
| | - Kevin R. Parducho
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA; (B.A.B.); (K.R.P.)
| | - Zhipeng Dai
- Molecular Express, Inc., Rancho Dominguez, CA 90220, USA; (Z.D.); (S.O.H.); (G.F.)
| | - Sam On Ho
- Molecular Express, Inc., Rancho Dominguez, CA 90220, USA; (Z.D.); (S.O.H.); (G.F.)
| | - Gary Fujii
- Molecular Express, Inc., Rancho Dominguez, CA 90220, USA; (Z.D.); (S.O.H.); (G.F.)
| | - Yixian Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA; (A.C.); (Y.W.)
| | - Edith Porter
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA; (B.A.B.); (K.R.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-323-343-6353
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Efficacy of Cathelicidin LL-37 in an MRSA Wound Infection Mouse Model. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10101210. [PMID: 34680791 PMCID: PMC8532939 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10101210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: LL-37 is the only human antimicrobial peptide that belongs to the cathelicidins. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of LL-37 in the management of MRSA-infected surgical wounds in mice. Methods: A wound on the back of adult male BALB/c mice was made and inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus. Two control groups were formed (uninfected and not treated, C0; infected and not treated, C1) and six contaminated groups were treated, respectively, with: teicoplanin, LL-37, given topically and /or systemically. Histological examination of VEGF expression and micro-vessel density, and bacterial cultures of wound tissues, were performed. Results: Histological examination of wounds in the group treated with topical and intraperitoneal LL-37 showed increased re-epithelialization, formation of the granulation tissue, collagen organization, and angiogenesis. Conclusions: Based on the mode of action, LL-37 has a potential future role in the management of infected wounds.
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Ijaz MK, Nims RW, de Szalay S, Rubino JR. Soap, water, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2): an ancient handwashing strategy for preventing dissemination of a novel virus. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12041. [PMID: 34616601 PMCID: PMC8451441 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Public Health Agencies worldwide (World Health Organization, United States Centers for Disease Prevention & Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, etc.) are recommending hand washing with soap and water for preventing the dissemination of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections. In this review, we have discussed the mechanisms of decontamination by soap and water (involving both removal and inactivation), described the contribution of the various components of formulated soaps to performance as cleansers and to pathogen inactivation, explained why adherence to recommended contact times is critical, evaluated the possible contribution of water temperature to inactivation, discussed the advantages of antimicrobial soaps vs. basic soaps, discussed the differences between use of soap and water vs. alcohol-based hand sanitizers for hand decontamination, and evaluated the limitations and advantages of different methods of drying hands following washing. While the paper emphasizes data applicable to SARS-CoV-2, the topics discussed are germane to most emerging and re-emerging enveloped and non-enveloped viruses and many other pathogen types.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Khalid Ijaz
- Global Research & Development for Lysol and Dettol, Reckitt Benckiser LLC, Montvale, New Jersey, United States
- Department of Biology, Medgar Evers College of the City University of New York (CUNY), Brooklyn, New York, United States
| | - Raymond W. Nims
- RMC Pharmaceutical Solutions, Inc., Longmont, Colorado, United States
| | - Sarah de Szalay
- Global Research & Development for Lysol and Dettol, Reckitt Benckiser LLC, Montvale, New Jersey, United States
| | - Joseph R. Rubino
- Global Research & Development for Lysol and Dettol, Reckitt Benckiser LLC, Montvale, New Jersey, United States
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Kawamoto M, Tanaka H, Sakurai A, Otagiri H, Karasawa I, Yamada SI, Kurita H. Exploration of correlation of oral hygiene and condition with influenza infection. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254981. [PMID: 34407097 PMCID: PMC8372885 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza viruses are known to be infected through epithelial cells of the upper respiratory tract. The oral cavity is in close anatomical proximity to the upper respiratory tract, and it is conceivable that the viruses could pass through the oral cavity and infect to the upper respiratory tract. Several researchers have suggested that colonization of certain pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pneumoniae might affect the risk of influenza viral disease, indicating that oral hygiene and/or condition might play an important role in respiratory viral infection. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether an oral hygiene/condition might impact influenza infection. We conducted a retrospective observational study of Japanese citizens' regional cohort (N = 2,904) consisting of National Health Insurance beneficiaries who underwent annual health/dental examination with data entries in the Kokuho database (KDB). Trained dentists checked the oral hygiene/condition, and saliva specimens were examined using the LION dental saliva multi-test (SMT) kit. Influenza infection was identified from the diagnosis recorded in the KDB. The correlations between influenza infection and oral hygiene, dryness of the mouth, or various salivary test results were examined by a multivariate analysis adjusting for confounding factors such as gender, age, recent smoking, alcohol drinking, BMI, HbA1c, RBC for influenza infection. The logistic regression model showed that age significantly correlated with influenza infection. In addition, oral hygiene status had a nearly significant impact on influenza infection (p = 0.061), whereby, the subjects with poor oral hygiene had a higher risk of influenza infection than those with good oral hygiene (odds ratio: 1.63, 95% confidence interval: 0.89-2.95). Further, the prevalence of influenza infection was lower in the subjects with saliva weakly acidic and/or containing higher protein level. The results of this study suggested that the maintenance of oral health conditions might be one of the pivotal factors for preventing and reducing influenza infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makiko Kawamoto
- Department of Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Tanaka
- Department of Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Akinari Sakurai
- Department of Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Hiroki Otagiri
- Department of Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Imahito Karasawa
- Department of Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Shin-ichi Yamada
- Department of Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kurita
- Department of Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
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State-of-the-Art Dermatophyte Infections: Epidemiology Aspects, Pathophysiology, and Resistance Mechanisms. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7080629. [PMID: 34436168 PMCID: PMC8401872 DOI: 10.3390/jof7080629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The burden of fungal infections is not widely appreciated. Although these infections are responsible for over one million deaths annually, it is estimated that one billion people are affected by severe fungal diseases. Mycoses of nails and skin, primarily caused by fungi known as dermatophytes, are the most common fungal infections. Trichophyton rubrum appears to be the most common causative agent of dermatophytosis, followed by Trichophyton interdigitale. An estimated 25% of the world’s population suffers from dermatomycosis. Although these infections are not lethal, they compromise the quality of life of infected patients. The outcome of antidermatophytic treatments is impaired by various conditions, such as resistance and tolerance of certain dermatophyte strains. The adage “know your enemy” must be the focus of fungal research. There is an urgent need to increase awareness about the significance of these infections with precise epidemiological data and to improve knowledge regarding fungal biology and pathogenesis, with an emphasis on adaptive mechanisms to tackle adverse conditions from host counteractions. This review outlines the current knowledge about dermatophyte infections, with a focus on signaling pathways required for fungal infection establishment and a broad perspective on cellular and molecular factors involved in antifungal resistance and tolerance.
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Peters EMJ, Schedlowski M, Watzl C, Gimsa U. To stress or not to stress: Brain-behavior-immune interaction may weaken or promote the immune response to SARS-CoV-2. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 14:100296. [PMID: 33527083 PMCID: PMC7839386 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to strongly affect people with health disadvantages, creating a heavy burden on medical systems and societies worldwide. Research is growing rapidly and recently revealed that stress-related factors such as socio-economic status, may also play a pivotal role. However, stress research investigating the underlying psychoneuroimmune interactions is missing. Here we address the question whether stress-associated neuroendocrine-immune mechanisms can possibly contribute to an increase in SARS-CoV-2 infections and influence the course of COVID-19 disease. Additionally, we discuss that not all forms of stress (e.g. acute versus chronic) are detrimental and that some types of stress could attenuate infection-risk and -progression. The overall aim of this review is to motivate future research efforts to clarify whether psychosocial interventions have the potential to optimize neuroendocrine-immune responses against respiratory viral infections during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. The current state of research on different types of stress is summarized in a comprehensive narrative review to promote a psychoneuroimmune understanding of how stress and its mediators cortisol, (nor)adrenaline, neuropeptides and neurotrophins can shape the immune defense against viral diseases. Based on this understanding, we describe how people with high psychosocial stress can be identified, which behaviors and psychosocial interventions may contribute to optimal stress management, and how psychoneuroimmune knowledge can be used to improve adequate care for COVID-19 and other patients with viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva M J Peters
- Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen and Universitätsmedizin-Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Manfred Schedlowski
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, University Hospital Essen, Germany and Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carsten Watzl
- Department for Immunology, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo) at TU Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Ulrike Gimsa
- Psychophysiology Unit, Institute of Behavioural Physiology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
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