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Wang X, Wang Q, Wang J, Wang X, Yin L, Wang C, Fan G, Pan J. A Novel Lipopeptide-Functionalized Metal-Organic Framework for Periodontitis Therapy through the Htra1/FAK/YAP Pathway. Biomater Res 2024; 28:0057. [PMID: 39076893 PMCID: PMC11283871 DOI: 10.34133/bmr.0057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by plaque accumulation, resulting in immune microenvironment disorders and resorption of alveolar bone. To promote bone healing under inflammatory environments, a functional biomaterial based on disease pathophysiology is designed. A novel fatty acid C10-modified polypeptide, C10-KR8, is discovered to have excellent abilities in modulating macrophage repolarization and promoting bone regeneration in periodontitis. To build a multifunctional material localized drug delivery system, C10-KR8@ZIF-8 (C10-KR8-loaded zeolitic imidazolate framework-8) nanoparticles are constructed to sustainedly release the C10-KR8 peptide and Zn elements. By synergistic effects of providing a dynamic immuno-modulatory environment and promoting osteogenesis under pathological conditions, the obtained pH-responsive nanoparticles display excellent bone regeneration capability. Furthermore, coimmunoprecipitation/liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis and proteomics analysis revealed that the C10-KR8 peptide directly interacts with the high-temperature requirement protein A1 (Htra1), and C10-KR8@ZIF-8 nanoparticles promote the osteogenic differentiation of bone mesenchymal stem cells by activating the focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway and enhancing the nuclear localization of Yes-associated protein (YAP). Taken together, this study demonstrates C10-KR8 peptide regulate osteoimmunology and bone regeneration by Htra1/FAK/YAP pathway and that ZIF-8-based peptide loading platform is a promising strategy for periodontitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuechun Wang
- Department of Stomatology, Shanghai General Hospital,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Department of Stomatology, Shanghai General Hospital,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of General Dentistry, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology,
Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Research Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- Department of Stomatology, Shanghai General Hospital,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Linling Yin
- Department of Stomatology, Shanghai General Hospital,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Changping Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai General Hospital,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Guangjian Fan
- Precision Research Center for Refractory Diseases, Institute for Clinical Research, Shanghai General Hospital,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Jinsong Pan
- Department of Stomatology, Shanghai General Hospital,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
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2
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Tajer L, Paillart JC, Dib H, Sabatier JM, Fajloun Z, Abi Khattar Z. Molecular Mechanisms of Bacterial Resistance to Antimicrobial Peptides in the Modern Era: An Updated Review. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1259. [PMID: 39065030 PMCID: PMC11279074 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12071259] [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: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a serious global health concern, resulting in a significant number of deaths annually due to infections that are resistant to treatment. Amidst this crisis, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics (ATBs). These cationic peptides, naturally produced by all kingdoms of life, play a crucial role in the innate immune system of multicellular organisms and in bacterial interspecies competition by exhibiting broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. AMPs target bacterial pathogens through multiple mechanisms, most importantly by disrupting their membranes, leading to cell lysis. However, bacterial resistance to host AMPs has emerged due to a slow co-evolutionary process between microorganisms and their hosts. Alarmingly, the development of resistance to last-resort AMPs in the treatment of MDR infections, such as colistin, is attributed to the misuse of this peptide and the high rate of horizontal genetic transfer of the corresponding resistance genes. AMP-resistant bacteria employ diverse mechanisms, including but not limited to proteolytic degradation, extracellular trapping and inactivation, active efflux, as well as complex modifications in bacterial cell wall and membrane structures. This review comprehensively examines all constitutive and inducible molecular resistance mechanisms to AMPs supported by experimental evidence described to date in bacterial pathogens. We also explore the specificity of these mechanisms toward structurally diverse AMPs to broaden and enhance their potential in developing and applying them as therapeutics for MDR bacteria. Additionally, we provide insights into the significance of AMP resistance within the context of host-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layla Tajer
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology (LBA3B), Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and Its Applications, Department of Cell Culture, EDST, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon; (L.T.); (Z.F.)
| | - Jean-Christophe Paillart
- CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l’ARN, UPR 9002, Université de Strasbourg, 2 Allée Konrad Roentgen, F-67000 Strasbourg, France;
| | - Hanna Dib
- College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Egaila 54200, Kuwait;
| | - Jean-Marc Sabatier
- CNRS, INP, Inst Neurophysiopathol, Aix-Marseille Université, 13385 Marseille, France
| | - Ziad Fajloun
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology (LBA3B), Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and Its Applications, Department of Cell Culture, EDST, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon; (L.T.); (Z.F.)
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences 3, Lebanese University, Campus Michel Slayman Ras Maska, Tripoli 1352, Lebanon
| | - Ziad Abi Khattar
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Kalhat, P.O. Box 100, Tripoli, Lebanon
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3
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Roque-Borda CA, Primo LMDG, Franzyk H, Hansen PR, Pavan FR. Recent advances in the development of antimicrobial peptides against ESKAPE pathogens. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31958. [PMID: 38868046 PMCID: PMC11167364 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Multi-drug resistant ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species) are a global health threat. The severity of the problem lies in its impact on mortality, therapeutic limitations, the threat to public health, and the costs associated with managing infections caused by these resistant strains. Effectively addressing this challenge requires innovative approaches to research, the development of new antimicrobials, and more responsible antibiotic use practices globally. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a part of the innate immune system of all higher organisms. They are short, cationic and amphipathic molecules with broad-spectrum activity. AMPs interact with the negatively charged bacterial membrane. In recent years, AMPs have attracted considerable interest as potential antibiotics. However, AMPs have low bioavailability and short half-lives, which may be circumvented by chemical modification. This review presents recent in vitro and in silico strategies for the modification of AMPs to improve their stability and application in preclinical experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesar Augusto Roque-Borda
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Tuberculosis Research Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, Brazil
- Universidad Católica de Santa María, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Arequipa, Peru
| | | | - Henrik Franzyk
- University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Denmark
| | - Paul Robert Hansen
- University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Denmark
| | - Fernando Rogério Pavan
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Tuberculosis Research Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, Brazil
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4
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Cresti L, Cappello G, Pini A. Antimicrobial Peptides towards Clinical Application-A Long History to Be Concluded. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4870. [PMID: 38732089 PMCID: PMC11084544 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094870] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are molecules with an amphipathic structure that enables them to interact with bacterial membranes. This interaction can lead to membrane crossing and disruption with pore formation, culminating in cell death. They are produced naturally in various organisms, including humans, animals, plants and microorganisms. In higher animals, they are part of the innate immune system, where they counteract infection by bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites. AMPs can also be designed de novo by bioinformatic approaches or selected from combinatorial libraries, and then produced by chemical or recombinant procedures. Since their discovery, AMPs have aroused interest as potential antibiotics, although few have reached the market due to stability limits or toxicity. Here, we describe the development phase and a number of clinical trials of antimicrobial peptides. We also provide an update on AMPs in the pharmaceutical industry and an overall view of their therapeutic market. Modifications to peptide structures to improve stability in vivo and bioavailability are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cresti
- Medical Biotechnology Department, University of Siena, Via A Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (G.C.); (A.P.)
| | - Giovanni Cappello
- Medical Biotechnology Department, University of Siena, Via A Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (G.C.); (A.P.)
| | - Alessandro Pini
- Medical Biotechnology Department, University of Siena, Via A Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (G.C.); (A.P.)
- SetLance srl, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, Santa Maria alle Scotte University Hospital, 53100 Siena, Italy
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5
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Yang P, Mao W, Zhang J, Yang Y, Zhang F, Ouyang X, Li B, Wu X, Ba Z, Ran K, Tian Y, Liu H, Zhang Y, Gou S, Zhong C, Ni J. A novel antimicrobial peptide with broad-spectrum and exceptional stability derived from the natural peptide Brevicidine. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 269:116337. [PMID: 38537511 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116337] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
The global issue of antibiotic resistance is increasingly severe, highlighting the urgent necessity for the development of new antibiotics. Brevicidine, a natural cyclic lipopeptide, exhibits remarkable antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria. In this study, a comprehensive structure-activity relationship of Brevicidine was investigated through 20 newly synthesized cyclic lipopeptide analogs, resulting in the identification of an optimal linear analog 22. The sequence of analog 22 consisted of five d-amino acids and four non-natural amino acid 2,5-diaminovaleric acid (Orn) and conjugated with decanoic acid at N-terminal. Compared to Brevicidine, analog 22 was easier to synthesize, and exerted broad spectrum antimicrobial activity and excellent stability (t1/2 = 40.98 h). Additionally, analog 22 demonstrated a rapid bactericidal effect by permeating non-specifically through the bacterial membranes, thereby minimizing the likelihood of inducing resistance. Moreover, it exhibited remarkable efficacy in combating bacterial biofilms and reversing bacterial resistance to conventional antibiotics. Furthermore, it effectively suppressed the growth of bacteria in vital organs of mice infected with S. aureus ATCC 25923. In conclusion, analog 22 may represent a potential antimicrobial peptide for further optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Yang
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Wenbo Mao
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Jingying Zhang
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Yinyin Yang
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Fangyan Zhang
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Xu Ouyang
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Beibei Li
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Xiaoyan Wu
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Zufang Ba
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Kaixin Ran
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Yali Tian
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Hui Liu
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, PR China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, PR China
| | - Sanhu Gou
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, PR China
| | - Chao Zhong
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, PR China.
| | - Jingman Ni
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, PR China.
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6
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Jaśkiewicz M, Neubauer D, Sikora K, Bauer M, Bartoszewska S, Błażewicz I, Marek D, Barańska-Rybak W, Kamysz W. The Study of Antistaphylococcal Potential of Omiganan and Retro-Omiganan Under Flow Conditions. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2024:10.1007/s12602-023-10197-w. [PMID: 38224448 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-023-10197-w] [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: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is considered one of the leading pathogens responsible for infections in humans and animals. The heterogeneous nature of diseases caused by these bacteria is due to the occurrence of multiple strains, differentiated by several mechanisms of antibiotic resistance and virulence factors. One of these is the ability to form biofilm. Biofilm-associated bacteria exhibit a different phenotype that protects them from external factors such as the activity of immune system or antimicrobial substances. Moreover, it has been shown that the majority of persistent and recurrent infections are associated with the presence of the biofilm. Omiganan, an analog of indolicidin - antimicrobial peptide (AMP) derived from bovine neutrophil granules, was found to exhibit high antistaphylococcal and antibiofilm potential. Furthermore, its analog with a reversed sequence (retro-omiganan) was found to display enhanced activity against a variety of pathogens. Based on experience of our group, we found out that counterion exchange can improve the antistaphylococcal activity of AMPs. The aim of this study was to investigate the activity of both compounds against S. aureus biofilm under flow conditions. The advantage of this approach was that it offered the opportunity to form and characterize the biofilm under more controlled conditions. To do this, unique flow cells made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) were developed. The activity against pre-formed biofilm as well as AMPs-treated bacteria was measured. Also, the incorporation of omiganan and retro-omiganan into the channels was conducted to learn whether or not it would inhibit the development of biofilm. The results of the microbiological tests ultimately confirmed the high potential of the omiganan and its retro-analog as well as the importance of counterion exchange in terms of antimicrobial examination. We found out that retro-omiganan trifluoroacetate had the highest biofilm inhibitory properties, however, acetates of both compounds exhibited the highest activity against planktonic and biofilm cultures. Moreover, the developed methodology of investigation under flow conditions allows the implementation of the studies under flow conditions to other compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Jaśkiewicz
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Al. Gen. J. Hallera 107, 80-416, Gdańsk, Poland.
- International Research Agenda 3P-Medicine Laboratory, Medical University of Gdańsk, Building No. 5, Dębinki 7, 80-211, Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Damian Neubauer
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Al. Gen. J. Hallera 107, 80-416, Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Karol Sikora
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Al. Gen. J. Hallera 107, 80-416, Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Marta Bauer
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Al. Gen. J. Hallera 107, 80-416, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Sylwia Bartoszewska
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Al. Gen. J. Hallera 107, 80-416, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Izabela Błażewicz
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Mariana Smoluchowskiego 17, 80-214, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Dariusz Marek
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Al. Gen. J. Hallera 107, 80-416, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Wioletta Barańska-Rybak
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Mariana Smoluchowskiego 17, 80-214, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Wojciech Kamysz
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Al. Gen. J. Hallera 107, 80-416, Gdańsk, Poland
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Lei R, Yang C, Sun Y, Li D, Hao L, Li Y, Wu S, Li H, Lan C, Fang X. Turning cationic antimicrobial peptide KR-12 into self-assembled nanobiotics with potent bacterial killing and LPS neutralizing activities. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:887-902. [PMID: 38105768 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr05174a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Gram-negative sepsis has become a substantial and escalating global healthcare challenge due to the growing antibiotic resistance crisis and the sluggish development of new antibiotics. LL-37, a unique Cathelicidin species found in humans, exhibits a wide range of bioactive properties, including direct bactericidal effects, inflammation regulation, and LPS neutralization. KR-12, the smallest yet potent peptide fragment of LL-37, has been modified to create more effective antimicrobials. In this study, we designed two myristoylated derivatives of KR-12, referred to as Myr-KR-12N and Myr-KR-12C. These derivatives displayed remarkable ability to spontaneously assemble into nanoparticles when mixed with deionized water. Myristoylated KR-12 derivatives exhibited broad-spectrum and intensified bactericidal activity by disrupting bacterial cell membranes. In particular, Myr-KR-12N showed superior capability to rescue mice from lethal E. coli-induced sepsis in comparison with the conventional antibiotic meropenem. We also confirmed that the myristoylated KR-12 nanobiotic possesses significant LPS binding capacity and effectively reduces inflammation in vitro. In an in vivo context, Myr-KR-12N outperformed polymyxin B in rescuing mice from LPS-induced sepsis. Crucially, toxicological assessments revealed that neither Myr-KR-12N nor Myr-KR-12C nanobiotics induced meaningful hemolysis or caused damage to the liver and kidneys. Collectively, our study has yielded an innovative nanobiotic with dual capabilities of bactericidal action and LPS-neutralization, offering substantial promise for advancing the clinical translation of antimicrobial peptides and the development of novel antibiotics. This addresses the critical need for effective solutions to combat Gram-negative sepsis, a pressing global medical challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruyi Lei
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China.
| | - Chujun Yang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China.
- Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Yaqi Sun
- China National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Dejian Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China.
| | - Liman Hao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China.
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China.
| | - Shuijing Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China.
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China.
| | - Chao Lan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China.
| | - Xiangming Fang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China.
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8
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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.
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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.
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9
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Sikora K, Jędrzejczak J, Bauer M, Neubauer D, Jaśkiewicz M, Szaryńska M. Quaternary Ammonium Salts of Cationic Lipopeptides with Lysine Residues - Synthesis, Antimicrobial, Hemolytic and Cytotoxic Activities. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2023; 15:1465-1483. [PMID: 37770629 PMCID: PMC10687119 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-023-10161-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Ultrashort cationic lipopeptides (USCLs) and quaternary ammonium salts constitute two groups of cationic surfactants with high antimicrobial activity. This study aimed to investigate the influence of quaternization of the amino group of the lysine side chain in USCLs on their antimicrobial, hemolytic and cytotoxic activities. To do this, two series of lipopeptides were synthesized, USLCs and their quaternized analogues containing trimethylated lysine residues - qUSCLs (quaternized ultrashort cationic lipopeptides). Quaternization was performed on a resin during a standard solid-phase peptide synthesis with CH3I as the methylating agent. According to our knowledge, this is the first study presenting on-resin peptide quaternization. The lipopeptides were tested for their antibacterial and antifungal activities against the ESKAPE group (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella aerogenes) bacteria and Candida glabrata yeast-like fungus. Most of the compounds proved to be active antimicrobial agents with enhanced activity against Gram-positive strains and fungi and a lower against Gram-negative species. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of lipopeptides was increasing with an increase in hydrophobicity but qUSCLs exhibited usually a poorer antimicrobial activity than their parent molecules. Furthermore, the toxicity against red blood cells and human keratinocytes was assessed. It's worth emphasizing that qUSCLs were less toxic than the parent molecules of comparative hydrophobicity. The results of the study proved that qUSCLs can offer a higher selectivity to pathogens over human cells than that of USCLs. Last but not least, quaternization of the peptides could increase their solubility and therefore their bioavailability and utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karol Sikora
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Al. Gen. J. Hallera 107, 80-416, Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Jakub Jędrzejczak
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Al. Gen. J. Hallera 107, 80-416, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Marta Bauer
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Al. Gen. J. Hallera 107, 80-416, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Damian Neubauer
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Al. Gen. J. Hallera 107, 80-416, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Maciej Jaśkiewicz
- International Research Agenda 3P- Medicine Laboratory, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7, Building no. 5, 80-211, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Magdalena Szaryńska
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 1, 80-211, Gdańsk, Poland
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10
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Selvaraj SP, Chen JY. Conjugation of antimicrobial peptides to enhance therapeutic efficacy. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 259:115680. [PMID: 37515922 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
The growing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has brought with it a continual increase in the numbers of deaths from multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections. Since the current arsenal of antibiotics has become increasingly ineffective, there exists an urgent need for discovery and development of novel antimicrobials. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are considered to be a promising class of molecules due to their broad-spectrum activities and low resistance rates compared with other types of antibiotics. Since AMPs also often play major roles in elevating the host immune response, the molecules may also be called "host defense peptides." Despite the great promise of AMPs, the majority remain unsuitable for clinical use due to issues of structural instability, degradation by proteases, and/or toxicity to host cells. Moreover, AMP activities in vivo can be influenced by many factors, such as interaction with blood and serum biomolecules, physiological salt concentrations or different pH values. To overcome these limitations, structural modifications can be made to the AMP. Among several modifications, physical and chemical conjugation of AMP to other biomolecules is widely considered an effective strategy. In this review, we discuss structural modification strategies related to conjugation of AMPs and their possible effects on mode of action. The conjugation of fatty acids, glycans, antibiotics, photosensitizers, polymers, nucleic acids, nanoparticles, and immobilization to biomaterials are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Prasad Selvaraj
- Molecular and Biological Agricultural Science Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan
| | - Jyh-Yih Chen
- Marine Research Station, Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, 23-10 Dahuen Rd, Jiaushi, Ilan, 262, Taiwan; The iEGG and Animal Biotechnology Center and the Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan.
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11
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Li R, Hao P, Yin K, Xu Q, Ren S, Zhao Y, Zhang L, Zhang B. Activities of a broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptide analogue SAMP-A4-C8 and its combat against pneumonia in Staphylococcus aureus-infected mice. J Pept Sci 2023; 29:e3497. [PMID: 37088557 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides and their analogues have become substitutes for antibiotics in recent years. The antimicrobial peptide analogue SAMP-A4-C8 (n-octanoic-VRLLRRRI) with high antimicrobial activity was found in our lab. We speculate that it may kill pathogens by some lethal mechanism of action. In the present investigation, the microbicidal activities of SAMP-A4-C8 and its mechanism of action were investigated. The results demonstrated that SAMP-A4-C8 had lethal activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans by cell disruption. Based on its microbicidal activities, we believe that it is worth further research for its potential as drug candidate. The results showed that SAMP-A4-C8, with low propensity to induce the resistance of S. aureus and C. albicans, could kill the persister cells of S. aureus and C. albicans, exhibited biofilm forming inhibition activity and preformed biofilm eradication ability against S. aureus and C. albicans, and displayed therapeutic potential on pneumonia in S. aureus-infected mice by reducing lung inflammation. The present study provided a promising drug candidate in the war against multidrug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruifang Li
- College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Functional Molecules for Biomedical Research, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Pu Hao
- College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Functional Molecules for Biomedical Research, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Kedong Yin
- College of Information Science and Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qingpeng Xu
- College of Information Science and Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shiming Ren
- College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yingyuan Zhao
- College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Functional Molecules for Biomedical Research, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lan Zhang
- College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Functional Molecules for Biomedical Research, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Beibei Zhang
- College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Functional Molecules for Biomedical Research, Zhengzhou, China
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12
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Dong C, Xu L, Lu W, Li M, Zhang R, Sun Y, Liu J, Chu X. Antibacterial peptide PMAP-37(F34-R), expressed in Pichia pastoris, is effective against pathogenic bacteria and preserves plums. Microb Cell Fact 2023; 22:164. [PMID: 37635252 PMCID: PMC10464103 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-023-02164-5] [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: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, researchers have focused on the search for alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides are small bioactive peptides that regulate immune activation and have antibacterial activity with a reduced risk of bacterial resistance. Porcine myeloid antibacterial peptide 37 (PMAP-37) is a small-molecule peptide with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity isolated from pig bone marrow, and PMAP-37(F34-R) is its analogue. In this study, PMAP-37(F34-R) was recombinantly expressed in Pichia pastoris, and the recombinant peptide was further investigated for its antibacterial properties, mechanism and preservative in plums. RESULTS To obtain a Pichia pastoris strain expressing PMAP-37(F34-R), we constructed a plasmid expressing recombinant PMAP-37(F34-R) (pPICZα-PMAP-37(F34-R)-A) and introduced it into Pichia pastoris. Finally, we obtained a highly active recombinant peptide, PMAP-37(F34-R), which inhibited the activity of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration is 0.12-0.24 µg/mL, and it can destroy the integrity of the cell membrane, leading to cell lysis. It has good stability and is not easily affected by the external environment. Hemolysis experiments showed that 0.06 µg/mL-0.36 µg/mL PMAP-37(F34-R) had lower hemolysis ability to mammalian cells, and the hemolysis rate was below 1.5%. Additionally, 0.36 µg/mL PMAP-37(F34-R) showed a good preservative effect in plums. The decay and weight loss rates of the treated samples were significantly lower than those of the control group, and the respiratory intensity of the fruit was delayed in the experimental group. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we constructed a recombinant Pichia pastoris strain, which is a promising candidate for extending the shelf life of fruits and has potential applications in the development of new preservatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunming Dong
- College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China.
| | - Lijun Xu
- College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Weitao Lu
- College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Mengru Li
- College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Yanyan Sun
- Jinan Deheng Medical Technology Co., Ltd, Jinan, 250031, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jian Liu
- College of Agriculture and Bioengineering, Heze University, Heze, 274000, China.
| | - Xinlei Chu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, China.
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13
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He S, Yang Z, Li X, Wu H, Zhang L, Shan A, Wang J. Boosting stability and therapeutic potential of proteolysis-resistant antimicrobial peptides by end-tagging β-naphthylalanine. Acta Biomater 2023; 164:175-194. [PMID: 37100185 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Recently, much emphasis has been placed on solving the intrinsic defects of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), especially their susceptibility to protease digestion for the systemic application of antibacterial biomaterials. Although many strategies have increased the protease stability of AMPs, antimicrobial activity was severely compromised, thereby substantially weakening their therapeutic effect. To address this issue, we introduced hydrophobic group modifications at the N-terminus of proteolysis-resistant AMPs D1 (AArIIlrWrFR) through end-tagging with stretches of natural amino acids (W and I), unnatural amino acid (Nal) and fatty acids. Of these peptides, N1 tagged with a Nal at N-terminus showed the highest selectivity index (GMSI = 19.59), with a 6.73-fold improvement over D1. In addition to potent broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, N1 also exhibited high antimicrobial stability toward salts, serum and proteases in vitro and ideal biocompatibility and therapeutic efficacy in vivo. Furthermore, N1 killed bacteria through multiple mechanisms, involving disruption of bacterial membranes and inhibition of bacterial energy metabolism. Indeed, appropriate terminal hydrophobicity modification opens up new avenues for developing and applying high-stability peptide-based antibacterial biomaterials. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: To improve the potency and stability of proteolysis-resistant antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) without increasing toxicity, we constructed a convenient and tunable platform based on different compositions and lengths of hydrophobic end modifications. By tagging an Nal at the N-terminal, the obtained target compound N1 exhibited strong antimicrobial activity and desirable stability under multifarious environments in vitro (protease, salts and serum), and also showed favorable biocompatibility and therapeutic efficacy in vivo. Notably, N1exerted its bactericidal effect by damaging bacterial cell membranes and inhibiting bacterial energy metabolism in a dual mode. The findings provide a potential method for designing or optimizing proteolysis-resistant AMPs thus promoting the development and application of peptide-based antibacterial biomaterial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqi He
- Animal Science and Technology College, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
| | - Zhanyi Yang
- Animal Science and Technology College, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
| | - Xuefeng Li
- Animal Science and Technology College, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
| | - Hua Wu
- Animal Science and Technology College, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
| | - Licong Zhang
- Animal Science and Technology College, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
| | - Anshan Shan
- Animal Science and Technology College, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China.
| | - Jiajun Wang
- Animal Science and Technology College, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China.
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14
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Copling A, Akantibila M, Kumaresan R, Fleischer G, Cortes D, Tripathi RS, Carabetta VJ, Vega SL. Recent Advances in Antimicrobial Peptide Hydrogels. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:7563. [PMID: 37108725 PMCID: PMC10139150 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in the number and type of available biomaterials have improved medical devices such as catheters, stents, pacemakers, prosthetic joints, and orthopedic devices. The introduction of a foreign material into the body comes with a risk of microbial colonization and subsequent infection. Infections of surgically implanted devices often lead to device failure, which leads to increased patient morbidity and mortality. The overuse and improper use of antimicrobials has led to an alarming rise and spread of drug-resistant infections. To overcome the problem of drug-resistant infections, novel antimicrobial biomaterials are increasingly being researched and developed. Hydrogels are a class of 3D biomaterials consisting of a hydrated polymer network with tunable functionality. As hydrogels are customizable, many different antimicrobial agents, such as inorganic molecules, metals, and antibiotics have been incorporated or tethered to them. Due to the increased prevalence of antibiotic resistance, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are being increasingly explored as alternative agents. AMP-tethered hydrogels are being increasingly examined for antimicrobial properties and practical applications, such as wound-healing. Here, we provide a recent update, from the last 5 years of innovations and discoveries made in the development of photopolymerizable, self-assembling, and AMP-releasing hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aryanna Copling
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biosciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA;
| | - Maxwell Akantibila
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA; (M.A.); (G.F.); (D.C.); (R.S.T.)
| | - Raaha Kumaresan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA;
| | - Gilbert Fleischer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA; (M.A.); (G.F.); (D.C.); (R.S.T.)
| | - Dennise Cortes
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA; (M.A.); (G.F.); (D.C.); (R.S.T.)
| | - Rahul S. Tripathi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA; (M.A.); (G.F.); (D.C.); (R.S.T.)
| | - Valerie J. Carabetta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA; (M.A.); (G.F.); (D.C.); (R.S.T.)
| | - Sebastián L. Vega
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA;
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
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15
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Glycosylation and Lipidation Strategies: Approaches for Improving Antimicrobial Peptide Efficacy. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16030439. [PMID: 36986538 PMCID: PMC10059750 DOI: 10.3390/ph16030439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have recently gained attention as a viable solution for combatting antibiotic resistance due to their numerous advantages, including their broad-spectrum activity, low propensity for inducing resistance, and low cytotoxicity. Unfortunately, their clinical application is limited due to their short half-life and susceptibility to proteolytic cleavage by serum proteases. Indeed, several chemical strategies, such as peptide cyclization, N-methylation, PEGylation, glycosylation, and lipidation, are widely used for overcoming these issues. This review describes how lipidation and glycosylation are commonly used to increase AMPs’ efficacy and engineer novel AMP-based delivery systems. The glycosylation of AMPs, which involves the conjugation of sugar moieties such as glucose and N-acetyl galactosamine, modulates their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, improves their antimicrobial activity, and reduces their interaction with mammalian cells, thereby increasing selectivity toward bacterial membranes. In the same way, lipidation of AMPs, which involves the covalent addition of fatty acids, has a significant impact on their therapeutic index by influencing their physicochemical properties and interaction with bacterial and mammalian membranes. This review highlights the possibility of using glycosylation and lipidation strategies to increase the efficacy and activity of conventional AMPs.
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16
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Makowska M, Kosikowska-Adamus P, Zdrowowicz M, Wyrzykowski D, Prahl A, Sikorska E. Lipidation of Naturally Occurring α-Helical Antimicrobial Peptides as a Promising Strategy for Drug Design. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043951. [PMID: 36835362 PMCID: PMC9959048 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043951] [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: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we describe the chemical synthesis, preliminary evaluation of antimicrobial properties and mechanisms of action of a novel group of lipidated derivatives of three naturally occurring α-helical antimicrobial peptides, LL-I (VNWKKVLGKIIKVAK-NH2), LK6 (IKKILSKILLKKL-NH2), ATRA-1 (KRFKKFFKKLK-NH2). The obtained results showed that biological properties of the final compounds were defined both by the length of the fatty acid and by the structural and physico-chemical properties of the initial peptide. We consider C8-C12 length of the hydrocarbon chain as the optimal for antimicrobial activity improvement. However, the most active analogues exerted relatively high cytotoxicity toward keratinocytes, with the exception of the ATRA-1 derivatives, which had a higher selectivity for microbial cells. The ATRA-1 derivatives had relatively low cytotoxicity against healthy human keratinocytes but high cytotoxicity against human breast cancer cells. Taking into account that ATRA-1 analogues carry the highest positive net charge, it can be assumed that this feature contributes to cell selectivity. As expected, the studied lipopeptides showed a strong tendency to self-assembly into fibrils and/or elongated and spherical micelles, with the least cytotoxic ATRA-1 derivatives forming apparently smaller assemblies. The results of the study also confirmed that the bacterial cell membrane is the target for the studied compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Makowska
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (E.S.)
| | - Paulina Kosikowska-Adamus
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Magdalena Zdrowowicz
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Dariusz Wyrzykowski
- Department of General and Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Adam Prahl
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Emilia Sikorska
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (E.S.)
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17
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Glycosylated Lipopeptides-Synthesis and Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity and Cytotoxicity. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13010172. [PMID: 36671557 PMCID: PMC9855884 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010172] [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: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Ultrashort cationic lipopeptides (USCLs) are promising antimicrobial agents that may be used to combat pathogens such as bacteria and fungi. USCLs consist of a few basic amino acid residues and at least one lipid moiety, usually a fatty acid chain. Generally, USCLs are potent antimicrobials but their major shortcoming is a relatively high cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity. Glycopeptide antibiotics (e.g. vancomycin) are essential in combating bacterial infections and are popular in medicinal practice. However, literature concerning the effect of glycosylation of peptides on their antimicrobial activity is rather scarce. For the first time, this study highlights the effect of USCLs glycosylation on in vitro biological activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of glycosylation of a series of USCLs on antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity. Straight-chain fatty acids (C14, C16, C18) were attached to the N-terminal amino group of tripeptides-SRR-NH2, RSR-NH2 and RRS-NH2. Two groups of the lipopeptides were synthetized, the first with unmodified L-serine (USCLs) and the other with L-serine O-glycosylated by N-acetyl-β-d-glucosamine to produce new class of glycosylated ultrashort cationic lipopeptide (gUSCLs). Both USCLs and gUSCLs were tested against planktonic and biofilm cultures of ESKAPE strains (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter spp.) and Candida glabrata, and hemolytic activity on human erythrocytes and cytotoxicity against the HaCaT cell line was examined. Generally, USCLs and gUSCLs proved to be active against all the tested strains. The highest activity displayed was by lipopeptides containing the C18 fatty acid. Antimicrobial, hemolytic and cytotoxic activities were mainly correlated with amino acid sequence (position of serine/glycosylated serine) and hydrophobicity of molecule and were found to be highly strain-dependent. In general, glycosylation did not guarantee an increased antimicrobial activity or a decreased hemolytic and cytotoxic activities. However, in some cases, gUSCLs proved to be superior to their USCLs analogs. The most pronounced differences were found for peptides with C18 fatty acid and serine at the first and second position against both planktonic cells and biofilm of C. glabrata, as well as the second and third position against S. aureus. It is noteworthy that gUSCLs were also more active against biofilm than were USCLs.
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18
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Vieira-da-Silva B, Castanho MARB. The structure and matrix dynamics of bacterial biofilms as revealed by antimicrobial peptides' diffusion. J Pept Sci 2022; 29:e3470. [PMID: 36537560 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3470] [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: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
From the biological point of view, bacterial biofilms are communities of bacteria embedded in a self-produced gel matrix composed of polysaccharides, DNA, and proteins. Considering the biophysical point of view, the biofilm matrix is a highly dense, crowded medium that imposes constraints to solute diffusion, depending on the size, conformational dynamics, and net charge. From the pharmacological point of view, biofilms are additional difficulties to drug development as heterogeneity in oxygen and nutrient distribution, and consequently, heterogeneity in bacterial metabolic status leads to recalcitrance. For peptide scientists, biofilms are both a challenge and an opportunity. Biofilms can be intruded by peptides, revealing important biological, biophysical, and pharmacological insights. Peptides can be engineered for different sizes, flexibilities, and net charges, unravelling the determinants of diffusion; they kill bacteria by lysis, overcoming the hurdles of metabolic status heterogeneity, and they are able to kill bacteria in the biofilm core, leaving the matrix intact, that is, without causing bacterial biofilm dispersion as side effect. This concise review addresses the knowledge reached while interrogating bacterial biofilms with peptides and other reporter molecules, and the advances therefrom in biology, biophysics, and drug development.
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Lai Z, Chen H, Yuan X, Tian J, Dong N, Feng X, Shan A. Designing double-site lipidated peptide amphiphiles as potent antimicrobial biomaterials to combat multidrug-resistant bacteria. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1074359. [PMID: 36569056 PMCID: PMC9780499 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1074359] [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: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapidly evolving antimicrobial resistance and extremely slow development of new antibiotics have resulted in multidrug-resistant bacterial infections that present a serious threat to human health. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) provide promising substitutes, but more research is needed to address several of their present limitations, such as insufficient antimicrobial potency, high toxicity, and low stability. Here, we designed a series of novel double-site lipidated peptide amphiphiles based on a heptad repeat parent pentadecapeptide. The double-site lipidated peptide amphiphiles showed a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activities. Especially the double-site lipidated peptide amphiphile WL-C6 exhibited high potency to inhibit multidrug-resistant bacteria without significant toxicity toward mammalian cells. Furthermore, even at physiological salt ion concentrations, WL-C6 still exhibited outstanding antibacterial properties, and a sizeable fraction of it maintained its molecular integrity after being incubated with different proteases. Additionally, we captured the entire process of WL-C6 killing bacteria and showed that the rapid bacterial membrane disruption is the reason of bacterial death. Overall, WL-C6 shows great promise as a substitute for conventional antibiotics to combat the growing threat of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.
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20
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Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of Short Analogues of the Marine Antimicrobial Peptide Turgencin A: Effects of SAR Optimizations, Cys-Cys Cyclization and Lipopeptide Modifications. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213844. [PMID: 36430320 PMCID: PMC9696794 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213844] [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] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We have synthesised short analogues of the marine antimicrobial peptide Turgencin A from the colonial Arctic ascidian Synoicum turgens. In this study, we focused on a central, cationic 12-residue Cys-Cys loop region within the sequence. Modified (tryptophan- and arginine-enriched) linear peptides were compared with Cys-Cys cyclic derivatives, and both linear and Cys-cyclic peptides were N-terminally acylated with octanoic acid (C8), decanoic acid (C10) or dodecanoic acid (C12). The highest antimicrobial potency was achieved by introducing dodecanoic acid to a cyclic Turgencin A analogue with low intrinsic hydrophobicity, and by introducing octanoic acid to a cyclic analogue displaying a higher intrinsic hydrophobicity. Among all tested synthetic Turgencin A lipopeptide analogues, the most promising candidates regarding both antimicrobial and haemolytic activity were C12-cTurg-1 and C8-cTurg-2. These optimized cyclic lipopeptides displayed minimum inhibitory concentrations of 4 µg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and the fungus Rhodothorula sp. Mode of action studies on bacteria showed a rapid membrane disruption and bactericidal effect of the cyclic lipopeptides. Haemolytic activity against human erythrocytes was low, indicating favorable selective targeting of bacterial cells.
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Wang L, Liu H, Li X, Yao C. Assessment of New Strategies to Improve the Performance of Antimicrobial Peptides. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:3691. [PMID: 36296881 PMCID: PMC9610275 DOI: 10.3390/nano12203691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In this research, we constructed a novel engineered tripeptide modified with lipoic acid (LA-RWR), followed by crosslinking of lipoic acid to form nanoparticles (c-LA-RWR). LA-RWR was also modified with phenethylamine (PEA) on the C-terminus to achieve better antibacterial activities. The as-prepared c-LA-RWR and LA-RWR-PEA were effective against E.coli, S.aureus, C.albicans, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, with minimum inhibitory concentration values ranging from 2 to 16 µg/mL, which greatly improved the performance of LA-RWR. Similar antibacterial activities were demonstrated in anti-biofilm activity; there was no matter on the biofilm that was already established or forming. Moreover, c-LA-RWR/LA-RWR-PEA remarkably induced cytoplasmic membrane depolarization and outer membrane permeabilization, resulting in varying degrees of damage to the bacterial morphology, which were consistent with the results obtained via electron microscopy. Thus, our results show that c-LA-RWR/LA-RWR-PEA exhibited excellent efficacy against a variety of microorganisms with good biosafety, providing new strategies by which to improve the performance of antimicrobial peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Chen Yao
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-138-1386-1022
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22
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Luong AD, Buzid A, Luong JHT. Important Roles and Potential Uses of Natural and Synthetic Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) in Oral Diseases: Cavity, Periodontal Disease, and Thrush. J Funct Biomater 2022; 13:jfb13040175. [PMID: 36278644 PMCID: PMC9589978 DOI: 10.3390/jfb13040175] [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: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous epithelial cells and sometimes leukocytes release AMPs as their first line of defense. AMPs encompass cationic histatins, defensins, and cathelicidin to encounter oral pathogens with minimal resistance. However, their concentrations are significantly below the effective levels and AMPs are unstable under physiological conditions due to proteolysis, acid hydrolysis, and salt effects. In parallel to a search for more effective AMPs from natural sources, considerable efforts have focused on synthetic stable and low-cytotoxicy AMPs with significant activities against microorganisms. Using natural AMP templates, various attempts have been used to synthesize sAMPs with different charges, hydrophobicity, chain length, amino acid sequence, and amphipathicity. Thus far, sAMPs have been designed to target Streptococcus mutans and other common oral pathogens. Apart from sAMPs with antifungal activities against Candida albicans, future endeavors should focus on sAMPs with capabilities to promote remineralization and antibacterial adhesion. Delivery systems using nanomaterials and biomolecules are promising to stabilize, reduce cytotoxicity, and improve the antimicrobial activities of AMPs against oral pathogens. Nanostructured AMPs will soon become a viable alternative to antibiotics due to their antimicrobial mechanisms, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, low drug residue, and ease of synthesis and modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Donald Luong
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14215, USA
| | - Alyah Buzid
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Faisal University, P.O. Box 380, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - John H. T. Luong
- School of Chemistry and Analytical & Biological Chemistry Research Facility (ABCRF), University College Cork, College Road, T12 YN60 Cork, Ireland
- Correspondence: or
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23
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Determination of biological studies and molecular docking calculations of isatin-thiosemicarbazone hybrid compounds. J Mol Struct 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2022.133249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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24
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Wu Q, Mishra B, Wang G. Linearized teixobactin is inactive and after sequence enhancement, kills methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus via a different mechanism. Pept Sci (Hoboken) 2022; 114:e24269. [PMID: 36249542 PMCID: PMC9564113 DOI: 10.1002/pep2.24269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a highly adaptable pathogen that can rapidly develop resistance to conventional antibiotics such as penicillin. Recently, teixobactin was discovered from uncultivated soil bacteria by using the i-chip technology. This depsipeptide forms an ester bond between the backbone C-terminal isoleucine carboxylic acid and the hydroxyl group of threonine at position 8. Also, it contains multiple nonstandard amino acids, making it costly to synthesize. This study reports new peptides designed by linearizing teixobactin. After linearization and conversion to normal amino acids, teixobactin lost its antibacterial activity. Using this inactive template, a series of peptides were designed via hydrophobic patching and residue replacements. Three out of the five peptides were active. YZ105, only active against Gram-positive bacteria, however, showed the highest cell selectivity index. Different from teixobactin, which inhibits cell wall synthesis, YZ105 targeted the membranes of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) based on kinetic killing, membrane permeation, depolarization, and scanning electron microscopy studies. Moreover, YZ105 could kill nafcillin-resistant MRSA, Staphylococcal clinical strains, and disrupted preformed biofilms. Taken together, YZ105, with a simpler sequence, is a promising lead for developing novel anti-MRSA agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianhui Wu
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of MedicineUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Biswajit Mishra
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of MedicineUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Guangshun Wang
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of MedicineUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNebraskaUSA
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Mescola A, Ragazzini G, Facci P, Alessandrini A. The potential of AFM in studying the role of the nanoscale amphipathic nature of (lipo)-peptides interacting with lipid bilayers. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 33:432001. [PMID: 35830770 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ac80c9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and lipopeptides (LPs) represent very promising molecules to fight resistant bacterial infections due to their broad-spectrum of activity, their first target, i.e. the bacterial membrane, and the rapid bactericidal action. For both types of molecules, the action mechanism starts from the membrane of the pathogen agents, producing a disorganization of their phase structure or the formation of pores of different size altering their permeability. This mechanism of action is based on physical interactions more than on a lock-and-key recognition event and it is difficult for the pathogens to rapidly develop an effective resistance. Very small differences in the sequence of both AMPs and LPs might lead to very different effects on the target membrane. Therefore, a correct understanding of their mechanism of action is required with the aim of developing new synthetic peptides, analogues of the natural ones, with specific and more powerful bactericidal activity. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), with its high resolution and the associated force spectroscopy resource, provides a valuable technique to investigate the reorganization of lipid bilayers exposed to antimicrobial or lipopeptides. Here, we present AFM results obtained by ours and other groups on the action of AMPs and LPs on supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) of different composition. We also consider data obtained by fluorescence microscopy to compare the AFM data with another technique which can be used on different lipid bilayer model systems such as SLBs and giant unilamellar vesicles. The outcomes here presented highlight the powerful of AFM-based techniques in detecting nanoscale peptide-membrane interactions and strengthen their use as an exceptional complementary tool toin vivoinvestigations. Indeed, the combination of these approaches can help decipher the mechanisms of action of different antimicrobials and lipopeptides at both the micro and nanoscale levels, and to design new and more efficient antimicrobial compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Mescola
- CNR-Nanoscience Institute-S3, Via Campi 213/A, I-41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Gregorio Ragazzini
- Department of Physics, Informatics and Mathematics, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 213/A, I-41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Paolo Facci
- CNR-Ibf, Via De Marini 6, I-16149, Genova, Italy
| | - Andrea Alessandrini
- CNR-Nanoscience Institute-S3, Via Campi 213/A, I-41125, Modena, Italy
- Department of Physics, Informatics and Mathematics, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 213/A, I-41125, Modena, Italy
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In pursuit of next-generation therapeutics: Antimicrobial peptides against superbugs, their sources, mechanism of action, nanotechnology-based delivery, and clinical applications. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 218:135-156. [PMID: 35868409 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.07.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) attracted attention as potential source of novel antimicrobials. Multi-drug resistant (MDR) infections have emerged as a global threat to public health in recent years. Furthermore, due to rapid emergence of new diseases, there is pressing need for development of efficient antimicrobials. AMPs are essential part of the innate immunity in most living organisms, acting as the primary line of defense against foreign invasions. AMPs kill a wide range of microorganisms by primarily targeting cell membranes or intracellular components through a variety of ways. AMPs can be broadly categorized based on their physico-chemical properties, structure, function, target and source of origin. The synthetic analogues produced either with suitable chemical modifications or with the use of suitable delivery systems are projected to eliminate the constraints of toxicity and poor stability commonly linked with natural AMPs. The concept of peptidomimetics is gaining ground around the world nowadays. Among the delivery systems, nanoparticles are emerging as potential delivery tools for AMPs, amplifying their utility against a variety of pathogens. In the present review, the broad classification of various AMPs, their mechanism of action (MOA), challenges associated with AMPs, current applications, and novel strategies to overcome the limitations have been discussed.
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27
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Zhang J, Zhang J, Wang Y, Zhang X, Nie T, Liu Y. Strategies to Improve the Activity and Biocompatibility: Modification of Peptide Antibiotics. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2022; 19:376-385. [PMID: 35713924 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2021.0112] [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: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
As host defense peptides, peptide antibiotics exist in almost all organisms. Many of their activities come from their inactivation of bacteria, yeast, fungi, and even cancer cells. However, natural peptide antibiotics are relatively poor in stability and penetration, and have high hemolytic properties, which makes them difficult to directly apply. Therefore, natural peptide antibiotics can be modified to enhance their activity and biocompatibility. Based on the characteristics of amino acids, amino acid substitutions can be performed to study the effect of amino acid types on the activity of peptide antibiotics. The design of ultrashort peptides, cyclic peptides, and self-assembling peptides is also a way to improve the activity of peptide antibiotics. In addition, antibacterial peptides can also be conjugated with antibiotics, lipids, or metal ions to prepare antibacterial peptides with special activities. This review introduces several methods for modifying peptide antibiotics and their specific applications, providing a theoretical basis for the further application of peptide antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Zhang
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yitong Wang
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Ting Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanan Liu
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
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28
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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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Matthyssen T, Li W, Holden JA, Lenzo JC, Hadjigol S, O’Brien-Simpson NM. The Potential of Modified and Multimeric Antimicrobial Peptide Materials as Superbug Killers. Front Chem 2022; 9:795433. [PMID: 35083194 PMCID: PMC8785218 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.795433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are found in nearly all living organisms, show broad spectrum antibacterial activity, and can modulate the immune system. Furthermore, they have a very low level of resistance induction in bacteria, which makes them an ideal target for drug development and for targeting multi-drug resistant bacteria 'Superbugs'. Despite this promise, AMP therapeutic use is hampered as typically they are toxic to mammalian cells, less active under physiological conditions and are susceptible to proteolytic degradation. Research has focused on addressing these limitations by modifying natural AMP sequences by including e.g., d-amino acids and N-terminal and amino acid side chain modifications to alter structure, hydrophobicity, amphipathicity, and charge of the AMP to improve antimicrobial activity and specificity and at the same time reduce mammalian cell toxicity. Recently, multimerisation (dimers, oligomer conjugates, dendrimers, polymers and self-assembly) of natural and modified AMPs has further been used to address these limitations and has created compounds that have improved activity and biocompatibility compared to their linear counterparts. This review investigates how modifying and multimerising AMPs impacts their activity against bacteria in planktonic and biofilm states of growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Matthyssen
- ACTV Research Group, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne Dental School, Centre for Oral Health Research, Royal Dental Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Wenyi Li
- ACTV Research Group, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne Dental School, Centre for Oral Health Research, Royal Dental Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - James A. Holden
- Centre for Oral Health Research, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne Dental School, Royal Dental Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jason C. Lenzo
- Centre for Oral Health Research, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne Dental School, Royal Dental Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sara Hadjigol
- ACTV Research Group, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne Dental School, Centre for Oral Health Research, Royal Dental Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Neil M. O’Brien-Simpson
- ACTV Research Group, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne Dental School, Centre for Oral Health Research, Royal Dental Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Silva ARP, Guimarães M, Rabelo J, Belen L, Perecin C, Farias J, Picado Madalena Santos JH, Rangel-Yagui CO. Recent advances in the design of antimicrobial peptide conjugates. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:3587-3600. [DOI: 10.1039/d1tb02757c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are ubiquitous host defense peptides characterized by antibiotic activity and lower propensity for developing resistance compared to classic antibiotics. While several AMPs have shown activity against antibiotic-sensitive...
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31
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Huo Y, Ma L, Zhang M, Niu M, Gu X, Zhang W, Yan M, Wei G. Development of Anticancer Peptides with Low Hemolysis, High Penetrating Membrane Activity, Certain Analgesic Activity and the Synergistic Anticancer Effect. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:1724-1741. [DOI: 10.1039/d1bm02024b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Herein, an amphiphilic cationic α-helical anticancer lipopeptide P10 with the low toxicity and high penetrating membrane activity was developed. The lipopeptide could self-assemble into stable spherical aggregates in aqueous solution,...
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Wang H, Niu M, Xue T, Ma L, Gu X, Wei G, li F, wang C. Development of Antibacterial Peptides with Efficient Antibacterial Activity, Low Toxicity, High Membrane Disruptive Activity and the Synergistic Antibacterial Effect. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:1858-1874. [DOI: 10.1039/d1tb02852a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
It is urgent to develop new antimicrobial drugs to overcome bacterial resistance which is a serious threat to human health. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) which are ideal substitutes for traditional antibiotics...
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Panjla A, Kaul G, Chopra S, Titz A, Verma S. Short Peptides and Their Mimetics as Potent Antibacterial Agents and Antibiotic Adjuvants. ACS Chem Biol 2021; 16:2731-2745. [PMID: 34779605 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been increasing unrelentingly worldwide, thus negatively impacting human health. The discovery and development of novel antibiotics is an urgent unmet need of the hour. However, it has become more challenging, requiring increasingly time-consuming efforts with increased commercial risks. Hence, alternative strategies are urgently needed to potentiate the existing antibiotics. In this context, short cationic peptides or peptide-based antimicrobials that mimic the activity of naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) could overcome the disadvantages of AMPs having evolved as potent antibacterial agents. Besides their potent antibacterial efficacy, short peptide conjugates have also gained attention as potent adjuvants to conventional antibiotics. Such peptide antibiotic combinations have become an increasingly cost-effective therapeutic option to tackle AMR. This Review summarizes the recent progress for peptide-based small molecules as promising antimicrobials and as adjuvants for conventional antibiotics to counter multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apurva Panjla
- Department of Chemistry, IIT Kanpur, Kanpur-208016, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Grace Kaul
- Department of Microbiology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow-226031, Uttar Pradesh, India
- AcSIR: Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Sidharth Chopra
- Department of Microbiology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow-226031, Uttar Pradesh, India
- AcSIR: Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Alexander Titz
- Chemical Biology of Carbohydrates (CBCH), Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Department of Chemistry, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung (DZIF), 38124, Standort Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Sandeep Verma
- Department of Chemistry, IIT Kanpur, Kanpur-208016, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Center for Nanoscience, IIT Kanpur, Kanpur-208016, Uttar Pradesh, India
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How to Combat Gram-Negative Bacteria Using Antimicrobial Peptides: A Challenge or an Unattainable Goal? Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10121499. [PMID: 34943713 PMCID: PMC8698890 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10121499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent a promising and effective alternative for combating pathogens, having some advantages compared to conventional antibiotics. However, AMPs must also contend with complex and specialised Gram-negative bacteria envelops. The variety of lipopolysaccharide and phospholipid composition in Gram-negative bacteria strains and species are decisive characteristics regarding their susceptibility or resistance to AMPs. Such biological and structural barriers have created delays in tuning AMPs to deal with Gram-negative bacteria. This becomes even more acute because little is known about the interaction AMP–Gram-negative bacteria and/or AMPs’ physicochemical characteristics, which could lead to obtaining selective molecules against Gram-negative bacteria. As a consequence, available AMPs usually have highly associated haemolytic and/or cytotoxic activity. Only one AMP has so far been FDA approved and another two are currently in clinical trials against Gram-negative bacteria. Such a pessimistic panorama suggests that efforts should be concentrated on the search for new molecules, designs and strategies for combating infection caused by this type of microorganism. This review has therefore been aimed at describing the currently available AMPs for combating Gram-negative bacteria, exploring the characteristics of these bacteria’s cell envelop hampering the development of new AMPs, and offers a perspective regarding the challenges for designing new AMPs against Gram-negative bacteria.
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Mori T, Yoshida M, Hazekawa M, Ishibashi D, Hatanaka Y, Kakehashi R, Nakagawa M, Nagao T, Yoshii M, Kojima H, Uno R, Uchida T. Targeted Delivery of Miconazole Employing LL37 Fragment Mutant Peptide CKR12-Poly (Lactic-Co-Glycolic) Acid Polymeric Micelles. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222112056. [PMID: 34769486 PMCID: PMC8584378 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222112056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously reported that conjugates of antimicrobial peptide fragment analogues and poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) enhance antimicrobial activity and that the conjugated micelle structure is an effective tool for antimicrobial drug delivery. In recent years, the delivery of antimicrobial peptides to targets for antimicrobial activity has attracted attention. In this study, we targeted Candida albicans, a causative organism of catheter-related bloodstream infections, which is refractory to antimicrobial agents and is currently a problem in medical practice. We evaluated the antifungal activity of CKR12 (a mutant fragment of the human cathelicidin peptide, LL-37)-PLGA-miconazole (MCZ) micelles using nanotechnology with MCZ delivery. The prepared CKR12-PLGA-MCZ micelles were characterised by measuring dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, dilution stability, and drug release. CKR12-PLGA-MCZ micelles showed higher antifungal activity than CKR12-PLGA micelles and MCZ solution. Furthermore, scanning and transmission electron microscopy suggested that CKR12-PLGA-MCZ micelles disrupted both cell wall and cell membrane of C. albicans. Our results revealed a synergistic effect of antifungal activity using a combination of antimicrobial peptide fragment analogues and MCZ, and that MCZ is a promising tool for the delivery to target microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Mori
- Department of Clinical Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mukogawa Women’s University, 11-68 Koshien 9-Bancho, Nishinomiya City 663-8179, Hyogo, Japan; (T.M.); (M.Y.); (H.K.); (R.U.)
| | - Miyako Yoshida
- Department of Clinical Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mukogawa Women’s University, 11-68 Koshien 9-Bancho, Nishinomiya City 663-8179, Hyogo, Japan; (T.M.); (M.Y.); (H.K.); (R.U.)
| | - Mai Hazekawa
- Department of Immunological and Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Fukuoka University, 8-19-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-Ku, Fukuoka City 814-0180, Fukuoka, Japan; (M.H.); (D.I.)
| | - Daisuke Ishibashi
- Department of Immunological and Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Fukuoka University, 8-19-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-Ku, Fukuoka City 814-0180, Fukuoka, Japan; (M.H.); (D.I.)
| | - Yoshiro Hatanaka
- Osaka Research Institute of Industrial Science and Technology, 1-6-50 Morinomiya, Joto-ku, Osaka City 536-8553, Osaka, Japan; (Y.H.); (R.K.); (M.N.); (T.N.); (M.Y.)
| | - Rie Kakehashi
- Osaka Research Institute of Industrial Science and Technology, 1-6-50 Morinomiya, Joto-ku, Osaka City 536-8553, Osaka, Japan; (Y.H.); (R.K.); (M.N.); (T.N.); (M.Y.)
| | - Makoto Nakagawa
- Osaka Research Institute of Industrial Science and Technology, 1-6-50 Morinomiya, Joto-ku, Osaka City 536-8553, Osaka, Japan; (Y.H.); (R.K.); (M.N.); (T.N.); (M.Y.)
| | - Toshihiro Nagao
- Osaka Research Institute of Industrial Science and Technology, 1-6-50 Morinomiya, Joto-ku, Osaka City 536-8553, Osaka, Japan; (Y.H.); (R.K.); (M.N.); (T.N.); (M.Y.)
| | - Miki Yoshii
- Osaka Research Institute of Industrial Science and Technology, 1-6-50 Morinomiya, Joto-ku, Osaka City 536-8553, Osaka, Japan; (Y.H.); (R.K.); (M.N.); (T.N.); (M.Y.)
| | - Honami Kojima
- Department of Clinical Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mukogawa Women’s University, 11-68 Koshien 9-Bancho, Nishinomiya City 663-8179, Hyogo, Japan; (T.M.); (M.Y.); (H.K.); (R.U.)
| | - Rio Uno
- Department of Clinical Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mukogawa Women’s University, 11-68 Koshien 9-Bancho, Nishinomiya City 663-8179, Hyogo, Japan; (T.M.); (M.Y.); (H.K.); (R.U.)
| | - Takahiro Uchida
- Department of Clinical Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mukogawa Women’s University, 11-68 Koshien 9-Bancho, Nishinomiya City 663-8179, Hyogo, Japan; (T.M.); (M.Y.); (H.K.); (R.U.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-798-45-9957
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Physical behavior of KR-12 peptide on solid surfaces and Langmuir-Blodgett lipid films: Complementary approaches to its antimicrobial mode against S. aureus. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2021; 1864:183779. [PMID: 34560046 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2021.183779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Biophysical characterization of antimicrobial peptides helps to understand the mechanistic aspects of their action. The physical behavior of the KR-12 antimicrobial peptide (e.g. orientation and changes in secondary structure), was analyzed after interactions with a Staphylococcus aureus membrane model and solid surfaces. We performed antimicrobial tests using Gram-positive S. aureus (ATCC 25923) bacteria. Moreover, Langmuir-Blodgett experiments showed that the synthetic peptide can disturb the lipidic membrane at a concentration lower than the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration, thus confirming that KR-12/lipid interactions are involved. Partially- and fully-deactivated KR-12 hybrid samples were obtained by physisorption and covalent immobilization in chitosan/silica and glyoxal-rich solid supports. The correlation of Langmuir-Blodgett data with the α-helix formation, followed by FTIR-ATR in a frozen-like state, and the antimicrobial activity showed the importance of these interactions and conformation changes on the first step action mode of this peptide. This is the first time that material science (immobilization in solid surfaces assisted by FTIR-ATR analysis in frozen-like state) and physical (Langmuir-Blodgett/Schaefer) approaches are combined for exploring mechanistic aspects of the primary action mode of the KR-12 antimicrobial peptide against S. aureus.
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Li W, Separovic F, O'Brien-Simpson NM, Wade JD. Chemically modified and conjugated antimicrobial peptides against superbugs. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:4932-4973. [PMID: 33710195 DOI: 10.1039/d0cs01026j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 69.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the greatest threats to human health that, by 2050, will lead to more deaths from bacterial infections than cancer. New antimicrobial agents, both broad-spectrum and selective, that do not induce AMR are urgently required. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a novel class of alternatives that possess potent activity against a wide range of Gram-negative and positive bacteria with little or no capacity to induce AMR. This has stimulated substantial chemical development of novel peptide-based antibiotics possessing improved therapeutic index. This review summarises recent synthetic efforts and their impact on analogue design as well as their various applications in AMP development. It includes modifications that have been reported to enhance antimicrobial activity including lipidation, glycosylation and multimerization through to the broad application of novel bio-orthogonal chemistry, as well as perspectives on the direction of future research. The subject area is primarily the development of next-generation antimicrobial agents through selective, rational chemical modification of AMPs. The review further serves as a guide toward the most promising directions in this field to stimulate broad scientific attention, and will lead to new, effective and selective solutions for the several biomedical challenges to which antimicrobial peptidomimetics are being applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyi Li
- Melbourne Dental School, Centre for Oral Health Research, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia. and Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Frances Separovic
- Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia and School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Neil M O'Brien-Simpson
- Melbourne Dental School, Centre for Oral Health Research, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia. and Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - John D Wade
- School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia and The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia.
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Lakshmaiah Narayana J, Golla R, Mishra B, Wang X, Lushnikova T, Zhang Y, Verma A, Kumar V, Xie J, Wang G. Short and Robust Anti-Infective Lipopeptides Engineered Based on the Minimal Antimicrobial Peptide KR12 of Human LL-37. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:1795-1808. [PMID: 33890759 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to push the frontier of the engineering of human cathelicidin LL-37, a critical antimicrobial innate immune peptide that wards off invading pathogens. By sequential truncation of the smallest antibacterial peptide (KR12) of LL-37 and conjugation with fatty acids, with varying chain lengths, a library of lipopeptides is generated. These peptides are subjected to antibacterial activity and hemolytic assays. Candidates (including both forms made of l- and d-amino acids) with the optimal cell selectivity are subsequently fed to the second layer of in vitro filters, including salts, pH, serum, and media. These practices lead to the identification of a miniature LL-37 like peptide (d-form) with selectivity, stability, and robust antimicrobial activity in vitro against both Gram-positive and negative bacteria. Proteomic studies reveal far fewer serum proteins that bind to the d-form than the l-form peptide. C10-KR8d targets bacterial membranes to become helical, making it difficult for bacteria to develop resistance in a multiple passage experiment. In vivo, C10-KR8d is able to reduce bacterial burden of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) USA300 LAC in neutropenic mice. In addition, this designer peptide prevents bacterial biofilm formation in a catheter-associated mouse model. Meanwhile, C10-KR8d also recruits cytokines to the vicinity of catheters to clear infection. Thus, based on the antimicrobial region of LL-37, this study succeeds in identifying the smallest anti-infective peptide C10-KR8d with both robust antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and immune modulation activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayaram Lakshmaiah Narayana
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5900, United States
| | - Radha Golla
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5900, United States
| | - Biswajit Mishra
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5900, United States
| | - Xiuqing Wang
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5900, United States
| | - Tamara Lushnikova
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5900, United States
| | - Yingxia Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5900, United States
| | - Atul Verma
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5900, United States
| | - Vikas Kumar
- Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Core Facility, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
| | - Jingwei Xie
- Department of Surgery-Transplant and Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68130, United States
| | - Guangshun Wang
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985900 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5900, United States
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Ridyard KE, Overhage J. The Potential of Human Peptide LL-37 as an Antimicrobial and Anti-Biofilm Agent. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10060650. [PMID: 34072318 PMCID: PMC8227053 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10060650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The rise in antimicrobial resistant bacteria threatens the current methods utilized to treat bacterial infections. The development of novel therapeutic agents is crucial in avoiding a post-antibiotic era and the associated deaths from antibiotic resistant pathogens. The human antimicrobial peptide LL-37 has been considered as a potential alternative to conventional antibiotics as it displays broad spectrum antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities as well as immunomodulatory functions. While LL-37 has shown promising results, it has yet to receive regulatory approval as a peptide antibiotic. Despite the strong antimicrobial properties, LL-37 has several limitations including high cost, lower activity in physiological environments, susceptibility to proteolytic degradation, and high toxicity to human cells. This review will discuss the challenges associated with making LL-37 into a viable antibiotic treatment option, with a focus on antimicrobial resistance and cross-resistance as well as adaptive responses to sub-inhibitory concentrations of the peptide. The possible methods to overcome these challenges, including immobilization techniques, LL-37 delivery systems, the development of LL-37 derivatives, and synergistic combinations will also be considered. Herein, we describe how combination therapy and structural modifications to the sequence, helicity, hydrophobicity, charge, and configuration of LL-37 could optimize the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activities of LL-37 for future clinical use.
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Shi S, Shen T, Liu Y, Chen L, Wang C, Liao C. Porcine Myeloid Antimicrobial Peptides: A Review of the Activity and Latest Advances. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:664139. [PMID: 34055951 PMCID: PMC8160099 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.664139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional antibiotics have made great contributions to human health and animal husbandry since the discovery of penicillin in 1928, but bacterial resistance and drug residues are growing threats to global public health due to the long-term uncontrolled application of antibiotics. There is a critical need to develop new antimicrobial drugs to replace antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are distributed in all kingdoms of life, presenting activity against pathogens as well as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities; consequently, they have prospects as new potential alternatives to antibiotics. Porcine myeloid antimicrobial peptides (PMAPs), the porcine cathelicidin family of AMPs, have been reported in the literature in recent years. PMAPs have become an important research topic due to their strong antibacterial activity. This review focuses on the universal trends in the biochemical parameters, structural characteristics and biological activities of PMAPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuaibing Shi
- The Key Lab of Veterinary Biological Products, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Tengfei Shen
- The Key Lab of Veterinary Biological Products, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Yongqing Liu
- The Key Lab of Veterinary Biological Products, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Liangliang Chen
- The Key Lab of Veterinary Biological Products, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Chen Wang
- The Key Lab of Veterinary Biological Products, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Chengshui Liao
- The Key Lab of Veterinary Biological Products, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China.,College of Animal Science and Technology/Luoyang Key Laboratory of Live Carrier Biomaterial and Animal Disease Prevention and Control, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
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Neubauer D, Jaśkiewicz M, Bauer M, Olejniczak-Kęder A, Sikorska E, Sikora K, Kamysz W. Biological and Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Arginine-Rich Peptide Gemini Surfactants with Lysine and Cystine Spacers. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3299. [PMID: 33804887 PMCID: PMC8036666 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultrashort cationic lipopeptides (USCLs) and gemini cationic surfactants are classes of potent antimicrobials. Our recent study has shown that the branching and shortening of the fatty acids chains with the simultaneous addition of a hydrophobic N-terminal amino acid in USCLs result in compounds with enhanced selectivity. Here, this approach was introduced into arginine-rich gemini cationic surfactants. l-cystine diamide and l-lysine amide linkers were used as spacers. Antimicrobial activity against planktonic and biofilm cultures of ESKAPE (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp.) strains and Candida sp. as well as hemolytic and cytotoxic activities were examined. Moreover, antimicrobial activity in the presence of human serum and the ability to form micelles were evaluated. Membrane permeabilization study, serum stability assay, and molecular dynamics were performed. Generally, critical aggregation concentration was linearly correlated with hydrophobicity. Gemini surfactants were more active than the parent USCLs, and they turned out to be selective antimicrobial agents with relatively low hemolytic and cytotoxic activities. Geminis with the l-cystine diamide spacer seem to be less cytotoxic than their l-lysine amide counterparts, but they exhibited lower antibiofilm and antimicrobial activities in serum. In some cases, geminis with branched fatty acid chains and N-terminal hydrophobic amino acid resides exhibited enhanced selectivity to pathogens over human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian Neubauer
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.J.); (M.B.); (K.S.); (W.K.)
| | - Maciej Jaśkiewicz
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.J.); (M.B.); (K.S.); (W.K.)
| | - Marta Bauer
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.J.); (M.B.); (K.S.); (W.K.)
| | - Agata Olejniczak-Kęder
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-211 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Emilia Sikorska
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Karol Sikora
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.J.); (M.B.); (K.S.); (W.K.)
| | - Wojciech Kamysz
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.J.); (M.B.); (K.S.); (W.K.)
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Rounds T, Straus SK. Lipidation of Antimicrobial Peptides as a Design Strategy for Future Alternatives to Antibiotics. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249692. [PMID: 33353161 PMCID: PMC7766664 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Multi-drug-resistant bacteria are becoming more prevalent, and treating these bacteria is becoming a global concern. One alternative approach to combat bacterial resistance is to use antimicrobial (AMPs) or host-defense peptides (HDPs) because they possess broad-spectrum activity, function in a variety of ways, and lead to minimal resistance. However, the therapeutic efficacy of HDPs is limited by a number of factors, including systemic toxicity, rapid degradation, and low bioavailability. One approach to circumvent these issues is to use lipidation, i.e., the attachment of one or more fatty acid chains to the amine groups of the N-terminus or a lysine residue of an HDP. In this review, we examined lipidated analogs of 66 different HDPs reported in the literature to determine: (i) whether there is a link between acyl chain length and antibacterial activity; (ii) whether the charge and (iii) the hydrophobicity of the HDP play a role; and (iv) whether acyl chain length and toxicity are related. Overall, the analysis suggests that lipidated HDPs with improved activity over the nonlipidated counterpart had acyl chain lengths of 8–12 carbons. Moreover, active lipidated peptides attached to short HDPs tended to have longer acyl chain lengths. Neither the charge of the parent HDP nor the percent hydrophobicity of the peptide had an apparent significant impact on the antibacterial activity. Finally, the relationship between acyl chain length and toxicity was difficult to determine due to the fact that toxicity is quantified in different ways. The impact of these trends, as well as combined strategies such as the incorporation of d- and non-natural amino acids or alternative approaches, will be discussed in light of how lipidation may play a role in the future development of antimicrobial peptide-based alternatives to current therapeutics.
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Fabisiak N, Fabisiak A, Chmielowiec-Korzeniowska A, Tymczyna L, Kamysz W, Kordek R, Bauer M, Kamysz E, Fichna J. Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects of human cathelicidin active fragment KR-12 in the mouse models of colitis: a novel potential therapy of inflammatory bowel diseases. Pharmacol Rep 2020; 73:163-171. [PMID: 33219923 PMCID: PMC7862075 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-020-00190-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are a group of chronic gastrointestinal tract disorders with complex etiology, with intestinal dysbiosis as the most prominent factor. In this study, we assessed the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial actions of the human cathelicidin LL-37 and its shortest active fragment, KR-12 in the mouse models of colitis. Materials and methods Mouse models of colitis induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) were used in the study. The extent of inflammation was evaluated based on the macro- and microscopic scores, quantification of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and microbiological analysis of stool samples. Results A preliminary study with LL-37 and KR-12 (1 mg/kg, ip, twice daily) showed a decrease in macroscopic and ulcer scores in the acute TNBS-induced model of colitis. We observed that KR-12 (5 mg/kg, ip, twice daily) reduced microscopic and ulcer scores in the semi-chronic and chronic TNBS-induced models of colitis compared with inflamed mice. Furthermore, qualitative and quantitative changes in colonic microbiota were observed: KR-12 (5 mg/kg, ip, twice daily) decreased the overall number of bacteria, Escherichia coli and coli group bacteria. In the semi-chronic DSS-induced model, KR-12 attenuated intestinal inflammation as demonstrated by a reduction in macroscopic score and colon damage score and MPO activity. Conclusions We demonstrated that KR-12 alleviates inflammation in four different mouse models of colitis what suggests KR-12 and cathelicidins as a whole are worth being considered as a potential therapeutic option in the treatment of IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Fabisiak
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Adam Fabisiak
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
- Department of Digestive Tract Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | | | - Leszek Tymczyna
- Department of Animal Hygiene and Environment, University of Agriculture in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Wojciech Kamysz
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Radzisław Kordek
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Marta Bauer
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Kamysz
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Jakub Fichna
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland.
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Aghazadeh H, Ganjali Koli M, Ranjbar R, Pooshang Bagheri K. Interactions of GF-17 derived from LL-37 antimicrobial peptide with bacterial membranes: a molecular dynamics simulation study. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2020; 34:1261-1273. [DOI: 10.1007/s10822-020-00348-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Drayton M, Kizhakkedathu JN, Straus SK. Towards Robust Delivery of Antimicrobial Peptides to Combat Bacterial Resistance. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25133048. [PMID: 32635310 PMCID: PMC7412191 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25133048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), otherwise known as host defence peptides (HDPs), are naturally occurring biomolecules expressed by a large array of species across the phylogenetic kingdoms. They have great potential to combat microbial infections by directly killing or inhibiting bacterial activity and/or by modulating the immune response of the host. Due to their multimodal properties, broad spectrum activity, and minimal resistance generation, these peptides have emerged as a promising response to the rapidly concerning problem of multidrug resistance (MDR). However, their therapeutic efficacy is limited by a number of factors, including rapid degradation, systemic toxicity, and low bioavailability. As such, many strategies have been developed to mitigate these limitations, such as peptide modification and delivery vehicle conjugation/encapsulation. Oftentimes, however, particularly in the case of the latter, this can hinder the activity of the parent AMP. Here, we review current delivery strategies used for AMP formulation, focusing on methodologies utilized for targeted infection site release of AMPs. This specificity unites the improved biocompatibility of the delivery vehicle with the unhindered activity of the free AMP, providing a promising means to effectively translate AMP therapy into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Drayton
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada;
| | - Jayachandran N. Kizhakkedathu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Life Sciences Centre, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada;
| | - Suzana K. Straus
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-604-822-2537
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Najmi Z, Kumar A, Scalia AC, Cochis A, Obradovic B, Grassi FA, Leigheb M, Lamghari M, Loinaz I, Gracia R, Rimondini L. Evaluation of Nisin and LL-37 Antimicrobial Peptides as Tool to Preserve Articular Cartilage Healing in a Septic Environment. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:561. [PMID: 32596225 PMCID: PMC7304409 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cartilage repair still represents a challenge for clinicians and only few effective therapies are nowadays available. In fact, surgery is limited by the tissue poor self-healing capacity while the autologous transplantation is often forsaken due to the poor in vitro expansion capacity of chondrocytes. Biomaterials science offers a unique alternative based on the replacement of the injured tissue with an artificial tissue-mimicking scaffold. However, the implantation surgical practices and the scaffold itself can be a source of bacterial infection that currently represents the first reason of implants failure due to the increasing antibiotics resistance of pathogens. So, alternative antibacterial tools to prevent infections and consequent device removal are urgently required. In this work, the role of Nisin and LL-37 peptides has been investigated as alternative to antibiotics to their antimicrobial performances for direct application at the surgical site or as doping chemicals for devices aimed at articular cartilage repair. First, peptides cytocompatibility was investigated toward human mesenchymal stem cells to determine safe concentrations; then, the broad-range antibacterial activity was verified toward the Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis as well as the Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans pathogens. The peptides selective antibacterial activity was verified by a cells-bacteria co-culture assay, while chondrogenesis was assayed to exclude any interference within the differentiation route to simulate the tissue repair. In the next phase, the experiments were repeated by moving from the cell monolayer model to 3D cartilage-like spheroids to revisit the peptides activity in a more physiologically relevant environment model. Finally, the spheroid model was applied in a perfusion bioreactor to simulate an infection in the presence of circulating peptides within a physiological environment. Results suggested that 75 μg/ml Nisin can be considered as a very promising candidate since it was shown to be more cytocompatible and potent against the investigated bacteria than LL-37 in all the tested models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziba Najmi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale UPO, Novara, Italy.,Center for Translational Research on Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases-CAAD, Novara, Italy
| | - Ajay Kumar
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale UPO, Novara, Italy.,Center for Translational Research on Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases-CAAD, Novara, Italy
| | - Alessandro C Scalia
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale UPO, Novara, Italy.,Center for Translational Research on Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases-CAAD, Novara, Italy
| | - Andrea Cochis
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale UPO, Novara, Italy.,Center for Translational Research on Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases-CAAD, Novara, Italy
| | - Bojana Obradovic
- Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Federico A Grassi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale UPO, Novara, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Leigheb
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale UPO, Novara, Italy
| | - Meriem Lamghari
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Iraida Loinaz
- CIDETEC Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Raquel Gracia
- CIDETEC Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Lia Rimondini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale UPO, Novara, Italy.,Center for Translational Research on Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases-CAAD, Novara, Italy
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Shorter Antibacterial Peptide Having High Selectivity for E. coli Membranes and Low Potential for Inducing Resistance. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8060867. [PMID: 32521823 PMCID: PMC7356157 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8060867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been recognised as a significant therapeutic option for mitigating resistant microbial infections. It has been found recently that Plasmodium falciparum-derived, 20 residue long, peptide 35409 had antibacterial and haemolytic activity, making it an AMP having reduced selectivity, and suggesting that it should be studied more extensively for obtaining new AMPs having activity solely targeting the bacterial membrane. Peptide 35409 was thus used as template for producing short synthetic peptides (<20 residues long) and evaluating their biological activity and relevant physicochemical characteristics for therapeutic use. Four of the sixteen short peptides evaluated here had activity against E. coli without any associated haemolytic effects. The 35409-1 derivative (17 residues long) had the best therapeutic characteristics as it had high selectivity for bacterial cells, stability in the presence of human sera, activity against E. coli multiresistant clinical isolates and was shorter than the original sequence. It had a powerful membranolytic effect and low potential for inducing resistance in bacteria. This peptide’s characteristics highlighted its potential as an alternative for combating infection caused by E. coli multiresistant bacteria and/or for designing new AMPs.
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