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Zielke C, Nielsen JE, Lin JS, Barron AE. Between good and evil: Complexation of the human cathelicidin LL-37 with nucleic acids. Biophys J 2024; 123:1316-1328. [PMID: 37919905 PMCID: PMC11163296 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.10.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The innate immune system provides a crucial first line of defense against invading pathogens attacking the body. As the only member of the human cathelicidin family, the antimicrobial peptide LL-37 has been shown to have antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. In complexation with nucleic acids, LL-37 is suggested to maintain its beneficial health effects while also acting as a condensation agent for the nucleic acid. Complexes formed by LL-37 and nucleic acids have been shown to be immunostimulatory with a positive impact on the human innate immune system. However, some studies also suggest that in some circumstances, LL-37/nucleic acid complexes may be a contributing factor to autoimmune disorders such as psoriasis and systemic lupus erythematosus. This review provides a comprehensive discussion of research highlighting the beneficial health effects of LL-37/nucleic acid complexes, as well as discussing observed detrimental effects. We will emphasize why it is important to investigate and elucidate structural characteristics, such as condensation patterns of nucleic acids within complexation, and their mechanisms of action, to shed light on the intricate physiological effects of LL-37 and the seemingly contradictory role of LL-37/nucleic acid complexes in the innate immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Zielke
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Schools of Medicine and of Engineering, Stanford, California
| | - Josefine Eilsø Nielsen
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Schools of Medicine and of Engineering, Stanford, California; Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jennifer S Lin
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Schools of Medicine and of Engineering, Stanford, California
| | - Annelise E Barron
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Schools of Medicine and of Engineering, Stanford, California.
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2
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Yang M, Pan L, Tian H, Zhou T, Xin H, Feng Y, Zou X, Lv Z, Xu Y, Jin X, Gui S, Lu X. pH- and Matrix Metalloproteinase-Responsive Multifunctional Bilayer Microneedles Platform for Treatment of Tinea Pedis. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:3108-3119. [PMID: 38659287 PMCID: PMC11094678 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.4c00305] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Persistent foot odor and itchiness are common symptoms of tinea pedis, significantly disrupting the daily life of those affected. The cuticular barrier at the site of the tinea pedis is thickened, which impedes the effective penetration of antifungal agents. Additionally, fungi can migrate from the skin surface to deeper tissues, posing challenges in the current clinical treatment for tinea pedis. To effectively treat tinea pedis, we developed a platform of bilayer gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) microneedles (MNs) loaded with salicylic acid (SA) and FK13-a1 (SA/FK13-a1@GelMA MNs). SA/FK13-a1@GelMA MNs exhibit pH- and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-responsive properties for efficient drug delivery. The MNs are designed to deliver salicylic acid (SA) deep into the stratum corneum, softening the cuticle and creating microchannels. This process enables the antibacterial peptide FK13-a1 to penetrate through the stratum corneum barrier, facilitating intradermal diffusion and exerting antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects. In severe cases of tinea pedis, heightened local pH levels and MMP activity further accelerate drug release. Our research demonstrates that SA/FK13-a1@GelMA MNs are highly effective against Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, and Candida albicans. They also reduced stratum corneum thickness, fungal burden, and inflammation in a guinea pig model of tinea pedis induced by T. mentagrophytes. Furthermore, it was discovered that SA/FK13-a1@GelMA MNs exhibit excellent biocompatibility. These findings suggest that SA/FK13-a1@GelMA MNs have significant potential for the clinical treatment of tinea pedis as well as other fungal skin disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Musheng Yang
- Guangdong
Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Bioactive Substances,
School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong
Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Shenzhen
Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Intensive
Care Unit, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518031, China
| | - Lingling Pan
- Guangdong
Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Bioactive Substances,
School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong
Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Shenzhen
Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Intensive
Care Unit, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518031, China
| | - Hongmei Tian
- Guangdong
Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Bioactive Substances,
School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong
Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Shenzhen
Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Intensive
Care Unit, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518031, China
| | - Tao Zhou
- Guangdong
Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Bioactive Substances,
School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong
Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Shenzhen
Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Intensive
Care Unit, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518031, China
| | - Hui Xin
- Guangdong
Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Bioactive Substances,
School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong
Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Shenzhen
Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yonglin Feng
- Guangdong
Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Bioactive Substances,
School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong
Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Shenzhen
Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Intensive
Care Unit, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518031, China
| | - Xuan Zou
- Shenzhen
Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Ziquan Lv
- Shenzhen
Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yinghua Xu
- Key
Laboratory of the Ministry of Health for Research on Quality and Standardization
of Biotechnology Products, National Institutes
for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102629, China
| | - Xiaobao Jin
- Guangdong
Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Bioactive Substances,
School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong
Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Shuiqing Gui
- Intensive
Care Unit, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518031, China
| | - Xuemei Lu
- Guangdong
Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Bioactive Substances,
School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong
Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Shenzhen
Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen 518055, China
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3
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Juszczak M, Zawrotniak M, Rapala-Kozik M. Complexation of fungal extracellular nucleic acids by host LL-37 peptide shapes neutrophil response to Candida albicans biofilm. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1295168. [PMID: 38384468 PMCID: PMC10880380 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1295168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans remains the predominant cause of fungal infections, where adhered microbial cells form biofilms - densely packed communities. The central feature of C. albicans biofilms is the production of an extracellular matrix (ECM) consisting of polymers and extracellular nucleic acids (eDNA, eRNA), which significantly impedes the infiltration of host cells. Neutrophils, as crucial players in the innate host defense, employ several mechanisms to eradicate the fungal infection, including NETosis, endocytosis, or the release of granules containing, among others, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). The main representative of these is the positively charged peptide LL-37 formed from an inactive precursor (hCAP18). In addition to its antimicrobial functions, this peptide possesses a propensity to interact with negatively charged molecules, including nucleic acids. Our in vitro studies have demonstrated that LL-37 contacting with C. albicans nucleic acids, isolated from biofilm, are complexed by the peptide and its shorter derivatives, as confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. We indicated that the generation of the complexes induces discernible alterations in the neutrophil response to fungal nucleic acids compared to the effects of unconjugated molecules. Our analyses involving fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and Western blotting revealed that stimulation of neutrophils with DNA:LL-37 or RNA:LL-37 complexes hamper the activation of pro-apoptotic caspases 3 and 7 and fosters increased activation of anti-apoptotic pathways mediated by the Mcl-1 protein. Furthermore, the formation of complexes elicits a dual effect on neutrophil immune response. Firstly, they facilitate increased nucleic acid uptake, as evidenced by microscopic observations, and enhance the pro-inflammatory response, promoting IL-8 production. Secondly, the complexes detection suppresses the production of reactive oxygen species and attenuates NETosis activation. In conclusion, these findings may imply that the neutrophil immune response shifts toward mobilizing the immune system as a whole, rather than inactivating the pathogen locally. Our findings shed new light on the intricate interplay between the constituents of the C. albicans biofilm and the host's immune response and indicate possible reasons for the elimination of NETosis from the arsenal of the neutrophil response during contact with the fungal biofilm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Juszczak
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Marcin Zawrotniak
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Maria Rapala-Kozik
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
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Li C, Zhou Z, Wang W, Zhao Y, Yin X, Meng Y, Zhao P, Wang M, Liu X, Wang X, Wang S, Ren B, Zhang L, Xia X. Development of Antibacterial Peptides with Membrane Disruption and Folate Pathway Inhibitory Activities against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. J Med Chem 2024; 67:1044-1060. [PMID: 38173250 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) offer an opportunity to overcome multidrug resistance. Here, novel peptides were designed based on AMP fragments derived from sea cucumber hemolytic lectin to enhance anti-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) activity with less side effects. Two designed peptides, CGS19 (LARVARRVIRFIRRAW-NH2) and CGS20 (RRRLARRLIFFIRRAW-NH2), exhibited strong antibacterial activities against clinically isolated MRSA with MICs of 3-6 μM, but no obvious cytotoxicity was observed. Consistently, CGS19 and CGS20 exerted rapid bactericidal activity and effectively induced 5.9 and 5.8 log reduction of MRSA counts in mouse subeschar, respectively. Further, CGS19 and CGS20 kill bacteria not only through disturbing membrane integrity but also by binding formate-tetrahydrofolate ligase, a key enzyme in the folate metabolism pathway, thereby inhibiting the folate pathway of MRSA. CGS19 and CGS20 are promising lead candidates for drug development against MRSA infection. The dual mechanisms on the identical peptide sequence or scaffold might be an underappreciated manner of treating life-threatening pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlei Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory for Bio-Manufacturing, Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250103, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Qilu Hospital, Cheloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Ziyi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Weitao Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory for Bio-Manufacturing, Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250103, China
| | - Yanqiu Zhao
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory for Bio-Manufacturing, Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250103, China
| | - Xin Yin
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory for Bio-Manufacturing, Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250103, China
| | - Yiwei Meng
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory for Bio-Manufacturing, Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250103, China
| | - Peipei Zhao
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory for Bio-Manufacturing, Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250103, China
| | - Mengmeng Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory for Bio-Manufacturing, Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250103, China
| | - Xueting Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xinye Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Shenlin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Biao Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lixin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xuekui Xia
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory for Bio-Manufacturing, Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250103, China
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Szadkowska M, Kocot AM, Sowik D, Wyrzykowski D, Jankowska E, Kozlowski LP, Makowska J, Plotka M. Molecular characterization of the PhiKo endolysin from Thermus thermophilus HB27 bacteriophage phiKo and its cryptic lytic peptide RAP-29. Front Microbiol 2024; 14:1303794. [PMID: 38312500 PMCID: PMC10836841 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1303794] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction In the era of increasing bacterial resistance to antibiotics, new bactericidal substances are sought, and lysins derived from extremophilic organisms have the undoubted advantage of being stable under harsh environmental conditions. The PhiKo endolysin is derived from the phiKo bacteriophage infecting Gram-negative extremophilic bacterium Thermus thermophilus HB27. This enzyme shows similarity to two previously investigated thermostable type-2 amidases, the Ts2631 and Ph2119 from Thermus scotoductus bacteriophages, that revealed high lytic activity not only against thermophiles but also against Gram-negative mesophilic bacteria. Therefore, antibacterial potential of the PhiKo endolysin was investigated in the study presented here. Methods Enzyme activity was assessed using turbidity reduction assays (TRAs) and antibacterial tests. Differential scanning calorimetry was applied to evaluate protein stability. The Collection of Anti-Microbial Peptides (CAMP) and Antimicrobial Peptide Calculator and Predictor (APD3) were used to predict regions with antimicrobial potential in the PhiKo primary sequence. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the RAP-29 synthetic peptide was determined against Gram-positive and Gram-negative selected strains, and mechanism of action was investigated with use of membrane potential sensitive fluorescent dye 3,3'-Dipropylthiacarbocyanine iodide (DiSC3(5)). Results and discussion The PhiKo endolysin is highly thermostable with melting temperature of 91.70°C. However, despite its lytic effect against such extremophiles as: T. thermophilus, Thermus flavus, Thermus parvatiensis, Thermus scotoductus, and Deinococcus radiodurans, PhiKo showed moderate antibacterial activity against mesophiles. Consequently, its protein sequence was searched for regions with potential antibacterial activity. A highly positively charged region was identified and synthetized (PhiKo105-133). The novel RAP-29 peptide lysed mesophilic strains of staphylococci and Gram-negative bacteria, reducing the number of cells by 3.7-7.1 log units and reaching the minimum inhibitory concentration values in the range of 2-31 μM. This peptide is unstructured in an aqueous solution but forms an α-helix in the presence of detergents. Moreover, it binds lipoteichoic acid and lipopolysaccharide, and causes depolarization of bacterial membranes. The RAP-29 peptide is a promising candidate for combating bacterial pathogens. The existence of this cryptic peptide testifies to a much wider panel of antimicrobial peptides than thought previously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Szadkowska
- Laboratory of Extremophiles Biology, Department of Microbiology, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Maria Kocot
- Laboratory of Extremophiles Biology, Department of Microbiology, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Daria Sowik
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Dariusz Wyrzykowski
- Department of General and Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Elzbieta Jankowska
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Lukasz Pawel Kozlowski
- Institute of Informatics, Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Mechanics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Makowska
- Department of General and Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Magdalena Plotka
- Laboratory of Extremophiles Biology, Department of Microbiology, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
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Ying X, Xue G, Sun P, Gan Z, Fan Z, Liu B, Han Y, Yang J, Zhang J, Lu A. Antimicrobial Peptides Targeting Streptococcus mutans: Current Research on Design, Screening and Efficacy. Curr Microbiol 2023; 81:18. [PMID: 38007405 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-023-03540-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small-molecule peptides that play a vital role in the nonspecific immune defense system of organisms. They mainly kill microorganisms by physically destroying the cell membrane and causing the leakage of contents. AMPs have attracted much attention as potential alternatives to antibiotics due to their low susceptibility to resistance. Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is one of the main causative agents of human dental caries. The design, screening, and efficacy evaluation of AMPs targeting S. mutans offer new possibilities for the prevention and treatment of oral diseases, especially dental caries, in the future. This article reviews AMPs from different sources that have inhibitory effects on S. mutans, discusses the mechanism of action of AMPs against S. mutans biofilms, and focuses on the research progress of screening methods, design modification, and biological activity evaluation of AMPs. We hope to provide insights and reference value for the development of new biologics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Ying
- Research Center for Translational Medicine at East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200010, China
| | - Guanglu Xue
- Research Center for Translational Medicine at East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200010, China
| | - Pengxiang Sun
- Research Center for Translational Medicine at East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200010, China
| | - Ziling Gan
- Research Center for Translational Medicine at East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200010, China
| | - Ziqian Fan
- Research Center for Translational Medicine at East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200010, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Research Center for Translational Medicine at East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200010, China
| | - Yaoting Han
- Research Center for Translational Medicine at East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200010, China
| | - Jiaqian Yang
- Research Center for Translational Medicine at East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200010, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Research Center for Translational Medicine at East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200010, China.
| | - Aiping Lu
- Research Center for Translational Medicine at East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200010, China.
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Pastuszak K, Kowalczyk B, Tarasiuk J, Luchowski R, Gruszecki WI, Jurak M, Palusinska-Szysz M. Insight into the Mechanism of Interactions between the LL-37 Peptide and Model Membranes of Legionella gormanii Bacteria. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12039. [PMID: 37569419 PMCID: PMC10418352 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512039] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Legionella gormanii is a fastidious, Gram-negative bacterium known to be the etiological agent of atypical community-acquired pneumonia. The human cathelicidin LL-37 exhibits a dose-dependent bactericidal effect on L. gormanii. The LL-37 peptide at the concentration of 10 µM causes the bacteria to become viable but not cultured. The antibacterial activity of the peptide is attributed to its effective binding to the bacterial membrane, as demonstrated by the fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy. In this study, to mimic the L. gormanii membranes and their response to the antimicrobial peptide, Langmuir monolayers were used with the addition of the LL-37 peptide to the subphase of the Langmuir trough to represent the extracellular fluid. The properties of the model membranes (Langmuir monolayers) formed by phospholipids (PL) isolated from the L. gormanii bacteria cultured on the non-supplemented (PL-choline) and choline-supplemented (PL+choline) medium were determined, along with the effect of the LL-37 peptide on the intermolecular interactions, packing, and ordering under the monolayer compression. Penetration tests at the constant surface pressure were carried out to investigate the mechanism of the LL-37 peptide action on the model membranes. The peptide binds to the anionic bacterial membranes preferentially, due to its positive charge. Upon binding, the LL-37 peptide can penetrate into the hydrophobic tails of phospholipids, destabilizing membrane integrity. The above process can entail membrane disruption and ultimately cell death. The ability to evoke such a great membrane destabilization is dependent on the share of electrostatic, hydrogen bonding and Lifshitz-van der Waals LL-37-PL interactions. Thus, the LL-37 peptide action depends on the changes in the lipid membrane composition caused by the utilization of exogenous choline by the L. gormanii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Pastuszak
- Department of Interfacial Phenomena, Institute of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Maria Curie-Skłodowska Sq. 3, 20-031 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Bozena Kowalczyk
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland; (B.K.); (J.T.); (M.P.-S.)
| | - Jacek Tarasiuk
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland; (B.K.); (J.T.); (M.P.-S.)
| | - Rafal Luchowski
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Radziszewskiego 10, 20-031 Lublin, Poland; (R.L.); (W.I.G.)
| | - Wieslaw I. Gruszecki
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Radziszewskiego 10, 20-031 Lublin, Poland; (R.L.); (W.I.G.)
| | - Małgorzata Jurak
- Department of Interfacial Phenomena, Institute of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Maria Curie-Skłodowska Sq. 3, 20-031 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Marta Palusinska-Szysz
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland; (B.K.); (J.T.); (M.P.-S.)
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8
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Leite ML, Duque HM, Rodrigues GR, da Cunha NB, Franco OL. The LL-37 domain: a clue to cathelicidin immunomodulatory response? Peptides 2023; 165:171011. [PMID: 37068711 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.171011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Host defense peptides (HDPs) are naturally occurring polypeptide sequences that, in addition to being active against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other parasites, may stimulate immunomodulatory responses. Cathelicidins, a family of HDPs, are produced by diverse animal species, such as mammals, fish, birds, amphibians, and reptiles, to protect them against pathogen infections. These peptides have variable C-terminal domains responsible for their antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities and a highly conserved N-terminal pre-pro region homologous to cathelin. Although cathelicidins are the major components of innate immunity, the molecular basis by which they induce an immune response is still unclear. In this review, we will address the role of the LL-37 domain and its SK-24, IV-20, FK-13 and LL-37 fragments in the immunity response. Other cathelicidins also share structural and functional characteristics with the LL-37 domain, suggesting that these fragments may be responsible for interaction between these peptides and receptors in humans. Fragments of the LL-37 domain can give us clues about how homologous cathelicidins, in general, induce an immune response. AVAILABILITY OF DATA AND MATERIAL: No data was used for the research described in the article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Lopes Leite
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Harry Morales Duque
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Gisele Regina Rodrigues
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Nicolau Brito da Cunha
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil; Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, Brasil
| | - Octávio Luiz Franco
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil; S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil.
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Wang G, Cui Y, Liu H, Tian Y, Li S, Fan Y, Sun S, Wu D, Peng C. Antibacterial peptides-loaded bioactive materials for the treatment of bone infection. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2023; 225:113255. [PMID: 36924650 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2023.113255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial bone infection in open fractures is an urgent problem to solve in orthopedics. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), as a part of innate immune defense, have good biocompatibility. Their antibacterial mechanism and therapeutic application against bacteria have been widely studied. Compared with traditional antibiotics, AMPs do not easily cause bacterial resistance and can be a reliable substitute for antibiotics in the future. Therefore, various physical and chemical strategies have been developed for the combined application of AMPs and bioactive materials to infected sites, which are conducive to maintaining the local stability of AMPs, reducing many complications, and facilitating bone infection resolution. This review explored the molecular structure, function, and direct and indirect antibacterial mechanisms of AMPs, introduced two important AMPs (LL-37 and β-defensins) in bone tissues, and reviewed advanced AMP loading strategies and different bioactive materials. Finally, the latest progress and future development of AMPs-loaded bioactive materials for the promotion of bone infection repair were discussed. This study provided a theoretical basis and application strategy for the treatment of bone infection with AMP-loaded bioactive materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gan Wang
- Orthopaedic Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Yutao Cui
- Orthopaedic Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - He Liu
- Orthopaedic Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Yuhang Tian
- Orthopaedic Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Shaorong Li
- Orthopaedic Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Yi Fan
- Orthopaedic Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Shouye Sun
- Orthopaedic Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Dankai Wu
- Orthopaedic Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China.
| | - Chuangang Peng
- Orthopaedic Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China.
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10
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Kulawik P, Jamróz E, Kruk T, Szymkowiak A, Tkaczewska J, Krzyściak P, Skóra M, Guzik P, Janik M, Vlčko T, Milosavljević V. Active edible multi-layer chitosan/furcellaran micro/nanoemulsions with plant essential oils and antimicrobial peptides: Biological properties and consumer acceptance. Food Control 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2023.109767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
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11
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Memariani H, Memariani M. Antibiofilm properties of cathelicidin LL-37: an in-depth review. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 39:99. [PMID: 36781570 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-023-03545-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Notwithstanding ceaseless endeavors toward developing effective antibiofilm chemotherapeutics, biofilm-associated infections continue to be one of the most perplexing challenges confronting medicine today. Endogenous host defense peptides, such as the human cathelicidin LL-37, are being propounded as promising options for treating such infectious diseases. Over the past decennium, LL-37 has duly received tremendous research attention by virtue of its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and immunomodulatory properties. No attempt has hitherto been made, as far as we are aware, to comprehensively review the antibiofilm effects of LL-37. Accordingly, the intent in this paper is to provide a fairly all-embracing review of the literature available on the subject. Accumulating evidence suggests that LL-37 is able to prevent biofilm establishment by different bacterial pathogens such as Acinetobacter baumannii, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Bacteroides fragilis, Burkholderia thailandensis, Cutibacterium acnes, Escherichia coli, Francisella tularensis, Helicobacter pylori, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes. Inhibition of bacterial adhesion, downregulation of biofilm-associated genes, suppression of quorum-sensing pathways, degradation of biofilm matrix, and eradication of biofilm-residing cells are the major mechanisms responsible for antibiofilm properties of LL-37. In terms of its efficacy and safety in vivo, there are still many questions to be answered. Undoubtedly, LL-37 can open up new windows of opportunity to prevent and treat obstinate biofilm-mediated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Memariani
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Memariani
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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12
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de Szalay S, Wertz PW. Protective Barriers Provided by the Epidermis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043145. [PMID: 36834554 PMCID: PMC9961209 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The skin is the largest organ of the body and consists of an epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous adipose tissue. The skin surface area is often stated to be about 1.8 to 2 m2 and represents our interface with the environment; however, when one considers that microorganisms live in the hair follicles and can enter sweat ducts, the area that interacts with this aspect of the environment becomes about 25-30 m2. Although all layers of the skin, including the adipose tissue, participate in antimicrobial defense, this review will focus mainly on the role of the antimicrobial factors in the epidermis and at the skin surface. The outermost layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum, is physically tough and chemically inert which protects against numerous environmental stresses. It provides a permeability barrier which is attributable to lipids in the intercellular spaces between the corneocytes. In addition to the permeability barrier, there is an innate antimicrobial barrier at the skin surface which involves antimicrobial lipids, peptides and proteins. The skin surface has a low surface pH and is poor in certain nutrients, which limits the range of microorganisms that can survive there. Melanin and trans-urocanic acid provide protection from UV radiation, and Langerhans cells in the epidermis are poised to monitor the local environment and to trigger an immune response as needed. Each of these protective barriers will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah de Szalay
- Sarah de Szalay Consulting, LLC, Wesy Milford, NJ 07480, USA
| | - Philip W. Wertz
- Dows Institute for Dental Research, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA
- Correspondence:
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13
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Wu F, Song L, Gong Y, Wang Y, Li H, Zhang S. Antimicrobial Peptide Pt5‐1c Promotes Keratinocyte Migration and Proliferation via EGFR‐mediated Akt/MAPK/STAT3 pathways. ChemistrySelect 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202203707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Wu
- Department of Marine Biology, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity Ocean University of China Qingdao 266003 China
| | - Lili Song
- Department of Marine Biology, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity Ocean University of China Qingdao 266003 China
| | - Yi Gong
- Department of Marine Biology, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity Ocean University of China Qingdao 266003 China
| | - Yubing Wang
- School of life science and technology Weifang Medical University Weifang 261053 China
| | - Hongyan Li
- Department of Marine Biology, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity Ocean University of China Qingdao 266003 China
| | - Shicui Zhang
- Department of Marine Biology, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity Ocean University of China Qingdao 266003 China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao) Qingdao 266003 China
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LL-37, a Multi-Faceted Amphipathic Peptide Involved in NETosis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11152463. [PMID: 35954305 PMCID: PMC9368159 DOI: 10.3390/cells11152463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate immunity responds to infections and inflammatory stimuli through a carefully choreographed set of interactions between cells, stimuli and their specific receptors. Of particular importance are endogenous peptides, which assume roles as defensins or alarmins, growth factors or wound repair inducers. LL-37, a proteolytic fragment of cathelicidin, fulfills the roles of a defensin by inserting into the membranes of bacterial pathogens, functions as alarmin in stimulating chemotaxis of innate immune cells, and alters the structure and efficacy of various cytokines. Here, we draw attention to the direct effect of LL-37 on neutrophils and the release of extracellular traps (NETs), as NETs have been established as mediators of immune defense against pathogens but also as important contributors to chronic disease and tissue pathogenesis. We propose a specific structural basis for LL-37 function, in part by highlighting the structural flexibility of LL-37 and its ability to adapt to distinct microenvironments and interacting counterparts.
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Blair JMA, Zeth K, Bavro VN, Sancho-Vaello E. The role of bacterial transport systems in the removal of host antimicrobial peptides in Gram-negative bacteria. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2022; 46:6617596. [PMID: 35749576 PMCID: PMC9629497 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuac032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a global issue that threatens our progress in healthcare and life expectancy. In recent years, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been considered as promising alternatives to the classic antibiotics. AMPs are potentially superior due to their lower rate of resistance development, since they primarily target the bacterial membrane ('Achilles' heel' of the bacteria). However, bacteria have developed mechanisms of AMP resistance, including the removal of AMPs to the extracellular space by efflux pumps such as the MtrCDE or AcrAB-TolC systems, and the internalization of AMPs to the cytoplasm by the Sap transporter, followed by proteolytic digestion. In this review, we focus on AMP transport as a resistance mechanism compiling all the experimental evidence for the involvement of efflux in AMP resistance in Gram-negative bacteria and combine this information with the analysis of the structures of the efflux systems involved. Finally, we expose some open questions with the aim of arousing the interest of the scientific community towards the AMPs-efflux pumps interactions. All the collected information broadens our understanding of AMP removal by efflux pumps and gives some clues to assist the rational design of AMP-derivatives as inhibitors of the efflux pumps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M A Blair
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Kornelius Zeth
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Universitetsvej 1, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Vassiliy N Bavro
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom
| | - Enea Sancho-Vaello
- Corresponding author. College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom. E-mail:
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Cathelicidin LL-37 in Health and Diseases of the Oral Cavity. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10051086. [PMID: 35625823 PMCID: PMC9138798 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms for maintaining oral cavity homeostasis are subject to the constant influence of many environmental factors, including various chemicals and microorganisms. Most of them act directly on the oral mucosa, which is the mechanical and immune barrier of the oral cavity, and such interaction might lead to the development of various oral pathologies and systemic diseases. Two important players in maintaining oral health or developing oral pathology are the oral microbiota and various immune molecules that are involved in controlling its quantitative and qualitative composition. The LL-37 peptide is an important molecule that upon release from human cathelicidin (hCAP-18) can directly perform antimicrobial action after insertion into surface structures of microorganisms and immunomodulatory function as an agonist of different cell membrane receptors. Oral LL-37 expression is an important factor in oral homeostasis that maintains the physiological microbiota but is also involved in the development of oral dysbiosis, infectious diseases (including viral, bacterial, and fungal infections), autoimmune diseases, and oral carcinomas. This peptide has also been proposed as a marker of inflammation severity and treatment outcome.
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Atomic-Resolution Structures and Mode of Action of Clinically Relevant Antimicrobial Peptides. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094558. [PMID: 35562950 PMCID: PMC9100274 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Global rise of infections and deaths caused by drug-resistant bacterial pathogens are among the unmet medical needs. In an age of drying pipeline of novel antibiotics to treat bacterial infections, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are proven to be valid therapeutics modalities. Direct in vivo applications of many AMPs could be challenging; however, works are demonstrating encouraging results for some of them. In this review article, we discussed 3-D structures of potent AMPs e.g., polymyxin, thanatin, MSI, protegrin, OMPTA in complex with bacterial targets and their mode of actions. Studies on human peptide LL37 and de novo-designed peptides are also discussed. We have focused on AMPs which are effective against drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Since treatment options for the infections caused by super bugs of Gram-negative bacteria are now extremely limited. We also summarize some of the pertinent challenges in the field of clinical trials of AMPs.
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