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Monroe MK, Wang H, Anderson CF, Jia H, Flexner C, Cui H. Leveraging the therapeutic, biological, and self-assembling potential of peptides for the treatment of viral infections. J Control Release 2022; 348:1028-1049. [PMID: 35752254 PMCID: PMC11022941 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Peptides and peptide-based materials have an increasing role in the treatment of viral infections through their use as active pharmaceutical ingredients, targeting moieties, excipients, carriers, or structural components in drug delivery systems. The discovery of peptide-based therapeutic compounds, coupled with the development of new stabilization and formulation strategies, has led to a resurgence of antiviral peptide therapeutics over the past two decades. The ability of peptides to bind cell receptors and to facilitate membrane penetration and subsequent intracellular trafficking enables their use in various antiviral systems for improved targeting efficiency and treatment efficacy. Importantly, the self-assembly of peptides into well-defined nanostructures provides a vast library of discrete constructs and supramolecular biomaterials for systemic and local delivery of antiviral agents. We review here the recent progress in exploiting the therapeutic, biological, and self-assembling potential of peptides, peptide conjugates, and their supramolecular assemblies in treating human viral infections, with an emphasis on the treatment strategies for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya K Monroe
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States of America; Institute for NanoBioTechnology, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States of America
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States of America; Institute for NanoBioTechnology, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States of America
| | - Caleb F Anderson
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States of America; Institute for NanoBioTechnology, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States of America
| | - Hongpeng Jia
- Department of Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, United States of America
| | - Charles Flexner
- Divisions of Clinical Pharmacology and Infectious Diseases, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America.
| | - Honggang Cui
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States of America; Institute for NanoBioTechnology, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States of America; Deptartment of Oncology and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America; Center for Nanomedicine, The Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 400 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States of America.
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Activity of Two Antimicrobial Peptides against Enterococcus faecalis in a Model of Biofilm-Mediated Endodontic Infection. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10101220. [PMID: 34680801 PMCID: PMC8532894 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10101220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus faecalis is a common cause of biofilm-associated opportunistic infections, which are often difficult to treat. The formation of E. faecalis biofilms on the dentinal walls of the root canal is frequently the cause of endodontic treatment failure and secondary apical periodontitis. In a preliminary work, two recognized antifungal peptides, KP and L18R, showed antibacterial activity against planktonic E. faecalis cells at micromolar concentrations. Moreover, L18R proved to reduce the biomass in the early stage of E. faecalis biofilm development on polystyrene plates, while a qualitative biofilm inhibition was demonstrated on hydroxyapatite disks by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The aim of this study was to better characterize the effect of both peptides on E. faecalis biofilm. A reduction in metabolic activity after peptide treatment was detected by Alamar Blue assay, while a remarkable impairment in the architecture of E. faecalis biofilms on hydroxyapatite disks, along with a significant reduction in viable bacteria, was caused mostly by L18R, as assessed by CLSM and scanning electron microscopy. The lack of cytotoxicity of the investigated peptides against L929 murine fibroblasts was also determined. Obtained results suggest L18R as a promising candidate for the development of new strategies for endodontic infection control.
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Wickerhamomyces Yeast Killer Toxins' Medical Applications. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13090655. [PMID: 34564659 PMCID: PMC8470119 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13090655] [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: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Possible implications and applications of the yeast killer phenomenon in the fight against infectious diseases are reviewed, with particular reference to some wide-spectrum killer toxins (KTs) produced by Wickerhamomyces anomalus and other related species. A perspective on the applications of these KTs in the medical field is provided considering (1) a direct use of killer strains, in particular in the symbiotic control of arthropod-borne diseases; (2) a direct use of KTs as experimental therapeutic agents; (3) the production, through the idiotypic network, of immunological derivatives of KTs and their use as potential anti-infective therapeutics. Studies on immunological derivatives of KTs in the context of vaccine development are also described.
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Ciociola T, Pertinhez TA, De Simone T, Magliani W, Ferrari E, Belletti S, D’Adda T, Conti S, Giovati L. In Vitro and In Vivo Anti- Candida Activity and Structural Analysis of Killer Peptide (KP)-Derivatives. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:129. [PMID: 33578728 PMCID: PMC7916522 DOI: 10.3390/jof7020129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The previously described decapeptide AKVTMTCSAS (killer peptide, KP), derived from the variable region of a recombinant yeast killer toxin-like anti-idiotypic antibody, proved to exert a variety of antimicrobial, antiviral, and immunomodulatory activities. It also showed a peculiar self-assembly ability, likely responsible for the therapeutic effect in animal models of systemic and mucosal candidiasis. The present study analyzed the biological and structural properties of peptides derived from KP by substitution or deletion of the first residue, leaving unchanged the remaining amino acids. The investigated peptides proved to exert differential in vitro and/or in vivo anti-Candida activity without showing toxic effects on mammalian cells. The change of the first residue in KP amino acidic sequence affected the conformation of the resulting peptides in solution, as assessed by circular dichroism spectroscopy. KP-derivatives, except one, were able to induce apoptosis in yeast cells, like KP itself. ROS production and changes in mitochondrial transmembrane potential were also observed. Confocal and transmission electron microscopy studies allowed to establish that selected peptides could penetrate within C. albicans cells and cause gross morphological alterations. Overall, the physical and chemical properties of the first residue were found to be important for peptide conformation, candidacidal activity and possible mechanism of action. Small antimicrobial peptides could be exploited for the development of a new generation of antifungal drugs, given their relative low cost and ease of production as well as the possibility of devising novel delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tecla Ciociola
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (T.C.); (T.A.P.); (T.D.S.); (W.M.); (E.F.); (S.B.); (T.D.); (L.G.)
| | - Thelma A. Pertinhez
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (T.C.); (T.A.P.); (T.D.S.); (W.M.); (E.F.); (S.B.); (T.D.); (L.G.)
- Transfusion Medicine Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Tiziano De Simone
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (T.C.); (T.A.P.); (T.D.S.); (W.M.); (E.F.); (S.B.); (T.D.); (L.G.)
| | - Walter Magliani
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (T.C.); (T.A.P.); (T.D.S.); (W.M.); (E.F.); (S.B.); (T.D.); (L.G.)
| | - Elena Ferrari
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (T.C.); (T.A.P.); (T.D.S.); (W.M.); (E.F.); (S.B.); (T.D.); (L.G.)
| | - Silvana Belletti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (T.C.); (T.A.P.); (T.D.S.); (W.M.); (E.F.); (S.B.); (T.D.); (L.G.)
| | - Tiziana D’Adda
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (T.C.); (T.A.P.); (T.D.S.); (W.M.); (E.F.); (S.B.); (T.D.); (L.G.)
| | - Stefania Conti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (T.C.); (T.A.P.); (T.D.S.); (W.M.); (E.F.); (S.B.); (T.D.); (L.G.)
| | - Laura Giovati
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (T.C.); (T.A.P.); (T.D.S.); (W.M.); (E.F.); (S.B.); (T.D.); (L.G.)
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Ciociola T, Giovati L, Conti S, Magliani W. Anti-Infective Antibody-Derived Peptides Active against Endogenous and Exogenous Fungi. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9010143. [PMID: 33435157 PMCID: PMC7827253 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9010143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycoses still represent relevant opportunistic infections worldwide, although overshadowed in recent years by other severe and more widespread infections. Moreover, deep-seated mycoses are often accompanied by unacceptably high mortality rates. Etiologic agents include endogenous components of the mycobiota, Candida and Malassezia species above all, and exogenous species, both yeasts and filamentous fungi. Old and new fungal pathogens are increasingly characterized by resistance to the existing antifungal agents, making imperative the search for effective and safe new therapeutics. Among the candidate molecules proposed in recent decades, synthetic peptides derived from the complementarity determining and constant regions of diverse antibodies (Abs), as well as the translated products of Ab-encoding genes, have proved of considerable interest. Their anti-infective activities, regardless of the specificity and isotype of the originating Ab, will be briefly presented and discussed in the light of their different mechanisms of action. Intriguing suggestions on the possible function of Abs after their half-life will be presented, following the recent detection, in human serum, of an antimicrobial Ab-derived peptide. Overall, Abs could represent a source of biologically active, highly flexible peptides, devoid of detectable toxicity, which can be easily synthesized and manipulated to be used, alone or in association with already available drugs, for new anti-infective strategies.
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Ferrari L, Martelli P, Saleri R, De Angelis E, Ferrarini G, Cavalli V, Passeri B, Bazzoli G, Ogno G, Magliani W, Borghetti P. An engineered anti-idiotypic antibody-derived killer peptide (KP) early activates swine inflammatory monocytes, CD3 +CD16 + natural killer T cells and CD4 +CD8α + double positive CD8β + cytotoxic T lymphocytes associated with TNF-α and IFN-γ secretion. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 72:101523. [PMID: 32758800 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2020.101523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated the early modulation of the phenotype and cytokine secretion in swine immune cells treated with an engineered killer peptide (KP) based on an anti-idiotypic antibody functionally mimicking a yeast killer toxin. The influence of KP on specific immunity was investigated using porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) as ex vivo antigens. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy pigs were stimulated with KP and with a scramble peptide for 20 min, 1, 4 and 20 h or kept unstimulated. The cells were analyzed using flow cytometry and ELISA. The same time-periods were used for KP pre-incubation/co-incubation to determine the effect on virus-recalled interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) secreting cell (SC) frequencies and single cell IFN-γ productivity using ELISPOT. KP induced an early dose-dependent shift to pro-inflammatory CD172α+CD14+high monocytes and an increase of CD3+CD16+ natural killer (NK) T cells. KP triggered CD8α and CD8β expression on classical CD4-CD8αβ+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and double positive (DP) CD4+CD8α+ Th memory cells (CD4+CD8α+low CD8β+low). A fraction of DP cells also expressed high levels of CD8α. The two identified DP CD4+CD8α+high CD8β+low/+high CTL subsets were associated with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and IFN-γ secretion. KP markedly boosted the reactivity and cross-reactivity of PRRSV type-1- and PCV2b-specific IFN-γ SC. The results indicate the efficacy of KP in stimulating Th1-biased immunomodulation and support studies of KP as an immunomodulator or vaccine adjuvant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Ferrari
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio, 10 - 43126, Parma, Italy.
| | - Paolo Martelli
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio, 10 - 43126, Parma, Italy.
| | - Roberta Saleri
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio, 10 - 43126, Parma, Italy.
| | - Elena De Angelis
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio, 10 - 43126, Parma, Italy.
| | - Giulia Ferrarini
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio, 10 - 43126, Parma, Italy.
| | - Valeria Cavalli
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio, 10 - 43126, Parma, Italy.
| | - Benedetta Passeri
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio, 10 - 43126, Parma, Italy.
| | - Gianluca Bazzoli
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio, 10 - 43126, Parma, Italy.
| | - Giulia Ogno
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio, 10 - 43126, Parma, Italy.
| | - Walter Magliani
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci, 14 - 43126, Parma, Italy.
| | - Paolo Borghetti
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio, 10 - 43126, Parma, Italy.
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Fernández de Ullivarri M, Arbulu S, Garcia-Gutierrez E, Cotter PD. Antifungal Peptides as Therapeutic Agents. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:105. [PMID: 32257965 PMCID: PMC7089922 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungi have been used since ancient times in food and beverage-making processes and, more recently, have been harnessed for the production of antibiotics and in processes of relevance to the bioeconomy. Moreover, they are starting to gain attention as a key component of the human microbiome. However, fungi are also responsible for human infections. The incidence of community-acquired and nosocomial fungal infections has increased considerably in recent decades. Antibiotic resistance development, the increasing number of immunodeficiency- and/or immunosuppression-related diseases and limited therapeutic options available are triggering the search for novel alternatives. These new antifungals should be less toxic for the host, with targeted or broader antimicrobial spectra (for diseases of known and unknown etiology, respectively) and modes of actions that limit the potential for the emergence of resistance among pathogenic fungi. Given these criteria, antimicrobial peptides with antifungal properties, i.e., antifungal peptides (AFPs), have emerged as powerful candidates due to their efficacy and high selectivity. In this review, we provide an overview of the bioactivity and classification of AFPs (natural and synthetic) as well as their mode of action and advantages over current antifungal drugs. Additionally, natural, heterologous and synthetic production of AFPs with a view to greater levels of exploitation is discussed. Finally, we evaluate the current and potential applications of these peptides, along with the future challenges relating to antifungal treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Fernández de Ullivarri
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Food Bioscience Department, Teagasc Food Research Centre, Fermoy, Ireland
| | - Sara Arbulu
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Food Bioscience Department, Teagasc Food Research Centre, Fermoy, Ireland
| | - Enriqueta Garcia-Gutierrez
- Food Bioscience Department, Teagasc Food Research Centre, Fermoy, Ireland.,Gut Microbes and Health, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Paul D Cotter
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Food Bioscience Department, Teagasc Food Research Centre, Fermoy, Ireland
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Mannazzu I, Domizio P, Carboni G, Zara S, Zara G, Comitini F, Budroni M, Ciani M. Yeast killer toxins: from ecological significance to application. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2019; 39:603-617. [PMID: 31023102 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2019.1601679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Killer toxins are proteins that are often glycosylated and bind to specific receptors on the surface of their target microorganism, which is then killed through a target-specific mode of action. The killer phenotype is widespread among yeast and about 100 yeast killer species have been described to date. The spectrum of action of the killer toxins they produce targets spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms. Thus, they have potential as natural antimicrobials in food and for biological control of plant pathogens, as well as therapeutic agents against animal and human infections. In spite of this wide range of possible applications, their exploitation on the industrial level is still in its infancy. Here, we initially briefly report on the biodiversity of killer toxins and the ecological significance of their production. Their actual and possible applications in the agro-food industry are discussed, together with recent advances in their heterologous production and the manipulation for development of peptide-based therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Mannazzu
- a Department of Agriculture , University of Sassari , Sassari , Italy
| | - Paola Domizio
- b Department of Agricultural , Food and Forestry Systems (GESAAF) , Firenze , Italy
| | - Gavino Carboni
- a Department of Agriculture , University of Sassari , Sassari , Italy
| | - Severino Zara
- a Department of Agriculture , University of Sassari , Sassari , Italy
| | - Giacomo Zara
- a Department of Agriculture , University of Sassari , Sassari , Italy
| | - Francesca Comitini
- c Department of Life and Environmental Sciences , Università Politecnica delle Marche , Ancona , Italy
| | - Marilena Budroni
- a Department of Agriculture , University of Sassari , Sassari , Italy
| | - Maurizio Ciani
- c Department of Life and Environmental Sciences , Università Politecnica delle Marche , Ancona , Italy
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Sala A, Ardizzoni A, Ciociola T, Magliani W, Conti S, Blasi E, Cermelli C. Antiviral Activity of Synthetic Peptides Derived from Physiological Proteins. Intervirology 2019; 61:166-173. [PMID: 30654366 DOI: 10.1159/000494354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS New antivirals are needed to supplement or replace currently used drugs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiviral activity of synthetic peptides derived from physiological proteins. METHODS Vero cell monolayers were infected with herpes simplex virus 1, vesicular stomatitis virus, adenovirus, and coxsackievirus B5 strains in the presence of different concentrations of the selected peptides and viral yield was determined by plaque reduction assays to evaluate the antiviral activity of the peptides. Virucidal activity was evaluated by determining the residual infectivity of viral suspensions treated for 1 h with the peptides at the same concentrations as in the viral yield assays. RESULTS Among the investigated peptides, the killer peptide proved to exert a considerable antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus, attributable to a direct effect on virus particles, while its derivative K10S showed to be effective against the four investigated virus strains only at the highest concentration tested, yet, the inhibitory effects were only partial. CONCLUSION Overall, initial evidence is provided on the antiviral activity of several peptides, as well as of their derivatives. Further investigation is warranted to ascertain the mechanism of action in order to develop new potential antiviral drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Sala
- Department of Diagnostic, Clinic and Public Health Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Andrea Ardizzoni
- Department of Diagnostic, Clinic and Public Health Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Tecla Ciociola
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Walter Magliani
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Stefania Conti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Blasi
- Department of Diagnostic, Clinic and Public Health Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Claudio Cermelli
- Department of Diagnostic, Clinic and Public Health Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy,
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Giovati L, Santinoli C, Mangia C, Vismarra A, Belletti S, D'Adda T, Fumarola C, Ciociola T, Bacci C, Magliani W, Polonelli L, Conti S, Kramer LH. Novel Activity of a Synthetic Decapeptide Against Toxoplasma gondii Tachyzoites. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:753. [PMID: 29731744 PMCID: PMC5920037 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The killer peptide KP is a synthetic decapeptide derived from the sequence of the variable region of a recombinant yeast killer toxin-like microbicidal single-chain antibody. KP proved to exert significant activities against diverse microbial and viral pathogens through different mechanisms of action, but little is known of its effect on apicomplexan protozoa. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro activity of KP against Toxoplasma gondii, a globally widespread protozoan parasite of great medical interest. The effect of KP treatment and its potential mechanism of action on T. gondii were evaluated by various methods, including light microscopy, quantitative PCR, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. In the presence of KP, the number of T. gondii tachyzoites able to invade Vero cells and the parasite intracellular proliferation were significantly reduced. Morphological observation and analysis of apoptotic markers suggested that KP is able to trigger an apoptosis-like cell death in T. gondii. Overall, our results indicate that KP could be a promising candidate for the development of new anti-Toxoplasma drugs with a novel mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Giovati
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Claudia Santinoli
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Carlo Mangia
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Alice Vismarra
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Silvana Belletti
- Laboratory of Histology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Tiziana D'Adda
- Laboratory of Pathological Anatomy, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Claudia Fumarola
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Tecla Ciociola
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Cristina Bacci
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Walter Magliani
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Luciano Polonelli
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Stefania Conti
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Laura H Kramer
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Paulone S, Ardizzoni A, Tavanti A, Piccinelli S, Rizzato C, Lupetti A, Colombari B, Pericolini E, Polonelli L, Magliani W, Conti S, Posteraro B, Cermelli C, Blasi E, Peppoloni S. The synthetic killer peptide KP impairs Candida albicans biofilm in vitro. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0181278. [PMID: 28704490 PMCID: PMC5509322 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a commensal organism, commonly inhabiting mucosal surfaces of healthy individuals, as a part of the resident microbiota. However, in susceptible hosts, especially hospitalized and/or immunocompromised patients, it may cause a wide range of infections. The presence of abiotic substrates, such as central venous or urinary catheters, provides an additional niche for Candida attachment and persistence, particularly via biofilm development. Furthermore, Candida biofilm is poorly susceptible to most antifungals, including azoles. Here we investigated the effects of a synthetic killer peptide (KP), known to be active in vitro, ex vivo and/or in vivo against different pathogens, on C. albicans biofilm. Together with a scrambled peptide used as a negative control, KP was tested against Candida biofilm at different stages of development. A reference strain, two fluconazole-resistant and two fluconazole-susceptible C. albicans clinical isolates were used. KP-induced C. albicans oxidative stress response and membrane permeability were also analysed. Moreover, the effect of KP on transcriptional profiles of C. albicans genes involved in different stages of biofilm development, such as cell adhesion, hyphal development and extracellular matrix production, was evaluated. Our results clearly show that the treatment with KP strongly affected the capacity of C. albicans to form biofilm and significantly impairs preformed mature biofilm. KP treatment resulted in an increase in C. albicans oxidative stress response and membrane permeability; also, biofilm-related genes expression was significantly reduced. Comparable inhibitory effects were observed in all the strains employed, irrespective of their resistance or susceptibility to fluconazole. Finally, KP-mediated inhibitory effects were observed also against a catheter-associated C. albicans biofilm. This study provides the first evidence on the KP effectiveness against C. albicans biofilm, suggesting that KP may be considered as a potential novel tool for treatment and prevention of biofilm-related C. albicans infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Paulone
- Department of Diagnostics, Clinical and Public Health Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Andrea Ardizzoni
- Department of Diagnostics, Clinical and Public Health Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | | | - Serena Piccinelli
- Department of Diagnostics, Clinical and Public Health Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Cosmeri Rizzato
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonella Lupetti
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Bruna Colombari
- Department of Diagnostics, Clinical and Public Health Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Eva Pericolini
- Department of Diagnostics, Clinical and Public Health Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Luciano Polonelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Walter Magliani
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Stefania Conti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Brunella Posteraro
- Institute of Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Cermelli
- Department of Diagnostics, Clinical and Public Health Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Blasi
- Department of Diagnostics, Clinical and Public Health Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Samuele Peppoloni
- Department of Diagnostics, Clinical and Public Health Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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12
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Ferrari L, Borghetti P, Ferrarini G, De Angelis E, Canelli E, Ogno G, Catella A, Ciociola T, Magliani W, Martelli P. Phenotypic modulation of porcine CD14+ monocytes, natural killer/natural killer T cells and CD8αβ+ T cell subsets by an antibody-derived killer peptide (KP). Res Vet Sci 2016; 109:29-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2016.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Revised: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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13
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Abstract
In recent years, the increase of invasive fungal infections and the emergence of antifungal resistance stressed the need for new antifungal drugs. Peptides have shown to be good candidates for the development of alternative antimicrobial agents through high-throughput screening, and subsequent optimization according to a rational approach. This review presents a brief overview on antifungal natural peptides of different sources (animals, plants, micro-organisms), peptide fragments derived by proteolytic cleavage of precursor physiological proteins (cryptides), synthetic unnatural peptides and peptide derivatives. Antifungal peptides are schematically reported based on their structure, antifungal spectrum and reported effects. Natural or synthetic peptides and their modified derivatives may represent the basis for new compounds active against fungal infections.
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14
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Dissecting the Structure-Function Relationship of a Fungicidal Peptide Derived from the Constant Region of Human Immunoglobulins. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2016; 60:2435-42. [PMID: 26856836 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01753-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic peptides encompassing sequences related to the complementarity-determining regions of antibodies or derived from their constant region (Fc peptides) were proven to exert differential antimicrobial, antiviral, antitumor, and/or immunomodulatory activitiesin vitroand/orin vivo, regardless of the specificity and isotype of the parental antibody. Alanine substitution derivatives of these peptides exhibited unaltered, increased, or decreased candidacidal activitiesin vitro The bioactive IgG-derived Fc N10K peptide (NQVSLTCLVK) spontaneously self-assembles, a feature previously recognized as relevant for the therapeutic activity of another antibody-derived peptide. We evaluated the contribution of each residue to the peptide self-assembling capability by circular-dichroism spectroscopy. The interaction of the N10K peptide and its derivatives withCandida albicanscells was studied by confocal, transmission, and scanning electron microscopy. The apoptosis and autophagy induction profiles in yeast cells treated with the peptides were evaluated by flow cytometry, and the therapeutic efficacy against candidal infection was studied in aGalleria mellonellamodel. Overall, the results indicate a critical role for some residues in the self-assembly process and a correlation of that capability with the candidacidal activities of the peptidesin vitroand their therapeutic effectsin vivo.
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15
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Magliani W, Giovati L, Ciociola T, Sperindè M, Santinoli C, Conti G, Conti S, Polonelli L. Antibodies as a source of anti-infective peptides: an update. Future Microbiol 2015; 10:1163-75. [PMID: 26119210 DOI: 10.2217/fmb.15.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on antibodies (Abs) and their function in immune protection, with particular emphasis on microbicidal Abs. Some aspects of Abs and Ab-drug conjugates as targeting therapeutic agents are also discussed. The main aim, however, is devoted to Ab-derived peptides modulating functions of the immune system and to the latest experimental evidence of Abs as a source of anti-infective and antitumor peptides derived from their complementarity determining regions and constant regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Magliani
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological & Translational Sciences, Microbiology & Virology Unit, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Laura Giovati
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological & Translational Sciences, Microbiology & Virology Unit, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Tecla Ciociola
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological & Translational Sciences, Microbiology & Virology Unit, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Martina Sperindè
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological & Translational Sciences, Microbiology & Virology Unit, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Claudia Santinoli
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological & Translational Sciences, Microbiology & Virology Unit, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Giorgio Conti
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological & Translational Sciences, Microbiology & Virology Unit, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Stefania Conti
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological & Translational Sciences, Microbiology & Virology Unit, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Luciano Polonelli
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological & Translational Sciences, Microbiology & Virology Unit, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
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16
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Ciociola T, Giovati L, Sperindè M, Magliani W, Santinoli C, Conti G, Conti S, Polonelli L. Peptides from the inside of the antibodies are active against infectious agents and tumours. J Pept Sci 2015; 21:370-8. [DOI: 10.1002/psc.2748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2014] [Revised: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tecla Ciociola
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological and Translational Sciences; University of Parma; Parma Italy
| | - Laura Giovati
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological and Translational Sciences; University of Parma; Parma Italy
| | - Martina Sperindè
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological and Translational Sciences; University of Parma; Parma Italy
| | - Walter Magliani
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological and Translational Sciences; University of Parma; Parma Italy
| | - Claudia Santinoli
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological and Translational Sciences; University of Parma; Parma Italy
| | - Giorgio Conti
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological and Translational Sciences; University of Parma; Parma Italy
| | - Stefania Conti
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological and Translational Sciences; University of Parma; Parma Italy
| | - Luciano Polonelli
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological and Translational Sciences; University of Parma; Parma Italy
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17
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Ulbricht C. An Evidence-Based Systematic Review of Beta-Glucan by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration. J Diet Suppl 2014; 11:361-475. [DOI: 10.3109/09286586.2014.975066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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18
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Cafarchia C, Immediato D, Paola GD, Magliani W, Ciociola T, Conti S, Otranto D, Polonelli L. In vitro and in vivo activity of a killer peptide against Malassezia pachydermatis causing otitis in dogs. Med Mycol 2014; 52:350-5. [DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myt016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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19
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Ciociola T, Magliani W, Giovati L, Sperindè M, Santinoli C, Conti G, Conti S, Polonelli L. Antibodies as an unlimited source of anti-infective, anti-tumour and immunomodulatory peptides. Sci Prog 2014; 97:215-33. [PMID: 25549407 PMCID: PMC10365341 DOI: 10.3184/003685014x14049273183515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Antibodies (Abs) are emerging as an important class of therapeutic agents for the treatment of various human diseases, often conjugated to drugs or toxic substances. In recent years, the incidence of cancer and infectious diseases has increased dramatically making it imperative to discover new effective therapeutic molecules. Among these, small peptides are arousing great interest. Synthetic peptides, representative of variable and constant region fragments of Abs, were proved to exert in vitro, ex vivo and/or in vivo anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-tumour and/or immunomodulatory activities, mediated by different mechanisms of action and regardless of the specificity and isotype of the Ab. Some of these synthetic peptides possess the ability to spontaneously and reversibly self-assemble in an organised network of fibril-like structure. Ab fragments may represent a novel model of targeted anti-infective and anti-tumour auto-delivering drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tecla Ciociola
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological, and Translational Sciences, Microbiology and Virology Unit, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Walter Magliani
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological, and Translational Sciences, Microbiology and Virology Unit, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Laura Giovati
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological, and Translational Sciences, Microbiology and Virology Unit, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Martina Sperindè
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological, and Translational Sciences, Microbiology and Virology Unit, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Claudia Santinoli
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological, and Translational Sciences, Microbiology and Virology Unit, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Giorgio Conti
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological, and Translational Sciences, Microbiology and Virology Unit, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Stefania Conti
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological, and Translational Sciences, Microbiology and Virology Unit, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Luciano Polonelli
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological, and Translational Sciences, Microbiology and Virology Unit, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
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20
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Stopiglia CDO, Heidrich D, Sorrentino JM, Vieira FJ, Landell MF, Valente P, Scroferneker ML. Susceptibility of species within theSporothrix schenckiicomplex to a panel of killer yeasts. J Basic Microbiol 2013; 54:578-84. [DOI: 10.1002/jobm.201200516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2012] [Accepted: 01/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cheila Denise Ottonelli Stopiglia
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Ciências Médicas; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Porto Alegre RS Brazil
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia; ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Porto Alegre RS Brazil
| | - Daiane Heidrich
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Ciências Médicas; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Porto Alegre RS Brazil
| | - Julia Medeiros Sorrentino
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia; ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Porto Alegre RS Brazil
| | - Fabiane Jamono Vieira
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia; ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Porto Alegre RS Brazil
| | - Melissa Fontes Landell
- Centro de Biotecnologia; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Campus do Vale, Porto Alegre RS Brazil
| | - Patrícia Valente
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia; ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Porto Alegre RS Brazil
| | - Maria Lúcia Scroferneker
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Ciências Médicas; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Porto Alegre RS Brazil
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia; ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Porto Alegre RS Brazil
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21
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New antibody weapons against an old foe. mBio 2011; 2:mBio.00227-11. [PMID: 21990617 PMCID: PMC3188297 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00227-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibodies have been used in a diagnostic capacity for many diseases and for identifying serotypes within single species of pathogens, notably between the multiple capsular polysaccharide serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae. For many years, the functions of antibodies in infection were thought to be limited to the opsonization of microorganisms followed by phagocytosis and to the fixing of complement. The thought that antibodies could have other functions has emerged only recently. The study by Yano and coworkers from the laboratory of Liise-anne Pirofski published in mBio [M. Yano, S. Gohil, J. R. Coleman, C. Manix, and L.-A. Pirofski, mBio 2(5):e00176-11, 2011] identifies one mechanism whereby nonopsonic antibodies enhance the transformation competence of two S. pneumoniae serotypes, which leads to an increase in genetic exchange and bacterial variability with a resulting population reduction through fratricide. These new and revealing antibody functions will add another chapter to the burgeoning story of the diversity and versatility of the immune response to bacteria.
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