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Brahimi N, Piguet V. Autophagy during Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Induced Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis: New Insights. J Invest Dermatol 2024; 144:441-443. [PMID: 38395492 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Nesrine Brahimi
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Division of Dermatology, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Vincent Piguet
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Division of Dermatology, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Canada.
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2
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Heil M. Self-DNA driven inflammation in COVID-19 and after mRNA-based vaccination: lessons for non-COVID-19 pathologies. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1259879. [PMID: 38439942 PMCID: PMC10910434 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1259879] [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: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic triggered an unprecedented concentration of economic and research efforts to generate knowledge at unequalled speed on deregulated interferon type I signalling and nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer in B-cells (NF-κB)-driven interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-18 secretion causing cytokine storms. The translation of the knowledge on how the resulting systemic inflammation can lead to life-threatening complications into novel treatments and vaccine technologies is underway. Nevertheless, previously existing knowledge on the role of cytoplasmatic or circulating self-DNA as a pro-inflammatory damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) was largely ignored. Pathologies reported 'de novo' for patients infected with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2 to be outcomes of self-DNA-driven inflammation in fact had been linked earlier to self-DNA in different contexts, e.g., the infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-1, sterile inflammation, and autoimmune diseases. I highlight particularly how synergies with other DAMPs can render immunogenic properties to normally non-immunogenic extracellular self-DNA, and I discuss the shared features of the gp41 unit of the HIV-1 envelope protein and the SARS-CoV 2 Spike protein that enable HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 to interact with cell or nuclear membranes, trigger syncytia formation, inflict damage to their host's DNA, and trigger inflammation - likely for their own benefit. These similarities motivate speculations that similar mechanisms to those driven by gp41 can explain how inflammatory self-DNA contributes to some of most frequent adverse events after vaccination with the BNT162b2 mRNA (Pfizer/BioNTech) or the mRNA-1273 (Moderna) vaccine, i.e., myocarditis, herpes zoster, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune nephritis or hepatitis, new-onset systemic lupus erythematosus, and flare-ups of psoriasis or lupus. The hope is to motivate a wider application of the lessons learned from the experiences with COVID-19 and the new mRNA vaccines to combat future non-COVID-19 diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Heil
- Departamento de Ingeniería Genética, Laboratorio de Ecología de Plantas, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados (CINVESTAV)-Unidad Irapuato, Irapuato, Mexico
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3
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Lu X, Yang M, Zhou S, Yang S, Chen X, Khalid M, Wang K, Fang Y, Wang C, Lai R, Duan Z. Identification and Characterization of RK22, a Novel Antimicrobial Peptide from Hirudinaria manillensis against Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13453. [PMID: 37686259 PMCID: PMC10487658 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713453] [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: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, which are compounded by drug resistance. By manipulating the coagulation system, S. aureus gains a significant advantage over host defense mechanisms, with hypercoagulation induced by S. aureus potentially aggravating infectious diseases. Recently, we and other researchers identified that a higher level of LL-37, one endogenous antimicrobial peptide with a significant killing effect on S. aureus infection, resulted in thrombosis formation through the induction of platelet activation and potentiation of the coagulation factor enzymatic activity. In the current study, we identified a novel antimicrobial peptide (RK22) from the salivary gland transcriptome of Hirudinaria manillensis (H. manillensis) through bioinformatic analysis, and then synthesized it, which exhibited good antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, including a clinically resistant strain with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 6.25 μg/mL. The RK22 peptide rapidly killed S. aureus by inhibiting biofilm formation and promoting biofilm eradication, with good plasma stability, negligible cytotoxicity, minimal hemolytic activity, and no significant promotion of the coagulation system. Notably, administration of RK22 significantly inhibited S. aureus infection and the clinically resistant strain in vivo. Thus, these findings highlight the potential of RK22 as an ideal treatment candidate against S. aureus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Lu
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China;
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, National & Local Joint Engineering Center of Natural Bioactive Peptides, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China; (M.Y.); (S.Z.); (S.Y.); (X.C.); (M.K.); (K.W.); (Y.F.); (C.W.)
| | - Min Yang
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, National & Local Joint Engineering Center of Natural Bioactive Peptides, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China; (M.Y.); (S.Z.); (S.Y.); (X.C.); (M.K.); (K.W.); (Y.F.); (C.W.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Shengwen Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, National & Local Joint Engineering Center of Natural Bioactive Peptides, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China; (M.Y.); (S.Z.); (S.Y.); (X.C.); (M.K.); (K.W.); (Y.F.); (C.W.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Shuo Yang
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, National & Local Joint Engineering Center of Natural Bioactive Peptides, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China; (M.Y.); (S.Z.); (S.Y.); (X.C.); (M.K.); (K.W.); (Y.F.); (C.W.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Xiran Chen
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, National & Local Joint Engineering Center of Natural Bioactive Peptides, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China; (M.Y.); (S.Z.); (S.Y.); (X.C.); (M.K.); (K.W.); (Y.F.); (C.W.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Mehwish Khalid
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, National & Local Joint Engineering Center of Natural Bioactive Peptides, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China; (M.Y.); (S.Z.); (S.Y.); (X.C.); (M.K.); (K.W.); (Y.F.); (C.W.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Kexin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, National & Local Joint Engineering Center of Natural Bioactive Peptides, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China; (M.Y.); (S.Z.); (S.Y.); (X.C.); (M.K.); (K.W.); (Y.F.); (C.W.)
- School of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Yaqun Fang
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, National & Local Joint Engineering Center of Natural Bioactive Peptides, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China; (M.Y.); (S.Z.); (S.Y.); (X.C.); (M.K.); (K.W.); (Y.F.); (C.W.)
| | - Chaoming Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, National & Local Joint Engineering Center of Natural Bioactive Peptides, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China; (M.Y.); (S.Z.); (S.Y.); (X.C.); (M.K.); (K.W.); (Y.F.); (C.W.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Ren Lai
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, National & Local Joint Engineering Center of Natural Bioactive Peptides, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China; (M.Y.); (S.Z.); (S.Y.); (X.C.); (M.K.); (K.W.); (Y.F.); (C.W.)
- KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650107, China
- National Resource for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650107, China
- Sino-African Joint Research Center, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Zilei Duan
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, National & Local Joint Engineering Center of Natural Bioactive Peptides, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China; (M.Y.); (S.Z.); (S.Y.); (X.C.); (M.K.); (K.W.); (Y.F.); (C.W.)
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Vultaggio-Poma V, Sanz JM, Amico A, Violi A, Ghisellini S, Pizzicotti S, Passaro A, Papi A, Libanore M, Di Virgilio F, Giuliani AL. The shed P2X7 receptor is an index of adverse clinical outcome in COVID-19 patients. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1182454. [PMID: 37215142 PMCID: PMC10196164 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1182454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The pathophysiology of the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is incompletely known. A robust inflammatory response caused by viral replication is a main cause of the acute lung and multiorgan injury observed in critical patients. Inflammasomes are likely players in COVID-19 pathogenesis. The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R), a plasma membrane ATP-gated ion channel, is a main activator of the NLRP3 inflammasome, of the ensuing release of inflammatory cytokines and of cell death by pyroptosis. The P2X7R has been implicated in COVID-19-dependent hyperinflammation and in the associated multiorgan damage. Shed P2X7R (sP2X7R) and shed NLRP3 (sNLRP3) have been detected in plasma and other body fluids, especially during infection and inflammation. Methods Blood samples from 96 patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection with various degrees of disease severity were tested at the time of diagnosis at hospital admission. Standard haematological parameters and IL-6, IL-10, IL-1β, sP2X7R and sNLRP3 levels were measured, compared to reference values, statistically validated, and correlated to clinical outcome. Results Most COVID-19 patients included in this study had lymphopenia, eosinopenia, neutrophilia, increased inflammatory and coagulation indexes, and augmented sNLRP3, IL-6 and IL-10 levels. Blood concentration of sP2X7R was also increased, and significantly positively correlated with lymphopenia, procalcitonin (PCT), IL-10, and alanine transaminase (ALT). Patients with increased sP2X7R levels at diagnosis also showed fever and respiratory symptoms, were more often transferred to Pneumology division, required mechanical ventilation, and had a higher likelihood to die during hospitalization. Conclusion Blood sP2X7R was elevated in the early phases of COVID-19 and predicted an adverse clinical outcome. It is suggested that sP2X7R might be a useful marker of disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juana Maria Sanz
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutic and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Andrea Amico
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessandra Violi
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sara Ghisellini
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefano Pizzicotti
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Angelina Passaro
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, St. Anna Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alberto Papi
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, St. Anna Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marco Libanore
- Infectious Diseases Unit, St. Anna Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
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Thakur M, Junho CVC, Bernhard SM, Schindewolf M, Noels H, Döring Y. NETs-Induced Thrombosis Impacts on Cardiovascular and Chronic Kidney Disease. Circ Res 2023; 132:933-949. [PMID: 37053273 PMCID: PMC10377271 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.123.321750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Arterial and venous thrombosis constitute a major source of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Association between thrombotic complications and cardiovascular and other chronic inflammatory diseases are well described. Inflammation and subsequent initiation of thrombotic events, termed immunothrombosis, also receive growing attention but are still incompletely understood. Nevertheless, the clinical relevance of aberrant immunothrombosis, referred to as thromboinflammation, is evident by an increased risk of thrombosis and cardiovascular events in patients with inflammatory or infectious diseases. Proinflammatory mediators released from platelets, complement activation, and the formation of NETs (neutrophil extracellular traps) initiate and foster immunothrombosis. In this review, we highlight and discuss prominent and emerging interrelationships and functions between NETs and other mediators in immunothrombosis in cardiovascular disease. Also, with patients with chronic kidney disease suffering from increased cardiovascular and thrombotic risk, we summarize current knowledge on neutrophil phenotype, function, and NET formation in chronic kidney disease. In addition, we elaborate on therapeutic targeting of NETs-induced immunothrombosis. A better understanding of the functional relevance of antithrombotic mediators which do not increase bleeding risk may provide opportunities for successful therapeutic interventions to reduce thrombotic risk beyond current treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manovriti Thakur
- Division of Angiology, Swiss Cardiovascular Center, Inselspital (M.T., S.M.B., M.S., Y.D.), Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR) (M.T., S.M.B., M.S., Y.D.), Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Carolina Victoria Cruz Junho
- Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (IMCAR), University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Germany (C.V.C.J., H.N.)
| | - Sarah Maike Bernhard
- Division of Angiology, Swiss Cardiovascular Center, Inselspital (M.T., S.M.B., M.S., Y.D.), Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR) (M.T., S.M.B., M.S., Y.D.), Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marc Schindewolf
- Division of Angiology, Swiss Cardiovascular Center, Inselspital (M.T., S.M.B., M.S., Y.D.), Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR) (M.T., S.M.B., M.S., Y.D.), Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Heidi Noels
- Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (IMCAR), University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Germany (C.V.C.J., H.N.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, the Netherlands (H.N.)
| | - Yvonne Döring
- Division of Angiology, Swiss Cardiovascular Center, Inselspital (M.T., S.M.B., M.S., Y.D.), Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR) (M.T., S.M.B., M.S., Y.D.), Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany (Y.D.)
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany (Y.D.)
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6
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Zhang Q, Ul Ain Q, Schulz C, Pircher J. Role of antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin in thrombosis and thromboinflammation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1151926. [PMID: 37090695 PMCID: PMC10114025 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1151926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Thrombosis is a frequent cause of cardiovascular mortality and hospitalization. Current antithrombotic strategies, however, target both thrombosis and physiological hemostasis and thereby increase bleeding risk. In recent years the pathophysiological understanding of thrombus formation has significantly advanced and inflammation has become a crucial element. Neutrophils as most frequent immune cells in the blood and their released mediators play a key role herein. Neutrophil-derived cathelicidin next to its strong antimicrobial properties has also shown to modulates thrombosis and thus presents a potential therapeutic target. In this article we review direct and indirect (immune- and endothelial cell-mediated) effects of cathelicidin on platelets and the coagulation system. Further we discuss its implications for large vessel thrombosis and consecutive thromboinflammation as well as immunothrombosis in sepsis and COVID-19 and give an outlook for potential therapeutic prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Zhang
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians- Universität, Munich, Germany
- Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Munich, Germany
| | - Qurrat Ul Ain
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians- Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Schulz
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians- Universität, Munich, Germany
- Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Munich, Germany
| | - Joachim Pircher
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians- Universität, Munich, Germany
- Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Munich, Germany
- *Correspondence: Joachim Pircher,
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Colicchia M, Perrella G, Gant P, Rayes J. Novel mechanisms of thrombo-inflammation during infection: spotlight on neutrophil extracellular trap-mediated platelet activation. Res Pract Thromb Haemost 2023; 7:100116. [PMID: 37063765 PMCID: PMC10099327 DOI: 10.1016/j.rpth.2023.100116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
A state-of-the-art lecture titled "novel mechanisms of thrombo-inflammation during infection" was presented at the ISTH Congress in 2022. Platelet, neutrophil, and endothelial cell activation coordinate the development, progression, and resolution of thrombo-inflammatory events during infection. Activated platelets and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are frequently observed in patients with sepsis and COVID-19, and high levels of NET-derived damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) correlate with thrombotic complications. NET-associated DAMPs induce direct and indirect platelet activation, which in return potentiates neutrophil activation and NET formation. These coordinated interactions involve multiple receptors and signaling pathways contributing to vascular and organ damage exacerbating disease severity. This state-of-the-art review describes the main mechanisms by which platelets support NETosis and the key mechanisms by which NET-derived DAMPs trigger platelet activation and the formation of procoagulant platelets leading to thrombosis. We report how these DAMPs act through multiple receptors and signaling pathways differentially regulating cell activation and disease outcome, focusing on histones and S100A8/A9 and their contribution to the pathogenesis of sepsis and COVID-19. We further discuss the complexity of platelet activation during NETosis and the potential benefit of targeting selective or multiple NET-associated DAMPs to limit thrombo-inflammation during infection. Finally, we summarize relevant new data on this topic presented during the 2022 ISTH Congress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Colicchia
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Vincent Drive, Birmingham, U.K
| | - Gina Perrella
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Vincent Drive, Birmingham, U.K
| | - Poppy Gant
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Vincent Drive, Birmingham, U.K
| | - Julie Rayes
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Vincent Drive, Birmingham, U.K
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), Universities of Birmingham and Nottingham, The Midlands, U.K
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Yuan B, Lu X, Yang M, He Q, Cha Z, Fang Y, Yang Y, Xu L, Yan J, Lai R, Wang A, Yu X, Duan Z. A designed antimicrobial peptide with potential ability against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1029366. [PMID: 36299717 PMCID: PMC9589885 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1029366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a Gram-positive pathogenic bacterium, which persistently colonizes the anterior nares of approximately 20–30% of the healthy adult population, and up to 60% is intermittently colonized. With the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, large-scale drug-resistant bacteria, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), have been appeared. MRSA is among the most prevalent pathogens causing community-associated infections. Once out of control, the number of deaths caused by antimicrobial resistance may exceed 10 million annually by 2050. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are regarded as the best solution, for they are not easy to develop drug resistance. Based on our previous research, here we designed a new antimicrobial peptide named GW18, which showed excellent antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, even MRSA, with the hemolysis less than 5%, no cytotoxicity, and no acute toxicity. Notably, administration of GW18 significantly decreased S. aureus infection in mouse model. These findings identify GW18 as the ideal candidate against S. aureus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingqian Yuan
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Sino-African Joint Research Center, and Engineering Laboratory of Peptides, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, China
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoyu Lu
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Sino-African Joint Research Center, and Engineering Laboratory of Peptides, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, China
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Min Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Sino-African Joint Research Center, and Engineering Laboratory of Peptides, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiyi He
- College of Life Science, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhuocen Cha
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University & Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yaqun Fang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Sino-African Joint Research Center, and Engineering Laboratory of Peptides, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Yunnan Provincial Academy of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Yunnan Provincial Academy of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Jingting Yan
- Yunnan Provincial Academy of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Ren Lai
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Sino-African Joint Research Center, and Engineering Laboratory of Peptides, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, China
| | - Aili Wang
- Center for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Aili Wang, ; Xiaodong Yu, ; Zilei Duan,
| | - Xiaodong Yu
- College of Life Science, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Aili Wang, ; Xiaodong Yu, ; Zilei Duan,
| | - Zilei Duan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Sino-African Joint Research Center, and Engineering Laboratory of Peptides, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, China
- *Correspondence: Aili Wang, ; Xiaodong Yu, ; Zilei Duan,
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9
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Wang J, Jiang B, Wang K, Dai J, Dong C, Wang Y, Zhang P, Li M, Xu W, Wei L. A cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide from Hydrophis cyanocinctus inhibits Zika virus infection by downregulating expression of a viral entry factor. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102471. [PMID: 36089062 PMCID: PMC9530963 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a re-emerging flavivirus that causes conditions such as microcephaly and testis damage. The spread of ZIKV has become a major public health concern. Recent studies indicated that antimicrobial peptides are an ideal source for screening antiviral candidates with broad-spectrum antiviral activities, including against ZIKV. We herein found that Hc-CATH, a cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide identified from the sea snake Hydrophis cyanocinctus in our previous work, conferred protection against ZIKV infection in host cells and showed preventative efficacy and therapeutic efficacy in C57BL/6J mice, Ifnar1−/− mice, and pregnant mice. Intriguingly, we revealed that Hc-CATH decreased the susceptibility of host cells to ZIKV by downregulating expression of AXL, a TAM (TYRO3, AXL and MERTK) family kinase receptor that mediates ZIKV infection, and subsequently reversed the negative regulation of AXL on host’s type I interferon response. Furthermore, we showed that the cyclo-oxygenase-2/prostaglandin E2/adenylyl cyclase/protein kinase A pathway was involved in Hc-CATH-mediated AXL downregulation, and Hc-CATH in addition directly inactivated ZIKV particles by disrupting viral membrane. Finally, while we found Hc-CATH did not act on the late stage of ZIKV infection, structure–function relationship studies revealed that α-helix and phenylalanine residues are key structural requirements for its protective efficacy against initial ZIKV infection. In summary, we demonstrate that Hc-CATH provides prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy against ZIKV infection via downregulation of AXL, as well as inactivating the virion. Our findings reveal a novel mechanism of cathelicidin against viral infection and highlight the potential of Hc-CATH to prevent and treat ZIKV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bingyan Jiang
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kezhen Wang
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianfeng Dai
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chunsheng Dong
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yipeng Wang
- Department of Biopharmaceuticals, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Min Li
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Lin Wei
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China.
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