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The Anti-Amoebic Activity of a Peptidomimetic against Acanthamoeba castellanii. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10122377. [PMID: 36557630 PMCID: PMC9782699 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10122377] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba is a free-living protozoan known to cause keratitis most commonly, especially among contact lens wearers. Treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis is challenging as Acanthamoeba can encyst from the active form, a trophozoite, into a hibernating cyst that is refractory to antibiotics and difficult to kill; therefore, there is a need for more effective anti-amoebic strategies. In this study, we have evaluated the anti-amoebic activity of the antimicrobial peptide mimic RK-758 against Acanthamoeba castellanii. RK-758 peptidomimetic was subjected to biological assays to investigate its amoebicidal, amoebistatic, anti-encystation, and anti-excystation effects on A. castellanii. The anti-amoebic activity of the peptide mimic RK-758 was compared with chlorhexidine against the Acanthamoeba castellanii ATCC30868 and Acanthamoeba castellanii 044 (a clinical strain) with the concentrations of both ranging from 125 µM down to 7.81 µM. All experiments were performed in duplicate with three independent replicates. The data were represented as mean ± SE and analysed using a two-sample t-test and two-tailed distributions. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The peptidomimetic RK-758 had anti-Acanthamoeba activity against both trophozoites and cysts in a dose-dependent manner. The RK-758 had amoebicidal and growth inhibitory activities of ≥50% at a concentration between 125 µM and 15.6 µM against the trophozoites of both Acanthamoeba strains. Inhibitory effects on the cyst formation and trophozoite re-emergence from cysts were noted at similar concentrations. Chlorhexidine had 50% activity at 7.81 µM and above against the trophozoites and cysts of both strains. In the haemolysis assay, the RK-758 lysed horse RBCs at concentrations greater than 50 µM whereas lysis occurred at concentrations greater than 125 µM for the chlorhexidine. The peptidomimetic RK-758, therefore, has activity against both the trophozoite and cyst forms of Acanthamoeba and has the potential to be further developed as an anti-microbial agent against Acanthamoeba. RK-758 may also have use as an anti-amoebic disinfectant in contact lens solutions.
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Acanthamoeba spp. monoclonal antibody against a CPA2 transporter: a promising molecular tool for acanthamoebiasis diagnosis and encystment study. Parasitology 2020; 147:1678-1688. [PMID: 32951614 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182020001778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Free-living amoeba of the genus Acanthamoeba are ubiquitous protozoa involved in opportunistic and non-opportunistic infection in humans, such as granulomatous amoebic encephalitis and amoebic keratitis. Both infections have challenging characteristics such as the formation of the resistant cysts in infected tissues, hampering the treatment and most usual diagnosis depending on time-consuming and/or low sensitivity techniques. The use of monoclonal antibodies presents itself as an opportunity for the development of more effective alternative diagnostic methods, as well as an important and useful tool in the search for new therapeutic targets. This study investigated the possibility of using a previously produced monoclonal antibody (mAb3), as a diagnostic tool for the detection of Acanthamoeba trophozoites by direct and indirect flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. Immunoprecipitation assay and mass spectrometry allowed the isolation of the antibody's target and suggested it is a transporter part of the CPA (cation: proton antiporter) superfamily. In vitro tests indicate an important role of this target in Acanthamoeba's encystment physiology. Our results support the importance of studying the role of CPA2 transporters in the context of acanthamoebiasis, as this may be a way to identify new therapeutic candidates.
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3
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van de Sande WWJ, Vonk AG. Mycovirus therapy for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis? Med Mycol 2019; 57:S179-S188. [PMID: 30816971 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myy073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With the current revived interest in the use of bacteriophages for the treatment of bacterial infections, the study of mycoviruses as novel therapeutic solutions for invasive aspergillosis is the logical next step. Although ssRNA, dsRNA, and ssDNA mycoviruses have been identified, the majority of characterised mycoviruses have dsRNA genomes. Prevalence of dsRNA mycoviruses in Aspergillus spp. varies, and mycoviruses can have different effects on their fungal hosts: hypovirulence, hypervirulence, or a killer phenotype. Therapeutically, extracellular transmission of the mycovirus is essential. DsRNA mycoviruses lack an extracellular phase; however, a single ssDNA mycovirus with homologues in Aspergillus genomes has been described with an extracellular mode of transmission. Mycoviruses can induce hypovirulence or a killer phenotype, and both can be exploited therapeutically. Mycoviruses inducing hypovirulence have been used to control chestnut blight, however for aspergillosis no such mycovirus has been identified yet. Mycovirus encoded killer toxins or anti-idiotypic antibodies and killer peptides derived from these have been demonstrated to control fungal infections including aspergillosis in animals. This indicates that mycoviruses inducing both phenotypes could be exploited therapeutically as long as the right mycovirus has been identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy W J van de Sande
- ErasmusMC, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alieke G Vonk
- ErasmusMC, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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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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Valzano M, Cecarini V, Cappelli A, Capone A, Bozic J, Cuccioloni M, Epis S, Petrelli D, Angeletti M, Eleuteri AM, Favia G, Ricci I. A yeast strain associated to Anopheles mosquitoes produces a toxin able to kill malaria parasites. Malar J 2016; 15:21. [PMID: 26754943 PMCID: PMC4709964 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-015-1059-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria control strategies are focusing on new approaches, such as the symbiotic control, which consists in the use of microbial symbionts to prevent parasite development in the mosquito gut and to block the transmission of the infection to humans. Several microbes, bacteria and fungi, have been proposed for malaria or other mosquito-borne diseases control strategies. Among these, the yeast Wickerhamomyces anomalus has been recently isolated from the gut of Anopheles mosquitoes, where it releases a natural antimicrobial toxin. Interestingly, many environmental strains of W. anomalus exert a wide anti-bacterial/fungal activity and some of these ‘killer’ yeasts are already used in industrial applications as food and feed bio-preservation agents. Since a few studies showed that W. anomalus killer strains have antimicrobial effects also against protozoan parasites, the possible anti-plasmodial activity of the yeast was investigated. Methods A yeast killer toxin (KT), purified through combined chromatographic techniques from a W. anomalus strain isolated from the malaria vector Anopheles stephensi, was tested as an effector molecule to target the sporogonic stages of the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei, in vitro. Giemsa staining was used to detect morphological damages in zygotes/ookinetes after treatment with the KT. Furthermore, the possible mechanism of action of the KT was investigated pre-incubating the protein with castanospermine, an inhibitor of β-glucanase activity. Results A strong anti-plasmodial effect was observed when the P. berghei sporogonic stages were treated with KT, obtaining an inhibition percentage up to around 90 %. Microscopy analysis revealed several ookinete alterations at morphological and structural level, suggesting the direct implication of the KT-enzymatic activity. Moreover, evidences of the reduction of KT activity upon treatment with castanospermine propose a β-glucanase-mediated activity. Conclusion The results showed the in vitro killing efficacy of a protein produced by a mosquito strain of W. anomalus against malaria parasites. Further studies are required to test the KT activity against the sporogonic stages in vivo, nevertheless this work opens new perspectives for the possible use of killer strains in innovative strategies to impede the development of the malaria parasite in mosquito vectors by the means of microbial symbionts. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-015-1059-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Valzano
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy.
| | - Valentina Cecarini
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy.
| | - Alessia Cappelli
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy.
| | - Aida Capone
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy.
| | - Jovana Bozic
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy.
| | - Massimiliano Cuccioloni
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy.
| | - Sara Epis
- Department of Veterinary Sciences and Public Health, University of Milan, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Dezemona Petrelli
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy.
| | - Mauro Angeletti
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy.
| | - Anna Maria Eleuteri
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy.
| | - Guido Favia
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy.
| | - Irene Ricci
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy.
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Artemether Exhibits Amoebicidal Activity against Acanthamoeba castellanii through Inhibition of the Serine Biosynthesis Pathway. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2015; 59:4680-8. [PMID: 26014935 DOI: 10.1128/aac.04758-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba sp. parasites are the causative agents of Acanthamoeba keratitis, fatal granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, and cutaneous infections. However, there are currently no effective drugs for these organisms. Here, we evaluated the activity of the antimalarial agent artemether against Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites and identified potential targets of this agent through a proteomic approach. Artemether exhibited in vitro amoebicidal activity in a time- and dose-dependent manner and induced ultrastructural modification and cell apoptosis. The iTRAQ quantitative proteomic analysis identified 707 proteins that were differentially expressed after artemether treatment. We focused on phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase and phosphoserine aminotransferase in the serine biosynthesis pathway because of their importance to the growth and proliferation of protozoan and cancer cells. The expression of these proteins in Acanthamoeba was validated using quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting after artemether treatment. The changes in the expression levels of phosphoserine aminotransferase were consistent with those of phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase. Therefore, the downregulation of phosphoserine aminotransferase may be due to the downregulation of phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase. Furthermore, exogenous serine might antagonize the activity of artemether against Acanthamoeba trophozoites. These results indicate that the serine biosynthesis pathway is important to amoeba survival and that targeting these enzymes would improve the treatment of Acanthamoeba infections. Artemether may be used as a phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase inhibitor to control or block Acanthamoeba infections.
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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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Cappelli A, Ulissi U, Valzano M, Damiani C, Epis S, Gabrielli MG, Conti S, Polonelli L, Bandi C, Favia G, Ricci I. A Wickerhamomyces anomalus killer strain in the malaria vector Anopheles stephensi. PLoS One 2014; 9:e95988. [PMID: 24788884 PMCID: PMC4006841 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0095988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 04/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The yeast Wickerhamomyces anomalus has been investigated for several years for its wide biotechnological potential, especially for applications in the food industry. Specifically, the antimicrobial activity of this yeast, associated with the production of Killer Toxins (KTs), has attracted a great deal of attention. The strains of W. anomalus able to produce KTs, called “killer” yeasts, have been shown to be highly competitive in the environment. Different W. anomalus strains have been isolated from diverse habitats and recently even from insects. In the malaria mosquito vector Anopheles stephensi these yeasts have been detected in the midgut and gonads. Here we show that the strain of W. anomalus isolated from An. stephensi, namely WaF17.12, is a killer yeast able to produce a KT in a cell-free medium (in vitro) as well as in the mosquito body (in vivo). We showed a constant production of WaF17.12-KT over time, after stimulation of toxin secretion in yeast cultures and reintroduction of the activated cells into the mosquito through the diet. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity of WaF17.12-KT has been demonstrated in vitro against sensitive microbes, showing that strain WaF17.12 releases a functional toxin. The mosquito-associated yeast WaF17.12 thus possesses an antimicrobial activity, which makes this yeast worthy of further investigations, in view of its potential as an agent for the symbiotic control of malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Cappelli
- Scuola di Bioscienze e Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Ulisse Ulissi
- Scuola di Bioscienze e Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Matteo Valzano
- Scuola di Bioscienze e Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Claudia Damiani
- Scuola di Bioscienze e Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Sara Epis
- Dipartimento di Patologia Animale, Igiene e Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Stefania Conti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Biotecnologiche e Traslazionali, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Luciano Polonelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Biotecnologiche e Traslazionali, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Claudio Bandi
- Dipartimento di Patologia Animale, Igiene e Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Guido Favia
- Scuola di Bioscienze e Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Irene Ricci
- Scuola di Bioscienze e Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Camerino, Camerino, Italy
- * E-mail:
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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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Omaña-Molina M, González-Robles A, Iliana Salazar-Villatoro L, Lorenzo-Morales J, Cristóbal-Ramos AR, Hernández-Ramírez VI, Talamás-Rohana P, Méndez Cruz AR, Martínez-Palomo A. Reevaluating the role of Acanthamoeba proteases in tissue invasion: observation of cytopathogenic mechanisms on MDCK cell monolayers and hamster corneal cells. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:461329. [PMID: 23484119 PMCID: PMC3581277 DOI: 10.1155/2013/461329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2012] [Revised: 12/04/2012] [Accepted: 12/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The morphological analysis of the cytopathic effect on MDCK cell monolayers and hamster cornea and qualitative and quantitative analyses of conditioned medium and proteases were evaluated and compared between two strains of Acanthamoeba genotype T4. Further than highlighting the biological differences found between both strains, the most important observation in this study was the fact that proteases both in total extracts and in conditioned medium are apparently not determinant in tissue destruction. An interestingly finding was that no lysis of corneal tissue was observed as it was previously suggested. These results, together with previous studies, allow us to conclude that the invasion and disruption of corneal tissue is performed by the penetration of the amoebae through cell junctions, either by the action of proteases promoting cellular separation but not by their destruction and/or a mechanical effect exerted by amoebae. Therefore, contact-dependent mechanisms in Acanthamoeba pathogenesis are more relevant than it has been previously considered. This is supported because the phagocytosis of recently detached cells as well as those attached to the corneal epithelium leads to the modification of the cellular architecture facilitating the migration and destruction of deeper layers of the corneal epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maritza Omaña-Molina
- UIICSE Faculty of Superior Studies Iztacala, Medicine, UNAM, Los Reyes Iztacala, 54090 Tlalnepantla, MEX, Mexico.
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11
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Killer peptide: a novel paradigm of antimicrobial, antiviral and immunomodulatory auto-delivering drugs. Future Med Chem 2012; 3:1209-31. [PMID: 21806382 DOI: 10.4155/fmc.11.71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of life-threatening viral and microbial infections has dramatically increased over recent decades. Despite significant developments in anti-infective chemotherapy, many issues have increasingly narrowed the therapeutic options, making it imperative to discover new effective molecules. Among them, small peptides are arousing great interest. This review will focus in particular on a killer peptide, engineered from an anti-idiotypic recombinant antibody that mimics the activity of a wide-spectrum antimicrobial yeast killer toxin targeting β-glucan cell-wall receptors. The in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial, antiviral and immunomodulatory activities of killer peptide and its ability to spontaneously and reversibly self-assemble and slowly release its active dimeric form over time will be discussed as a novel paradigm of targeted auto-delivering drugs.
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12
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Siddiqui R, Khan NA. Biology and pathogenesis of Acanthamoeba. Parasit Vectors 2012; 5:6. [PMID: 22229971 PMCID: PMC3284432 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 352] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2011] [Accepted: 01/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba is a free-living protist pathogen, capable of causing a blinding keratitis and fatal granulomatous encephalitis. The factors that contribute to Acanthamoeba infections include parasite biology, genetic diversity, environmental spread and host susceptibility, and are highlighted together with potential therapeutic and preventative measures. The use of Acanthamoeba in the study of cellular differentiation mechanisms, motility and phagocytosis, bacterial pathogenesis and evolutionary processes makes it an attractive model organism. There is a significant emphasis on Acanthamoeba as a Trojan horse of other microbes including viral, bacterial, protists and yeast pathogens.
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13
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Benitez LB, Caumo K, Brandelli A, Rott MB. Bacteriocin-like substance from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens shows remarkable inhibition of Acanthamoeba polyphaga. Parasitol Res 2010; 108:687-91. [PMID: 20967460 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-010-2114-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2010] [Accepted: 10/05/2010] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The effectiveness of a bacteriocin-like substance (BLS) produced by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens was tested against Acanthamoeba polyphaga strains, and its cytotoxic potential on Vero cells was investigated. Amebicidal activity of the purified BLS was tested by plate bioassays with concentrations ranging from 12.5 to 6,400 AU mL(-1). Damage to A. pholyphaga cells was monitored using an inverted microscope and counted in a Fuchs-Rosenthal chamber after 24, 48, and 72 h. According to the results obtained, the BLS showed remarkable amebicidal and amebostatic effect on A. polyphaga and showed no cytotoxicity on the Vero cells. These results may have great relevance in the development of new acanthamoebicidal compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisianne Brittes Benitez
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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From Pichia anomala killer toxin through killer antibodies to killer peptides for a comprehensive anti-infective strategy. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 2010; 99:35-41. [PMID: 20714805 DOI: 10.1007/s10482-010-9496-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2010] [Accepted: 08/04/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
"Antibiobodies", antibodies (Abs) with antibiotic activity, internal image of a Pichia anomala killer toxin (PaKT) characterized by microbicidal activity against microorganisms expressing β-glucans cell-wall receptors (PaKTRs), were produced by idiotypic vaccination with a PaKT-neutralizing monoclonal Ab (PaKT-like Abs) or induced by a protein-conjugated β-glucan. Human natural PaKT-like Abs (PaKTAbs) were found in the vaginal fluid of women infected with KT-sensitive microorganisms. Monoclonal and recombinant PaKT-like Abs, and PaKTAbs proved to be protective against experimental candidiasis, cryptococcosis and aspergillosis. A killer decapeptide (KP), synthesized from the sequence of a recombinant PaKT-like Ab or produced in transgenic plants, showed a microbicidal activity in vitro, neutralized by β-glucans, a therapeutic effect in vivo, against experimental mucosal and systemic mycoses, and a prophylactic role in planta, against phytopathogenic microorganisms, respectively. KP showed fungicidal properties against all the defective mutants of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae library, inclusive of strains recognized to be resistant to conventional antifungal drugs. KP inhibited in vitro, ex vivo and/or in vivo HIV-1 and Influenza A virus replication, owing to down-regulation of CCR5 co-receptors, physical block of the gp120-receptor interaction and reduction in the synthesis of glycoproteins, HA and M1 in particular. KP modulated the expression of costimulatory and MHC molecules on murine dendritic cells, improving their capacity to induce lymphocyte proliferation. KP, proven to be devoid of cytotoxicity on human cells, showed self-assembly-releasing hydrogel-like properties, catalyzed by β 1,3 glucan. PaKT's biotechnological derivatives may represent the prototypes of novel antifungal vaccines and anti-infective drugs characterized by different mechanisms of action.
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Walker GM. Pichia anomala: cell physiology and biotechnology relative to other yeasts. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 2010; 99:25-34. [PMID: 20706871 DOI: 10.1007/s10482-010-9491-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2010] [Accepted: 07/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Pichia anomala is a most interesting yeast species, from a number of environmental, industrial and medical aspects. This yeast has been isolated from very diverse natural habitats (e.g. in foods, insects, wastewaters etc.) and it also exhibits wide metabolic and physiological diversity. Some of the activities of P. anomala, particularly its antimicrobial action, make it a very attractive organism for biological control applications in the agri-food sectors of industry. Being a 'robust' organism, it additionally has potential to be exploited in bioremediation of environmental pollutants. This paper provides an overview of cell physiological characteristics (growth, metabolism, stress responses) and biotechnological potential (e.g. as a novel biocontrol agent) of P. anomala and compares such properties with other yeast species, notably Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which remains the most exploited industrial microorganism. We await further basic knowledge of P. anomala cell physiology and genetics prior to its fuller commercial exploitation, but the exciting biotechnological potential of this yeast is highlighted in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graeme M Walker
- Yeast Research Group, School of Contemporary Sciences, University of Abertay Dundee, Bell Street, Dundee, DD1 1HG, Scotland, UK.
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Xie X, McLean MD, Hall JC. Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity- and complement-dependent cytotoxicity-independent bactericidal activity of an IgG against Pseudomonas aeruginosa O6ad. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2010; 184:3725-33. [PMID: 20190144 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0902732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In addition to Ag recognition, some Abs are capable of killing target organisms in the absence of phagocytes and complement. In this study, we report that an anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa O6ad LPS IgG(1), tobacco-expressed human S20 IgG(1) (te-hS20), as well as its recombinant Fab and single-chain variable fragment (scFv) fragments have cellular- and complement-independent bactericidal activity. te-hS20 and its Fab and scFv significantly reduced viability of P. aeruginosa O6ad in dose- and time-dependent manners in vitro and also showed lower levels of bactericidal activity against P. aeruginosa PAO1, but had no activity against P. aeruginosa O10, Escherichia coli TG1, and Streptococcus agalactiae. The H chain and its Fd fragment both had significant Ag-binding and bactericidal activities against P. aeruginosa O6ad. Bactericidal activity was completely inhibited with specific LPS Ag, suggesting that Ag binding is involved in the bactericidal mechanism. Live/dead cell staining and electron microscopic observations indicate that the bactericidal effect was due to disruption of the cell wall and suggest inhibition of cell division. In addition to te-hS20, the Fab and scFv were also protective in vivo, as leukopenic mice had prolonged and improved survival after administration of these Ab fragments followed by challenge with P. aeruginosa O6ad cells at 80-90% lethal dose, supporting a bactericidal mechanism independent of phagocytes and complement. Understanding of the bactericidal mechanism will allow assessment of the potential for therapeutic application of these Abs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Xie
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Gabrielli E, Pericolini E, Cenci E, Ortelli F, Magliani W, Ciociola T, Bistoni F, Conti S, Vecchiarelli A, Polonelli L. Antibody complementarity-determining regions (CDRs): a bridge between adaptive and innate immunity. PLoS One 2009; 4:e8187. [PMID: 19997599 PMCID: PMC2781551 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0008187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2009] [Accepted: 11/12/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been documented that, independently from the specificity of the native antibody (Ab) for a given antigen (Ag), complementarity determining regions (CDR)-related peptides may display differential antimicrobial, antiviral and antitumor activities. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In this study we demonstrate that a synthetic peptide with sequence identical to V(H)CDR3 of a mouse monoclonal Ab (mAb) specific for difucosyl human blood group A is easily taken up by macrophages with subsequent stimulation of: i) proinflammatory cytokine production; ii) PI3K-Akt pathway and iii) TLR-4 expression. Significantly, V(H)CDR3 exerts therapeutic effect against systemic candidiasis without possessing direct candidacidal properties. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE These results open a new scenario about the possibility that, beyond the half life of immunoglobulins, Ab fragments may effectively influence the antiinfective cellular immune response in a way reminiscent of regulatory peptides of innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Gabrielli
- Microbiology Section, Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Eva Pericolini
- Microbiology Section, Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Elio Cenci
- Microbiology Section, Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Federica Ortelli
- Microbiology Section, Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Walter Magliani
- Microbiology Section, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Tecla Ciociola
- Microbiology Section, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Francesco Bistoni
- Microbiology Section, Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Stefania Conti
- Microbiology Section, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Anna Vecchiarelli
- Microbiology Section, Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Luciano Polonelli
- Microbiology Section, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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18
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Pertinhez TA, Conti S, Ferrari E, Magliani W, Spisni A, Polonelli L. Reversible self-assembly: a key feature for a new class of autodelivering therapeutic peptides. Mol Pharm 2009; 6:1036-9. [PMID: 19366260 DOI: 10.1021/mp900024z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Effective delivery is a critical issue in the use of conventional free drugs. Studies on the structure-function relationship of a therapeutic antibody-derived candidacidal decapeptide (killer peptide, KP) revealed its ability to spontaneously and reversibly self-assemble in an organized network of fibril-like structures. This process is catalyzed by 1,3-beta-glucans. While the self-assembled state may provide protection against proteases and the slow kinetic of dissociation assures a release of the active dimeric form over time, the beta-glucan affinity is responsible for targeted delivery. Thus, KP represents a novel paradigm of targeted autodelivering drugs.
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Goze I, Alim A, Dag S, Tepe B, Polat ZA. In VitroAmoebicidal Activity ofSalvia stamineaandSalvia caespitosaonAcanthamoeba castellaniiand Their Cytotoxic Potentials on Corneal Cells. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2009; 25:293-8. [DOI: 10.1089/jop.2008.0132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ismihan Goze
- Vocational School of Health Services, Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Alim
- Public Health Laboratory, Sivas Health Directorate, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Seker Dag
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Literature, Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Bektas Tepe
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science and Literature, Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
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CHE FB, WU Y, XU N, XU H, CHEN JH. Killer peptide-loaded nanoparticles: characterization and evaluation of anticryptcoccal efficacy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.3724/sp.j.1008.2009.00505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Magliani W, Conti S, Travassos LR, Polonelli L. From yeast killer toxins to antibiobodies and beyond. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2008; 288:1-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6968.2008.01340.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Therapeutic activity of an anti-idiotypic antibody-derived killer peptide against influenza A virus experimental infection. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2008; 52:4331-7. [PMID: 18824612 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00506-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The in vitro and in vivo activities of a killer decapeptide (KP) against influenza A virus is described, and the mechanisms of action are suggested. KP represents the functional internal image of a yeast killer toxin that proved to exert antimicrobial and anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) activities. Treatment with KP demonstrated a significant inhibitory activity on the replication of two strains of influenza A virus in different cell lines, as evaluated by hemagglutination, hemadsorption, and plaque assays. The complete inhibition of virus particle production and a marked reduction of the synthesis of viral proteins (membrane protein and hemagglutinin, in particular) were observed at a KP concentration of 4 microg/ml. Moreover, KP administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 100 microg/mice once a day for 10 days to influenza A/NWS/33 (H1N1) virus-infected mice improved the survival of the animals by 40% and significantly decreased the viral titers in their lungs. Overall, KP appears to be the first anti-idiotypic antibody-derived peptide that displays inhibitory activity and that has a potential therapeutic effect against pathogenic microorganisms, HIV-1, and influenza A virus by different mechanisms of action.
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Polonelli L, Pontón J, Elguezabal N, Moragues MD, Casoli C, Pilotti E, Ronzi P, Dobroff AS, Rodrigues EG, Juliano MA, Maffei DL, Magliani W, Conti S, Travassos LR. Antibody complementarity-determining regions (CDRs) can display differential antimicrobial, antiviral and antitumor activities. PLoS One 2008; 3:e2371. [PMID: 18545659 PMCID: PMC2396520 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0002371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2008] [Accepted: 04/29/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Complementarity-determining regions (CDRs) are immunoglobulin (Ig) hypervariable domains that determine specific antibody (Ab) binding. We have shown that synthetic CDR-related peptides and many decapeptides spanning the variable region of a recombinant yeast killer toxin-like antiidiotypic Ab are candidacidal in vitro. An alanine-substituted decapeptide from the variable region of this Ab displayed increased cytotoxicity in vitro and/or therapeutic effects in vivo against various bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses. The possibility that isolated CDRs, represented by short synthetic peptides, may display antimicrobial, antiviral and antitumor activities irrespective of Ab specificity for a given antigen is addressed here. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS CDR-based synthetic peptides of murine and human monoclonal Abs directed to: a) a protein epitope of Candida albicans cell wall stress mannoprotein; b) a synthetic peptide containing well-characterized B-cell and T-cell epitopes; c) a carbohydrate blood group A substance, showed differential inhibitory activities in vitro, ex vivo and/or in vivo against C. albicans, HIV-1 and B16F10-Nex2 melanoma cells, conceivably involving different mechanisms of action. Antitumor activities involved peptide-induced caspase-dependent apoptosis. Engineered peptides, obtained by alanine substitution of Ig CDR sequences, and used as surrogates of natural point mutations, showed further differential increased/unaltered/decreased antimicrobial, antiviral and/or antitumor activities. The inhibitory effects observed were largely independent of the specificity of the native Ab and involved chiefly germline encoded CDR1 and CDR2 of light and heavy chains. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The high frequency of bioactive peptides based on CDRs suggests that Ig molecules are sources of an unlimited number of sequences potentially active against infectious agents and tumor cells. The easy production and low cost of small sized synthetic peptides representing Ig CDRs and the possibility of peptide engineering and chemical optimization associated to new delivery mechanisms are expected to give rise to a new generation of therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano Polonelli
- Dipartimento di Patologia e Medicina di Laboratorio, Sezione di Microbiologia, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - José Pontón
- Departamento de Inmunología, Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina y Odontología, Universidad del País Vasco, Bilbao, Vizcaya, Spain
| | - Natalia Elguezabal
- Departamento de Inmunología, Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina y Odontología, Universidad del País Vasco, Bilbao, Vizcaya, Spain
| | | | - Claudio Casoli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche L. Sacco, Sezione di Malattie Infettive e di Immunopatologia, Università di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Pilotti
- Dipartimento di Clinica Medica, Nefrologia e Scienze della Prevenzione, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Paola Ronzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche L. Sacco, Sezione di Malattie Infettive e di Immunopatologia, Università di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Andrey S. Dobroff
- Unidade de Oncologia Experimental, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elaine G. Rodrigues
- Unidade de Oncologia Experimental, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria A. Juliano
- Departamento de Biofisica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Domenico Leonardo Maffei
- Dipartimento di Patologia e Medicina di Laboratorio, Sezione di Microbiologia, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Walter Magliani
- Dipartimento di Patologia e Medicina di Laboratorio, Sezione di Microbiologia, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Stefania Conti
- Dipartimento di Patologia e Medicina di Laboratorio, Sezione di Microbiologia, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Luiz R. Travassos
- Unidade de Oncologia Experimental, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Manfredi M, Merigo E, Salati A, Conti S, Savi A, Polonelli L, Bonanini M, Vescovi P. In vitro candidacidal activity of a synthetic killer decapeptide (KP) against Candida albicans cells adhered to resin acrylic discs. J Oral Pathol Med 2007; 36:468-71. [PMID: 17686004 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0714.2007.00561.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral Candida spp., and C. albicans in particular, are considered as important aetiological agents in the pathogenesis of denture-induced stomatitis. Several studies have reported that C. albicans is able to easily adhere to different medical devices, such as vascular and urinary catheters or acrylic denture surfaces, and that adhesion is a fundamental step in the initial pathogenic process of colonization and further possible infection. Recently, a synthetic decapeptide (KP) derived from the sequence of a single-chain recombinant anti-idiotypic antibody, acting as a functional internal image of a microbicidal, broad spectrum yeast killer toxin, has been reported to kill in vitro C. albicans cells and to exert a therapeutic activity against experimental mucosal and systemic candidiasis. METHODS The aim of this study was to evaluate, through a CFU assay, the candidacidal activity of KP on sanded acrylic resin discs, previously colonized by C. albicans cells. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS At 100 microg/ml KP showed over 90% of killing activity on C. albicans cells adhered to resin discs, when compared with a scramble peptide used as control. The results of this study suggest a potential effect of KP on C. albicans cells adhered on the surface of resin materials, such as prosthetic dentures.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Manfredi
- Sezione di Odontostomatologia, Dipartimento di Scienze-Otorino-Odonto-Oftalmologiche e Cervico-Facciali, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy.
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