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Katsipoulaki M, Stappers MHT, Malavia-Jones D, Brunke S, Hube B, Gow NAR. Candida albicans and Candida glabrata: global priority pathogens. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2024:e0002123. [PMID: 38832801 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00021-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYA significant increase in the incidence of Candida-mediated infections has been observed in the last decade, mainly due to rising numbers of susceptible individuals. Recently, the World Health Organization published its first fungal pathogen priority list, with Candida species listed in medium, high, and critical priority categories. This review is a synthesis of information and recent advances in our understanding of two of these species-Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. Of these, C. albicans is the most common cause of candidemia around the world and is categorized as a critical priority pathogen. C. glabrata is considered a high-priority pathogen and has become an increasingly important cause of candidemia in recent years. It is now the second most common causative agent of candidemia in many geographical regions. Despite their differences and phylogenetic divergence, they are successful as pathogens and commensals of humans. Both species can cause a broad variety of infections, ranging from superficial to potentially lethal systemic infections. While they share similarities in certain infection strategies, including tissue adhesion and invasion, they differ significantly in key aspects of their biology, interaction with immune cells, host damage strategies, and metabolic adaptations. Here we provide insights on key aspects of their biology, epidemiology, commensal and pathogenic lifestyles, interactions with the immune system, and antifungal resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrto Katsipoulaki
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Mark H T Stappers
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Dhara Malavia-Jones
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Sascha Brunke
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Neil A R Gow
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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Chen M, Hu Z, Shi J, Xie Z. Human β-defensins and their synthetic analogs: Natural defenders and prospective new drugs of oral health. Life Sci 2024; 346:122591. [PMID: 38548013 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
As a family of cationic host defense peptides, human β-defensins (HBDs) are ubiquitous in the oral cavity and are mainly synthesized primarily by epithelial cells, serving as the primary barrier and aiming to prevent microbial invasion, inflammation, and disease while maintaining physiological homeostasis. In recent decades, there has been great interest in their biological functions, structure-activity relationships, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic potential in oral diseases. Meanwhile, researchers are dedicated to improving the properties of HBDs for clinical application. In this review, we first describe the classification, structural characteristics, functions, and mechanisms of HBDs. Next, we cover the role of HBDs and their synthetic analogs in oral diseases, including dental caries and pulp infections, periodontitis, peri-implantitis, fungal/viral infections and oral mucosal diseases, and oral squamous cell carcinoma. Finally, we discuss the limitations and challenges of clinical translation of HBDs and their synthetic analogs, including, but not limited to, stability, bioavailability, antimicrobial activity, resistance, and toxicity. Above all, this review summarizes the biological functions, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic potential of both natural HBDs and their synthetic analogs in oral diseases, as well as the challenges associated with clinical translation, thus providing substantial insights into the laboratory development and clinical application of HBDs in oral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mumian Chen
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, China.
| | - Zihe Hu
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, China.
| | - Jue Shi
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, China.
| | - Zhijian Xie
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, China.
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Shaban S, Patel M, Ahmad A. Antifungal activity of human antimicrobial peptides targeting apoptosis in Candida auris. J Med Microbiol 2024; 73. [PMID: 38743468 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Innovative antifungal therapies are of crucial importance to combat the potentially life-threatening infections linked to the multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen Candida auris. Induction of regulated cell death, apoptosis, could provide an outline for future therapeutics. Human antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), well-known antifungal compounds, have shown the ability to induce apoptosis in pathogenic fungi.Hypothesis/Gap Statement . Although it is known that AMPs possess antifungal activity against C. auris, their ability to induce apoptosis requires further investigations.Aim. This study evaluated the effects of AMPs on the induction of apoptosis in C. auris.Methods. Human neutrophil peptide-1 (HNP-1), human β-Defensins-3 (hBD-3) and human salivary histatin 5 (His 5) were assessed against two clinical C. auris isolates. Apoptosis hallmarks were examined using FITC-Annexin V/PI double labelling assay and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxynucleotidyl transferase nick-end labelling (TUNEL) to detect phosphatidylserine externalization and DNA fragmentation, respectively. Then, several intracellular triggers were studied using JC-10 staining, spectrophotometric assay and 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate staining to measure the mitochondrial membrane potential, cytochrome-c release and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, respectively.Results and conclusion. FITC-Annexin V/PI staining and TUNEL analysis revealed that exposure of C. auris cells to HNP-1 and hBD-3 triggered both early and late apoptosis, while His 5 caused significant necrosis. Furthermore, HNP-1 and hBD-3 induced significant mitochondrial membrane depolarization, which resulted in substantial cytochrome c release. In contrast to His 5, which showed minimal mitochondrial depolarization and no cytochrome c release. At last, all peptides significantly increased ROS production, which is related to both types of cell death. Therefore, these peptides represent promising and effective antifungal agents for treating invasive infections caused by multidrug-resistant C. auris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siham Shaban
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Mrudula Patel
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
- Division of Infection Control, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Aijaz Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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Wang JS, Peng X, Zhao Z, Wang C, Xie HT, Zhang MC. Differential expression of antimicrobial peptides in human fungal keratitis. Int J Ophthalmol 2023; 16:1630-1635. [PMID: 37854369 PMCID: PMC10559020 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2023.10.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To analyze a series of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in corneal tissue from individuals with fungal keratitis (FK) during the active phase of the fungus infection and after healing. METHODS Patients undergone lamellar keratoplasty for the treatment of severe FK or corneal scar had their corneal buttons sampled. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to ascertain the gene expression of human beta-defensin (HBD)-1, -2, -3, -9, S100A7, 8, 9, and LL-37. RESULTS All AMPs' messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression was considerably elevated in all samples (n=12). In contrast to controls, where HBD-2, -3, and S100A7 mRNAs were expressed at very low levels, it was discovered that HBD-1, -9, S100A8, S100A9, and LL-37 were constitutively expressed in all healed samples (n=4). HBD-1, -2 -3, S100A7, and LL-37 mRNAs were significantly increased in all active FK samples (n=8). The levels of HBD-9, S100A8, and S100A9 mRNAs were moderately upregulated in all active FK samples. Subgroup comparison showed that HBD-2 was significantly increased in Fusarium keratitis samples (n=5), and LL-37 mRNAs were significantly enhanced in Aspergillus keratitis samples (n=3). Whereas there was not significantly increased of HBD-1, -3, -9, S100A7, 8, 9 mRNA in Aspergillus keratitis samples compared with Fusarium keratitis samples. CONCLUSION AMPs expression is increased in active FK, but not all AMPs are equally expressed. HBD-2 and LL-37 expression levels are the highest, showing some specificity of AMP expression related to FK. Human AMPs, particularly HBD-2 may play a significant role in Fusarium keratitis and LL-37 might be the key player in Aspergillus keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Song Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xi Peng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zhao Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei Province, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei Province, China
| | - Hua-Tao Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ming-Chang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei Province, China
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Taylor TC, Coleman BM, Arunkumar SP, Dey I, Dillon JT, Ponde NO, Poholek AC, Schwartz DM, McGeachy MJ, Conti HR, Gaffen SL. IκBζ is an essential mediator of immunity to oropharyngeal candidiasis. Cell Host Microbe 2023; 31:1700-1713.e4. [PMID: 37725983 PMCID: PMC10591851 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2023.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Fungal infections are a global threat; yet, there are no licensed vaccines to any fungal pathogens. Th17 cells mediate immunity to Candida albicans, particularly oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC), but essential downstream mechanisms remain unclear. In the murine model of OPC, IκBζ (Nfkbiz, a non-canonical NF-κB transcription factor) was upregulated in an interleukin (IL)-17-dependent manner and was essential to prevent candidiasis. Deletion of Nfkbiz rendered mice highly susceptible to OPC. IκBζ was dispensable in hematopoietic cells and acted partially in the suprabasal oral epithelium to control OPC. One prominent IκBζ-dependent gene target was β-defensin 3 (BD3) (Defb3), an essential antimicrobial peptide. Human oral epithelial cells required IκBζ for IL-17-mediated induction of BD2 (DEFB4A, human ortholog of mouse Defb3) through binding to the DEFB4A promoter. Unexpectedly, IκBζ regulated the transcription factor Egr3, which was essential for C. albicans induction of BD2/DEFB4A. Accordingly, IκBζ and Egr3 comprise an antifungal signaling hub mediating mucosal defense against oral candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany C Taylor
- Division of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Bianca M Coleman
- Division of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Samyuktha P Arunkumar
- Division of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Ipsita Dey
- Division of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - John T Dillon
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
| | - Nicole O Ponde
- Division of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Amanda C Poholek
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Children's Hospital of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Daniella M Schwartz
- Division of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Mandy J McGeachy
- Division of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Heather R Conti
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
| | - Sarah L Gaffen
- Division of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
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Ribeiro MC, Gebara RS, Taveira GB, de O Carvalho A, Rodrigues R, Mello EO, Nagano CS, Chaves RP, Gomes VM. Anti-Candida Potential of Peptides from Immature and Ripe Fruits of Capsicum chinense Jacq. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2023; 15:1124-1136. [PMID: 35841476 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-022-09968-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this work was to purify and evaluate the antifungal potential of peptides present in immature and ripe fruits of Capsicum chinense Jacq. (accession UENF 1706) on the medical importance yeasts. Initially the proteins of these seedless fruits were extracted, precipitated with ammonium sulfate at 70% saturation, followed by heating at 80 °C. Subsequently, the peptide-rich extract was fractionated by DEAE-Sepharose anion exchange. The whole process was monitored by tricine-SDS-PAGE. The results revealed that the fraction retained in anion exchange column, called D2, of immature and ripe fruits significantly inhibit the growth of Candida albicans and C. tropicalis yeasts. Due to the higher yield, the D2 fraction of immature fruits was selected for further purification by reverse phase chromatography on HPLC, where sixteen different fractions (H1-H16) were obtained and these were subjected to antifungal assay at 50 µg mL-1. Although almost all fractions tested had significant growth inhibition, the HI9 fraction inhibit 99% of the two yeasts tested. The effect of treatment with HI3, HI8, HI9, and HI14 fractions on the viability of yeast cells was analyzed due to their strong growth inhibition. We observed that only 50 μg mL-1 of the HI9 fraction is the lethal dose for 100% of the cells of C. albicans and C. tropicalis in the original assay. Although the HI9 fraction had a fungicidal effect on both tested yeasts, we only observed membrane permeabilization for C. tropicalis cells treated with 50 µg mL-1 of this fraction. Through mass spectrometry, we identified that the 6 kDa peptide band of HI9 fraction showed similarity with antimicrobial peptides belonging to the plant defensin family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilucia C Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências E Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo S Gebara
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências E Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabriel B Taveira
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências E Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - André de O Carvalho
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências E Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rosana Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Melhoramento Genético Vegetal, Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Agropecuárias, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Erica O Mello
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências E Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Celso S Nagano
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Marinha, Departamento de Engenharia de Pesca, Universidade Federal Do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Renata P Chaves
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Marinha, Departamento de Engenharia de Pesca, Universidade Federal Do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Valdirene M Gomes
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências E Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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Rebai Y, Wagner L, Gnaien M, Hammer ML, Kapitan M, Niemiec MJ, Mami W, Mosbah A, Messadi E, Mardassi H, Vylkova S, Jacobsen ID, Znaidi S. Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 Antagonizes Candida albicans Growth and Protects Intestinal Cells from C. albicans-Mediated Damage. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1929. [PMID: 37630490 PMCID: PMC10457924 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11081929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a pathobiont of the gastrointestinal tract. It can contribute to the diversity of the gut microbiome without causing harmful effects. When the immune system is compromised, C. albicans can damage intestinal cells and cause invasive disease. We hypothesize that a therapeutic approach against C. albicans infections can rely on the antimicrobial properties of probiotic bacteria. We investigated the impact of the probiotic strain Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) on C. albicans growth and its ability to cause damage to intestinal cells. In co-culture kinetic assays, C. albicans abundance gradually decreased over time compared with C. albicans abundance in the absence of EcN. Quantification of C. albicans survival suggests that EcN exerts a fungicidal activity. Cell-free supernatants (CFS) collected from C. albicans-EcN co-culture mildly altered C. albicans growth, suggesting the involvement of an EcN-released compound. Using a model of co-culture in the presence of human intestinal epithelial cells, we further show that EcN prevents C. albicans from damaging enterocytes both distantly and through direct contact. Consistently, both C. albicans's filamentous growth and microcolony formation were altered by EcN. Taken together, our study proposes that probiotic-strain EcN can be exploited for future therapeutic approaches against C. albicans infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmine Rebai
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie Moléculaire, Vaccinologie et Développement Biotechnologique (LR16IPT01), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1068, Tunisia; (Y.R.)
| | - Lysett Wagner
- Septomics Research Center, Friedrich Schiller University, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology—Hans Knöll Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Mayssa Gnaien
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie Moléculaire, Vaccinologie et Développement Biotechnologique (LR16IPT01), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1068, Tunisia; (Y.R.)
| | - Merle L. Hammer
- Septomics Research Center, Friedrich Schiller University, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology—Hans Knöll Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Mario Kapitan
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology—Hans Knöll Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Maria Joanna Niemiec
- Septomics Research Center, Friedrich Schiller University, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology—Hans Knöll Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Wael Mami
- Plateforme de Physiologie et Physiopathologie Cardiovasculaires (P2C), Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LR20IPT01), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1068, Tunisia
| | - Amor Mosbah
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bio-Geo Resources Valorization (LR11ES31), Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet (ISBST), University of Manouba, Tunis 2010, Tunisia
| | - Erij Messadi
- Plateforme de Physiologie et Physiopathologie Cardiovasculaires (P2C), Laboratoire des Biomolécules, Venins et Applications Théranostiques (LR20IPT01), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1068, Tunisia
| | - Helmi Mardassi
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie Moléculaire, Vaccinologie et Développement Biotechnologique (LR16IPT01), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1068, Tunisia; (Y.R.)
| | - Slavena Vylkova
- Septomics Research Center, Friedrich Schiller University, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology—Hans Knöll Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Ilse D. Jacobsen
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology—Hans Knöll Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care, 07747 Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Sadri Znaidi
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie Moléculaire, Vaccinologie et Développement Biotechnologique (LR16IPT01), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1068, Tunisia; (Y.R.)
- Institut Pasteur, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Département Mycologie, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, 75015 Paris, France
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Zhai YJ, Feng Y, Ma X, Ma F. Defensins: defenders of human reproductive health. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 29:126-154. [PMID: 36130055 PMCID: PMC9825273 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reproductive tract infection is an important factor leading to male and female infertility. Among female infertility factors, microbial and viral infections are the main factors affecting female reproductive health and causing tubal infertility, ectopic tubal pregnancy and premature delivery. Among male infertility factors, 13-15% of male infertility is related to infection. Defensins are cationic antibacterial and antiviral peptides, classified into α-defensins, β-defensins and θ-defensins. Humans only have α-defensins and β-defensins. Apart from their direct antimicrobial functions, defensins have an immunomodulatory function and are involved in many physiological processes. Studies have shown that defensins are widely distributed in the female reproductive tract (FRT) and male reproductive tract (MRT), playing a dual role of host defence and fertility protection. However, to our knowledge, the distribution, regulation and function of defensins in the reproductive tract and their relation to reproduction have not been reviewed. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review summarizes the expression, distribution and regulation of defensins in the reproductive tracts to reveal the updated research on the dual role of defensins in host defence and the protection of fertility. SEARCH METHODS A systematic search was conducted in PubMed using the related keywords through April 2022. Related data from original researches and reviews were integrated to comprehensively review the current findings and understanding of defensins in the human reproductive system. Meanwhile, female and male transcriptome data in the GEO database were screened to analyze defensins in the human reproductive tracts. OUTCOMES Two transcriptome databases from the GEO database (GSE7307 and GSE150852) combined with existing researches reveal the expression levels and role of the defensins in the reproductive tracts. In the FRT, a high expression level of α-defensin is found, and the expression levels of defensins in the vulva and vagina are higher than those in other organs. The expression of defensins in the endometrium varies with menstrual cycle stages and with microbial invasion. Defensins also participate in the local immune response to regulate the risk of spontaneous preterm birth. In the MRT, a high expression level of β-defensins is also found. It is mainly highly expressed in the epididymal caput and corpus, indicating that defensins play an important role in sperm maturation. The expression of defensins in the MRT varies with androgen levels, age and the status of microbial invasion. They protect the male reproductive system from bacterial infections by neutralizing lipopolysaccharide and downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, animal and clinical studies have shown that defensins play an important role in sperm maturation, motility and fertilization. WIDER IMPLICATIONS As a broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptide without drug resistance, defensin has great potential for developing new natural antimicrobial treatments for reproductive tract infections. However, increasing evidence has shown that defensins can not only inhibit microbial invasion but can also promote the invasion and adhesion of some microorganisms in certain biological environments, such as human immunodeficiency virus. Therefore, the safety of defensins as reproductive tract anti-infective drugs needs more in-depth research. In addition, the modulatory role of defensins in fertility requires more in-depth research since the current conclusions are based on small-size samples. At present, scientists have made many attempts at the clinical transformation of defensins. However, defensins have problems such as poor stability, low bioavailability and difficulties in their synthesis. Therefore, the production of safe, effective and low-cost drugs remains a challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xue Ma
- Correspondence address. Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China. E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7781-821X (F.M.); Department of Pediatric Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China. E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7650-6214 (X.M.)
| | - Fang Ma
- Correspondence address. Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China. E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7781-821X (F.M.); Department of Pediatric Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China. E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7650-6214 (X.M.)
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Li G, Wang Q, Feng J, Wang J, Wang Y, Huang X, Shao T, Deng X, Cao Y, Zhou M, Zhao C. Recent insights into the role of defensins in diabetic wound healing. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 155:113694. [PMID: 36099789 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic wound, one of the most common serious complications of diabetic patients, is an important factor in disability and death. Much of the research on the pathophysiology of diabetic wound healing has long focused on mechanisms mediated by hyperglycemia, chronic inflammation, microcirculatory and macrocirculatory dysfunction. However, recent evidence suggests that defensins may play a crucial role in the development and perpetuation of diabetic wound healing. The available findings suggest that defensins exert a beneficial influence on diabetic wound healing through antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, angiogenic, tissue regenerator effects, and insulin resistance improvement. Therefore, summarizing the existing research progress on defensins in the diabetic wound may present a promising strategy for diabetic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gen Li
- Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200082, China; Graduate School, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qixue Wang
- Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200082, China; Institute for Interdisciplinary Medicine Sciences, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Graduate School, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jiawei Feng
- Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200082, China; Graduate School, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jialin Wang
- Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200082, China; Graduate School, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yuqing Wang
- Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200082, China; Graduate School, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiaoting Huang
- Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200082, China; Graduate School, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Tengteng Shao
- Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200082, China
| | - Xiaofei Deng
- Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200082, China
| | - Yemin Cao
- Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200082, China
| | - Mingmei Zhou
- Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200082, China; Institute for Interdisciplinary Medicine Sciences, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Cheng Zhao
- Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200082, China.
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10
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Kamli MR, Sabir JSM, Malik MA, Ahmad A. Human β defensins-1, an antimicrobial peptide, kills Candida glabrata by generating oxidative stress and arresting the cell cycle in G0/G1 phase. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 154:113569. [PMID: 35988423 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida glabrata is the most frequently isolated non-albicans Candida species in clinical samples and is known to develop resistance to commonly used antifungal drugs. Human β defensins (hBDs) are antimicrobial peptides of immune systems and are active against a broad range of pathogens including Candida species. Herein, the antifungal effect of hBD-1 and its mechanism of action in C. glabrata was studied. The antifungal susceptibility of hBD-1 against C. glabrata was calculated by broth microdilution assay. To study the mechanism of antifungal action, the impact of hBD-1 on cell cycle, expression of oxidative stress enzymes, and membrane disintegration were assessed. The susceptibility results confirmed that hBD-1 possessed the minimum inhibitory concentration of 3.12 µg/mL and prevented the growth and caused yeast cell death to various extents. The peptide at subinhibitory and inhibitory concentrations blocked the cell cycle in C. glabrata in G0/G1 phase and disturbed the activity of primary and secondary antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, at higher concentrations disruption of membrane integrity was observed. Altogether, hBD-1 showed candidicidal activity against C. glabrata and was able to induce oxidative stress and arrested cell cycle in C. auris and therefore has a potential to be developed as an antifungal drug against C. glabrata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Rasool Kamli
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Center of excellence in Bionanoscience Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Jamal S M Sabir
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Center of excellence in Bionanoscience Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maqsood Ahmad Malik
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80203, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aijaz Ahmad
- Center of excellence in Bionanoscience Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Division of Infection Control, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa.
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11
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Perez-Rodriguez A, Eraso E, Quindós G, Mateo E. Antimicrobial Peptides with Anti-Candida Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169264. [PMID: 36012523 PMCID: PMC9409312 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycoses are accountable for millions of infections yearly worldwide. Invasive candidiasis is the most usual, presenting a high morbidity and mortality. Candida albicans remains the prevalent etiologic agent, but the incidence of other species such as Candida parapsilosis, Candida glabrata and Candida auris keeps increasing. These pathogens frequently show a reduced susceptibility to commonly used antifungal drugs, including polyenes, triazoles and echinocandins, and the incidence of emerging multi-drug-resistant strains of these species continues to increase. Therefore, the need to search for new molecules that target these pathogenic species in a different manner is now more urgent than ever. Nature is an almost endless source of interesting new molecules that could meet this need. Among these molecules, antimicrobial peptides, present in different sources in nature, possess some advantages over conventional antifungal agents, even with their own drawbacks, and are considered as a promising pharmacological option against a wide range of microbial infections. In this review, we describe 20 antimicrobial peptides from different origins that possess an activity against Candida.
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12
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Systemic Candida albicans Infection in Mice Causes Endogenous Endophthalmitis via Breaching the Outer Blood-Retinal Barrier. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0165822. [PMID: 35913202 PMCID: PMC9431129 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01658-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is the leading cause of endogenous fungal endophthalmitis; however, its pathobiology studies are limited. Moreover, the contribution of host factors in the pathogenesis of Candida endophthalmitis remains unclear. In the present study, we developed a murine model of C. albicans endogenous endophthalmitis and investigated the molecular pathobiology of ocular candidiasis and blood-retinal barrier permeability. Our data show that intravenous injection of C. albicans in immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice led to endogenous endophthalmitis without causing mortality, and C. albicans was detected in the eyes at 3 days postinfection and persisted for up to 10 days. The intraocular presence of C. albicans coincided with a decrease in retinal function and increased expression of inflammatory mediators (tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α], interleukin 1β [IL-1β], MIP2, and KC) and antimicrobial peptides (human β-defensins [hBDs] and LL37) in mouse retinal tissue. C. albicans infection disrupted the blood-retinal barrier (BRB) by decreasing the expression of tight junction (ZO-1) and adherens junction (E-cadherin, N/R-cadherin) proteins. In vitro studies using human retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE-19) cells showed time-dependent activation of eIF2α, extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK), and NF-κB signaling and decreased activity of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) leading to the induction of an inflammatory response upon C. albicans infection. Moreover, C. albicans-infected cells exhibited increased cellular permeability coinciding with a reduction in cellular junction proteins. Overall, our study provides new insight into the molecular pathogenesis of C. albicans endogenous endophthalmitis. Furthermore, the experimental models developed in the study can be used to identify newer therapeutic targets or test the efficacy of drugs to treat and prevent fungal endophthalmitis. IMPORTANCE Patients with candidemia often experience endophthalmitis, a blinding infectious eye disease. However, the pathogenesis of Candida endophthalmitis is not well understood. Here, using in vivo and in vitro experimental models, we describe events leading to the invasion of Candida into the eye. We show that Candida from the systemic circulation disrupts the protective blood-retinal barrier and causes endogenous endophthalmitis. Our study highlights an important role of retinal pigment epithelial cells in evoking innate inflammatory and antimicrobial responses toward C. albicans infection. This study allows a better understanding of the pathobiology of fungal endophthalmitis, which can lead to the discovery of novel therapeutic targets to treat ocular fungal infections.
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13
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Chen YC, Yang Y, Zhang C, Chen HY, Chen F, Wang KJ. A Novel Antimicrobial Peptide Sparamosin 26-54 From the Mud Crab Scylla paramamosain Showing Potent Antifungal Activity Against Cryptococcus neoformans. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:746006. [PMID: 34690992 PMCID: PMC8531530 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.746006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the increasing prevalence of drug-resistant fungi and the limitations of current treatment strategies to fungal infections, exploration and development of new antifungal drugs or substituents are necessary. In the study, a novel antimicrobial peptide, named Sparamosin, was identified in the mud crab Scylla paramamosain, which contains a signal peptide of 22 amino acids and a mature peptide of 54 amino acids. The antimicrobial activity of its synthetic mature peptide and two truncated peptides (Sparamosin1–25 and Sparamosin26–54) were determined. The results showed that Sparamosin26–54 had the strongest activity against a variety of Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria and fungi, in particular had rapid fungicidal kinetics (killed 99% Cryptococcus neoformans within 10 min) and had potent anti-biofilm activity against C. neoformans, but had no cytotoxic effect on mammalian cells. The RNA-seq results showed that after Sparamosin26–54 treatment, the expression of genes involved in cell wall component biosynthesis, cell wall integrity signaling pathway, anti-oxidative stress, apoptosis and DNA repair were significantly up-regulated, indicating that Sparamosin26–54 might disrupt the cell wall of C. neoformans, causing oxidative stress, DNA damage and cell apoptosis. The underlying mechanism was further confirmed. Sparamosin26–54 could bind to several phospholipids in the cell membrane and effectively killed C. neoformans through disrupting the integrity of the cell wall and cell membrane observed by electron microscope and staining assay. In addition, it was found that the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased, the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was disrupted, and DNA fragmentation was induced after Sparamosin26–54 treatment, which are all hallmarks of apoptosis. Taken together, Sparamosin26–54 has a good application prospect as an effective antimicrobial agent, especially for C. neoformans infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Chao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ying Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Chang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Hui-Yun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,State-Province Joint Engineering Laboratory of Marine Bioproducts and Technology, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Fujian Innovation Research Institute for Marine Biological Antimicrobial Peptide Industrial Technology, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Fangyi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,State-Province Joint Engineering Laboratory of Marine Bioproducts and Technology, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Fujian Innovation Research Institute for Marine Biological Antimicrobial Peptide Industrial Technology, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ke-Jian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,State-Province Joint Engineering Laboratory of Marine Bioproducts and Technology, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Fujian Innovation Research Institute for Marine Biological Antimicrobial Peptide Industrial Technology, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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14
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Vazquez-Munoz R, Dongari-Bagtzoglou A. Anticandidal Activities by Lactobacillus Species: An Update on Mechanisms of Action. FRONTIERS IN ORAL HEALTH 2021; 2:689382. [PMID: 35048033 PMCID: PMC8757823 DOI: 10.3389/froh.2021.689382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Lactobacilli are among the most studied bacteria in the microbiome of the orodigestive and genitourinary tracts. As probiotics, lactobacilli may provide various benefits to the host. These benefits include regulating the composition of the resident microbiota, preventing - or even potentially reverting- a dysbiotic state. Candida albicans is an opportunistic pathogen that can influence and be influenced by other members of the mucosal microbiota and, under immune-compromising conditions, can cause disease. Lactobacillus and Candida species can colonize the same mucosal sites; however, certain Lactobacillus species display antifungal activities that can contribute to low Candida burdens and prevent fungal infection. Lactobacilli can produce metabolites with direct anticandidal function or enhance the host defense mechanisms against fungi. Most of the Lactobacillus spp. anticandidal mechanisms of action remain underexplored. This work aims to comprehensively review and provide an update on the current knowledge regarding these anticandidal mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Vazquez-Munoz
- Department of Oral Health and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Anna Dongari-Bagtzoglou
- Department of Oral Health and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, United States
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15
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Wassing GM, Lidberg K, Sigurlásdóttir S, Frey J, Schroeder K, Ilehag N, Lindås AC, Jonas K, Jonsson AB. DNA Blocks the Lethal Effect of Human Beta-Defensin 2 Against Neisseria meningitidis. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:697232. [PMID: 34276631 PMCID: PMC8278289 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.697232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis is a gram-negative bacterium that often asymptomatically colonizes the human nasopharyngeal tract. These bacteria cross the epithelial barrier can cause life-threatening sepsis and/or meningitis. Antimicrobial peptides are one of the first lines of defense against invading bacterial pathogens. Human beta-defensin 2 (hBD2) is an antimicrobial peptide with broad antibacterial activity, although its mechanism of action is poorly understood. Here, we investigated the effect of hBD2 on N. meningitidis. We showed that hBD2 binds to and kills actively growing meningococcal cells. The lethal effect was evident after 2 h incubation with the peptide, which suggests a slow killing mechanism. Further, the membrane integrity was not changed during hBD2 treatment. Incubation with lethal doses of hBD2 decreased the presence of diplococci; the number and size of bacterial microcolonies/aggregates remained constant, indicating that planktonic bacteria may be more susceptible to the peptide. Meningococcal DNA bound hBD2 in mobility shift assays and inhibited the lethal effect of hBD2 in a dose-dependent manner both in suspension and biofilms, supporting the interaction between hBD2 and DNA. Taken together, the ability of meningococcal DNA to bind hBD2 opens the possibility that extracellular DNA due to bacterial lysis may be a means of N. meningitidis to evade immune defenses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela M Wassing
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kenny Lidberg
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sara Sigurlásdóttir
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jonas Frey
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristen Schroeder
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nathalie Ilehag
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ann-Christin Lindås
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristina Jonas
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ann-Beth Jonsson
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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16
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Pham CVA, Rademacher F, Hinrichs H, Beck-Jendroschek V, Harder M, Brasch J, Gläser R, Harder J. Expression of epidermal antimicrobial peptides is increased in tinea pedis. Mycoses 2021; 64:763-770. [PMID: 33797129 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tinea pedis is often chronic or recurrent, but not all individuals are equally susceptible to this infection. Dermatophytes are able to induce the expression of antimicrobial peptides and proteins (AMPs) in human keratinocytes and certain AMPs can inhibit the growth of dermatophytes. OBJECTIVE The focus of this study was to analyse the secretion of relevant AMPs, especially RNase 7, human beta-defensin-2 (hBD-2) and the S-100 protein psoriasin (S100A7), in patients with confirmed tinea pedis. METHODS To verify the diagnosis, skin scales were obtained from all patients (n = 13) and the dermatophytes were identified by potassium hydroxide mount, culture and molecular analysis. To determine the AMP concentrations, the lesional skin area of the foot was rinsed with a buffer that was subsequently analysed by ELISA. The corresponding area of the other unaffected foot as well as defined healthy skin areas of the forearm and forehead and samples from age and gender-matched healthy volunteers served as controls. RESULTS In tinea pedis patients the AMP concentrations were higher in lesional skin than in non-lesional skin and in healthy skin of controls. In particular, concentrations of hBD-2 and psoriasin were significantly elevated. CONCLUSIONS The induction of AMPs in tinea pedis might be triggered directly by the dermatophytes; furthermore, attendant inflammation and/or differentiation processes may play a role. Our results indicate that there is no defect in the constitutive expression and induction of the analysed AMPs by dermatophytes in the epidermis of affected patients. However, it is not known why the elevated AMP concentrations fail to efficiently combat dermatophyte growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Van Anh Pham
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Quincke Research Center, University-Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Franziska Rademacher
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Quincke Research Center, University-Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Heilwig Hinrichs
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Quincke Research Center, University-Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Vera Beck-Jendroschek
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Mycological Laboratory, University Hospitals of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Melanie Harder
- EUROIMMUN Medical Laboratory Diagnostic AG, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jochen Brasch
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Mycological Laboratory, University Hospitals of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Regine Gläser
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Quincke Research Center, University-Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Jürgen Harder
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Quincke Research Center, University-Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
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17
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Struyfs C, Cammue BPA, Thevissen K. Membrane-Interacting Antifungal Peptides. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:649875. [PMID: 33912564 PMCID: PMC8074791 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.649875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of invasive fungal infections is increasing worldwide, resulting in more than 1.6 million deaths every year. Due to growing antifungal drug resistance and the limited number of currently used antimycotics, there is a clear need for novel antifungal strategies. In this context, great potential is attributed to antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that are part of the innate immune system of organisms. These peptides are known for their broad-spectrum activity that can be directed toward bacteria, fungi, viruses, and/or even cancer cells. Some AMPs act via rapid physical disruption of microbial cell membranes at high concentrations causing cell leakage and cell death. However, more complex mechanisms are also observed, such as interaction with specific lipids, production of reactive oxygen species, programmed cell death, and autophagy. This review summarizes the structure and mode of action of antifungal AMPs, thereby focusing on their interaction with fungal membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Struyfs
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bruno P A Cammue
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karin Thevissen
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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18
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Identification of Candida glabrata Transcriptional Regulators That Govern Stress Resistance and Virulence. Infect Immun 2021; 89:IAI.00146-20. [PMID: 33318139 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00146-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms by which Candida glabrata resists host defense peptides and caspofungin are incompletely understood. To identify transcriptional regulators that enable C. glabrata to withstand these classes of stressors, a library of 215 C. glabrata transcriptional regulatory deletion mutants was screened for susceptibility to both protamine and caspofungin. We identified eight mutants that had increased susceptibility to both host defense peptides and caspofungin. Of these mutants, six were deleted for genes that were predicted to specify proteins involved in histone modification. These genes were ADA2, GCN5, SPT8, HOS2, RPD3, and SPP1 Deletion of ADA2, GCN5, and RPD3 also increased susceptibility to mammalian host defense peptides. The Δada2 and Δgcn5 mutants had increased susceptibility to other stressors, such as H2O2 and SDS. In the Galleria mellonella model of disseminated infection, the Δada2 and Δgcn5 mutants had attenuated virulence, whereas in neutropenic mice, the virulence of the Δada2 and Δrpd3 mutants was decreased. Thus, histone modification plays a central role in enabling C. glabrata to survive host defense peptides and caspofungin, and Ada2 and Rpd3 are essential for the maximal virulence of this organism during disseminated infection.
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19
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Peng J, Mishra B, Khader R, Felix L, Mylonakis E. Novel Cecropin-4 Derived Peptides against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:36. [PMID: 33401476 PMCID: PMC7824259 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10010036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing microbial resistance, coupled with a lack of new antimicrobial discovery, has led researchers to refocus on antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as novel therapeutic candidates. Significantly, the less toxic cecropins have gained widespread attention for potential antibacterial agent development. However, the narrow activity spectrum and long sequence remain the primary limitations of this approach. In this study, we truncated and modified cecropin 4 (41 amino acids) by varying the charge and hydrophobicity balance to obtain smaller AMPs. The derivative peptide C18 (16 amino acids) demonstrated high antibacterial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, as well as yeasts. Moreover, C18 demonstrated a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 4 µg/mL against the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and showed synergy with daptomycin with a fractional inhibition concentration index (FICI) value of 0.313. Similar to traditional cecropins, C18 altered the membrane potential, increased fluidity, and caused membrane breakage at 32 µg/mL. Importantly, C18 eliminated 99% persisters at 10 × MIC within 20 min and reduced the biofilm adherence by ~40% and 35% at 32 and 16 µg/mL. Besides, C18 possessed a strong binding ability with DNA at 7.8 μM and down-regulated the expression of virulence factor genes like agrA, fnb-A, and clf-1 by more than 5-fold (p < 0.05). Interestingly, in the Galleria mellonella model, C18 rescued more than 80% of larva infected with the MRSA throughout 120-h post-infection at a single dose of 8 mg/kg (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study provides a reference for the transformation of cecropin to derive small peptides and presents C18 as an attractive therapeutic candidate to be developed to treat severe MRSA infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Peng
- Infectious Diseases Division, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA; (J.P.); (B.M.); (R.K.); (L.F.)
- Immune Cells and Antibody Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, Key Laboratory of Biology and Medical Engineering, School of Biology and Engineering/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Biswajit Mishra
- Infectious Diseases Division, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA; (J.P.); (B.M.); (R.K.); (L.F.)
| | - Rajamohammed Khader
- Infectious Diseases Division, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA; (J.P.); (B.M.); (R.K.); (L.F.)
| | - LewisOscar Felix
- Infectious Diseases Division, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA; (J.P.); (B.M.); (R.K.); (L.F.)
| | - Eleftherios Mylonakis
- Infectious Diseases Division, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA; (J.P.); (B.M.); (R.K.); (L.F.)
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20
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Basso V, Tran DQ, Ouellette AJ, Selsted ME. Host Defense Peptides as Templates for Antifungal Drug Development. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6040241. [PMID: 33113935 PMCID: PMC7711597 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Current treatment for invasive fungal diseases is limited to three classes of antifungal drugs: azoles, polyenes, and echinocandins. The most recently introduced antifungal class, the echinocandins, was first approved nearly 30 years ago. The limited antifungal drug portfolio is rapidly losing its clinical utility due to the inexorable rise in the incidence of invasive fungal infections and the emergence of multidrug resistant (MDR) fungal pathogens. New antifungal therapeutic agents and novel approaches are desperately needed. Here, we detail attempts to exploit the antifungal and immunoregulatory properties of host defense peptides (HDPs) in the design and evaluation of new antifungal therapeutics and discuss historical limitations and recent advances in this quest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Basso
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (V.B.); (D.Q.T.); (A.J.O.)
| | - Dat Q. Tran
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (V.B.); (D.Q.T.); (A.J.O.)
- Oryn Therapeutics, Vacaville, CA 95688, USA
| | - André J. Ouellette
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (V.B.); (D.Q.T.); (A.J.O.)
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Michael E. Selsted
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (V.B.); (D.Q.T.); (A.J.O.)
- Oryn Therapeutics, Vacaville, CA 95688, USA
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Correspondence:
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21
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Immune defence to invasive fungal infections: A comprehensive review. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 130:110550. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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22
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Kunyeit L, K A AA, Rao RP. Application of Probiotic Yeasts on Candida Species Associated Infection. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6040189. [PMID: 32992993 PMCID: PMC7711718 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Superficial and life-threatening invasive Candida infections are a major clinical challenge in hospitalized and immuno-compromised patients. Emerging drug-resistance among Candida species is exacerbated by the limited availability of antifungals and their associated side-effects. In the current review, we discuss the application of probiotic yeasts as a potential alternative/ combination therapy against Candida infections. Preclinical studies have identified several probiotic yeasts that effectively inhibit virulence of Candida species, including Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, Candida krusei and Candida auris. However, Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii is the only probiotic yeast commercially available. In addition, clinical studies have further confirmed the in vitro and in vivo activity of the probiotic yeasts against Candida species. Probiotics use a variety of protective mechanisms, including posing a physical barrier, the ability to aggregate pathogens and render them avirulent. Secreted metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids effectively inhibit the adhesion and morphological transition of Candida species. Overall, the probiotic yeasts could be a promising effective alternative or combination therapy for Candida infections. Additional studies would bolster the application of probiotic yeasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lohith Kunyeit
- Department of Microbiology and Fermentation Technology, CSIR- Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysuru 570020, India; (L.K.); (A.K.A.)
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609, USA
| | - Anu-Appaiah K A
- Department of Microbiology and Fermentation Technology, CSIR- Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysuru 570020, India; (L.K.); (A.K.A.)
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Reeta P. Rao
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-508-831-5000
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23
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Diaz PI, Dongari-Bagtzoglou A. Critically Appraising the Significance of the Oral Mycobiome. J Dent Res 2020; 100:133-140. [PMID: 32924741 DOI: 10.1177/0022034520956975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent efforts to understand the oral microbiome have focused on its fungal component. Since fungi occupy a low proportion of the oral microbiome biomass, mycobiome studies rely on sequencing of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) amplicons. ITS-based studies usually detect hundreds of fungi in oral samples. Here, we review the oral mycobiome, critically appraising the significance of such large fungal diversity. When harsh lysis methods are used to extract DNA, 2 oral mycobiome community types (mycotypes) are evident, each dominated by only 1 genus, either Candida or Malassezia. The rest of the diversity in ITS surveys represents low-abundance fungi possibly acquired from the environment and ingested food. So far, Candida is the only genus demonstrated to reach a significant biomass in the oral cavity and clearly shown to be associated with a distinct oral ecology. Candida thrives in the presence of lower oral pH and is enriched in caries, with mechanistic studies in animal models suggesting it participates in the disease process by synergistically interacting with acidogenic bacteria. Candida serves as the main etiological agent of oral mucosal candidiasis, in which a Candida-bacteriome partnership plays a key role. The function of other potential oral colonizers, such as lipid-dependent Malassezia, is still unclear, with further studies needed to establish whether Malassezia are metabolically active oral commensals. Low-abundance oral mycobiome members acquired from the environment may be viable in the oral cavity, and although they may not play a significant role in microbiome communities, they could serve as opportunistic pathogens in immunocompromised hosts. We suggest that further work is needed to ascertain the significance of oral mycobiome members beyond Candida. ITS-based surveys should be complemented with other methods to determine the in situ biomass and metabolic state of fungi thought to play a role in the oral environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- P I Diaz
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA.,UB Microbiome Center, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - A Dongari-Bagtzoglou
- Division of Periodontology, Department of Oral Health and Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, USA
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24
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Mohammed I, Mohanty D, Said DG, Barik MR, Reddy MM, Alsaadi A, Das S, Dua HS, Mittal R. Antimicrobial peptides in human corneal tissue of patients with fungal keratitis. Br J Ophthalmol 2020; 105:1172-1177. [PMID: 32855162 DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2020-316329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fungal keratitis (FK) is the leading cause of unilateral blindness in the developing world. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been shown to play an important role on human ocular surface (OS) during bacterial, viral and protozoan infections. In this study, our aim was to profile a spectrum of AMPs in corneal tissue from patients with FK during the active pase of infection and after healing. METHODS OS samples were collected from patients at presentation by impression cytology and scraping. Corneal button specimens were collected from patients undergoing therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty for management of severe FK or healed keratitis. Gene expression of human beta-defensin (HBD)-1, -2, -3 and -9, S100A7, and LL-37 was determined by quantitative real-time PCR. RESULTS Messenger RNA expression (mRNA) for all AMPs was shown to be significantly upregulated in FK samples. The levels of HBD-1 and -2 mRNA were found to be elevated in 18/20 FK samples. Whereas mRNA for HBD-3 and S100A7 was upregulated in 11/20 and HBD9 was increased in 15/20 FK samples. LL-37 mRNA showed moderate upregulation in 7/20 FK samples compared with controls. In healed scar samples, mRNA of all AMPs was found to be low and matching the levels in controls. CONCLUSION AMP expression is a consistent feature of FK, but not all AMPs are equally expressed. HBD-1 and -2 are most consistently expressed and LL-37 the least, suggesting some specificity of AMP expression related to FK. These results will help to identify HBD sequence templates for designing FK-specific peptides to test for therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran Mohammed
- Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham United Kingdom
| | - Debasmita Mohanty
- Kanupriya Dalmia Ophthalmic Pathology Laboratory, L V Prasad Eye Institute, MTC Campus, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Dalia G Said
- Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham United Kingdom.,Ophthalmology Department, Nottingham University Hospitals, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham United Kingdom
| | - Manas Ranjan Barik
- Ocular Microbiology Service, L V Prasad Eye Institute, MTC Campus, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Mamatha M Reddy
- Ocular Microbiology Service, L V Prasad Eye Institute, MTC Campus, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Ahmed Alsaadi
- Ophthalmology Department, Zayed Military Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sujata Das
- Cornea and Anterior Segment Service, L V Prasad Eye Institute, MTC Campus, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Harminder Singh Dua
- Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham United Kingdom .,Ophthalmology Department, Nottingham University Hospitals, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham United Kingdom
| | - Ruchi Mittal
- Kanupriya Dalmia Ophthalmic Pathology Laboratory, L V Prasad Eye Institute, MTC Campus, Bhubaneswar, India
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25
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Kotani H, Koshizuka T, Matsubara K, Nishiyama K, Sugiyama T, Suzutani T. Relationship Between Human β-Defensin 2 and the Vaginal Environment. Jpn J Infect Dis 2020; 73:214-220. [PMID: 31875602 DOI: 10.7883/yoken.jjid.2019.190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
As one of the main antimicrobial peptides, human β-defensin 2 (HBD2) plays multiple roles in the lower genital tract. Based on the Nugent score as a diagnostic criterion for bacterial vaginosis, we sought to clarify the correlations among the Nugent score and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and HBD2 levels in vaginal secretions in association with various types of infection. Ninety-eight women were recruited for this study. Levels of HBD2 and IL-6 in vaginal wash were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. According to the Nugent method, the number of Lactobacillus morphotypes per field of view was well correlated with the HBD2 level. The amount of HBD2 was also well correlated with the presence of Candida spp. (P < 0.01). In vitro experiments revealed that the expression of HBD2 from the human vaginal epithelial cell line, VK2/E6E7, was induced by the addition of heat-killed C. albicans (HKCA). The addition of HKCA induced expression of Dectin-1 mRNA. A luciferase assay for nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFκB) responsive elements showed that HKCA activated NF-κB signaling. These results suggested that C. albicans induced the activation of Dectin-1 and (NF-κB) signaling, resulting in HBD2 expression. In conclusion, the expression of HBD2 positively correlated with the presence of Lactobacillus and Candida spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideko Kotani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Tetsuo Koshizuka
- Department of Microbiology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine
| | - Keiichi Matsubara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Kyoko Nishiyama
- Department of Microbiology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine
| | - Takashi Sugiyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Tatsuo Suzutani
- Department of Microbiology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine
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26
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Casaroto AR, da Silva RA, Salmeron S, Rezende MLRD, Dionísio TJ, Santos CFD, Pinke KH, Klingbeil MFG, Salomão PA, Lopes MMR, Lara VS. Candida albicans-Cell Interactions Activate Innate Immune Defense in Human Palate Epithelial Primary Cells via Nitric Oxide (NO) and β-Defensin 2 (hBD-2). Cells 2019; 8:cells8070707. [PMID: 31336838 PMCID: PMC6678605 DOI: 10.3390/cells8070707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence of Candida albicans in the biofilm underlying the dental prosthesis is related to denture stomatitis (DS), an inflammatory reaction of the oral mucosa. The oral epithelium, a component of the innate immune response, has the ability to react to fungal invasion. In this study, we evaluated the in vitro effect of viable C. albicans on the apoptosis, nitric oxide (NO) production, and β-defensin 2 (hBD-2) expression and production of human palate epithelial cells (HPECs). We further determined whether or not these effects were correlated with fungal invasion of epithelial cells. Interaction between HPEC primary culture and C. albicans was obtained through either direct or indirect cell–cell contact with a supernatant from a hyphal fungus. We found that the hyphae supernatants were sufficient to induce slight HPEC apoptosis, which occurred prior to the activation of the specific mechanisms of epithelial defense. The epithelial defense responses were found to occur via NO and antimicrobial peptide hBD-2 production only during direct contact between C. albicans and HPECs and coincided with the fungus’s intraepithelial invasion. However, although the hBD-2 levels remained constant in the HPEC supernatants over time, the NO release and hBD-2 gene expression were reduced at a later time (10 h), indicating that the epithelial defense capacity against the fungal invasion was not maintained in later phases. This aspect of the immune response was associated with increased epithelial invasion and apoptosis maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Regina Casaroto
- Department of Surgery, Stomatology, Pathology and Radiology, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, 17012-901 Bauru, SP, Brazil.
| | - Rafaela Alves da Silva
- Department of Surgery, Stomatology, Pathology and Radiology, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, 17012-901 Bauru, SP, Brazil
| | - Samira Salmeron
- Department of Prosthodontics and Periodontology, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, 17012-901 Bauru, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Lúcia Rubo de Rezende
- Department of Prosthodontics and Periodontology, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, 17012-901 Bauru, SP, Brazil
| | - Thiago José Dionísio
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, 17012-901 Bauru, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos Ferreira Dos Santos
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, 17012-901 Bauru, SP, Brazil
| | - Karen Henriette Pinke
- Department of Surgery, Stomatology, Pathology and Radiology, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, 17012-901 Bauru, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Priscila Aranda Salomão
- Department of Surgery, Stomatology, Pathology and Radiology, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, 17012-901 Bauru, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Milanda Ribeiro Lopes
- Department of Surgery, Stomatology, Pathology and Radiology, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, 17012-901 Bauru, SP, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Soares Lara
- Department of Surgery, Stomatology, Pathology and Radiology, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, 17012-901 Bauru, SP, Brazil
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27
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Interleukin-17 in Antifungal Immunity. Pathogens 2019; 8:pathogens8020054. [PMID: 31013616 PMCID: PMC6630750 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8020054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The field of IL-17 biology has received much attention over the last decade owing to the pathogenic role of this cytokine in psoriasis and other autoinflammatory disorders and the successful implementation of IL-17-targeting therapies in patients suffering from these diseases. IL-17-mediated pathologies are contrasted by the important host beneficial effects of this cytokine. IL-17 is essential for regulating microbial colonization in barrier tissues. Rare congenital defects in the IL-17 pathway exemplify the relevance of IL-17 in protective immunity against the opportunistic fungal pathogen C. albicans. However, more recently, evidence is accumulating that IL-17 can also provide protection against fungi other than C. albicans. Importantly, protective IL-17 responses directed against commensal fungi can, under certain conditions, promote inflammation with detrimental consequences for the host, thereby assigning fungi a new role as disease-promoting factors apart from their role as potential infectious agents.
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28
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Latendorf T, Gerstel U, Wu Z, Bartels J, Becker A, Tholey A, Schröder JM. Cationic Intrinsically Disordered Antimicrobial Peptides (CIDAMPs) Represent a New Paradigm of Innate Defense with a Potential for Novel Anti-Infectives. Sci Rep 2019; 9:3331. [PMID: 30833614 PMCID: PMC6399351 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39219-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In the search for potential mechanisms underlying the remarkable resistance of healthy skin against infection by soil bacteria like Pseudomonas (P.) aeruginosa we identified fragments of the intrinsically disordered protein hornerin as potent microbicidal agents in the stratum corneum. We found that, independent of the amino acid (AA)-sequence, any tested linear cationic peptide containing a high percentage of disorder-promoting AA and a low percentage of order-promoting AA is a potent microbicidal antimicrobial. We further show that the antimicrobial activity of these cationic intrinsically disordered antimicrobial peptides (CIDAMPs) depends on the peptide chain length, its net charge, lipidation and environmental conditions. The ubiquitous presence of latent CIDAMP sources in nature suggests a common and yet overlooked adapted innate disinfection system of body surfaces. The simple structure and virtually any imaginable sequence or composition of disorder-promoting AA allow the generation of a plethora of CIDAMPs. These are potential novel microbicidal anti-infectives for various bacterial pathogens, including P. aeruginosa, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and fungal pathogens like Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ties Latendorf
- Department of Dermatology, University-Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ulrich Gerstel
- Department of Dermatology, University-Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Zhihong Wu
- Department of Dermatology, University-Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, 310023, Hangzhou, China
| | - Joachim Bartels
- Department of Dermatology, University-Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Alexander Becker
- Institute for Experimental Medicine-AG Systematic Proteomics & Bioanalytics, Kiel University (CAU), Kiel, Germany
| | - Andreas Tholey
- Institute for Experimental Medicine-AG Systematic Proteomics & Bioanalytics, Kiel University (CAU), Kiel, Germany
| | - Jens-Michael Schröder
- Department of Dermatology, University-Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany.
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29
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Hausmann C, Hertz-Kleptow D, Zoschke C, Wanjiku B, Wentzien-Odenthal A, Kerscher M, Schäfer-Korting M. Reconstructed Human Epidermis Predicts Barrier-Improving Effects of Lactococcus lactis Emulsion in Humans. Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2019; 32:72-80. [PMID: 30630183 DOI: 10.1159/000495255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS The skin provides protection against chemical, physical, and biological stressors, yet the skin morphology changes over the course of life. These changes might affect the skin barrier function and facilitate the onset of age-related diseases. Since orally applied lactic acid bacteria ameliorate signs of aged and atopic skin, we investigated the effects of a topically applied Lactococcus lactis emulsion. METHODS In a blinded, randomized, vehicle-controlled trial, we studied topical Lactococcus effects both in vitro and in 20 healthy female volunteers. Commercially available reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) was treated for 4 days (once daily) and volar forearms were treated for 30 days (twice daily). RESULTS Lactococcus formulations improve the skin barrier in RHE as shown by increased filaggrin and human β-defensin-2 expression as well as by the 23% declined mean apparent permeability coefficients for caffeine. A reduction of 18% in transepidermal water loss confirms this effect in humans. Moreover, Lactococcus emulsion optimized skin hydration and surface pH. Skin irritation was not detected. CONCLUSIONS Lactococcus emulsion improved the skin barrier function with good biocompatibility. Moreover, our study exemplifies the translational predictive capacity of testing on RHE with respect to Lactococcus emulsion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Hausmann
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Christian Zoschke
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Barbara Wanjiku
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Martina Kerscher
- Institute of Cosmetic Sciences, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Monika Schäfer-Korting
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany,
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30
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Kotani H, Matsubara K, Koshizuka T, Nishiyama K, Kaneko H, Tasaka M, Sugiyama T, Suzutani T. Human β-defensin-2 as a biochemical indicator of vaginal environment in pregnant women. HYPERTENSION RESEARCH IN PREGNANCY 2018. [DOI: 10.14390/jsshp.hrp2018-005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hideko Kotani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ehime University School of Medicine
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NTT West Matsuyama Hospital
| | - Keiichi Matsubara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ehime University School of Medicine
| | | | | | - Hisae Kaneko
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NTT West Matsuyama Hospital
| | - Mie Tasaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NTT West Matsuyama Hospital
| | - Takashi Sugiyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ehime University School of Medicine
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31
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Thery T, Shwaiki LN, O'Callaghan YC, O'Brien NM, Arendt EK. Antifungal activity of a de novo synthetic peptide and derivatives against fungal food contaminants. J Pept Sci 2018; 25:e3137. [PMID: 30488526 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The development of novel solutions to fight microbial food contaminants rests upon two pillars, which are the development of resistant strains and consumers' desire for a reduced consumption of synthetic drugs. Natural antimicrobial peptides possess the qualities to overcome these issues. De novo synthesis of novel antifungal compounds is a major progress that has been facilitated by the identification of parameters involved in the antimicrobial activity. A 14-residue peptide named KK14, with the sequence KKFFRAWWAPRFLK-NH2 , was designed and inhibited conidial germination and fungal growth of food contaminants within the range 6.25 to 50 μg/ml and 6.25 to 100 μg/ml, respectively. The study of three analogues of the peptide highlighted the role of some residues in the structural conformation of the peptide and its antifungal activity. The substitution of a Pro residue with Arg increased the helical content of the peptide not only its antifungal activity but also its cytotoxicity. The insertion of an unnatural bulky residue β-diphenylalanine or a full d-enantiomerization overall increased the antifungal potency. The four peptides showed similar behaviour towards salt increase, heat treatment, and pH decrease. Interestingly, the denantiomer remained the most active at high pH and after proteolytic digestion. The four peptides did not present haemolytic activity up to 200 μg/ml but had different behaviours of cytotoxicity. These differences could be crucial for potential application as pharmaceutical or food preservatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibaut Thery
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Laila N Shwaiki
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Nora M O'Brien
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Elke K Arendt
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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32
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Nicola AM, Albuquerque P, Paes HC, Fernandes L, Costa FF, Kioshima ES, Abadio AKR, Bocca AL, Felipe MS. Antifungal drugs: New insights in research & development. Pharmacol Ther 2018; 195:21-38. [PMID: 30347212 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The need for better antifungal therapy is commonly accepted in view of the high mortality rates associated with systemic infections, the low number of available antifungal classes, their associated toxicity and the increasing number of infections caused by strains with natural or acquired resistance. The urgency to expand the range of therapeutic options for the treatment of fungal infections has led researchers in recent decades to seek alternative antifungal targets when compared to the conventional ones currently used. Although new potential targets are reported, translating the discoveries from bench to bedside is a long process and most of these drugs fail to reach the patients. In this review, we discuss the development of antifungal drugs focusing on the approach of drug repurposing and the search for novel drugs for classical targets, the most recently described gene targets for drug development, the possibilities of immunotherapy using antibodies, cytokines, therapeutic vaccines and antimicrobial peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrícia Albuquerque
- Faculty of Ceilândia, University of Brasília, Brazil; Graduate Programme in Microbial Biology, University of Brasília, Brazil
| | - Hugo Costa Paes
- Division of Clinical Medicine, University of Brasília Medical School, Brazil
| | - Larissa Fernandes
- Faculty of Ceilândia, University of Brasília, Brazil; Graduate Programme in Microbial Biology, University of Brasília, Brazil
| | - Fabricio F Costa
- Graduate Programme in Genomic Science and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasília, Brazil; MATTER, Chicago, IL, USA; Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Ann & Robert Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Research Center, Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Erika Seki Kioshima
- Department of Clinical Analysis and Biomedicine, State University of Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Ana Karina Rodrigues Abadio
- School for Applied Social and Agricultural Sciences, State University of Mato Grosso, Nova Mutum Campus, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | | | - Maria Sueli Felipe
- Graduate Programme in Genomic Science and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasília, Brazil; Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brazil.
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Järvå M, Phan TK, Lay FT, Caria S, Kvansakul M, Hulett MD. Human β-defensin 2 kills Candida albicans through phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate-mediated membrane permeabilization. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2018; 4:eaat0979. [PMID: 30050988 PMCID: PMC6059731 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aat0979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Human defensins belong to a subfamily of the cationic antimicrobial peptides and act as a first line of defense against invading microbes. Their often broad-spectrum antimicrobial and antitumor activities make them attractive for therapeutic development; however, their precise molecular mechanism(s) of action remains to be defined. We show that human β-defensin 2 (HBD-2) permeabilizes Candida albicans cell membranes via a mechanism targeting the plasma membrane lipid phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). We determined the structure of HBD-2 bound to PIP2, which revealed two distinct PIP2-binding sites, and showed, using functional assays, that mutations in these sites ablate PIP2-mediated fungal growth inhibition by HBD-2. Our study provides the first insight into lipid-mediated human defensin membrane permeabilization at an atomic level and reveals a unique mode of lipid engagement to permeabilize cell membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Järvå
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Thanh Kha Phan
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Fung T Lay
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sofia Caria
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
- SAXS/WAXS Beamline, Australian Synchrotron, 800 Blackburn Road, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Marc Kvansakul
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mark D Hulett
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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Mishra AA, Koh AY. Adaptation of Candida albicans during gastrointestinal tract colonization. CURRENT CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2018; 5:165-172. [PMID: 30560045 DOI: 10.1007/s40588-018-0096-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Colonization of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract with Candida albicans (CA), the most common human fungal pathogen, is the first step towards the development of invasive infection. Yet the fungal virulence factors and host factors that modulate CA GI colonization are still poorly understood. In this review, we will review emerging evidence of the importance of select CA genetic determinants and CA's interaction with the host that contribute to its successful adaptation as a pathobiont in the human GI tract. Recent Findings Recent data reveal the importance of 1) CA genetic determinants; 2) host factors; and 3) environmental factors in modulating CA GI colonization in humans. Summary As evidence continues to grow supporting the notion that the GI tract and its resident microbiota are an integral part of the host immune system, it will be critical for studies to interrogate the interaction of CA with the host (including both the host innate and adaptive immune system as well as the endogenous gut microbiota) in order to dissect the mechanisms of CA pathogenesis and thus lay the foundation for novel therapeutic approaches to prevent and/or treat invasive fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Animesh A Mishra
- Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Andrew Y Koh
- Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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Richardson JP, Moyes DL, Ho J, Naglik JR. Candida innate immunity at the mucosa. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2018; 89:58-70. [PMID: 29501618 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2018.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The tremendous diversity in microbial species that colonise the mucosal surfaces of the human body is only now beginning to be fully appreciated. Distinguishing between the behaviour of commensal microbes and harmful pathogens that reside at mucosal sites in the body is a complex, and exquisitely fine-tuned process central to mucosal health. The fungal pathobiont Candida albicans is frequently isolated from mucosal surfaces with an asymptomatic carriage rate of approximately 60% in the human population. While normally a benign member of the microbiota, overgrowth of C. albicans often results in localised mucosal infection causing morbidity in otherwise healthy individuals, and invasive infection that often causes death in the absence of effective immune defence. C. albicans triggers numerous innate immune responses at mucosal surfaces, and detection of C. albicans hyphae in particular, stimulates the production of antimicrobial peptides, danger-associated molecular patterns and cytokines that function to reduce fungal burdens during infection. This review will summarise our current understanding of innate immune responses to C. albicans at mucosal surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David L Moyes
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Mucosal & Salivary Biology Division, Dental Institute, King's College London, UK.
| | - Jemima Ho
- Mucosal & Salivary Biology Division, Dental Institute, King's College London, UK.
| | - Julian R Naglik
- Mucosal & Salivary Biology Division, Dental Institute, King's College London, UK.
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36
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Pachón-Ibáñez ME, Smani Y, Pachón J, Sánchez-Céspedes J. Perspectives for clinical use of engineered human host defense antimicrobial peptides. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2018; 41:323-342. [PMID: 28521337 PMCID: PMC5435762 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fux012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi are among the leading causes of death worldwide. The emergence of drug-resistance mechanisms, especially among bacteria, threatens the efficacy of all current antimicrobial agents, some of them already ineffective. As a result, there is an urgent need for new antimicrobial drugs. Host defense antimicrobial peptides (HDPs) are natural occurring and well-conserved peptides of innate immunity, broadly active against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, viruses and fungi. They also are able to exert immunomodulatory and adjuvant functions by acting as chemotactic for immune cells, and inducing cytokines and chemokines secretion. Moreover, they show low propensity to elicit microbial adaptation, probably because of their non-specific mechanism of action, and are able to neutralize exotoxins and endotoxins. HDPs have the potential to be a great source of novel antimicrobial agents. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the advances made in the development of human defensins as well as the cathelicidin LL-37 and their derivatives as antimicrobial agents against bacteria, viruses and fungi for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Eugenia Pachón-Ibáñez
- Clinical Unit of Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville
| | - Younes Smani
- Clinical Unit of Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville
| | - Jerónimo Pachón
- Clinical Unit of Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville.,Department of Medicine, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Javier Sánchez-Céspedes
- Clinical Unit of Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville.,Department of Medicine, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
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Mohammed I, Said DG, Dua HS. Human antimicrobial peptides in ocular surface defense. Prog Retin Eye Res 2017; 61:1-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2017.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Bondaryk M, Staniszewska M, Zielińska P, Urbańczyk-Lipkowska Z. Natural Antimicrobial Peptides as Inspiration for Design of a New Generation Antifungal Compounds. J Fungi (Basel) 2017; 3:E46. [PMID: 29371563 PMCID: PMC5715947 DOI: 10.3390/jof3030046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections are associated with high mortality rates, despite appropriate antifungal therapy. Limited therapeutic options, resistance development and the high mortality of invasive fungal infections brought about more concern triggering the search for new compounds capable of interfering with fungal viability and virulence. In this context, peptides gained attention as promising candidates for the antimycotics development. Variety of structural and functional characteristics identified for various natural antifungal peptides makes them excellent starting points for design novel drug candidates. Current review provides a brief overview of natural and synthetic antifungal peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Bondaryk
- National Institute of Public Health-National Institute of Hygiene, Chocimska 24, 00-791 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Monika Staniszewska
- National Institute of Public Health-National Institute of Hygiene, Chocimska 24, 00-791 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Paulina Zielińska
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland.
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Silva MS, Ribeiro SF, Taveira GB, Rodrigues R, Fernandes KV, Carvalho AO, Vasconcelos IM, Mello EO, Gomes VM. Application and bioactive properties of CaTI, a trypsin inhibitor from Capsicum annuum seeds: membrane permeabilization, oxidative stress and intracellular target in phytopathogenic fungi cells. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2017; 97:3790-3801. [PMID: 28139827 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.8243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Revised: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the last few years, a growing number of antimicrobial peptides have been isolated from plants and particularly from seeds. Recent results from our laboratory have shown the purification of a new trypsin inhibitor, named CaTI, from chilli pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) seeds. This study aims to evaluate the antifungal activity and mechanism of action of CaTI on phytopathogenic fungi and detect the presence of protease inhibitors in other species of this genus. RESULTS Our results show that CaTI can inhibit the growth of the phytopathogenic fungi Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and C. lindemuthianum. CaTI can also permeabilize the membrane of all tested fungi. When testing the inhibitor on its ability to induce reactive oxygen species, an induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) particularly in Fusarium species was observed. Using CaTI coupled to fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), it was possible to determine the presence of the inhibitor inside the hyphae of the Fusarium oxysporum fungus. The search for protease inhibitors in other Capsicum species revealed their presence in all tested species. CONCLUSION This paper shows the antifungal activity of protease inhibitors such as CaTI against phytopathogenic fungi. Antimicrobial peptides, among which the trypsin protease inhibitor family stands out, are present in different species of the genus Capsicum and are part of the chemical arsenal that plants use to defend themselves against pathogens. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marciele S Silva
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Suzanna Ff Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabriel B Taveira
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rosana Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Melhoramento e Genética Vegetal, Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Agropecuárias, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Katia Vs Fernandes
- Laboratório de Química e Função de Proteínas e Peptídeos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - André O Carvalho
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ilka Maria Vasconcelos
- Laboratório de Toxinas Vegetais, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Erica Oliveira Mello
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Valdirene M Gomes
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
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Min HJ, Yun H, Ji S, Rajasekaran G, Kim JI, Kim JS, Shin SY, Lee CW. Rattusin structure reveals a novel defensin scaffold formed by intermolecular disulfide exchanges. Sci Rep 2017; 7:45282. [PMID: 28345637 PMCID: PMC5366907 DOI: 10.1038/srep45282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Defensin peptides are essential for innate immunity in humans and other living systems, as they provide protection against infectious pathogens and regulate the immune response. Here, we report the solution structure of rattusin (RTSN), an α-defensin-related peptide, which revealed a novel C2-symmetric disulfide-linked dimeric structure. RTSN was synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) and refolded by air oxidation in vitro. Dimerization of the refolded RTSN (r-RTSN) resulted from five intermolecular disulfide (SS) bond exchanges formed by ten cysteines within two protomer chains. The SS bond pairings of r-RTSN were determined by mass analysis of peptide fragments cleaved by trypsin digestion. In addition to mass analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments for a C15S mutant and r-RTSN confirmed that the intermolecular SS bond structure of r-RTSN showed an I-V', II-IV', III-III', IV-II', V-I' arrangement. The overall structure of r-RTSN exhibited a cylindrical array, similar to that of β-sandwich folds, with a highly basic surface. Furthermore, fluorescence spectroscopy results suggest that r-RTSN exerts bactericidal activity by damaging membrane integrity. Collectively, these results provide a novel structural scaffold for designing highly potent peptide-based antibiotics suitable for use under various physiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Jung Min
- Department of Chemistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, South Korea.,Department of Pharmaceutical Cosmetics, Kwangju Women's University, Gwangju 62396, South Korea
| | - Hyosuk Yun
- Department of Chemistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, South Korea
| | - Sehyeon Ji
- Department of Chemistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, South Korea
| | - Ganesan Rajasekaran
- Department of Medical Science, Graduate School and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, South Korea
| | - Jae Il Kim
- Department of Life Science, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, South Korea
| | - Jeong-Sun Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, South Korea
| | - Song Yub Shin
- Department of Medical Science, Graduate School and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, South Korea
| | - Chul Won Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, South Korea
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41
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Antifungal activity of a synthetic human β-defensin 3 and potential applications in cereal-based products. INNOV FOOD SCI EMERG 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ifset.2016.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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42
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Galleria mellonella lysozyme induces apoptotic changes in Candida albicans cells. Microbiol Res 2016; 193:121-131. [PMID: 27825480 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2016.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Revised: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 10/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The greater wax moth Galleria mellonella has been increasingly used as a model host to determine Candida albicans virulence and efficacy of antifungal treatment. The G. mellonella lysozyme, similarly to its human counterpart, is a member of the c-type family of lysozymes that exhibits antibacterial and antifungal activity. However, in contrast to the relatively well explained bactericidal action, the mechanism of fungistatic and/or fungicidal activity of lysozymes is still not clear. In the present study we provide the direct evidences that the G. mellonella lysozyme binds to the protoplasts as well as to the intact C. albicans cells and decreases the survival rate of both these forms in a time-dependent manner. No enzymatic activity of the lysozyme towards typical chitinase and β-glucanase substrates was detected, indicating that hydrolysis of main fungal cell wall components is not responsible for anti-Candida activity of the lysozyme. On the other hand, pre-treatment of cells with tetraethylammonium, a potassium channel blocker, prevented them from the lysozyme action, suggesting that lysozyme acts by induction of programmed cell death. In fact, the C. albicans cells treated with the lysozyme exhibited typical apoptotic features, i.e. loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, phosphatidylserine exposure in the outer leaflet of the cell membrane, as well as chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation.
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43
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Carey RM, Adappa ND, Palmer JN, Lee RJ, Cohen NA. Taste Receptors: Regulators of Sinonasal Innate Immunity. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol 2016; 1:88-95. [PMID: 27819057 PMCID: PMC5089074 DOI: 10.1002/lio2.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Taste receptors in the oral cavity guide our preferences for foods, preventing toxic ingestions and encouraging proper nutrient consumption. More recently, expression of taste receptors has been demonstrated in other locations throughout the body, including the airway, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, and brain. The extent and specific roles of extraoral taste receptors are largely unknown, but a growing body of evidence suggests that taste receptors in the airway serve a critical role in sensing bacteria and regulating innate immunity. This review will focus on the function of bitter and sweet taste receptors in the human airway, with particular emphasis on T2R38, a bitter taste receptor found in sinonasal ciliated cells, and the bitter and sweet receptors found on specialized sinonasal solitary chemosensory cells. The importance of these novel taste receptor‐immune circuits in the human airway and their clinical relevance in airway disease will also be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M Carey
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Ravdin Building, 5 floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Nithin D Adappa
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Ravdin Building, 5 floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - James N Palmer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Ravdin Building, 5 floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Robert J Lee
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Ravdin Building, 5 floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Noam A Cohen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Ravdin Building, 5 floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104
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Wang S, Zeng X, Yang Q, Qiao S. Antimicrobial Peptides as Potential Alternatives to Antibiotics in Food Animal Industry. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17050603. [PMID: 27153059 PMCID: PMC4881439 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17050603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2016] [Revised: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, the rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens has become a global concern, which has prompted the search for alternative antibacterial agents for use in food animals. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), produced by bacteria, insects, amphibians and mammals, as well as by chemical synthesis, are possible candidates for the design of new antimicrobial agents because of their natural antimicrobial properties and a low propensity for development of resistance by microorganisms. This manuscript reviews the current knowledge of the basic biology of AMPs and their applications in non-ruminant nutrition. Antimicrobial peptides not only have broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi, and viruses but also have the ability to bypass the common resistance mechanisms that are placing standard antibiotics in jeopardy. In addition, AMPs have beneficial effects on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology and gut microbiota in pigs and broilers. Therefore, AMPs have good potential as suitable alternatives to conventional antibiotics used in swine and poultry industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Centre, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Xiangfang Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Centre, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Qing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Centre, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Shiyan Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Centre, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
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45
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Taveira GB, Carvalho AO, Rodrigues R, Trindade FG, Da Cunha M, Gomes VM. Thionin-like peptide from Capsicum annuum fruits: mechanism of action and synergism with fluconazole against Candida species. BMC Microbiol 2016; 16:12. [PMID: 26819228 PMCID: PMC4729097 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-016-0626-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Thionins are a family of plant antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which participate in plant defense system against pathogens. Here we describe some aspects of the CaThi thionin-like action mechanism, previously isolated from Capsicum annuum fruits. Thionin-like peptide was submitted to antimicrobial activity assays against Candida species for IC50 determination and synergism with fluconazole evaluation. Viability and plasma membrane permeabilization assays, induction of intracellular ROS production analysis and CaThi localization in yeast cells were also investigated. Results CaThi had strong antimicrobial activity against six tested pathogenic Candida species, with IC50 ranging from 10 to 40 μg.mL−1. CaThi antimicrobial activity on Candida species was candidacidal. Moreover, CaThi caused plasma membrane permeabilization in all yeasts tested and induces oxidative stresses only in Candida tropicalis. CaThi was intracellularly localized in C. albicans and C. tropicalis, however localized in nuclei in C. tropicalis, suggesting a possible nuclear target. CaThi performed synergistically with fluconazole inhibiting all tested yeasts, reaching 100 % inhibition in C. parapsilosis. The inhibiting concentrations for the synergic pair ranged from 1.3 to 4.0 times below CaThi IC50 and from zero to 2.0 times below fluconazole IC50. Conclusion The results reported herein may ultimately contribute to future efforts aiming to employ this plant-derived AMP as a new therapeutic substance against yeasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel B Taveira
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, 28013-602, , RJ, Brazil.
| | - André O Carvalho
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, 28013-602, , RJ, Brazil.
| | - Rosana Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Melhoramento Genético Vegetal, Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Agropecuárias, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, 28013-602, , RJ, Brazil.
| | - Fernanda G Trindade
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, 28013-602, , RJ, Brazil.
| | - Maura Da Cunha
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, 28013-602, , RJ, Brazil.
| | - Valdirene M Gomes
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, 28013-602, , RJ, Brazil.
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46
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Teoh F, Pavelka N. How Chemotherapy Increases the Risk of Systemic Candidiasis in Cancer Patients: Current Paradigm and Future Directions. Pathogens 2016; 5:pathogens5010006. [PMID: 26784236 PMCID: PMC4810127 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens5010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a fungal commensal and a major colonizer of the human skin, as well as of the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts. It is also one of the leading causes of opportunistic microbial infections in cancer patients, often presenting in a life-threatening, systemic form. Increased susceptibility to such infections in cancer patients is attributed primarily to chemotherapy-induced depression of innate immune cells and weakened epithelial barriers, which are the body’s first-line defenses against fungal infections. Moreover, classical chemotherapeutic agents also have a detrimental effect on components of the adaptive immune system, which further play important roles in the antifungal response. In this review, we discuss the current paradigm regarding the mechanisms behind the increased risk of systemic candidiasis in cancer patients. We also highlight some recent findings, which suggest that chemotherapy may have more extensive effects beyond the human host, in particular towards C. albicans itself and the bacterial microbiota. The extent to which these additional effects contribute towards the development of candidiasis in chemotherapy-treated patients remains to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora Teoh
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 8A Biomedical Grove, Immunos Building, Singapore 138648, Singapore.
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore.
| | - Norman Pavelka
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 8A Biomedical Grove, Immunos Building, Singapore 138648, Singapore.
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore.
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Scarsini M, Tomasinsig L, Arzese A, D'Este F, Oro D, Skerlavaj B. Antifungal activity of cathelicidin peptides against planktonic and biofilm cultures of Candida species isolated from vaginal infections. Peptides 2015; 71:211-21. [PMID: 26238597 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2015.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Revised: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a frequent gynecological condition caused by Candida albicans and a few non-albicans Candida spp. It has a significant impact on the quality of life of the affected women also due to a considerable incidence of recurrent infections that are difficult to treat. The formation of fungal biofilm may contribute to the problematic management of recurrent VVC due to the intrinsic resistance of sessile cells to the currently available antifungals. Thus, alternative approaches for the prevention and control of biofilm-related infections are urgently needed. In this regard, the cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) of the innate immunity are potential candidates for the development of novel antimicrobials as many of them display activity against biofilm formed by various microbial species. In the present study, we investigated the in vitro antifungal activities of the cathelicidin peptides LL-37 and BMAP-28 against pathogenic Candida spp. also including C. albicans, isolated from vaginal infections, and against C. albicans SC5314 as a reference strain. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated against planktonic and biofilm-grown Candida cells by using microdilution susceptibility and XTT [2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfo-phenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide] reduction assays and, in the case of established biofilms, also by CFU enumeration and fluorescence microscopy. BMAP-28 was effective against planktonically grown yeasts in standard medium (MIC range, 2-32μM), and against isolates of C. albicans and Candida krusei in synthetic vaginal simulated fluid (MIC range 8-32μM, depending on the pH of the medium). Established 48-h old biofilms formed by C. albicans SC5314 and C. albicans and C. krusei isolates were 70-90% inhibited within 24h incubation with 16μM BMAP-28. As shown by propidium dye uptake and CFU enumeration, BMAP-28 at 32μM killed sessile C. albicans SC5314 by membrane permeabilization with a faster killing kinetics compared to 32μM miconazole (80-85% reduced biofilm viability in 90min vs 48h). In addition, BMAP-28 at 16μM prevented Candida biofilm formation on polystyrene and medical grade silicone surfaces by causing a >90% reduction in the viability of planktonic cells in 30min. LL-37 was overall less effective than BMAP-28 against planktonic Candida spp. (MIC range 4-≥64μM), and was ineffective against established Candida biofilms. However, LL-37 at 64μM prevented Candida biofilm development by inhibiting cell adhesion to polystyrene and silicone surfaces. Finally, Candida adhesion was strongly inhibited when silicone was pre-coated with a layer of BMAP-28 or LL-37, encouraging further studies for the development of peptide-based antimicrobial coatings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Scarsini
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, University of Udine, Piazzale Kolbe 4, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Linda Tomasinsig
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, University of Udine, Piazzale Kolbe 4, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Alessandra Arzese
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Udine, Piazzale Kolbe 4, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Francesca D'Este
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, University of Udine, Piazzale Kolbe 4, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Debora Oro
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, University of Udine, Piazzale Kolbe 4, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Barbara Skerlavaj
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, University of Udine, Piazzale Kolbe 4, 33100 Udine, Italy.
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48
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Vieira MEB, Vasconcelos IM, Machado OLT, Gomes VM, Carvalho ADO. Isolation, characterization and mechanism of action of an antimicrobial peptide from Lecythis pisonis seeds with inhibitory activity against Candida albicans. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2015; 47:716-29. [PMID: 26245301 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmv071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are produced by a range of organisms as a first line of defense against invaders or competitors. Owing to their broad antimicrobial activity, AMPs have attracted attention as a potential source of chemotherapeutic drugs. The increasing prevalence of infections caused by Candida species as opportunistic pathogens in immunocompromised patients requires new drugs. Lecythis pisonis is a Lecythydaceae tree that grows in Brazil. The AMPs produced by this tree have not been described previously. We describe the isolation of 12 fractions enriched in peptides from L. pisonis seeds. Of the 12 fractions, at 10 μg/ml, the F4 fraction had the strongest growth inhibitory effect (53.7%) in Candida albicans, in addition to a loss of viability of 94.9%. The F4 fraction was separated into seven sub-fractions by reversed-phase chromatography. The F4.7' fraction had the strongest activity at 10 μg/ml, inhibiting C. albicans growth by 38.5% and a 69.3% loss of viability. The peptide in F4.7' was sequenced and was found to be similar to plant defensins. For this reason, the peptide was named L. pisonis defensin 1 (Lp-Def1). The mechanism of action that is responsible for C. albicans inhibition by Lp-Def1 includes a slight increase of reactive oxygen species induction and a significant loss of mitochondrial function. The results described here support the future development of plant defensins, specifically Lp-Def1, as new therapeutic substances against fungi, especially C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eliza Brambila Vieira
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Ilka Maria Vasconcelos
- Laboratório de Toxinas Vegetais, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Olga Lima Tavares Machado
- Laboratório de Química e Função de Proteínas e Peptídeos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Valdirene Moreira Gomes
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ 28013-602, Brazil
| | - André de Oliveira Carvalho
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ 28013-602, Brazil
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49
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Fichorova RN, Chen PL, Morrison CS, Doncel GF, Mendonca K, Kwok C, Chipato T, Salata R, Mauck C. The Contribution of Cervicovaginal Infections to the Immunomodulatory Effects of Hormonal Contraception. mBio 2015; 6:e00221-15. [PMID: 26330510 PMCID: PMC4556810 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00221-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Particular types of hormonal contraceptives (HCs) and genital tract infections have been independently associated with risk of HIV-1 acquisition. We examined whether immunity in women using injectable depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), combined oral contraceptives (COC), or no HCs differs by the presence of cervicovaginal infections. Immune mediators were quantified in cervical swabs from 832 HIV-uninfected reproductive-age Ugandans and Zimbabweans. Bacterial infections and HIV were diagnosed by PCR, genital herpes serostatus by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), altered microflora by Nugent score, and Trichomonas vaginalis and Candida albicans infection by wet mount. Generalized linear models utilizing Box-Cox-Power transformation examined associations between levels of mediators, infection status, and HCs. In no-HC users, T. vaginalis was associated with broadest spectrum of aberrant immunity (higher interleukin 1β [IL-1β], IL-8, macrophage inflammatory protein 3α [MIP-3α], β-defensin 2 [BD2], and IL-1 receptor antigen [IL-1RA]). In women with a normal Nugent score and no genital infection, compared to the no-HC group, COC users showed higher levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1RA, while DMPA users showed higher levels of RANTES and lower levels of BD2, both associated with HIV seroconversion. These effects of COC were blunted in the presence of gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, candidiasis, and an abnormal Nugent score; however, RANTES was increased among COC users with herpes, chlamydia, and abnormal Nugent scores. The effect of DMPA was exacerbated by lower levels of IL-1RA in gonorrhea, chlamydia, or herpes, SLPI in gonorrhea, and IL-1β, MIP-3α, and IL-1RA/IL1β ratio in trichomoniasis. Thus, the effects of HC on cervical immunity depend on the genital tract microenvironment, and a weakened mucosal barrier against HIV may be a combined resultant of genital tract infections and HC use. IMPORTANCE In this article, we show that in young reproductive-age women most vulnerable to HIV, hormonal contraceptives are associated with altered cervical immunity in a manner dependent on the presence of genital tract infections. Through altered immunity, hormones may predispose women to bacterial and viral pathogens; conversely, a preexisting specific infection or disturbed vaginal microbiota may suppress the immune activation by levonorgestrel or exacerbate the suppressed immunity by DMPA, thus increasing HIV risk by their cumulative action. Clinical studies assessing the effects of contraception on HIV susceptibility and mucosal immunity may generate disparate results in populations that differ by microbiota background or prevalence of undiagnosed genital tract infections. A high prevalence of asymptomatic infections among HC users that remain undiagnosed and untreated raises even more concerns in light of their combined effects on biomarkers of HIV risk. The molecular mechanisms of the vaginal microbiome's simultaneous interactions with hormones and HIV remain to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raina N Fichorova
- Laboratory of Genital Tract Biology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | | | - Kevin Mendonca
- Laboratory of Genital Tract Biology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Robert Salata
- Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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50
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Sparber F, LeibundGut-Landmann S. Interleukin 17-Mediated Host Defense against Candida albicans. Pathogens 2015; 4:606-19. [PMID: 26274976 PMCID: PMC4584276 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens4030606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Revised: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is part of the normal microbiota in most healthy individuals. However, it can cause opportunistic infections if host defenses are breached, with symptoms ranging from superficial lesions to severe systemic disease. The study of rare congenital defects in patients with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis led to the identification of interleukin-17 (IL-17) as a key factor in host defense against mucosal fungal infection. Experimental infections in mice confirmed the critical role of IL-17 in mucocutaneous immunity against C. albicans. Research on mouse models has also contributed importantly to our current understanding of the regulation of IL-17 production by different cellular sources and its effector functions in distinct tissues. In this review, we highlight recent findings on IL-17-mediated immunity against C. albicans in mouse and man.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Sparber
- Section of Immunology, Institute of Virology, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, Zürich, CH-8057, Switzerland.
| | - Salomé LeibundGut-Landmann
- Section of Immunology, Institute of Virology, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, Zürich, CH-8057, Switzerland.
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