1
|
Zhang H, Dong M, Xu H, Li H, Zheng A, Sun G, Jin W. Recombinant Lactococcus lactis Expressing Human LL-37 Prevents Deaths from Viral Infections in Piglets and Chicken. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2023:10.1007/s12602-023-10155-6. [PMID: 37743432 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-023-10155-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Novel antibiotic substitutes are increasingly in demand in the animal husbandry industry. An oral recombinant Lactococcus lactis (L. lactis) expressing human LL-37 (oral LL-37) was developed and its safety and antiviral effectiveness in vivo was tested. In addition to impairing liposome integrity, LL-37 polypeptide from recombinant L. lactis could prevent the host cell infection by a variety of viruses, including recombinant SARS, SARS-CoV-2, Ebola virus, and vesicular stomatitis virus G. Subchronic toxicity studies performed on Sprague-Dawley rats showed that no cumulative toxicity was found during short-term intervention. Oral LL-37 treatment after the onset of fever could reduce mortality in piglets infected with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus. Moreover, body weight gain of piglets receiving treatment was progressively restored, and nucleic acid positive rebound was not undetected after discontinuation. Oral LL-37 consistently increased the lifespan of chickens infected with Newcastle viruses. These findings suggested a potential use of recombinantly modified microorganisms in veterinary medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanlin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Meng Dong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Huihui Xu
- Jilin Yuanheyuan Bioengineering Co., Ltd. Changchun, Jilin Province, 130000, China
| | - Hongyue Li
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Aihua Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Gang Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.
| | - Wanzhu Jin
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lungu PS, Kilembe W, Lakhi S, Sukwa T, Njelesani E, Zumla AI, Mwaba P. A comparison of vitamin D and cathelicidin (LL-37) levels between patients with active TB and their healthy contacts in a high HIV prevalence setting: a prospective descriptive study. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2021; 116:336-343. [PMID: 34401915 PMCID: PMC8978298 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trab126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies from Asia and Europe indicate an association between vitamin D deficiency and susceptibility to TB. We performed an observational case-control study to determine vitamin D and cathelicidin (LL-37) levels and their association with active TB in newly diagnosed and microbiologically confirmed adult TB patients in Zambia, a high HIV prevalence setting. METHODS Both total vitamin D and LL-37 were measured using ELISA from serum and supernatant isolated from cultured whole blood that was stimulated with heat-killed Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA statistical software version 12. RESULTS The median vitamin D in TB patients and healthy contacts was 28.7 (19.88-38.64) and 40.8 (31.2-49.44) ng/ml, respectively (p<0.001). The median LL-37 in TB patients compared with healthy contacts was 1.87 (2.74-8.93) and 6.73 (5.6-9.58) ng/ml, respectively (p=0.0149). Vitamin D correlation with LL-37 in healthy contacts was R2=0.7 (95% CI 0.566 to 0.944), p<0.0001. Normal vitamin D significantly predicted a healthy status (OR 4.06, p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS Significantly lower levels of vitamin D and LL-37 are seen in adults with newly diagnosed active TB. Longitudinal studies across various geographical regions are required to accurately define the roles of vitamin D and LL-37 in preventive and TB treatment outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Saili Lungu
- University of Zambia, School of Medicine, Department Internal Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - William Kilembe
- Rwanda Zamba HIV Research Group, Emory University, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Shabir Lakhi
- University of Zambia, School of Medicine, Department Internal Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Thomas Sukwa
- Lusaka Apex Medical University, Department of Public Health and Research, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Alimuddin I Zumla
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, and National Institutes of Health and Research Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London
| | - Peter Mwaba
- Lusaka Apex Medical University, Faculty of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pahar B, Madonna S, Das A, Albanesi C, Girolomoni G. Immunomodulatory Role of the Antimicrobial LL-37 Peptide in Autoimmune Diseases and Viral Infections. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:E517. [PMID: 32927756 PMCID: PMC7565865 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8030517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are produced by neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages, as well as epithelial cells, and are an essential component of innate immunity system against infection, including several viral infections. AMPs, in particular the cathelicidin LL-37, also exert numerous immunomodulatory activities by inducing cytokine production and attracting and regulating the activity of immune cells. AMPs are scarcely expressed in normal skin, but their expression increases when skin is injured by external factors, such as trauma, inflammation, or infection. LL-37 complexed to self-DNA acts as autoantigen in psoriasis and lupus erythematosus (LE), where it also induces production of interferon by plasmocytoid dendritic cells and thus initiates a cascade of autocrine and paracrine processes, leading to a disease state. In these disorders, epidermal keratinocytes express high amounts of AMPs, which can lead to uncontrolled inflammation. Similarly, LL-37 had several favorable and unfavorable roles in virus replication and disease pathogenesis. Targeting the antiviral and immunomodulatory functions of LL-37 opens a new approach to limit virus dissemination and the progression of disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bapi Pahar
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA 70433, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
| | - Stefania Madonna
- IDI-IRCCS, Dermopathic Institute of the Immaculate IDI, 00167 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (C.A.)
| | - Arpita Das
- Division of Microbiology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA 70433, USA;
| | - Cristina Albanesi
- IDI-IRCCS, Dermopathic Institute of the Immaculate IDI, 00167 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (C.A.)
| | - Giampiero Girolomoni
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lee C. Controversial Effects of Vitamin D and Related Genes on Viral Infections, Pathogenesis, and Treatment Outcomes. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12040962. [PMID: 32235600 PMCID: PMC7230640 DOI: 10.3390/nu12040962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D (VD) plays an essential role in mineral homeostasis and bone remodeling. A number of different VD-related genes (VDRG) are required for the metabolic activation of VD and the subsequent induction of its target genes. They include a set of genes that encode for VD-binding protein, metabolic enzymes, and the VD receptor. In addition to its well-characterized skeletal function, the immunoregulatory activities of VD and the related polymorphisms of VDRG have been reported and linked to its therapeutic and preventive actions for the control of several viral diseases. However, in regards to their roles in the progression of viral diseases, inconsistent and, in some cases, contradictory results also exist. To resolve this discrepancy, I conducted an extensive literature search by using relevant keywords on the PubMed website. Based on the volume of hit papers related to a certain viral infection, I summarized and compared the effects of VD and VDRG polymorphism on the infection, pathogenesis, and treatment outcomes of clinically important viral diseases. They include viral hepatitis, respiratory viral infections, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and other viral diseases, which are caused by herpesviruses, dengue virus, rotavirus, and human papillomavirus. This review will provide the most current information on the nutritional and clinical utilization of VD and VDRG in the management of the key viral diseases. This information should be valuable not only to nutritionists but also to clinicians who wish to provide evidence-based recommendations on the use of VD to virally infected patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Choongho Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Goyang 10326, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ludwig E, Harder J, Lacorcia M, Honkpehedji YJ, Nouatin OP, van Dam GJ, Corstjens PLAM, Sartono E, Esen M, Lobmaier SM, Adegnika AA, Prazeres da Costa C. Placental gene expression and antibody levels of mother-neonate pairs reveal an enhanced risk for inflammation in a helminth endemic country. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15776. [PMID: 31673046 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52074-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In utero exposure to environmental factors can modify the development of allergies later in life whereby the mechanisms of the feto-maternal crosstalk still remain largely unknown. Murine studies revealed that inflammatory maternal signals elicited by chronic helminth infection within the placenta imprint a distinct gene expression profile related to the Vitamin-D-receptor (VDR)-inflammation-axis. We thus investigated whether pro- or anti- inflammatory immune responses as well as VDR and related gene expression within the placenta differ between women from helminth-endemic and non-endemic areas. A prospective pilot study was conducted in Munich, Germany (helminth non-endemic) and Lambaréné, Gabon (helminth-endemic). At delivery, clinical information alongside placenta tissue samples and maternal and cord blood were obtained for further laboratory analysis. Schistosoma haematobium infection was detected in 13/54 (23%) Gabonese women. RT PCR revealed significantly lower gene expression of VDR, Cyp27b1, Foxp3 and IL10 in Gabonese compared to German placentae as well as significantly lower levels of plasma IgG4 in newborns resulting in a significantly higher IgE/IgG4 ratio. These findings demonstrate that exposure in utero to different environments alters placental gene expression and thus possibly plays a role in the development and modulation of the immune system of the offspring.
Collapse
|
6
|
Ahmed A, Siman-Tov G, Hall G, Bhalla N, Narayanan A. Human Antimicrobial Peptides as Therapeutics for Viral Infections. Viruses 2019; 11:v11080704. [PMID: 31374901 PMCID: PMC6722670 DOI: 10.3390/v11080704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful in vivo infection following pathogen entry requires the evasion and subversion of multiple immunological barriers. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are one of the first immune pathways upregulated during infection by multiple pathogens, in multiple organs in vivo. In humans, there are many classes of AMPs exhibiting broad antimicrobial activities, with defensins and the human cathelicidin LL-37 being the best studied examples. Whereas historically the efficacy and therapeutic potential of AMPs against bacterial infection has been the primary focus of research, recent studies have begun to elucidate the antiviral properties of AMPs as well as their role in regulation of inflammation and chemoattraction. AMPs as therapeutic tools seem especially promising against emerging infectious viral pathogens for which no approved vaccines or treatments are currently available, such as dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV). In this review, we summarize recent studies elucidating the efficacy and diverse mechanisms of action of various classes of AMPs against multiple viral pathogens, as well as the potential use of human AMPs in novel antiviral therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aslaa Ahmed
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Disease, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Gavriella Siman-Tov
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Disease, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Grant Hall
- United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA
| | - Nishank Bhalla
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Disease, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Aarthi Narayanan
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Disease, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
The advent of antiretroviral therapy has transformed infection by the type 1 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from a rapidly fatal disease to a chronic illness with excellent long-term survival rates. Although HIV primarily targets the adaptive arm of host immunity, it simultaneously impacts the innate immune system, and has profound implications for lung health, even when viral suppression is achieved with antiretroviral therapy. The lung has evolved a unique array of innate immune defenses, and the pathophysiological interactions between HIV and the pulmonary innate immune system deserve particular attention. In this review, we discuss work that elucidates how the components of innate immunity both respond to and are perturbed by infection with HIV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bashar S Staitieh
- 1 Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia; and
| | - Eduardo E Egea
- 1 Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia; and
| | - David M Guidot
- 1 Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia; and.,2 the Atlanta Veterans Administration Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Pinheiro da Silva F, Machado MCC. The dual role of cathelicidins in systemic inflammation. Immunol Lett 2017; 182:57-60. [PMID: 28082134 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2017.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 12/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are key components of the innate immune system. They act as broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, viruses, and fungi. More recently, antimicrobial peptides have been ascribed immunomodulatory functions, including roles in wound healing, induction of cytokines, and altering host gene expression. Cathelicidins are a class of antimicrobial peptide found in humans, mice, and rats, among others. Known as LL-37 in humans and cathelin-related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP) in rodents, cathelicidins are produced by many different cells, including macrophages, neutrophils, and epithelial cells. The role of cathelicidins is somewhat confounding, as they exhibit both pro-and anti-inflammatory activity. A major obstacle in the study of cathelicidins is the inability of exogenous LL-37 or CRAMP to mimic the activity of their endogenous counterparts. Nevertheless, studies have shown that LL-37 is recognized by multiple receptors, and may stabilize or modulate Toll-like receptor signaling. In addition, cathelicidins play a role in apoptosis, inflammasome activation, and phagocytosis. However, many studies are revealing the dual effects of cathelicidins. For example, CRAMP appears to be protective in models of group A Streptococcus skin infection, pneumonia, and meningitis, but detrimental in cases of severe bacterial infection, such as septic shock. It is becoming increasingly clear that the activity of cathelicidins is modulated by complex interactions with the microenvironment, as well as the disease background. This article reviews what is currently known about the activity of cathelicidins in an attempt to understand their complex roles in systemic diseases.
Collapse
|
9
|
Stukes TM, Shary JR, Wei W, Ebeling MD, Dezsi KB, Shary FS, Forestieri NE, Hollis BW, Wagner CL. Circulating Cathelicidin Concentrations in a Cohort of Healthy Children: Influence of Age, Body Composition, Gender and Vitamin D Status. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0152711. [PMID: 27152524 PMCID: PMC4859539 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cathelicidin is an antimicrobial peptide whose circulating levels are related to vitamin D status in adults. This study sought to determine if circulating cathelicidin concentrations in healthy children are related to the age of the child, body composition and vitamin D status at birth and at the time of the study visit. Blood samples were obtained during yearly visits from 133 children, ages 2–7, whose mothers had participated in a pregnancy vitamin D supplementation RCT. Radioimmunoassay and ELISA were performed to analyze 25(OH)D and cathelicidin, respectively. Statistical analyses compared cathelicidin concentrations with concentrations of 25(OH)D at various time points (maternal levels throughout pregnancy, at birth, and child’s current level); and with race/ethnicity, age, gender, BMI, percent fat, and frequency of infections using Student’s t-test, χ2, Wilcoxon ranked-sum analysis, and multivariate regression. The cohort’s median cathelicidin concentration was 28.1 ng/mL (range: 5.6–3368.6) and did not correlate with 25(OH)D, but was positively correlated with advancing age (ρ = 0.236 & p = 0.005, respectively). Forty patients evaluated at two visits showed an increase of 24.0 ng/mL in cathelicidin from the first visit to the next (p<0.0001). Increased age and male gender were correlated with increased cathelicidin when controlling for race/ethnicity, percent fat, and child’s current 25(OH)D concentration (p = 0.028 & p = 0.047, respectively). This study demonstrated that as children age, the concentration of cathelicidin increases. Furthermore, male gender was significantly associated with increased cathelicidin concentrations. The lack of association between vitamin D status and cathelicidin in this study may be due to the narrow range in observed 25(OH)D values and warrants additional studies for further observation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taylor M. Stukes
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Judith R. Shary
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Myla D. Ebeling
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Kaleena B. Dezsi
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Frank S. Shary
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Nina E. Forestieri
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Bruce W. Hollis
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Carol L. Wagner
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
El-ramly AZ, Fawzi MM, Mahmoud SB, Abdel Ghaffar MM, Shaker OG. Assessment of serum levels of cathelicidin and vitamin D in acne vulgaris: . Journal of the Egyptian Womenʼs Dermatologic Society 2016; 13:99-105. [DOI: 10.1097/01.ewx.0000480714.99599.84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
11
|
Abstract
Vitamin D plays an important role in modulating the immune response to infections. Deficiency of vitamin D is a common condition, affecting both the general population and patients in health care facilities. Over the last decade, an increasing body of evidence has shown an association between vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk for acquiring several infectious diseases, as well as poorer outcomes in vitamin D deficient patients with infections. This review details recent developments in understanding the role of vitamin D in immunity, the antibacterial actions of vitamin D, the association between vitamin D deficiency and common infections (like sepsis, pneumonia, influenza, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV)), potential therapeutic implications for vitamin D replacement, and future research directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard R Watkins
- Department of Internal Medicine, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH 44272, USA., Division of Infectious Diseases, Akron General Medical Center, Akron, OH 44302, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|