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Skrobarczyk JW, Flores-Ahlschwede P, Metcalfe LL, Cohen ND, Berghman LR. Identification of 3 neutralizing linear epitopes on the VP8 outer capsid protein of group A equine rotavirus. Am J Vet Res 2024; 85:ajvr.23.08.0193. [PMID: 38029522 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.23.08.0193] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify protective equine rotavirus group A (ERVA) VP8 epitopes and demonstrate that immunizing hens with synthetic peptides based on these epitopes would yield high-titered, neutralizing egg yolk antibodies for potential application in foals. ANIMALS 26 rotavirus-positive, client-owned foals were included in the study. Five white leghorn hens were used for antibody production. METHODS Chicken antibodies were raised against 3 synthetic epitope peptides from the VP8 protein of the common ERVA P-type, P4[12] using CD40-targeted streptavidin-peptide complexes. Antipeptide serum- and egg yolk antibodies were subject to ELISA and in vitro virus neutralization assays to evaluate binding and neutralization activities. Lyophilized anti-VP8 egg yolk antibodies were orally administered (30 g; q 24 h for 5 days) to foals with rotaviral diarrhea. Physical examinations were performed daily. The duration of diarrhea and any adverse effects were recorded. RESULTS CD40-targeted vaccination of hens generated high titers of anti-VP8 serum and egg yolk antibodies after just 3 immunizations. These antibodies prevented in vitro infection of ERVA with titers of 128 in the serum and 94.5 in the yolk. Oral administration (30 g; q 24 h for 5 days) of lyophilized hyperimmune egg yolk to foals with rotaviral diarrhea did not reveal any adverse effects of the treatment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE This study demonstrated that antibodies raised against neutralizing epitopes of the ERVA VP8 protein could prevent ERVA infection in vitro. Based on these results and previous work in other animals, in vivo evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of anti-VP8 egg yolk antibodies is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill W Skrobarczyk
- Texas A&M University, Department of Poultry Science, College Station, TX
| | | | | | - Noah D Cohen
- Texas A&M University, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College Station, TX
| | - Luc R Berghman
- Texas A&M University, Department of Poultry Science, College Station, TX
- Texas A&M University, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College Station, TX
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2
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Feijoo-Coronel ML, Mendes B, Ramírez D, Peña-Varas C, de los Monteros-Silva NQE, Proaño-Bolaños C, de Oliveira LC, Lívio DF, da Silva JA, da Silva JMSF, Pereira MGAG, Rodrigues MQRB, Teixeira MM, Granjeiro PA, Patel K, Vaiyapuri S, Almeida JR. Antibacterial and Antiviral Properties of Chenopodin-Derived Synthetic Peptides. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:78. [PMID: 38247637 PMCID: PMC10812719 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13010078] [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] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides have been developed based on plant-derived molecular scaffolds for the treatment of infectious diseases. Chenopodin is an abundant seed storage protein in quinoa, an Andean plant with high nutritional and therapeutic properties. Here, we used computer- and physicochemical-based strategies and designed four peptides derived from the primary structure of Chenopodin. Two peptides reproduce natural fragments of 14 amino acids from Chenopodin, named Chen1 and Chen2, and two engineered peptides of the same length were designed based on the Chen1 sequence. The two amino acids of Chen1 containing amide side chains were replaced by arginine (ChenR) or tryptophan (ChenW) to generate engineered cationic and hydrophobic peptides. The evaluation of these 14-mer peptides on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli showed that Chen1 does not have antibacterial activity up to 512 µM against these strains, while other peptides exhibited antibacterial effects at lower concentrations. The chemical substitutions of glutamine and asparagine by amino acids with cationic or aromatic side chains significantly favoured their antibacterial effects. These peptides did not show significant hemolytic activity. The fluorescence microscopy analysis highlighted the membranolytic nature of Chenopodin-derived peptides. Using molecular dynamic simulations, we found that a pore is formed when multiple peptides are assembled in the membrane. Whereas, some of them form secondary structures when interacting with the membrane, allowing water translocations during the simulations. Finally, Chen2 and ChenR significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2 infection. These findings demonstrate that Chenopodin is a highly useful template for the design, engineering, and manufacturing of non-toxic, antibacterial, and antiviral peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcia L. Feijoo-Coronel
- Biomolecules Discovery Group, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Km 7 Via Muyuna, Tena 150101, Ecuador
| | - Bruno Mendes
- Biomolecules Discovery Group, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Km 7 Via Muyuna, Tena 150101, Ecuador
| | - David Ramírez
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4030000, Chile
| | - Carlos Peña-Varas
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4030000, Chile
| | | | - Carolina Proaño-Bolaños
- Biomolecules Discovery Group, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Km 7 Via Muyuna, Tena 150101, Ecuador
| | - Leonardo Camilo de Oliveira
- Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Diego Fernandes Lívio
- Campus Centro Oeste, Federal University of São João Del-Rei, Rua Sebastião Gonçalves Filho, n 400, Chanadour, Divinópolis 35501-296, Brazil
| | - José Antônio da Silva
- Campus Centro Oeste, Federal University of São João Del-Rei, Rua Sebastião Gonçalves Filho, n 400, Chanadour, Divinópolis 35501-296, Brazil
| | - José Maurício S. F. da Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biomédicas, Federal University of Alfenas, Rua Gabriel Monteiro da Silva, 700, Sala E209, Alfenas 37130-001, Brazil
| | - Marília Gabriella A. G. Pereira
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biomédicas, Federal University of Alfenas, Rua Gabriel Monteiro da Silva, 700, Sala E209, Alfenas 37130-001, Brazil
| | - Marina Q. R. B. Rodrigues
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biomédicas, Federal University of Alfenas, Rua Gabriel Monteiro da Silva, 700, Sala E209, Alfenas 37130-001, Brazil
- Departamento de Engenharia de Biossistemas, Campus Dom Bosco, Federal University of São João Del-Rei, Praça Dom Helvécio, 74, Fábricas, São João del-Rei 36301-160, Brazil
| | - Mauro M. Teixeira
- Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Paulo Afonso Granjeiro
- Campus Centro Oeste, Federal University of São João Del-Rei, Rua Sebastião Gonçalves Filho, n 400, Chanadour, Divinópolis 35501-296, Brazil
| | - Ketan Patel
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UB, UK
| | | | - José R. Almeida
- Biomolecules Discovery Group, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Km 7 Via Muyuna, Tena 150101, Ecuador
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UB, UK
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Wang R, Guo J, Li G, Wang X, Yang J, Li Q, Zhang G. Identification of the Linear Fc-Binding Site on the Bovine IgG1 Fc Receptor (boFcγRIII) Using Synthetic Peptides. Vet Sci 2024; 11:24. [PMID: 38250930 PMCID: PMC10818675 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11010024] [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] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The bovine IgG1 Fc receptor (boFcγRIII) is a homologue to human FcγRIII (CD16) that binds bovine IgGI with medium-low affinity. In order to identify the Fc-binding site on the bovine IgG1 Fc receptor (boFcγRIII), peptides derived from the second extracellular domain (EC2) of boFcγRIII were synthesized and conjugated with the carrier protein. With a Dot-blot assay, the ability of the peptides to bind bovine IgG1 was determined, and the IgG1-binding peptide was also identified via truncation and mutation. The minimal peptide AQRVVN corresponding to the sequence 98-103 of boFcγRIII bound bovine IgG1 in Dot-blot, suggesting that it represents a linear ligand-binding site located in the putative A-B loop of the boFcγRIII EC2 domain. Mutation analysis of the peptide showed that the residues of Ala98, Gln99, Val101, Val102 and Asn103 within the Fc-binding site are critical for IgG1 binding on boFcγRIII. The functional peptide identified in this paper is of great value to the IgG-Fc interaction study and FcR-targeting drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruining Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China; (R.W.); (J.G.); (J.Y.)
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economics, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Junqing Guo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China; (R.W.); (J.G.); (J.Y.)
| | - Ge Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China;
| | - Xun Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China;
| | - Jifei Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China; (R.W.); (J.G.); (J.Y.)
| | - Qingmei Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China; (R.W.); (J.G.); (J.Y.)
| | - Gaiping Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China; (R.W.); (J.G.); (J.Y.)
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China;
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonose, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
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Sweany RR, Cary JW, Jaynes JM, Rajasekaran K. Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Activity of Synthetic Peptides GV185 and GV187. Plant Dis 2023; 107:3211-3221. [PMID: 36947838 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-11-22-2572-re] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Optimizing synthetic antimicrobial peptides for safe and enhanced activity against fungal and bacterial pathogens is useful for genetic engineering of plants for resistance to plant pathogens and their associated mycotoxins. Nine synthetic peptides modeled after lytic peptides tachyplesin 1, D4E1 from cecropin A, and protegrin 1 were added to germinated spores of fungal species Aspergillus flavus, Rhizopus stolonifer, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum, F. verticillioides, F. graminearum, Claviceps purpurea, Verticillium dahliae, and Thielaviopsis basicola and bacterial cultures of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci and Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris at different doses and inhibitory dose response curves, and were modeled to assess antimicrobial activity. Peptides GV185 and GV187, modified from tachyplesin 1, had superior abilities to inhibit fungal and bacterial growth (50% inhibitory concentrations [IC50] ranging from 0.1 to 8.7 µM). R. stolonifer (IC50 = 8.1 µM), A. flavus (IC50 = 3.1 µM), and F. graminearum (IC50 = 2.2 µM) were less inhibited by GV185 and GV187 than all the remaining fungi (IC50 = 1.4 µM) and bacteria (IC50 = 0.1 µM). Of the remaining peptides, GV193, GV195, and GV196 (IC50 range of 0.9 to 6.6 µM) inhibited fungal growth of A. flavus, F. verticillioides, and F. graminearum less than GV185 and GV187 (IC50 range of 0.8 to 3.9 µM), followed by GV197 (IC50 range of 0.8 to 9.1 µM), whereas GV190 and GV192 inhibited poorly (IC50 range of 28.2 to 36.6 µM and 15.5 to 19.4 µM, respectively) and GV198 stimulated growth. GV185 and GV187 had slightly weaker hydrophobic and cationic residues than other tachyplesin 1 modified peptides but still had unexpectedly high lytic activity. Germinated fungal spores of R. stolonifer and F. graminearum exposed to these two peptides and D4E1 and AGM182 appeared wrinkled, with perforations near potential cytoplasmic leakage, which provided evidence of plasma membrane and cell wall lysis. We conclude that peptides GV185 and GV187 are promising candidates for genetic engineering of crops for resistance to plant-pathogenic bacteria and fungi, including A. flavus and aflatoxin contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca R Sweany
- Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, Southern Regional Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, New Orleans, LA 70124
| | - Jeffrey W Cary
- Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, Southern Regional Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, New Orleans, LA 70124
| | - Jesse M Jaynes
- Genvor, LLC, Dallas, TX 75240
- College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences, and College of Arts and Sciences, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL 36088
| | - Kanniah Rajasekaran
- Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, Southern Regional Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, New Orleans, LA 70124
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Song Y, Hu H, Xiao K, Huang X, Guo H, Shi Y, Zhao J, Zhu S, Ji T, Xia B, Jiang J, Cao L, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Xu W. A Synthetic SARS-CoV-2-Derived T-Cell and B-Cell Peptide Cocktail Elicits Full Protection against Lethal Omicron BA.1 Infection in H11-K18-hACE2 Mice. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0419422. [PMID: 36912685 PMCID: PMC10100915 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04194-22] [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] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been developing the capacity for immune evasion and resistance to existing vaccines and drugs. To address this, development of vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has focused on universality, strong T cell immunity, and rapid production. Synthetic peptide vaccines, which are inexpensive and quick to produce, show low toxicity, and can be selected from the conserved SARS-CoV-2 proteome, are promising candidates. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of a synthetic peptide cocktail containing three murine CD4+ T-cell epitopes from the SARS-CoV-2 nonspike proteome and one B-cell epitope from the Omicron BA.1 receptor-binding domain (RBD), along with aluminum phosphate (Al) adjuvant and 5' cytosine-phosphate-guanine 3' oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG-ODN) adjuvant in mice. The peptide cocktail induced good Th1-biased T-cell responses and effective neutralizing-antibody titers against the Omicron BA.1 variant. Additionally, H11-K18-hACE2 transgenic mice were fully protected against lethal challenge with the BA.1 strain, with a 100% survival rate and reduced pulmonary viral load and pathological lesions. Subcutaneous administration was found to be the superior route for synthetic peptide vaccine delivery. Our findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the peptide cocktail in mice, suggesting the feasibility of synthetic peptide vaccines for humans. IMPORTANCE Current vaccines based on production of neutralizing antibodies fail to prevent the infection and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron and its subvariants. Understanding the critical factors and avoiding the disadvantages of vaccine strategies are essential for developing a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine, which would include a more effective and durable cellular response, minimal effects of viral mutations, rapid production against emerging variants, and good safety. Peptide-based vaccines are an excellent alternative because they are inexpensive, quick to produce, and very safe. In addition, human leukocyte antigen T-cell epitopes could be targeted at robust T-cell immunity and selected in the conserved region of the SARS-CoV-2 variants. Our study showed that a synthetic SARS-CoV-2-derived peptide cocktail induced full protection against lethal infection with Omicron BA.1 in H11-K18-hACE2 mice for the first time. This could have implications for the development of effective COVID-19 peptide vaccines for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Song
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Hongqiao Hu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Kang Xiao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xinghu Huang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Guo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Yuqing Shi
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jiannan Zhao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Shuangli Zhu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Tianjiao Ji
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Baicheng Xia
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Jiang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Cao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Wenbo Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
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Aguiar TKB, Mesquita FP, Neto NAS, Gomes FÍR, Freitas CDT, Carneiro RF, Nagano CS, Alencar LMR, Santos-Oliveira R, Oliveira JTA, Souza PFN. No Chance to Survive: Mo-CBP 3-PepII Synthetic Peptide Acts on Cryptococcus neoformans by Multiple Mechanisms of Action. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12020378. [PMID: 36830289 PMCID: PMC9952340 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12020378] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Multidrug-resistant Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated yeast causing a high mortality rate in immunocompromised patients. Recently, the synthetic peptide Mo-CBP3-PepII emerged as a potent anticryptococcal molecule with an MIC50 at low concentration. Here, the mechanisms of action of Mo-CBP3-PepII were deeply analyzed to provide new information about how it led C. neoformans cells to death. Light and fluorescence microscopies, analysis of enzymatic activities, and proteomic analysis were employed to understand the effect of Mo-CBP3-PepII on C. neoformans cells. Light and fluorescence microscopies revealed Mo-CBP3-PepII induced the accumulation of anion superoxide and hydrogen peroxide in C. neoformans cells, in addition to a reduction in the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and catalase (CAT) in the cells treated with Mo-CBP3-PepII. In the presence of ascorbic acid (AsA), no reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected, and Mo-CBP3-PepII lost the inhibitory activity against C. neoformans. However, Mo-CBP3-PepII inhibited the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) ergosterol biosynthesis and induced the decoupling of cytochrome c (Cyt c) from the mitochondrial membrane. Proteomic analysis revealed a reduction in the abundance of proteins related to energetic metabolism, DNA and RNA metabolism, pathogenicity, protein metabolism, cytoskeleton, and cell wall organization and division. Our findings indicated that Mo-CBP3-PepII might have multiple mechanisms of action against C. neoformans cells, mitigating the development of resistance and thus being a potent molecule to be employed in the production of new drugs against C. neoformans infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tawanny K. B. Aguiar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Felipe P. Mesquita
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60430-275, CE, Brazil
| | - Nilton A. S. Neto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Francisco Í. R. Gomes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Cleverson D. T. Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Rômulo F. Carneiro
- Department of Fisheries Engineering, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Celso S. Nagano
- Department of Fisheries Engineering, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Luciana M. R. Alencar
- Laboratory of Biophysics and Nanosystems, Physics Department, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, MA, Brazil
| | - Ralph Santos-Oliveira
- Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission, Nuclear Engineering Institute, Rio de Janeiro 21941-906, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratory of Nanoradiopharmacy, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jose T. A. Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Pedro F. N. Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451-970, CE, Brazil
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60430-275, CE, Brazil
- Correspondence: or
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Sharma K, Sharma KK, Mahindra A, Sehra N, Bagra N, Aaghaz S, Parmar R, Rathod GK, Jain R. Design, synthesis, and applications of ring-functionalized histidines in peptide-based medicinal chemistry and drug discovery. Med Res Rev 2023. [PMID: 36710510 DOI: 10.1002/med.21936] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Modified and synthetic α-amino acids are known to show diverse applications. Histidine, which possesses numerous applications when subjected to synthetic modifications, is one such amino acid. The utility of modified histidines varies widely from remarkable biological activities to catalysis, and from nanotechnology to polymer chemistry. This renders histidine residue an important place in scientific research. Histidine is a well-studied scaffold and constitutes the active site of various enzymes catalyzing important reactions in the biological systems. A rational modification in histidine structure with a distinctly developed protocol extensively changes its physical and chemical properties. The utilization of modified histidines in search of potent, target selective and proteostable scaffolds is vital in the development of bioactive peptides with enhanced drug-likeliness. This review is a compilation and analysis of reported side-chain ring modifications at histidine followed by applications of ring-modified histidines in the synthesis of various categories of bioactive peptides and peptidomimetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal Sharma
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Nagar, Punjab, India
| | - Krishna K Sharma
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Nagar, Punjab, India
| | - Amit Mahindra
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Nagar, Punjab, India
| | - Naina Sehra
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Nagar, Punjab, India
| | - Nitin Bagra
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Nagar, Punjab, India
| | - Shams Aaghaz
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Nagar, Punjab, India
| | - Rajesh Parmar
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Nagar, Punjab, India
| | - Gajanan K Rathod
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Nagar, Punjab, India
| | - Rahul Jain
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Nagar, Punjab, India
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Al-Talib H, Abdulwahab MH, Murad K, Amiruddin ND, Mohamed NN. Antimicrobial Effects of Tetraspanin CD9 Peptide against Microbiota Causing Armpit Malodour. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12. [PMID: 36830182 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12020271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic peptides, including tetraspanin CD9 peptides, are increasingly coming into focus as new treatment strategies against various organisms, including bacteria, that cause underarm odour. The use of deodorants and antiperspirants is associated with side effects. Therefore, it is critical to find an alternative therapeutic approach to combat underarm odour. The aim of this study is to investigate the antibacterial effect of tetraspanin CD9 peptides against the skin microbiota that cause malodour in the underarms. The antimicrobial activity of CD9 peptides against Micrococcus luteus (M. luteus), Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis), Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis), and Corynebacterium xerosis (C. xerosis) was investigated by the disc diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by broth microdilution assays using CD9 peptide concentrations ranging from 1 mg/mL to 0.0078 mg/mL. In addition, the anti-biofilm activity of the CD9 peptides was determined. The CD9 peptides showed different antibacterial activity with an inhibition zone of 7.67, 9.67, 7.00, and 6.00 mm for S. epidermidis, M. luteus, C. xerosis, and B. subtilis, respectively. All bacteria had the same MBC value of 1 mg/mL. A high MIC of CD9 peptides was observed for S. epidermidis and M. luteus at 0.5 mg/mL. The MIC values of B. subtilis and C. xerosis were 0.125 mg/mL and 0.25 mg/mL, respectively. CD9 peptides significantly inhibited biofilm development of S. epidermidis, B. subtilis, and C. xerosis isolates. The CD9 tetraspanin peptide has excellent antibacterial activity against bacteria that cause underarm odour. Therefore, the CD9 tetraspanin peptide is a promising alternative to deodorants and antiperspirants to combat commensal bacteria of the skin that cause underarm odour.
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9
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Arja K, Selegård R, Paloncýová M, Linares M, Lindgren M, Norman P, Aili D, Nilsson KPR. Self-Assembly of Chiro-Optical Materials from Nonchiral Oligothiophene-Porphyrin Derivatives and Random Coil Synthetic Peptides. Chempluschem 2023; 88:e202200262. [PMID: 36173143 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202200262] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Biomimetic chiral optoelectronic materials can be utilized in electronic devices, biosensors and artificial enzymes. Herein, this work reports the chiro-optical properties and architectural arrangement of optoelectronic materials generated from self-assembly of initially nonchiral oligothiophene-porphyrin derivatives and random coil synthetic peptides. The photo-physical- and structural properties of the materials were assessed by absorption-, fluorescence- and circular dichroism spectroscopy, as well as dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy and theoretical calculations. The materials display a three-dimensional ordered helical structure and optical activity that are observed due to an induced chirality of the optoelectronic element upon interaction with the peptide. Both these properties are influenced by the chemical composition of the oligothiophene-porphyrin derivative, as well as the peptide sequence. We foresee that our findings will aid in developing self-assembled optoelectronic materials with dynamic architectonical accuracies, as well as offer the possibility to generate the next generation of materials for a variety of bioelectronic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katriann Arja
- Division of Chemistry Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, 581 83, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Robert Selegård
- Laboratory of Molecular Materials Division of Biophysics and Bioengineering Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, 581 83, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Markéta Paloncýová
- Division of Theoretical Chemistry and Biology School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN), Palacký University Olomouc, 779 00, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Mathieu Linares
- Laboratory of Organic Electronics and Group of Scientific Visualization Department of Science and Technology (ITN), Linköping University, 601 74, Norrköping, Sweden
| | - Mikael Lindgren
- Department of Physics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Patrick Norman
- Division of Theoretical Chemistry and Biology School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Daniel Aili
- Laboratory of Molecular Materials Division of Biophysics and Bioengineering Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, 581 83, Linköping, Sweden
| | - K Peter R Nilsson
- Division of Chemistry Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, 581 83, Linköping, Sweden
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10
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de Sousa FJF, Costa IRS, Cavalcante FLP, Silva AJO, Brito DMS, da Silva JYG, Silva JJL, Almeida CGL, Mesquita FP, Souza PFN. Natural and Synthetic Peptides to Control Drug-resistant Pathogens. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2023; 24:567-578. [PMID: 37345241 DOI: 10.2174/1389203724666230621121330] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Due to the excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics in farming and clinic, pathogens developed resistance mechanisms to currently used drugs. Thus, because of this resistance, drugs become ineffective, leading to public health problems worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), microbial resistance to drugs is one of the most threats that humanity must face. Therefore, it is imperative to seek alternative methods to overcome microbial resistance. Here, the potential of natural or synthetic antimicrobial peptides to overcome microbial resistance will be discussed, and how peptides could be a source for new therapeutics molecules. In this context, antimicrobial peptides (natural or synthetic) are considered promising molecules based on their antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties, making them eligible for developing new drugs. In addition, they can act synergistically with existing drugs on the market, revealing a broad spectrum of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca J F de Sousa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sciences Center, Federal University of Cear, Campus do Pici, CEP-60440-554, Fortaleza, Ceará - CE, Brazil
| | - Igor R S Costa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sciences Center, Federal University of Cear, Campus do Pici, CEP-60440-554, Fortaleza, Ceará - CE, Brazil
| | - Francisco L P Cavalcante
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sciences Center, Federal University of Cear, Campus do Pici, CEP-60440-554, Fortaleza, Ceará - CE, Brazil
| | - Ana J O Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sciences Center, Federal University of Cear, Campus do Pici, CEP-60440-554, Fortaleza, Ceará - CE, Brazil
| | - Daiane M S Brito
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sciences Center, Federal University of Cear, Campus do Pici, CEP-60440-554, Fortaleza, Ceará - CE, Brazil
| | - José Y G da Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sciences Center, Federal University of Cear, Campus do Pici, CEP-60440-554, Fortaleza, Ceará - CE, Brazil
| | - José J L Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sciences Center, Federal University of Cear, Campus do Pici, CEP-60440-554, Fortaleza, Ceará - CE, Brazil
| | - Camila G L Almeida
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sciences Center, Federal University of Cear, Campus do Pici, CEP-60440-554, Fortaleza, Ceará - CE, Brazil
| | - Felipe P Mesquita
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sciences Center, Federal University of Cear, Campus do Pici, CEP-60440-554, Fortaleza, Ceará - CE, Brazil
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, 60430-275, Brazil
| | - Pedro F N Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sciences Center, Federal University of Cear, Campus do Pici, CEP-60440-554, Fortaleza, Ceará - CE, Brazil
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, 60430-275, Brazil
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11
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Russi RC, Garcia L, Cámara MS, Soutullo AR. Validation of an indirect in-house ELISA using synthetic peptides to detect antibodies anti-gp90 and gp45 of the equine infectious anaemia virus. Equine Vet J 2023; 55:111-121. [PMID: 35007356 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Equine infectious anaemia (EIA) is controlled by the identification of seropositive animals. The official diagnostic method is the agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) test, which detects antibodies against a viral core protein (p26). Although AGID is inexpensive and specific, the report of results takes considerable time and the test has low analytical sensitivity. OBJECTIVE To validate our in-house indirect ELISAgp90/45 , following the World Organization of Animal Health (OIE) criteria. STUDY DESIGN Test validation. METHODS Synthetic peptides gp90 and gp45 were used as antigens in ELISAgp90/45 . Tests used for validation, calibration and linear working operating range, analytical and diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, repeatability and reproducibility were assessed by comparing them with the AGID test and using 1844 equine sera grouped into five different panels. RESULTS We were able to replace the National References Sera with our Internal Reference Sera. ELISAgp90/45 had acceptable repeatability and reproducibility. Analytical sensitivity of the ELISAgp90/45 was 800 times greater than that of AGID test for positive sera and 400 times greater for weak positive sera. ELISAgp90/45 also showed optimal analytical specificity, since no cross-reactivity was detected with antibodies against other equine viruses. One sample was positive by AGID test and negative by ELISAgp90/45. ELISAgp90/45 was performed using 243 EIA positive and 878 negative equid sera, and showed a diagnostic sensitivity of 99.59% [CI 97.73%-99.99%] and a diagnostic specificity of 90.32% [CI 88.17%-92.19%], compared to AGID test; thus, it was demonstrated to be a robust test. MAIN LIMITATIONS Samples were derived from naturally infected equid populations showing heterogeneous clinical states: therefore, their status was uncertain and some horses were sampled more than once. The AGID test may not be the most useful gold standard. CONCLUSION ELISAgp90/45 is a useful tool for the diagnosis of EIAV infection and meets validation requirements established by the OIE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina Cecilia Russi
- Laboratorio de Diagnóstico e Investigaciones Agropecuarias., Ministerio de la Producción, Ciencia y Tecnología de la Provincia de Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Argentina.,Laboratorio de Inmunología Experimental, Cátedra de Inmunología Básica, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Lucila Garcia
- Laboratorio de Diagnóstico e Investigaciones Agropecuarias., Ministerio de la Producción, Ciencia y Tecnología de la Provincia de Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - María Silvia Cámara
- Laboratorio de Control de Calidad de Medicamentos, Cátedra de Control de Calidad, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Adriana Rosa Soutullo
- Laboratorio de Diagnóstico e Investigaciones Agropecuarias., Ministerio de la Producción, Ciencia y Tecnología de la Provincia de Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Argentina.,Laboratorio de Inmunología Experimental, Cátedra de Inmunología Básica, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
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12
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Haro I, Sanmartí R, Gómara MJ. Implications of Post-Translational Modifications in Autoimmunity with Emphasis on Citrullination, Homocitrullination and Acetylation for the Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Prognosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23. [PMID: 36555449 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-translational modifications (PTMs) influence cellular processes and consequently, their dysregulation is related to the etiologies of numerous diseases. It is widely known that a variety of autoimmune responses in human diseases depend on PTMs of self-proteins. In this review we summarize the latest findings about the role of PTMs in the generation of autoimmunity and, specifically, we address the most relevant PTMs in rheumatic diseases that occur in synovial tissue. Citrullination, homocitrullination (carbamylation) and acetylation are responsible for the generation of Anti-Modified Protein/Peptide Antibodies (AMPAs family), autoantibodies which have been implicated in the etiopathogenesis, diagnosis and prognosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Synthetic peptides provide complete control over the exact epitopes presented as well as the specific positions in their sequence where post-translationally modified amino acids are located and are key to advancing the detection of serological RA biomarkers that could be useful to stratify RA patients in order to pursue a personalized rheumatology. In this review we specifically address the latest findings regarding synthetic peptides post-translationally modified for the specific detection of autoantibodies in RA patients.
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13
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Branco LAC, Souza PFN, Neto NAS, Aguiar TKB, Silva AFB, Carneiro RF, Nagano CS, Mesquita FP, Lima LB, Freitas CDT. New Insights into the Mechanism of Antibacterial Action of Synthetic Peptide Mo-CBP 3-PepI against Klebsiella pneumoniae. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11121753. [PMID: 36551410 PMCID: PMC9774128 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11121753] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a multidrug-resistant opportunistic human pathogen related to various infections. As such, synthetic peptides have emerged as potential alternative molecules. Mo-CBP3-PepI has presented great activity against K. pneumoniae by presenting an MIC50 at a very low concentration (31.25 µg mL-1). Here, fluorescence microscopy and proteomic analysis revealed the alteration in cell membrane permeability, ROS overproduction, and protein profile of K. pneumoniae cells treated with Mo-CBP3-PepI. Mo-CBP3-PepI led to ROS overaccumulation and membrane pore formation in K. pneumoniae cells. Furthermore, the proteomic analysis highlighted changes in essential metabolic pathways. For example, after treatment of K. pneumoniae cells with Mo-CBP3-PepI, a reduction in the abundance of protein related to DNA and protein metabolism, cytoskeleton and cell wall organization, redox metabolism, regulation factors, ribosomal proteins, and resistance to antibiotics was seen. The reduction in proteins involved in vital processes for cell life, such as DNA repair, cell wall turnover, and protein turnover, results in the accumulation of ROS, driving the cell to death. Our findings indicated that Mo-CBP3-PepI might have mechanisms of action against K. pneumoniae cells, mitigating the development of resistance and thus being a potent molecule to be employed in producing new drugs against K. pneumoniae infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levi A. C. Branco
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, CE, Brazil
| | - Pedro F. N. Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, CE, Brazil
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, CE, Brazil
- Correspondence: or
| | - Nilton A. S. Neto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, CE, Brazil
| | - Tawanny K. B. Aguiar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, CE, Brazil
| | - Ayrles F. B. Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, CE, Brazil
| | - Rômulo F. Carneiro
- Department of Fisheries Engineering, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, CE, Brazil
| | - Celso S. Nagano
- Department of Fisheries Engineering, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, CE, Brazil
| | - Felipe P. Mesquita
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, CE, Brazil
| | - Luina B. Lima
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, CE, Brazil
| | - Cleverson D. T. Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, CE, Brazil
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14
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Das A, Deka D, Banerjee A, Radhakrishnan AK, Zhang H, Sun XF, Pathak S. A Concise Review on the Role of Natural and Synthetically Derived Peptides in Colorectal Cancer. Curr Top Med Chem 2022; 22:2571-2588. [PMID: 35578849 DOI: 10.2174/1568026622666220516105049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer being the second leading cause of cancer-associated deaths has become a significant health concern around the globe. Though there are various cancer treatment approaches, many of them show adverse effects and some compromise the health of cancer patients. Hence, significant efforts are being made for the evolution of a novel biological therapeutic approach with better efficacy and minimal side effects. Current research suggests that the application of peptides in colorectal cancer therapeutics holds the possibility of the emergence of an anticancer reagent. The primary beneficial factors of peptides are their comparatively rapid and easy process of synthesis and the enormous potential for chemical alterations that can be evaluated for designing novel peptides and enhancing the delivery capacity of peptides. Peptides might be utilized as agents with cytotoxic activities or as a carrier of a specific drug or as cytotoxic agents that can efficiently target the tumor cells. Further, peptides can also be used as a tool for diagnostic purposes. The recent analysis aims at developing peptides that have the potential to efficiently target the tumor moieties without harming the nearby normal cells. Additionally, decreasing the adverse effects, and unfolding the other therapeutic properties of potential peptides, are also the subject matter of in-depth analysis. This review provides a concise summary of the function of both natural and synthetically derived peptides in colorectal cancer therapeutics that are recently being evaluated and their potent applications in the clinical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alakesh Das
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Kelambakkam, Chennai, India
| | - Dikshita Deka
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Kelambakkam, Chennai, India
| | - Antara Banerjee
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Kelambakkam, Chennai, India
| | - Arun Kumar Radhakrishnan
- Department of Pharmacology, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Kelambakkam, Chennai, India
| | - Hong Zhang
- School of Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Xiao-Feng Sun
- Department of Oncology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Surajit Pathak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Kelambakkam, Chennai, India
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15
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Aguilar-Montes de Oca S, Montes-de-Oca-Jiménez R, Carlos Vázquez-Chagoyán J, Barbabosa-Pliego A, Eliana Rivadeneira-Barreiro P, C. Zambrano-Rodríguez P. The Use of Peptides in Veterinary Serodiagnosis of Infectious Diseases: A Review. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9100561. [PMID: 36288174 PMCID: PMC9610506 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9100561] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptides constitute an alternative and interesting option to develop treatments, vaccines, and diagnostic tools as they demonstrate their scope in several health aspects; as proof of this, commercial peptides for humans and animals are available on the market and used daily. This review aimed to know the role of peptides in the field of veterinary diagnosis, and include peptide-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (pELISA), lateral flow devices, and peptide latex agglutination tests that have been developed to detect several pathogens including viruses and bacteria of health and production relevance in domestic animals. Studies in cattle, small ruminants, dogs, cats, poultry, horses, and even aquatic organisms were reviewed. Different studies showed good levels of sensitivity and specificity against their target, moreover, comparisons with commercial kits and official tests were performed which allowed appraising their performance. Chemical synthesis, recombinant DNA technology, and enzymatic synthesis were reviewed as well as their advantages and drawbacks. In addition, we discussed the intrinsic limitations such as the small size or affinity to polystyrene membrane and mention several strategies to overcome these problems. The use of peptides will increase in the coming years and their utility for diagnostic purposes in animals must be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saúl Aguilar-Montes de Oca
- Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados en Salud Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Carretera Toluca-Atlacomulco, Km 15.5, Toluca 50200, CP, Mexico
| | - Roberto Montes-de-Oca-Jiménez
- Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados en Salud Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Carretera Toluca-Atlacomulco, Km 15.5, Toluca 50200, CP, Mexico
- Correspondence:
| | - Juan Carlos Vázquez-Chagoyán
- Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados en Salud Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Carretera Toluca-Atlacomulco, Km 15.5, Toluca 50200, CP, Mexico
| | - Alberto Barbabosa-Pliego
- Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados en Salud Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Carretera Toluca-Atlacomulco, Km 15.5, Toluca 50200, CP, Mexico
| | | | - Pablo C. Zambrano-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Técnica de Manabí, Portoviejo 130105, Ecuador
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16
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Badosa E, Planas M, Feliu L, Montesinos L, Bonaterra A, Montesinos E. Synthetic Peptides against Plant Pathogenic Bacteria. Microorganisms 2022; 10:1784. [PMID: 36144386 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10091784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The control of plant diseases caused by bacteria that seriously compromise crop productivity around the world is still one of the most important challenges in food security. Integrated approaches for disease control generally lack plant protection products with high efficacy and low environmental and health adverse effects. Functional peptides, either from natural sources or synthetic, are considered as novel candidates to develop biopesticides. Synthetic peptides can be obtained based on the structure of natural compounds or de novo designed, considering the features of antimicrobial peptides. The advantage of this approach is that analogues can be conveniently prepared, enabling the identification of sequences with improved biological properties. Several peptide libraries have been designed and synthetized, and the best sequences showed strong bactericidal activity against important plant pathogenic bacteria, with a good profile of biodegradability and low toxicity. Among these sequences, there are bacteriolytic or antibiofilm peptides that work against the target bacteria, plant defense elicitor peptides, and multifunctional peptides that display several of these properties. Here, we report the research performed by our groups during the last twenty years, as well as our ongoing work. We also highlight those peptides that can be used as candidates to develop novel biopesticides, and the main challenges and prospects.
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17
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Bezerra LP, Silva AF, Santos-Oliveira R, Alencar LM, Amaral JL, Neto NA, Silva RG, Belém MO, de Andrade CR, Oliveira JT, Freitas CD, Souza PF. Combined antibiofilm activity of synthetic peptides and antifungal drugs against Candida spp. Future Microbiol 2022; 17:1133-1146. [PMID: 35880557 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2022-0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Candida krusei and Candida albicans are biofilm-forming drug-resistant yeasts that cause bloodstream infections that can lead to death. Materials & methods: nystatin and itraconazole were combined with two synthetic peptides, PepGAT and PepKAA, to evaluate the synergistic effect against Candida biofilms. Additionally, scanning electron and fluorescence microscopies were employed to understand the mechanism behind the synergistic activity. Results: Peptides enhanced the action of drugs to inhibit the biofilm formation of C. krusei and C. albicans and the degradation of mature biofilms of C. krusei. In combination with antifungal drugs, peptides' mechanism of action involved cell wall and membrane damage and overproduction of reactive oxygen species. Additionally, in combination, the peptides reduced the toxicity of drugs to red blood cells. Conclusion: These results reveal that the synthetic peptides enhanced the antibiofilm activity of drugs, in addition to reducing their toxicity. Thus, these peptides have strong potential as adjuvants and to decrease the toxicity of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro P Bezerra
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60451, Brazil
| | - Ayrles Fb Silva
- Department of Physic, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60451, Brazil
| | - Ralph Santos-Oliveira
- Nanoradiopharmaceuticals & Radiopharmacy, Zona Oeste State University, Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 23070200, Brazil
| | - Luciana Mr Alencar
- Department of Physics, Laboratory of Biophysics & Nanosystems, Federal University of Maranhao, São Luís, Maranhão, 65080-805, Brazil
| | - Jackson L Amaral
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60451, Brazil.,Department of Physic, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60451, Brazil
| | - Nilton As Neto
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60451, Brazil
| | - Rafael Gg Silva
- Department of Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60451, Brazil
| | - Mônica O Belém
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Christus University Center, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60192, Brazil
| | - Claudia R de Andrade
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Christus University Center, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60192, Brazil
| | - Jose Ta Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60451, Brazil
| | - Cleverson Dt Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60451, Brazil
| | - Pedro Fn Souza
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60451, Brazil.,Drug Research & Development Center, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60430-275, Brazil
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Weißenborn L, Richel E, Hüseman H, Welzer J, Beck S, Schäfer S, Sticht H, Überla K, Eichler J. Smaller, Stronger, More Stable: Peptide Variants of a SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Miniprotein. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116309. [PMID: 35682988 PMCID: PMC9181698 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [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: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Based on the structure of a de novo designed miniprotein (LCB1) in complex with the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, we have generated and characterized truncated peptide variants of LCB1, which present only two of the three LCB1 helices, and which fully retained the virus neutralizing potency against different SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC). This antiviral activity was even 10-fold stronger for a cyclic variant of the two-helix peptides, as compared to the full-length peptide. Furthermore, the proteolytic stability of the cyclic peptide was substantially improved, rendering it a better potential candidate for SARS-CoV-2 therapy. In a more mechanistic approach, the peptides also served as tools to dissect the role of individual mutations in the RBD for the susceptibility of the resulting virus variants to neutralization by the peptides. As the peptides reported here were generated through chemical synthesis, rather than recombinant protein expression, they are amenable to further chemical modification, including the incorporation of a wide range of non-proteinogenic amino acids, with the aim to further stabilize the peptides against proteolytic degradation, as well as to improve the strength, as well the breadth, of their virus neutralizing capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Weißenborn
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany; (L.W.); (H.H.); (J.W.); (S.B.)
| | - Elie Richel
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (E.R.); (K.Ü.)
| | - Helena Hüseman
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany; (L.W.); (H.H.); (J.W.); (S.B.)
| | - Julia Welzer
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany; (L.W.); (H.H.); (J.W.); (S.B.)
| | - Silvan Beck
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany; (L.W.); (H.H.); (J.W.); (S.B.)
| | - Simon Schäfer
- Department of Biology, Genetics Division, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Heinrich Sticht
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Klaus Überla
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (E.R.); (K.Ü.)
| | - Jutta Eichler
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany; (L.W.); (H.H.); (J.W.); (S.B.)
- Correspondence:
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Vanzolini T, Bruschi M, Rinaldi AC, Magnani M, Fraternale A. Multitalented Synthetic Antimicrobial Peptides and Their Antibacterial, Antifungal and Antiviral Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:545. [PMID: 35008974 PMCID: PMC8745555 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [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: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the great strides in healthcare during the last century, some challenges still remained unanswered. The development of multi-drug resistant bacteria, the alarming growth of fungal infections, the emerging/re-emerging of viral diseases are yet a worldwide threat. Since the discovery of natural antimicrobial peptides able to broadly hit several pathogens, peptide-based therapeutics have been under the lenses of the researchers. This review aims to focus on synthetic peptides and elucidate their multifaceted mechanisms of action as antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal agents. Antimicrobial peptides generally affect highly preserved structures, e.g., the phospholipid membrane via pore formation or other constitutive targets like peptidoglycans in Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, and glucan in the fungal cell wall. Additionally, some peptides are particularly active on biofilm destabilizing the microbial communities. They can also act intracellularly, e.g., on protein biosynthesis or DNA replication. Their intracellular properties are extended upon viral infection since peptides can influence several steps along the virus life cycle starting from viral receptor-cell interaction to the budding. Besides their mode of action, improvements in manufacturing to increase their half-life and performances are also taken into consideration together with advantages and impairments in the clinical usage. Thus far, the progress of new synthetic peptide-based approaches is making them a promising tool to counteract emerging infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Vanzolini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy; (T.V.); (M.M.); (A.F.)
| | - Michela Bruschi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy; (T.V.); (M.M.); (A.F.)
| | - Andrea C. Rinaldi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy;
| | - Mauro Magnani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy; (T.V.); (M.M.); (A.F.)
| | - Alessandra Fraternale
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy; (T.V.); (M.M.); (A.F.)
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García-Moreno C, Gómara MJ, Castellanos-Moreira R, Sanmartí R, Haro I. Peptides Bearing Multiple Post-Translational Modifications as Antigenic Targets for Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:13290. [PMID: 34948087 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by the presence of autoantibodies that are of paramount importance for the diagnosis and prognosis of the disease and have been implicated in its pathogenesis. Proteins resulting from post-translational modifications (PTMs) are capable of triggering autoimmune responses important for the development of RA. In this work, we investigate serum antibody reactivity in patients with an established RA against a panel of chimeric peptides derived from fibrin and filaggrin proteins and bearing from one to three PTMs (citrullination, carbamylation and acetylation) by home-designed ELISA tests (anti-AMPA autoantibodies). The role of anti-AMPAs as biomarkers linked to the presence of a more severe RA phenotype (erosive disease with radiological structural damage) and to the presence of interstitial lung disease (ILD), a severe extra-articular manifestation in RA patients entailing a high mortality, was also analyzed. In general, the association with the clinical phenotype of RA was confirmed with the different autoantibodies, and especially for IgA and IgM isotypes. The prevalence of severe joint damage was only statistically significant for the IgG isotype when working with the peptide bearing three PTMs. Furthermore, the median titers were significantly higher in patients with RA-ILD, a finding not observed for the IgG isotype when working with the single- and double-modified peptides.
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Fontes SDS, Maia FM, Ataides LS, Conte FP, Lima-Junior JDC, Rozental T, da Silva Assis MR, Júnior AAP, Fernandes J, de Lemos ERS, Rodrigues-da-Silva RN. Identification of Immunogenic Linear B-Cell Epitopes in C. burnetii Outer Membrane Proteins Using Immunoinformatics Approaches Reveals Potential Targets of Persistent Infections. Pathogens 2021; 10:1250. [PMID: 34684199 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10101250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is a global, highly infectious intracellular bacterium, able to infect a wide range of hosts and to persist for months in the environment. It is the etiological agent of Q fever—a zoonosis of global priority. Currently, there are no national surveillance data on C. burnetii’s seroprevalence for any South American country, reinforcing the necessity of developing novel and inexpensive serological tools to monitor the prevalence of infections among humans and animals—especially cattle, goats, and sheep. In this study, we used immunoinformatics and computational biology tools to predict specific linear B-cell epitopes in three C. burnetii outer membrane proteins: OMP-H (CBU_0612), Com-1 (CBU_1910), and OMP-P1 (CBU_0311). Furthermore, predicted epitopes were tested by ELISA, as synthetic peptides, against samples of patients reactive to C. burnetii in indirect immunofluorescence assay, in order to evaluate their natural immunogenicity. In this way, two linear B-cell epitopes were identified in each studied protein (OMP-H(51–59), OMP-H(91–106), Com-1(57–76), Com-1(191–206), OMP-P1(197–209), and OMP-P1(215–227)); all of them were confirmed as naturally immunogenic by the presence of specific antibodies in 77% of studied patients against at least one of the identified epitopes. Remarkably, a higher frequency of endocarditis cases was observed among patients who presented an intense humoral response to OMP-H and Com-1 epitopes. These data confirm that immunoinformatics applied to the identification of specific B-cell epitopes can be an effective strategy to improve and accelerate the development of surveillance tools against neglected diseases.
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Soares AMS, Alencar LMR, Dias LP, Lima RC, Rocha Silva C, Santos-Oliveira R, Oliveira JTA, Junior LMC, Souza PFN. New Insights into Anthelmintic Mechanisms of Action of a Synthetic Peptide: An Ultrastructural and Nanomechanical Approach. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:2370. [PMID: 34301127 DOI: 10.3390/polym13142370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistant nematodes are not affected by the most common drugs commercially available. In the search for new anthelmintics, peptides have been investigated. Here, a linear synthetic peptide named RcAlb-PepIII bioinspired from the antimicrobial protein Rc-2S-Alb was designed, synthesized, and tested against barber pole worm Haemonchus contortus. The physicochemical properties of the peptide, the 3D structure model, the egg hatch inhibition, and larval development inhibition of H. contortus were carried out. Additionally, the ultrastructure of the nematode after treatment with the peptide was evaluated by atomic force microscopy. The RcAlb-PepIII inhibited the larval development of H. contortus with an EC50 of 90 µM and did not affect egg hatch. Atomic force microscopy reveals the high affinity of RcAlb-PepIII with the cuticle of H. contortus in the L2 stage. It also shows the deposition of RcAlb-PepIII onto the surface of the cuticle, forming a structure similar to a film that reduces the roughness and mean square roughness (Rq) of it. In conclusion, the bioinspired RcAlb-PepIII has the potential to be used as a new anthelmintic compound to control gastrointestinal nematode parasites.
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de Assis DRR, Pimentel PMDO, Dos Reis PVM, Rabelo RAN, Vitor RWA, Cordeiro MDN, Felicori LF, Olórtegui CDC, Resende JM, Teixeira MM, Borges MH, de Lima ME, Pimenta AMDC, Machado FS. Tityus serrulatus (Scorpion): From the Crude Venom to the Construction of Synthetic Peptides and Their Possible Therapeutic Application Against Toxoplasma gondii Infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:706618. [PMID: 34354963 PMCID: PMC8329421 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.706618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, is a major public concern owing to its neurotropic nature and high morbidity and mortality rates in immunocompromised patients and newborns. Current treatment for this disease is inefficient and produces side effects. Inflammatory mediators produced during T. gondii infection (e.g., cytokines and nitric oxide) are crucial in controlling parasite replication. In this context, Tityus serrulatus venom (TsV) induces the production of inflammatory mediators by immune cells. Thus, this study aimed to isolate and identify the components of TsV with potential anti-T. gondii activity. TsV was extracted from scorpions and lyophilized or loaded onto a column to obtain its fractions. TsV subfractions were obtained using chromatography, and its amino acid sequence was identified and applied to peptide design using bioinformatics tools. The C57BL/6 mice and their harvested macrophages were used to test the anti-Toxoplasma activity of TsV components and peptides. TsV and its fraction F6 attenuated the replication of tachyzoites in macrophages and induced nitric oxide and cytokine (IL-12, TNF, and IL-6) production by infected cells, without host cell toxicity. Moreover, Su6-B toxin, a subfraction of F6, demonstrated anti-T. gondii activity. The partially elucidated and characterized amino acid sequence of Sub6-B demonstrated 93% similarity with T. serrulatus 2 toxin (Ts2). Ts2 mimetic peptides (“Pep1,” “Pep2a,” and “Pep2b”) were designed and synthesized. Pep1 and Pep2a, but not Pep2b, reduced the replication of tachyzoites in macrophages. In vivo, treatment of T. gondii-infected mice with Pep1, Pep2a, or Pep2b decreased the number of cerebral cysts and did not induce hepatotoxicity in the animals. Taken together, our data show promising immunomodulatory and antiparasitic activity of TsV that could be explored and applied in future therapies for treating infectious parasitic diseases such as toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Rodney Rodrigues de Assis
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Pablo Victor Mendes Dos Reis
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Rayane Aparecida Nonato Rabelo
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Wagner Almeida Vitor
- Department of Parasitology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Liza Figueiredo Felicori
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Carlos Delfin Chávez Olórtegui
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Jarbas Magalhães Resende
- Department of Chemistry, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Mauro Martins Teixeira
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Maria Elena de Lima
- Faculdade Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte: Programa de Pós Graduação em Medicina-Biomedicina, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Adriano Monteiro de Castro Pimenta
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Simão Machado
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Program in Health Sciences: Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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24
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Calzada D, Cremades-Jimeno L, López-Ramos M, Cárdaba B. Peptide Allergen Immunotherapy: A New Perspective in Olive-Pollen Allergy. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13071007. [PMID: 34371699 PMCID: PMC8309132 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13071007] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Allergic diseases are highly prevalent disorders, mainly in industrialized countries where they constitute a high global health problem. Allergy is defined as an immune response “shifted toward a type 2 inflammation” induced by the interaction between the antigen (allergen) and IgE antibodies bound to mast cells and basophils that induce the release of inflammatory mediators that cause the clinical symptoms. Currently, allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the only treatment able to change the course of these diseases, modifying the type 2 inflammatory response by an allergenic tolerance, where the implication of T regulatory (Treg) cells is considered essential. The pollen of the olive tree is one of the most prevalent causes of respiratory allergic diseases in Mediterranean countries, inducing mainly nasal and conjunctival symptoms, although, in areas with a high antigenic load, olive-tree pollen may cause asthma exacerbation. Classically, olive-pollen allergy treatment has been based on specific immunotherapy using whole-olive pollen extracts. Despite extracts standardization, the effectiveness of this strategy varies widely, therefore there is a need for more effective AIT approaches. One of the most attractive is the use of synthetic peptides representing the B- or T-cell epitopes of the main allergens. This review summarizes experimental evidence of several T-cell epitopes derived from the Ole e 1 sequence to modulate the response to olive pollen in vitro, associated with several possible mechanisms that these peptides could be inducing, showing their usefulness as a safe preventive tool for these complex diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Calzada
- Immunology Department, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz-UAM, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (D.C.); (L.C.-J.); (M.L.-R.)
| | - Lucía Cremades-Jimeno
- Immunology Department, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz-UAM, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (D.C.); (L.C.-J.); (M.L.-R.)
| | - María López-Ramos
- Immunology Department, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz-UAM, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (D.C.); (L.C.-J.); (M.L.-R.)
| | - Blanca Cárdaba
- Immunology Department, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz-UAM, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (D.C.); (L.C.-J.); (M.L.-R.)
- Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence:
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Flórez MM, Rodríguez R, Cabrera JA, Robledo SM, Delgado G. Leishmania spp Epitopes in Humans Naturally Resistant to the Disease: Working Toward a Synthetic Vaccine. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:631019. [PMID: 34164345 PMCID: PMC8216392 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.631019] [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: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccines are one of the most effective strategies to fight infectious diseases. Reverse vaccinology strategies provide tools to perform in silico screening and a rational selection of potential candidates on a large scale before reaching in vitro and in vivo evaluations. Leishmania infection in humans produces clinical symptoms in some individuals, while another part of the population is naturally resistant (asymptomatic course) to the disease, and therefore their immune response controls parasite replication. By the identification of epitopes directly in humans, especially in those resistant to the disease, the probabilities of designing an effective vaccine are higher. The aim of this work was the identification of Leishmania epitopes in resistant humans. To achieve that, 11 peptide sequences (from Leishmania antigenic proteins) were selected using epitope prediction tools, and then, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from human volunteers who were previously divided into four clinical groups: susceptible, resistant, exposed and not exposed to the parasite. The induction of inflammatory cytokines and lymphoproliferation was assessed using monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs) as antigen-presenting cells (APCs). The response was evaluated after exposing volunteers’ cells to each peptide. As a result, we learned that STI41 and STI46 peptides induced IL-8 and IL-12 in moDCs and lymphoproliferation and low levels of IL-10 in lymphocytes differentially in resistant volunteers, similar behavior to that observed in those individuals to L. panamensis lysate antigens. We conclude that, in silico analysis allowed for the identification of natural Leishmania epitopes in humans, and also STI41 and STI46 peptides could be epitopes that lead to a cellular immune response directed at parasite control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magda Melissa Flórez
- Grupo de Investigación en Inmunotoxicología, Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Rocío Rodríguez
- Secretaría Municipal de Salud, Municipio de Rovira, Tolima, Colombia
| | | | - Sara M Robledo
- Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales (PECET)-Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Gabriela Delgado
- Grupo de Investigación en Inmunotoxicología, Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
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Amaral JL, Oliveira JTA, Lopes FES, Freitas CDT, Freire VN, Abreu LV, Souza PFN. Quantum biochemistry, molecular docking, and dynamics simulation revealed synthetic peptides induced conformational changes affecting the topology of the catalytic site of SARS-CoV-2 main protease. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2021; 40:8925-8937. [PMID: 33949286 PMCID: PMC8108194 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1920464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The recent outbreak caused by SARS-CoV-2 continues to threat and take many lives all over the world. The lack of an efficient pharmacological treatments are serious problems to be faced by scientists and medical staffs worldwide. In this work, an in silico approach based on the combination of molecular docking, dynamics simulations, and quantum biochemistry revealed that the synthetic peptides RcAlb-PepI, PepGAT, and PepKAA, strongly interact with the main protease (Mpro) a pivotal protein for SARS-CoV-2 replication. Although not binding to the proteolytic site of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, RcAlb-PepI, PepGAT, and PepKAA interact with other protein domain and allosterically altered the protease topology. Indeed, such peptide-SARS-CoV-2 Mpro complexes provoked dramatic alterations in the three-dimensional structure of Mpro leading to area and volume shrinkage of the proteolytic site, which could affect the protease activity and thus the virus replication. Based on these findings, it is suggested that RcAlb-PepI, PepGAT, and PepKAA could interfere with SARS-CoV-2 Mpro role in vivo. Also, unlike other antiviral drugs, these peptides have no toxicity to human cells. This pioneering in silico investigation opens up opportunity for further in vivo research on these peptides, towards discovering new drugs and entirely new perspectives to treat COVID-19.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson L. Amaral
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Jose T. A. Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Francisco E. S. Lopes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
- Center for Permanent Education in Health Care, CEATS/School of Public Health of Ceará-ESP-CE, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Cleverson D. T. Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Valder N. Freire
- Department of Physics, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Leonardo V. Abreu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Pedro F. N. Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
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Bechor E, Zahavi A, Berdichevsky Y, Pick E. The molecular basis of Rac-GTP action-promoting binding of p67 phox to Nox2 by disengaging the β hairpin from downstream residues. J Leukoc Biol 2021; 110:219-237. [PMID: 33857329 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.4hi1220-855rr] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
p67phox fulfils a key role in the assembly/activation of the NADPH oxidase by direct interaction with Nox2. We proposed that Rac-GTP serves both as a carrier of p67phox to the membrane and an inducer of a conformational change enhancing its affinity for Nox2. This study provides evidence for the latter function: (i) oxidase activation was inhibited by p67phox peptides (106-120) and (181-195), corresponding to the β hairpin and to a downstream region engaged in intramolecular bonds with the β hairpin, respectively; (ii) deletion of residues 181-193 and point mutations Q115R or K181E resulted in selective binding of p67phox to Nox2 peptide (369-383); (iii) both deletion and point mutations led to a change in p67phox , expressed in increased apparent molecular weights; (iv) p67phox was bound to p67phox peptide (181-195) and to a cluster of peptides (residues 97-117), supporting the participation of selected residues within these sequences in intramolecular bonds; (v) p67phox failed to bind to Nox2 peptide (369-383), following interaction with Rac1-GTP, but a (p67phox -Rac1-GTP) chimera exhibited marked binding to the peptide, similar to that of p67phox deletion and point mutants; and (vi) size exclusion chromatography of the chimera revealed its partition in monomeric and polymeric forms, with binding to Nox2 peptide (369-383) restricted to polymers. The molecular basis of Rac-GTP action entails unmasking of a previously hidden Nox2-binding site in p67phox , following disengagement of the β hairpin from more C-terminal residues. The domain in Nox2 binding the "modified" p67phox comprises residues within the 369-383 sequence in the cytosolic dehydrogenase region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edna Bechor
- The Julius Friedrich Cohnheim Laboratory of Phagocyte Research, Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Anat Zahavi
- The Julius Friedrich Cohnheim Laboratory of Phagocyte Research, Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yevgeny Berdichevsky
- The Julius Friedrich Cohnheim Laboratory of Phagocyte Research, Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Edgar Pick
- The Julius Friedrich Cohnheim Laboratory of Phagocyte Research, Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Li C, Revote J, Ramarathinam SH, Chung SZ, Croft NP, Scull KE, Huang Z, Ayala R, Braun A, Mifsud NA, Illing PT, Faridi P, Purcell AW. Resourcing, annotating, and analysing synthetic peptides of SARS-CoV-2 for immunopeptidomics and other immunological studies. Proteomics 2021; 21:e2100036. [PMID: 33811468 PMCID: PMC8250278 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202100036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
SARS‐CoV‐2 has caused a significant ongoing pandemic worldwide. A number of studies have examined the T cell mediated immune responses against SARS‐CoV‐2, identifying potential T cell epitopes derived from the SARS‐CoV‐2 proteome. Such studies will aid in identifying targets for vaccination and immune monitoring. In this study, we applied tandem mass spectrometry and proteomic techniques to a library of ∼40,000 synthetic peptides, in order to generate a large dataset of SARS‐CoV‐2 derived peptide MS/MS spectra. On this basis, we built an online knowledgebase, termed virusMS (https://virusms.erc.monash.edu/), to document, annotate and analyse these synthetic peptides and their spectral information. VirusMS incorporates a user‐friendly interface to facilitate searching, browsing and downloading the database content. Detailed annotations of the peptides, including experimental information, peptide modifications, predicted peptide‐HLA (human leukocyte antigen) binding affinities, and peptide MS/MS spectral data, are provided in virusMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jerico Revote
- Monash Bioinformatics Platform, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sri H Ramarathinam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shan Zou Chung
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nathan P Croft
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katherine E Scull
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ziyi Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rochelle Ayala
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Asolina Braun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicole A Mifsud
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Patricia T Illing
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Pouya Faridi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anthony W Purcell
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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Assane IM, Santos-Filho NA, de Sousa EL, de Arruda Brasil MCO, Cilli EM, Pilarski F. Cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity of synthetic peptides alone or in combination with conventional antimicrobials against fish pathogenic bacteria. J Appl Microbiol 2021; 131:1762-1774. [PMID: 33742508 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIMS This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity and efficacy of synthetic host defence peptides (HDPs), alone or in combination with florfenicol (FFC), oxytetracycline (OTC) or thiamphenicol (TAP), against different pathogenic bacteria isolated from diseased fish. METHODS AND RESULTS Solid-phase synthesis, purification and characterization of several HDPs were performed manually, using the fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl protecting group in different resins and via high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively. The in vitro cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity of HDPs, FFC, OTC and TAP against Nile tilapia red blood cells (RBCs) and relevant fish pathogenic bacteria (Aeromonas, Citrobacter, Edwardsiella, Streptococcus, Lactococcus and Vibrio) was determined using the haemolysis assay and broth microdilution method, respectively. The checkerboard assay was used to evaluate the synergy between the most active HDPs and other antimicrobials against the tested strains. MUC 7 12-mer, FFC, OTC and TAP were not cytotoxic to Nile tilapia RBCs, in all tested concentrations. LL-37, (p-BthTX-I)2 and Hylin-a1 were not cytotoxic at concentrations up to 78·13, 19·53 and 9·77 μg ml-1 , respectively. HDPs demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity (minimum inhibitory concentration ≤31·25 µg ml-1 ) against Aeromonas jandaei (KR-12-a5), Citrobacter freundii (Kr-12-a5; (p-BthTX-I)2 ; LL-37; and Hylin a1), Streptococcus agalactiae (Hylin a1; (p-BthTX-I)2 and LL-37), Lactococcus garviae (Hylin a1), and Vibrio fluvialis (KR-12-a5). The combinations of (p-BthTX-I)2 with TAP and LL-37 with FFC showed synergistic activity against C. freundii (fractional inhibitory concentration index of 0·25 and 0·50, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Synthetic HDPs have the potential as a good treatment option for bacterial diseases in aquaculture. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The in vivo effectiveness of synthetic HDPs such as KR-12-a5; LL-37; (p-BthTX-I)2 and Hylin a1 can be tested alone or in combination with conventional antimicrobials as a treatment option to reduce the use of antimicrobials in aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- I M Assane
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Aquatic Organisms, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Aquaculture Center of Unesp (Caunesp), São Paulo, Brazil.,Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Zambeze (UniZambeze), Tete, Mozambique
| | - N A Santos-Filho
- Department of Biochemistry and Technological Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil.,Registro Experimental Campus, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - E L de Sousa
- Graduate Program in Agricultural and Livestock Microbiology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - M C O de Arruda Brasil
- Department of Biochemistry and Technological Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - E M Cilli
- Department of Biochemistry and Technological Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - F Pilarski
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Aquatic Organisms, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Aquaculture Center of Unesp (Caunesp), São Paulo, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Agricultural and Livestock Microbiology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil
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30
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Melo FCC, Rodrigues LP, Feliciano ND, Costa-Cruz JM, Ribeiro VS, Matias-Colombo BF, Alves-Balvedi RP, Goulart LR. Strongyloidiasis Serological Analysis with Three Different Biological Probes and Their Electrochemical Responses in a Screen-Printed Gold Electrode. Sensors (Basel) 2021; 21:1931. [PMID: 33801807 PMCID: PMC8000320 DOI: 10.3390/s21061931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: The validation of biological antigens is the study's utmost goal in biomedical applications. We evaluated three different probes with single and multiple epitopes through electrochemical detection of specific IgG in serum for human strongyloidiasis diagnosis. (2) Methods: Screen-printed gold electrodes were used and probes consisting of two single-epitope synthetic peptides (D3 and C10) with different sequences, and a multi-epitope antigen [detergent phase (DP)-hydrophobic membrane proteins]. Human serum samples from three populations were used: Strongyloides stercoralis positive, positive for other parasitic infections and negative controls. To test the immobilization of probes onto a screen-printed gold electrode and the serum IgG detection, electrochemical analyses were carried out through differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and the electrode surface analyses were recorded using atomic force microscopy. (3) Results: The electrochemical response in screen-printed gold electrodes of peptides D3 and C10 when using positive serum was significantly higher than that when using the DP. Our sensor improved sensitivity to detect strongyloidiasis. (4) Conclusions: Probes' sequences are critical factors for differential electrochemical responses, and the D3 peptide presented the best electrochemical performance for strongyloidiasis detection, and may efficiently substitute whole antigen extracts from parasites for strongyloidiasis diagnosis in electrochemical immunosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francielli C. C. Melo
- National Agency for Health Surveillance-Brasília, SIA Trecho 5, Área Especial 57, Bloco A/B, 1° Andar, Brasília, DF 71205-050, Brazil;
| | - Luciano P. Rodrigues
- Institute of Engineering, Science and Technology, Federal University of the Jequitinhonha and Vale de Mucuri, Av. Um, n. 4.050—Cidade Universitária, Janaúba, MG 39447-790, Brazil;
| | - Nágilla D. Feliciano
- Laboratory of Parasite Diagnosis, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlandia, Av. Amazonas s/n Bl. 4C, sl. 239, Uberlândia, MG 38400-902, Brazil; (N.D.F.); (J.M.C.-C.); (V.S.R.)
| | - Julia M. Costa-Cruz
- Laboratory of Parasite Diagnosis, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlandia, Av. Amazonas s/n Bl. 4C, sl. 239, Uberlândia, MG 38400-902, Brazil; (N.D.F.); (J.M.C.-C.); (V.S.R.)
| | - Vanessa S. Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Parasite Diagnosis, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlandia, Av. Amazonas s/n Bl. 4C, sl. 239, Uberlândia, MG 38400-902, Brazil; (N.D.F.); (J.M.C.-C.); (V.S.R.)
| | - Bruna F. Matias-Colombo
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Av. Amazonas s/n Bl. 2E, sl. 248, Uberlândia, MG 38402-022, Brazil; (B.F.M.-C.); (L.R.G.)
| | - Renata P. Alves-Balvedi
- Biological Science, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Rua Antônio Baiano, n 150, Iturama, MG 38280-000, Brazil
| | - Luiz R. Goulart
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Av. Amazonas s/n Bl. 2E, sl. 248, Uberlândia, MG 38402-022, Brazil; (B.F.M.-C.); (L.R.G.)
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Lozano T, Casares N, Martil-Otal C, Anega B, Gorraiz M, Parker J, Ruiz M, Belsúe V, Pineda-Lucena A, Oyarzabal J, Lasarte JJ. Searching for Peptide Inhibitors of T Regulatory Cell Activity by Targeting Specific Domains of FOXP3 Transcription Factor. Biomedicines 2021; 9:197. [PMID: 33671179 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9020197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The ability of cancer cells to evade the immune system is due in part to their capacity to induce and recruit T regulatory cells (Tregs) to the tumor microenvironment. Strategies proposed to improve antitumor immunity by depleting Tregs generally lack specificity and raise the possibility of autoimmunity. Therefore, we propose to control Tregs by their functional inactivation rather than depletion. Tregs are characterized by the expression of the Forkhead box protein 3 (FOXP3) transcription factor, which is considered their “master regulator”. Its interaction with DNA is assisted primarily by its interaction with other proteins in the so-called “Foxp3 interactome”, which elicits much of the characteristic Treg cell transcriptional signature. We speculated that the disruption of such a protein complex by using synthetic peptides able to bind Foxp3 might have an impact on the functionality of Treg cells and thus have a therapeutic potential in cancer treatment. (2) Methods: By using a phage-displayed peptide library, or short synthetic peptides encompassing Foxp3 fragments, or by studying the crystal structure of the Foxp3:NFAT complex, we have identified a series of peptides that are able to bind Foxp3 and inhibit Treg activity. (3) Results: We identified some peptides encompassing fragments of the leuzin zipper or the C terminal domain of Foxp3 with the capacity to inhibit Treg activity in vitro. The acetylation/amidation of linear peptides, head-to-tail cyclization, the incorporation of non-natural aminoacids, or the incorporation of cell-penetrating peptide motifs increased in some cases the Foxp3 binding capacity and Treg inhibitory activity of the identified peptides. Some of them have shown antitumoral activity in vivo. (4) Conclusions: Synthetic peptides constitute an alternative to inhibit Foxp3 protein–protein interactions intracellularly and impair Treg immunosuppressive activity. These peptides might be considered as potential hit compounds on the design of new immunotherapeutic approaches against cancer.
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Khazaei-Poul Y, Farhadi S, Ghani S, Ahmadizad SA, Ranjbari J. Monocyclic Peptides: Types, Synthesis and Applications. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2021; 22:123-135. [PMID: 31987019 DOI: 10.2174/1573412916666200120155104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Peptides are considered to be appropriate tools in various biological fields. They can be primarily used for the rational design of bioactive molecules. They can act as ligands in the development of targeted therapeutics as well as diagnostics, can be used in the design of vaccines or can be employed in agriculture. Peptides can be classified in two broad structural classes: linear and cyclic peptides. Monocyclic peptides are a class of polypeptides with one macrocyclic ring that bears advantages, such as more selective binding and uptake by the target receptor, as well as higher potency and stability compared to linear types. This paper provides an overview of the categories, synthesis methods and various applications of cyclic peptides. The various applications of cyclic peptides include their use as pro-apoptotic and anti-microbial agents, their application as targeting ligands in drug delivery and diagnostic agents, as well as agricultural and therapeutics applications that are elaborated and discussed in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalda Khazaei-Poul
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technology in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shohreh Farhadi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technology in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Ghani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technology in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Safar Ali Ahmadizad
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technology in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Ranjbari
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Shwaiki LN, Arendt EK, Lynch KM. Plant compounds for the potential reduction of food waste - a focus on antimicrobial peptides. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2021; 62:4242-4265. [PMID: 33480260 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2021.1873733] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
A large portion of global food waste is caused by microbial spoilage. The modern approach to preserve food is to apply different hurdles for microbial pathogens to overcome. These vary from thermal processes and chemical additives, to the application of irradiation and modified atmosphere packaging. Even though such preservative techniques exist, loss of food to spoilage still prevails. Plant compounds and peptides represent an untapped source of potential novel natural food preservatives. Of these, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are very promising for exploitation. AMPs are a significant component of a plant's innate defense system. Numerous studies have demonstrated the potential application of these AMPs; however, more studies, particularly in the area of food preservation are warranted. This review examines the literature on the application of AMPs and other plant compounds for the purpose of reducing food losses and waste (including crop protection). A focus is placed on the plant defensins, their natural extraction and synthetic production, and their safety and application in food preservation. In addition, current challenges and impediments to their full exploitation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laila N Shwaiki
- 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 Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Kieran M Lynch
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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34
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Caetano-Silva ME, Simabuco FM, Bezerra RMN, da Silva DC, Barbosa EA, Moreira DC, Brand GD, Leite JRDSDA, Pacheco MTB. Isolation and Sequencing of Cu-, Fe-, and Zn-Binding Whey Peptides for Potential Neuroprotective Applications as Multitargeted Compounds. J Agric Food Chem 2020; 68:12433-12443. [PMID: 33095576 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.0c03647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to isolate metal-binding peptides and synthesize promising amino acid sequences to potentially act as neuroprotective compounds in the future, targeting different mechanisms. Fractions of whey metal-binding peptides (Cu, Fe, and Zn) isolated by immobilized metal affinity chromatography showed different amino acid profiles according to the metal. The Cu-binding peptides presented roughly twofold increase in the in vitro antioxidant, as assessed by oxygen radical absorbance capacity and anticholinesterase activities over the hydrolysate. This is probably because of the higher concentration of aromatic and basic residues, the latter being crucial for binding to the anionic sites of acetylcholinesterase. Six peptide sequences were synthesized based on the metal-binding sites, molecular mass, hydrophobicity, and bioactivity probability. Among the synthetic peptides, the VF dipeptide stood out both for its in vitro antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities. This peptide, as well as the fraction of Cu-binding peptides, should be further studied because it may act through different mechanisms related to neurodegenerative diseases, in addition to the chelation of the excess of metals in the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elisa Caetano-Silva
- Center of Food Science and Quality, CCQA, Institute of Food Technology, ITAL, Campinas, 13070-178 Campinas, Brazil
| | - Fernando Moreira Simabuco
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Food and Health, LABMAS, School of Applied Sciences, FCA, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Limeira, 13484-350 Limeira, Brazil
| | - Rosângela Maria Neves Bezerra
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Food and Health, LABMAS, School of Applied Sciences, FCA, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Limeira, 13484-350 Limeira, Brazil
| | - Daniele Cristina da Silva
- Center of Food Science and Quality, CCQA, Institute of Food Technology, ITAL, Campinas, 13070-178 Campinas, Brazil
| | - Eder Alves Barbosa
- Laboratory for the Synthesis and Analysis of Biomolecules, Institute of Chemistry, IQ, University of Brasília, Brasília, 70910-900 Distrito Federal, Brazil
- Research Center in Morphology and Applied Immunology, NuPMIA, Morphology Area, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, UnB, Brasília, 70910-900 Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Daniel Carneiro Moreira
- Research Center in Morphology and Applied Immunology, NuPMIA, Morphology Area, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, UnB, Brasília, 70910-900 Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Dotto Brand
- Laboratory for the Synthesis and Analysis of Biomolecules, Institute of Chemistry, IQ, University of Brasília, Brasília, 70910-900 Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - José Roberto de Souza de Almeida Leite
- Research Center in Morphology and Applied Immunology, NuPMIA, Morphology Area, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, UnB, Brasília, 70910-900 Distrito Federal, Brazil
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Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are ubiquitous in multicellular organisms and have served as defense mechanisms for their successful evolution and throughout their life cycle. These peptides are short cationic amphiphilic polypeptides of fewer than 50 amino acids containing either a few disulfide-linked cysteine residues with a characteristic β-sheet-rich structure or linear α-helical conformations with hydrophilic side chains at one side of the helix and hydrophobic side chains on the other side. Antimicrobial peptides cause bacterial cell lysis either by direct cell-surface damage via electrostatic interactions between the cationic side chains of the peptide and the negatively charged cell surface, or by indirect modulation of the host defense systems. Electrostatic interactions lead to bacterial cell membrane disruption followed by leakage of cellular components and finally bacterial cell death. Because of their unusual mechanism of cell damage, antimicrobial peptides are effective against drug-resistant bacteria and may therefore prove more effective than classical antibiotics in certain cases. Currently, around 3000 natural antimicrobial peptides from six kingdoms (bacteria, archaea, protists, fungi, plants, and animals) have been isolated and sequenced. However, only a few of them are under clinical trials and/or in the commercial development stage for the treatment of bacterial infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Moreover, high structural complexity, poor pharmacokinetic properties, and low antibacterial activity of natural antimicrobial peptides hinder their progress in drug development. To overcome these hurdles, researchers have become increasingly interested in modification and nature-inspired synthetic antimicrobial peptides. This review discusses some of the recent studies reported on antimicrobial peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajen Kundu
- CSIR - Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute, CoEFM, Ludhiana, 141006, India.,Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
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36
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da Mata ECG, Ombredane A, Joanitti GA, Kanzaki LIB, Schwartz EF. Antiretroviral and cytotoxic activities of Tityus obscurus synthetic peptide. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2020; 353:e2000151. [PMID: 32686134 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202000151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
New drugs are constantly in demand, and nature's biodiversity is a rich source of new compounds for therapeutic applications. Synthetic peptides based on the transcriptome analysis of scorpion venoms of Tityus obscurus, Opisthacanthus cayaporum, and Hadrurus gertschi were assayed for their cytotoxic and antiretroviral activity. The Tityus obscurus scorpion-derived synthetic peptide (FFGTLFKLGSKLIPGVMKLFSKKKER), in concentrations ranging from 6.24 to 0.39 μM, proved to be the most active one against simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) replication in the HUT-78 cell line and in primary human leukocytes, with the lowest toxicity for these cells. The immune cellular response evaluated in primary human leukocytes treated with the most promising peptide and challenged with SIV infection exhibited production of cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and interferon-γ, which could be involved in cell defense mechanisms to overcome viral infection through proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory pathways, similar to those evoked for triggering the mechanisms exerted by antiviral restriction factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elida C G da Mata
- Laboratory of Bioprospection, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil.,Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Alicia Ombredane
- Laboratory of Bioactive Compounds and Nanobiotechnology, Faculty of Ceilandia, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Graziella A Joanitti
- Laboratory of Bioactive Compounds and Nanobiotechnology, Faculty of Ceilandia, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - L I B Kanzaki
- Laboratory of Bioprospection, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Elisabeth F Schwartz
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
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Bechor E, Zahavi A, Berdichevsky Y, Pick E. p67 phox -derived self-assembled peptides prevent Nox2 NADPH oxidase activation by an auto-inhibitory mechanism. J Leukoc Biol 2020; 109:657-673. [PMID: 32640488 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.4a0620-292r] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of the Nox2-dependent NADPH oxidase is the result of a conformational change in Nox2 induced by interaction with the cytosolic component p67phox . In preliminary work we identified a cluster of overlapping 15-mer synthetic peptides, corresponding to p67phox residues 259-279, which inhibited oxidase activity in an in vitro, cell-free assay, but the results did not point to a competitive mechanism. We recently identified an auto-inhibitory intramolecular bond in p67phox , one extremity of which was located within the 259-279 sequence, and we hypothesized that inhibition by exogenous peptides might mimic intrinsic auto-inhibition. In this study, we found that: (i) progressive N- and C-terminal truncation of inhibitory p67phox peptides, corresponding to residues 259-273 and 265-279, revealed that inhibitory ability correlated with the presence of residues 265 NIVFVL270 , exposed at either the N- or C-termini of the peptides; (ii) inhibition of oxidase activity was associated exclusively with self-assembled peptides, which pelleted upon centrifugation at 12,000 ×g; (iii) self-assembled p67phox peptides inhibited oxidase activity by specific binding of p67phox and the ensuing depletion of this component, essential for interaction with Nox2; and (iv) peptides subjected to scrambling or reversing the order of residues in NIVFVL retained the propensity for self-assembly, oxidase inhibitory ability, and specific binding of p67phox , indicating that the dominant parameter was the hydrophobic character of five of the six residues. This appears to be the first description of inhibition of oxidase activity by self-assembled peptides derived from an oxidase component, acting by an auto-inhibitory mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edna Bechor
- The Julius Friedrich Cohnheim Laboratory of Phagocyte Research, Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Anat Zahavi
- The Julius Friedrich Cohnheim Laboratory of Phagocyte Research, Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yevgeny Berdichevsky
- The Julius Friedrich Cohnheim Laboratory of Phagocyte Research, Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Edgar Pick
- The Julius Friedrich Cohnheim Laboratory of Phagocyte Research, Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Souza PFN, Lima PG, Freitas CDT, Sousa DOB, Neto NAS, Dias LP, Vasconcelos IM, Freitas LBN, Silva RGG, Sousa JS, Silva AFB, Oliveira JTA. Antidermatophytic activity of synthetic peptides: Action mechanisms and clinical application as adjuvants to enhance the activity and decrease the toxicity of Griseofulvin. Mycoses 2020; 63:979-992. [PMID: 32628303 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dermatophytes belonging to the Trichophyton genus are important human pathogens, but they have developed resistance to griseofulvin, the most common antifungal drug used to treat dermatophytosis. OBJECTIVE This study was aimed to evaluate the antidermatophytic activity of synthetic peptides, as well as mechanisms of action and synergistic effect with griseofulvin. METHODS Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and fluorescence microscopy (FM) were employed to understand the activity and the mechanism of action of peptides. RESULTS Here we report that synthetic peptides at 50 μg/mL, a concentration 20-fold lower than griseofulvin, reduced the microconidia viability of T. mentagrophytes and T. rubrum by 100%, whereas griseofulvin decreased their viability by only 50% and 0%, respectively. The action mechanism of peptides involved cell wall damage, membrane pore formation and loss of cytoplasmic content. Peptides also induced overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhanced the activity of griseofulvin 10-fold against both fungi, suggesting synergistic effects, and eliminated the toxicity of this drug to human erythrocytes. Docking analysis revealed ionic and hydrophobic interactions between peptides and griseofulvin, which may explain the decline of griseofulvin toxicity when mixed with peptides. CONCLUSION Therefore, our results strongly suggest six peptides with high potential to be employed alone as new drugs or as adjuvants to enhance the activity and decrease the toxicity of griseofulvin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro F N Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Patrícia G Lima
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Cleverson D T Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Daniele O B Sousa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Nilton A S Neto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Lucas P Dias
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Ilka M Vasconcelos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Larissa B N Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Rafael G G Silva
- Department of Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Jeanlex S Sousa
- Department of Physics, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Ayrles F B Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Jose T A Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
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Larsen JM, Bang-Berthelsen CH, Qvortrup K, Sancho AI, Hansen AH, Andersen KIH, Thacker SSN, Eiwegger T, Upton J, Bøgh KL. Production of allergen-specific immunotherapeutic agents for the treatment of food allergy. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2020; 40:881-894. [PMID: 32515236 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2020.1772194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Allergen-specific immunotherapy (IT) is emerging as a viable avenue for the treatment of food allergies. Clinical trials currently investigate raw or slightly processed foods as therapeutic agents, as trials using food-grade agents can be performed without the strict regulations to which conventional drugs are subjected. However, this limits the ability of standardization and may affect clinical trial outcomes and reproducibility. Herein, we provide an overview of methods used in the production of immunotherapeutic agents for the treatment of food allergies, including processed foods, allergen extracts, recombinant allergens, and synthetic peptides, as well as the physical and chemical processes for the reduction of protein allergenicity. Commercial interests currently favor producing standardized drug-grade allergen extracts for therapeutic use, and clinical trials are ongoing. In the near future, recombinant production could replace purification strategies since it allows the manufacturing of pure, native allergens or sequence-modified allergens with reduced allergenicity. A recurring issue within this field is the inadequate reporting of production procedures, quality control, product physicochemical characteristics, allergenicity, and immunological properties. This information is of vital importance in assessing therapeutic standardization and clinical safety profile, which are central parameters for the development of future therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeppe Madura Larsen
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Katrine Qvortrup
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Ana Isabel Sancho
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | | | | | - Thomas Eiwegger
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Program, The Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Translational Medicine Program, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Immunology, The University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Julia Upton
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Program, The Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
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Navarro A, Licona-Moreno D, Monsalvo-Reyes A, Hernández-Chiñas U, Eslava-Campos CA. Phage Display Detection of Mimotopes that Are Shared Epitopes of Clinically and Epidemiologically Relevant Enterobacteria. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E780. [PMID: 32455888 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8050780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Escherichia coli and Salmonella are etiologic agents of intestinal infections. A previous study showed the presence of shared epitopes between lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) of E. coli O157 and Salmonella. Aim: Using phage display, the aim of this study is to identify mimotopes of shared epitopes in different enterobacterial LPSs. Methods: We use anti-LPS IgG from E. coli O157 and Salmonella to select peptide mimotopes of the M13 phage. The amino acid sequence of the mimotopes is used to synthesize peptides, which are in turn used to immunize rabbits. The antibody response of the resulting sera against the LPSs and synthetic peptides (SPs) is analyzed by ELISA and by Western blot assays, indicating that LPS sites are recognized by the same antibody. In a complementary test, the reactions of human serum samples obtained from the general population against the SPs and LPSs are also analyzed. Results: From the last biopanning phase, sixty phagotopes are selected. The analysis of the peptide mimotope amino acid sequences shows that in 4 of them the S/N/A/PF motif is a common sequence. Antibodies from the sera of immunized rabbits with SP287/3, SP459/1, SP308/3, and SP073/14 react against both their own peptide and the different LPSs. The Western blot test shows a sera reaction against both the lateral chains and the cores of the LPSs. The analysis of the human sera shows a response against the SPs and LPSs. Conclusion: The designed synthetic peptides are mimotopes of LPS epitopes of Salmonella and E. coli that possess immunogenic capacity. These mimotopes could be considered for use in the design of vaccines against both enterobacteria.
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Podlesnykh SV, Lampatov VV, Khlebnikov AI, Chapoval AI. [Molecular docking study and experimental evaluation of potential CTLA-4 binding peptides]. Biomed Khim 2020; 66:156-161. [PMID: 32420897 DOI: 10.18097/pbmc20206602156] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Current advances in research of immune checkpoints CTLA-4, PD-1, PD-L1, opened new possibilities for effective cancer immunotherapy using monoclonal antibodies. However, antibodies have a number of limitations for clinical use, which provides a basis for the search for low molecular weight compounds capable of regulating (blocking) molecules that inhibit the immune response. This paper presents the results of molecular docking and evaluation of synthetic peptide interaction with a CTLA-4 molecule. Using mathematical modeling, it was shown that peptides interacted with the 99MYPPPY104 loop of the CTLA-4 protein and could potentially block the interaction of the CTLA-4 receptor with its natural ligand B7-1. The specificity of the interaction between the identified peptide and recombinant chimeric CTLA-4 protein was evaluated. The detected synthetic peptide can be used for the development of immunomodulatory drugs for therapy of cancer or autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- S V Podlesnykh
- Russian-American Anti-Cancer Center, Altai State University, Barnaul, Russia
| | - V V Lampatov
- Research institute of Biological Medicine, Altai State University, Barnaul, Russia
| | - A I Khlebnikov
- National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, Tomsk, Russia
| | - A I Chapoval
- Russian-American Anti-Cancer Center, Altai State University, Barnaul, Russia; Center for Innovations in Medicine, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, USA
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Maron R, Armony G, Tsoory M, Wilchek M, Frenkel D, Arnon R. Peptide Interference with APP and Tau Association: Relevance to Alzheimer's Disease Amelioration. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3270. [PMID: 32380752 PMCID: PMC7246762 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The two major proteins involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD) are the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and Tau. Here, we demonstrate that these two proteins can bind to each other. Four possible peptides APP1 (390-412), APP2 (713-730), Tau1 (19-34) and Tau2 (331-348), were predicted to be involved in this interaction, with actual binding confirmed for APP1 and Tau1. In vivo studies were performed in an Alzheimer Disease animal model-APP double transgenic (Tg) 5xFAD-as well as in 5xFAD crossed with Tau transgenic 5xFADXTau (FT), which exhibit declined cognitive reduction at four months of age. Nasal administration of APP1 and Tau1 mixture, three times a week for four or five months, reduced amyloid plaque burden as well as the level of soluble Aβ 1-42 in the brain. The treatment prevented the deterioration of cognitive functions when initiated at the age of three months, before cognitive deficiency was evident, and also at the age of six months, when such deficiencies are already observed, leading to a full regain of cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Maron
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel;
| | - Gad Armony
- Department of Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel;
| | - Michael Tsoory
- Department of Veterinary Resources, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel;
| | - Meir Wilchek
- Department of Biomolecular Science, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel;
| | - Dan Frenkel
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Sagol School of Neuroscience Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
| | - Ruth Arnon
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel;
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Chen Y, Chen T, Luo Y, Fan J, Zhang M, Zhao Q, Nan Y, Liu B, Zhou EM. Synthetic Peptides Containing Three Neutralizing Epitopes of Genotype 4 Swine Hepatitis E Virus ORF2 induced Protection against Swine HEV Infection in Rabbit. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:E178. [PMID: 32294910 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8020178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Genotype 4 hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic pathogen transmitted to humans through food and water. Previously, three genotype 4 swine HEV ORF2 peptides (407EPTV410, 410VKLYTS415, and 458PSRPF462) were identified as epitopes of virus-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies that partially blocked rabbit infection with swine HEV. Here, individual and tandem fused peptides were synthesized, conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), then evaluated for immunoprotection of rabbits against swine HEV infection. Forty New Zealand White rabbits were randomly assigned to eight groups; groups 1 thru 5 received three immunizations with EPTV-KLH, VKLYTS-KLH, PSRPF-KLH, EPTVKLYTS-KLH, or EPTVKLYTSPSRPF-KLH, respectively; group 6 received truncated swine HEV ORF2 protein (sp239), and group 7 received phosphate-buffered saline. After an intravenous swine HEV challenge, all group 7 rabbits exhibited viremia and fecal virus shedding by 2–4 weeks post challenge (wpc), seroconversion by 4–9 wpc, elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) at 2 wpc, and severe liver lymphocytic venous periphlebitis. Only 1–2 rabbits/group in groups 1–4 exhibited delayed viremia, fecal shedding, seroconversion, increased ALT levels, and slight liver lymphocytic venous periphlebitis; groups 5–6 showed no pathogenic effects. Collectively, these results demonstrate that immunization with a polypeptide containing three genotype 4 HEV ORF2 neutralizing epitopes completely protected rabbits against swine HEV infection.
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Chandra D, Gayathri P, Vats M, Nagaraj R, Ray MK, Jagannadham MV. Mass spectral analysis of acetylated peptides: Implications in proteomics. Eur J Mass Spectrom (Chichester) 2020; 26:36-45. [PMID: 31234644 DOI: 10.1177/1469066719857564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Sequence determination of peptides using mass spectrometry plays a crucial role in the bottom-up approaches for the identification of proteins. It is crucially important to minimise false detection and validate sequence of the peptides in order to correctly identify a protein. Chemical modification of peptides followed by mass spectrometry is an option for improving the spectral quality. In silico-derived tryptic peptides with different N-terminal amino acids were designed from human proteins and synthesized. The effect of acetylation on the fragmentation of peptides was studied. N-terminal acetylation of the tryptic peptides was shown to form b1-ions, improve the abundance and occurrence of b-ions. In some cases, the intensity and occurrence of some y-ions also varied. Thus, it is demonstrated that acetylation plays an important role in improving the de novo sequencing efficiency of the peptides. The acetylation method was extended to tryptic peptides generated from the proteome of an Antarctic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae Lz4W using the proteomics work flow and mass spectra of the peptides were analysed. Comparison of the MS/MS spectra of the acetylated and unacetylated peptides revealed that acetylation helped in improving the spectral quality and validated the peptide sequences. Using this method, 673 proteins of the 1070 proteins identified were validated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepika Chandra
- CSIR - Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India
| | - P Gayathri
- CSIR - Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Mudita Vats
- CSIR - Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India
| | - R Nagaraj
- CSIR - Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India
| | - M K Ray
- CSIR - Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India
| | - M V Jagannadham
- CSIR - Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India
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45
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de Castro KLP, Lopes-de-Souza L, de Oliveira D, Machado-de-Ávila RA, Paiva ALB, de Freitas CF, Ho PL, Chávez-Olórtegui C, Guerra-Duarte C. A Combined Strategy to Improve the Development of a Coral Antivenom Against Micrurus spp. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2422. [PMID: 31695693 PMCID: PMC6816313 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Accidents involving Micrurus snakes are not the most common ones but are noteworthy due to their severity. Victims envenomed by Micrurus snakes are at high risk of death and therefore must be treated with coral antivenom. In Brazil, the immunization mixture used to fabricate coral antivenom contains Micrurus frontalis and Micrurus corallinus venoms, which are difficult to be obtained in adequate amounts. Different approaches to solve the venom limitation problem have been attempted, including the use of synthetic and recombinant antigens as substitutes. The present work proposes a combined immunization protocol, using priming doses of M. frontalis venom and booster doses of synthetic B-cell epitopes derived from M. corallinus toxins (four three-finger toxins-3FTX; and one phospholipase A2-PLA2) to obtain coral antivenom in a rabbit model. Immunized animals elicited a humoral response against both M. frontalis and M. corallinus venoms, as detected by sera reactivity in ELISA and Western Blot. Relevant cross-reactivity of the obtained sera with other Micrurus species (Micrurus altirostris, Micrurus lemniscatus, Micrurus spixii, Micrurus surinamensis) venoms was also observed. The elicited antibodies were able to neutralize PLA2 activity of both M. frontalis and M. corallinus venoms. In vivo, immunized rabbit sera completely protected mice from a challenge with 1.5 median lethal dose (LD50) of M. corallinus venom and 50% of mice challenged with 1.5 LD50 of M. frontalis venom. These results show that this combined protocol may be a suitable alternative to reduce the amount of venom used in coral antivenom production in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Letícia Lopes-de-Souza
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Carlos Chávez-Olórtegui
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Shilovskiy IP, Andreev SM, Kozhikhova KV, Nikolskii AA, Khaitov MR. [Prospects For the Use of Peptides against Respiratory Syncytial Virus]. Mol Biol (Mosk) 2019; 53:541-560. [PMID: 31397431 DOI: 10.1134/s002689841904013x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [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: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most common viral pathogens that affects the lower respiratory tract and could be a reason of bronchiolitis and/or pneumonia. Currently, there are no available effective ways of treating the RSV infection. Attempts to develop preventive vaccine have been unsuccessful. The only therapeutic agent used for RSV treatment is virazole (ribavirin); however, it induces adverse effects. Medications based on neutralizing monoclonal antibodies, such as IGIV (Respigam), palivizumab (Synagis), and MEDI-524 (Numab), are under clinical trials; however, their use will be limited by their high cost. One of the promising approaches for antiviral therapy is the use of natural peptides (defensins and cathelicidins), or their synthetic analogs. The majority of currently described antiviral peptides are developed against the human immunodeficiency virus, the herpes simplex virus, and the influenza virus. At the same time, a body of experimental data evidencing anti-RSV activity of peptides has been accumulated. The main advantages of peptide drugs are their wide spectrum of antiviral activity and low toxicity. However, there are obstacles in implementing peptide-based drugs in clinical practice. Due to their low resistance to the action of serum proteases, most authors consider peptides promising only for local application. Given that RSV affects the epithelium of the respiratory tract, where the protease activity is lower than in the systemic circulation, it is possible to develop locally active peptide drugs, for example, as inhalation forms. Their stability could also be increased by the synthesis of dendrimer peptides and by the development of recombinant peptides as precursor proteins. Anti-RSV peptides can be divided into several groups: (1) attachment and/or fusion blockers; (2) peptides displaying direct virucidal activity, disrupting the viral envelope. Such peptides, which suppress early stages of the viral life cycle, are considered prophylactic agents. However, for several peptides, their immunoregulatory properties have been described, which opens the possibility for therapeutic use. This review summarizes the information on the antiviral properties of such peptides and mechanisms of their action and describes the prospects of the future development of antiviral peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- I P Shilovskiy
- National Research Center-Institute of Immunology, Federal Medical-Biological Agency.,
| | - S M Andreev
- National Research Center-Institute of Immunology, Federal Medical-Biological Agency
| | - K V Kozhikhova
- National Research Center-Institute of Immunology, Federal Medical-Biological Agency
| | - A A Nikolskii
- National Research Center-Institute of Immunology, Federal Medical-Biological Agency
| | - M R Khaitov
- National Research Center-Institute of Immunology, Federal Medical-Biological Agency
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Abstract
Introduction: PEGylation is a well-established technology for improving the therapeutic value of drugs by attaching polyethylene glycol (PEG). The first PEGylated enzyme products appeared on the market in the early 1990s; currently, more than 18 PEGylated products have been approved by Food and Drug Administration, which encompass various classes of drug molecules, such as enzymes, interferons, granulocyte colony-stimulating factors, hormones, antibody fragments, coagulation factors, oligonucleotide aptamers, synthetic peptides, and small organic molecules. Areas covered: While PEGylated products mainly comprise biologic drugs, such as recombinant proteins and enzymes, non-biologic drugs have recently emerged as a target for PEGylation. This review focuses on the recent development of PEGylated non-biologic drugs, such as small organic molecules, synthetic peptides, and aptamers. Expert opinion: Several PEGylated versions of anti-cancer drugs, opioid agonists, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, and oligonucleotide aptamers are in active development stage, and it is likely that they will have a dramatic impact on the market. Although some safety concerns about PEG in clinical trials have been recently issued, PEGylation is still a commercially attractive proposition as a half-life extension technology for long-acting drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Ji Park
- a College of Pharmacy , Chung-Ang University , Seoul , Republic of Korea.,b D&D Pharmatech , Seongnam , Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyoung Choi
- a College of Pharmacy , Chung-Ang University , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Kang Choon Lee
- b D&D Pharmatech , Seongnam , Republic of Korea.,c College of Pharmacy , SungKyunKwan University , Suwon , Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Hee Na
- a College of Pharmacy , Chung-Ang University , Seoul , Republic of Korea
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Kamynina AV, Esteras N, Koroev DO, Bobkova NV, Balasanyants SM, Simonyan RA, Avetisyan AV, Abramov AY, Volpina OM. Synthetic Fragments of Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products Bind Beta-Amyloid 1-40 and Protect Primary Brain Cells From Beta-Amyloid Toxicity. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:681. [PMID: 30319347 PMCID: PMC6170785 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [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: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. We have previously revealed that RAGE fragment sequence (60-76) and its shortened analogs sequence (60-70) and (60-65) under intranasal insertion were able to restore memory and improve morphological and biochemical state of neurons in the brain of bulbectomized mice developing major AD features. In the current study, we have investigated the ability of RAGE peptide (60-76) and five shortened analogs to bind beta-amyloid (Aβ) 1-40 in an fluorescent titration test and show that all the RAGE fragments apart from one [sequence (65-76)] were able to bind Aβ in vitro. Moreover, we show that all RAGE fragments apart from the shortest one (60-62), were able to protect neuronal primary cultures from amyloid toxicity, by preventing the caspase 3 activation induced by Aβ 1-42. We have compared the data obtained in the present research with the previously published data in the animal model of AD, and offer a probable mechanism of neuroprotection of the RAGE peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna V. Kamynina
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Noemi Esteras
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dmitriy O. Koroev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Natalia V. Bobkova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Russia
| | - Samson M. Balasanyants
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ruben A. Simonyan
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Armine V. Avetisyan
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey Y. Abramov
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Olga M. Volpina
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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Gauna A, Losada S, Lorenzo M, Toledo M, Bermúdez H, D'Angelo P, Sánchez D, Noya O. Use of Synthetic Peptides and Multiple Antigen Blot Assay in the Immunodiagnosis of Hepatitis C Virus Infection. Viral Immunol 2018; 31:568-574. [PMID: 30256730 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2018.0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is usually asymptomatic, therefore, early diagnosis is rare. It may remain undiagnosed in individuals who progress to chronic infection, often until serious liver damage has developed. To incorporate the diagnosis of this viral disease in a multiple-diagnostic assay, we first analyzed by immunoinformatics the HCV subtype 1a polyprotein (specifically Core, E2, NS3, NS5A proteins) to select antigenic peptides to be tested initially by the Pepscan technique. Next, we performed the immunodiagnosis of HCV infection, using the Multiple Antigen Blot Assay (MABA). In 22 patients' sera included in this study, a 20-mer linear peptide belonging to the N-terminus of the worldwide conserved Core protein showed 100% sensitivity and specificity; other sequences showed different levels of antibody recognition. The use of MABA in combination with synthetic peptides as a source of multiple, specific, and nonexpensive antigens for other infectious diseases could represent a rapid, integrated, and inexpensive diagnostic methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Gauna
- 1 Programa de Doctorado en Biotecnología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso/Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María , Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Sandra Losada
- 2 Sección de Biohelmintiasis, Instituto de Medicina Tropical , Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - María Lorenzo
- 2 Sección de Biohelmintiasis, Instituto de Medicina Tropical , Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Marilyan Toledo
- 3 Cátedra de Parasitología, Escuela de Medicina "Luis Razetti," Universidad Central de Venezuela , Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Henry Bermúdez
- 2 Sección de Biohelmintiasis, Instituto de Medicina Tropical , Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Pierina D'Angelo
- 4 Laboratorio de Programas Especiales-Hepatitis y SIDA, Dpto de Virología, Gerencia Sectorial de Diagnóstico y Vigilancia Epidemiológica, Instituto Nacional de Higiene "Rafael Rangel ," Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Doneyla Sánchez
- 4 Laboratorio de Programas Especiales-Hepatitis y SIDA, Dpto de Virología, Gerencia Sectorial de Diagnóstico y Vigilancia Epidemiológica, Instituto Nacional de Higiene "Rafael Rangel ," Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Oscar Noya
- 2 Sección de Biohelmintiasis, Instituto de Medicina Tropical , Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela .,5 Centro para Estudios Sobre Malaria, Instituto de Altos Estudios "Dr. Arnoldo Gabaldón" Instituto Nacional de Higiene-Ministerio del Poder Popular para la Salud , Caracas, Venezuela
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50
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Vasilchenko AS, Vasilchenko AV, Pashkova TM, Smirnova MP, Kolodkin NI, Manukhov IV, Zavilgelsky GB, Sizova EA, Kartashova OL, Simbirtsev AS, Rogozhin EA, Duskaev GK, Sycheva MV. Antimicrobial activity of the indolicidin-derived novel synthetic peptide In-58. J Pept Sci 2018; 23:855-863. [PMID: 29193518 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Natural peptides with antimicrobial activity are extremely diverse, and peptide synthesis technologies make it possible to significantly improve their properties for specific tasks. Here, we investigate the biological properties of the natural peptide indolicidin and the indolicidin-derived novel synthetic peptide In-58. In-58 was generated by replacing all tryptophan residues on phenylalanine in D-configuration; the α-amino group in the main chain also was modified by unsaturated fatty acid. Compared with indolicidin, In-58 is more bactericidal, more resistant to proteinase K, and less toxic to mammalian cells. Using molecular physics approaches, we characterized the action of In-58 on bacterial cells at the cellular level. Also, we have found that studied peptides damage bacterial membranes. Using the Escherichia coli luminescent biosensor strain MG1655 (pcolD'::lux), we investigated the action of indolicidin and In-58 at the subcellular level. At subinhibitory concentrations, indolicidin and In-58 induced an SOS response. Our data suggest that indolicidin damages the DNA, but bacterial membrane perturbation is its principal mode of action. Copyright © 2017 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Vasilchenko
- Tyumen State University, ul. Volodarsky, 6, Tyumen, 625003, Russia
| | - A V Vasilchenko
- Tyumen State University, ul. Volodarsky, 6, Tyumen, 625003, Russia
| | - T M Pashkova
- Institute of Cellular and Intracellular Symbiosis, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Pionerskaya, Orenburg, 11, Russia
| | - M P Smirnova
- Research Institute of Highly Pure Biopreparations, Pudozhsakya str., St. Petersburg, 197110, Russia
| | - N I Kolodkin
- Research Institute of Highly Pure Biopreparations, Pudozhsakya str., St. Petersburg, 197110, Russia
| | - I V Manukhov
- State Research Institute of Genetics and Selection of Industrial Microorganisms, 1, 1st Dorozhny pr., Moscow, 113545, Russia.,Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), 9 Institutskiy per., Dolgoprudnyi, 141701, Russia
| | - G B Zavilgelsky
- State Research Institute of Genetics and Selection of Industrial Microorganisms, 1, 1st Dorozhny pr., Moscow, 113545, Russia
| | - E A Sizova
- All-Russia Research Institute of Beef Cattle Breeding, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Pionerskaya, Orenburg, 11, Russia.,Orenburg State University, Pobedy str., Orenburg, 13, Russia
| | - O L Kartashova
- Institute of Cellular and Intracellular Symbiosis, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Pionerskaya, Orenburg, 11, Russia
| | - A S Simbirtsev
- Research Institute of Highly Pure Biopreparations, Pudozhsakya str., St. Petersburg, 197110, Russia
| | - E A Rogozhin
- Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Science, ul. Miklukho-Maklaya, 16, Orenburg, /10, Russia.,Gause Institute of New Antibiotics, ul. Bolshaya Pirogovskaya, Moscow, 11, Russia
| | - G K Duskaev
- All-Russia Research Institute of Beef Cattle Breeding, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Pionerskaya, Orenburg, 11, Russia
| | - M V Sycheva
- Institute of Cellular and Intracellular Symbiosis, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Pionerskaya, Orenburg, 11, Russia.,Orenburg State Agrarian University, ul. Chelyuskintsev, Orenburg, 18, Russia
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