Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Gabriel Marcelino-Perez, Roberto Ruiz-Medrano, Salvador Gallardo-Hernandez, Beatriz Xoconostle-Cazares
Summary: This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with human beta-defensin-2 and its mutants against Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis. The results showed that the MSN loaded with AMPs inhibited the growth of Cmm and protected AMPs from enzymatic degradation.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Bin Dong, Yanjun Lin, Zhiwei Su, Chunlong Sun, Jun Wang, Shijun Fu, Wen Du, Tao Wu
Summary: In this study, a new antimicrobial peptide hBD130 was successfully produced in Pichia pastoris and showed broad bactericidal activity against foodborne pathogens. It exhibited low cytotoxicity to mammalian cells and decreased the secretion of inflammatory factors in mouse macrophages.
FOOD SCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Jiahui Wu, Xia Zhou, Qiaoqiao Chen, Zhiqiang Chen, Jinyu Zhang, Lele Yang, Yuxuan Sun, Guohui Wang, Jianfeng Dai, Tingting Feng
Summary: This review provides an overview of tick defensins, including their structural classification and antimicrobial function. Tick defensins exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities against various pathogens and are considered novel candidates or targets for controlling infectious diseases.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF POVERTY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Jung-Kil Seo, Dong-Gyun Kim, Ji-Eun Lee, Kwon-Sam Park, In-Ah Lee, Ki-Young Lee, Young-Ok Kim, Bo-Hye Nam
Summary: Five arginine-rich analogs were designed based on American oyster defensin (AOD), with A3 and A4 showing potent antimicrobial activity against various organisms without cell toxicity. These analogs possibly interact with DNA or DNA amplification reactions instead of directly acting on bacterial membranes, suggesting potential for novel antimicrobial agents.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kyoung-Ran Kim, Junghyun Kim, Seunghye Cho, Dae-Ro Ahn
Summary: In this study, a novel mRNA delivery platform utilizing the hBD23 peptide is introduced, which forms nanocomplexes with mRNA, allowing efficient cellular delivery and protein expression in vitro and in vivo. These complexes show minimal cytotoxicity and immunogenicity, making hBD23 a promising platform for mRNA delivery.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Ricardo Ribeiro, Eugenia Pinto, Carla Fernandes, Emilia Sousa
Summary: Marine cyclic peptides are a diverse group of compounds with broad antimicrobial activities, showing promising potential as novel therapeutic agents. These compounds have unique structural characteristics and have demonstrated interesting antimicrobial activities against drug-resistant microorganisms. Marine cyclic peptides are not only potent in vitro, but also show promising results in vivo, making them an important resource for the development of new antimicrobial agents.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biao Li, Ling Zhang, Li Wang, Yong Wei, Jiuqiang Guan, Qundi Mei, Ninghao Hao
Summary: This study reports the antimicrobial activity of yak beta-defensin 116 against Staphylococcus aureus and its application in diarrheal disease. The findings suggest that DEFB116 protein can disrupt bacterial cell membrane, kill S. aureus, and improve histopathological features in a mouse model of diarrhea. Additionally, DEFB116 protein increases the abundance of beneficial bacteria and inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xue Wang, Shuxian Li, Mengze Du, Ning Liu, Qiang Shan, Yunjing Zou, Jiufeng Wang, Yaohong Zhu
Summary: In this study, recombinant Zophobas atratus (Z. atratus) defensin was successfully expressed for the first time, and 5 analogues derived from Z. atratus defensin were designed to enhance the antimicrobial activity. Among these analogues, Z-d14CFR exhibited a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity with minimal hemolysis and cytotoxicity. Mechanistic studies revealed that Z-d14CFR exerted its antimicrobial effect by inhibiting biofilm formation, disrupting bacterial membrane integrity, and inducing cellular contents release. Moreover, Z-d14CFR showed significant therapeutic efficacy in a murine model of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) infection.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Yasamin Masoudi, Wilma van Rensburg, Bernice Barnard-Jenkins, Marina Rautenbach
Summary: Candida species show high adaptability and increasing drug resistance. Tyrocidines demonstrate synergistic activity with antifungal drugs, but can also exhibit toxicity. Formulating with soluble cellulose can improve stability and activity against Candida spp., with hydroxy-propyl-methyl cellulose showing the most promising results.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Xinghong Zhao, Yanli Xu, Jakob H. Viel, Oscar P. Kuipers
Summary: In this study, a new class of antimicrobial peptides were developed using class-II lanthipeptide synthetase CinM, which showed bactericidal activity against relevant pathogenic bacteria through the addition of lipid tails. Additionally, the peptides exhibited a potential mode of action by disrupting bacterial membranes and lysing bacterial cells, while also showing low hemolytic activity.
ACS SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
He Liu, Na Yang, Da Teng, Ruoyu Mao, Ya Hao, Xuanxuan Ma, Jianhua Wang
Summary: This study successfully obtained the peptide NZL with enhanced antimicrobial activity through designing derivatives based on the NZ2114 template. NZL showed potent activity against S. hyicus in vitro and in a mouse peritonitis model, suggesting its potential as a novel candidate for combating S. hyicus infections.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Jue Shi, Zihe Hu, Yanyan Zhou, Minghao Zuo, Haiyan Wu, Wenjing Jin, Zhijian Xie
Summary: The study demonstrates that Pep-B has anti-inflammatory activity and promotes osteo-/odontoblastic differentiation in LPS-induced inflammatory environment in hDPSCs. These findings suggest the potential role of hDPSCs in repair and regeneration of dental pulp.
MEDIATORS OF INFLAMMATION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Guneet K. Bindra, Scott A. Williams, Fung T. Lay, Amy A. Baxter, Ivan K. H. Poon, Mark D. Hulett, Thanh Kha Phan
Summary: Defensins are a crucial component of the cationic host defence peptide (HDP) family and have antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities. This study reveals that human beta-defensin 2 (HBD-2) can kill tumor cells through acute lytic cell death and does not affect tumor cell migration.
Article
Microbiology
Mahsa Abbasi, Esmail Behmard, Mohammad Hashem Yousefi, Seyed Shahram Shekarforoush, Shirin Mahmoodi
Summary: Antibiotic-resistant pathogens have become a global health concern, and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) show promising potential as effective treatments against drug-resistant microorganisms. This study successfully fused the amino acid sequences of human cathelicidin LL-37 (2-31) and human beta-defensin (hBD)-129 to create a novel AMP. The fusion AMP exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria.
ARCHIVES OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Stephan Neumann, Stephan Siegert, Anneke Fischer
Summary: This study investigated the correlation between defensin concentration and clinical expression and course of mastitis in cows. The results showed that cows with acute clinical mastitis had the highest defensin concentration, while cows with subclinical mastitis and healthy cows had lower concentrations.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rosa Bellavita, Falanga Annarita, Francesco Merlino, Gabriella D'Auria, Nicola Molfetta, Anella Saviano, Francesco Maione, Umberto Galdiero, Maria Rosaria Catania, Galdiero Stefania, Paolo Grieco, Emanuela Roscetto, Lucia Falcigno, Buommino Elisabetta
Summary: This study investigated the antifungal properties of acylated Temporin L derivatives against Candida albicans, including multidrug-resistant strains. The acylated peptides showed good antifungal activity against both reference and clinical strains, with no cytotoxicity on human keratinocytes. Furthermore, they exhibited a synergistic or additive effect with voriconazole on voriconazole-resistant Candida strains. The mechanism of action was found to involve an initial electrostatic interaction with the fungal membrane, followed by aggregation and insertion into the lipid bilayer, causing membrane perturbation.
JOURNAL OF ENZYME INHIBITION AND MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Rosa Bellavita, Linda Leone, Angela Maione, Lucia Falcigno, Gabriella D'Auria, Francesco Merlino, Paolo Grieco, Flavia Nastri, Emilia Galdiero, Angela Lombardi, Stefania Galdiero, Annarita Falanga
Summary: Ferric iron is necessary for bacterial growth. Pathogenic bacteria use siderophores to chelate ferric iron and colonize host organisms. Conjugating antimicrobial peptides with iron chelators can reduce iron availability and enhance the efficacy of AMPs.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Anna Basile, Carla Zannella, Margot De Marco, Giuseppina Sanna, Gianluigi Franci, Massimiliano Galdiero, Aldo Manzin, Vincenzo De Laurenzi, Massimiliano Chetta, Alessandra Rosati, Maria Caterina Turco, Liberato Marzullo
Summary: Researchers have developed a specific antibody against IFITM2 that can interfere with the invasion of SARS-CoV-2 and reduce its damage to host cells. This antibody also reduces the damage caused by other viruses such as HSV and RSV, suggesting that IFITM2 may have a similar mechanism of invasion to other viruses. These results demonstrate the specific role of IFITM2 in viral entry and its potential as a cell target for antiviral therapies.
ANTIVIRAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marcella Nunziato, Anna Balato, Anna Ruocco, Valeria D'Argenio, Roberta Di Caprio, Nicola Balato, Fabio Ayala, Francesco Salvatore
Summary: Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder with an immune basis, characterized by red, flaky patches that often release silvery scales. The study aimed to determine if there are genetic alterations that can explain the onset of the disease by using next-generation sequencing technologies and a multigene panel. Variants associated with psoriasis were found in the TRAF3IP2 gene, and a missense variant was found in the NAT9 gene. The use of multigene panels can help identify new susceptibility genes and allow for early diagnoses in affected families.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rosa Bellavita, Angela Maione, Simone Braccia, Marica Sinoca, Stefania Galdiero, Emilia Galdiero, Annarita Falanga
Summary: Chronic lung infections in CF patients are caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. Traditional antibiotics are ineffective in treating these infections, highlighting the need for novel molecules. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) show promise due to their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities. A more stable version of the peptide WMR (WMR-4) was developed and studied for its ability to inhibit and eradicate biofilms in CF patients in vitro and in vivo.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Carmine Buonocore, Rosa Giugliano, Gerardo Della Sala, Fortunato Palma Esposito, Pietro Tedesco, Veronica Folliero, Massimiliano Galdiero, Gianluigi Franci, Donatella de Pascale
Summary: In this study, the antimicrobial activity of a rhamnolipids mixture produced by the Antarctic marine bacterium Pseudomonas gessardii M15 against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was evaluated. The mixture demonstrated bactericidal activity, penetration of biofilm, and prevention of bacterial proliferation on wound dressings.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Avinash Mali, Gianluigi Franci, Carla Zannella, Annalisa Chianese, Shubaash Anthiya, Ana M. Lopez-Estevez, Alessandra Monti, Anna De Filippis, Nunzianna Doti, Maria Jose Alonso, Massimiliano Galdiero
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the need for the development of antiviral agents to reduce the fatality rate caused by infectious diseases. Nasal delivery of antiviral agents is a promising strategy as the coronavirus enters and spreads through the nasal passage. Peptides have emerged as powerful candidates for antiviral treatments, demonstrating strong antiviral activity, improved safety, efficacy, and specificity against viral pathogens.
Article
Microbiology
Federica Dell'Annunziata, Maria Vittoria Morone, Marco Gioia, Ferdinando Cione, Massimiliano Galdiero, Nicola Rosa, Gianluigi Franci, Maddalena De Bernardo, Veronica Folliero
Summary: Due to the complex etiology of conjunctivitis, new therapeutic strategies with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and nonselective mechanisms of action are needed. In this study, the antibacterial and antiviral activity of Oftasecur and Visuprime ophthalmic solutions were compared. The results showed that both Oftasecur and Visuprime exhibited high antimicrobial and antiviral activity. Therefore, Oftasecur and Visuprime could be effective empirical strategies for the treatment of conjunctivitis.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Hammad Ullah, Alessandro Di Minno, Anna Di Filippis, Eduardo Sommella, Daniele Giuseppe Buccato, Lorenza Francesca De Lellis, Hesham R. El-Seedi, Shaden A. M. Khalifa, Roberto Piccinocchi, Massimiliano Galdiero, Pietro Campiglia, Maria Daglia
Summary: Plant extracts from Cistus x incanus L. and Scutellaria lateriflora L. show potential for treating gingivitis due to their polyphenol content, which exhibit inhibitory effects against Porphyromonas gingivalis.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Arta Karruli, Christian Catalini, Chiara D'Amore, Francesco Foglia, Fabio Mari, Arjan Harxhi, Massimiliano Galdiero, Emanuele Durante-Mangoni
Summary: This review discusses evidence-based empiric and targeted treatment regimens for multidrug-resistant/ extensively drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. Ceftolozane-tazobactam or ceftazidime-avibactam are recommended for empirical treatment, while cephalosporins can be used in carbapenem-sparing strategy for low-risk strains. Antibiotic de-escalation is advised where appropriate, and newer antibiotics like cefiderocol and imipenem-cilastatin-relebactam may be effective against resistant strains.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Annalisa Chianese, Carla Zannella, Alessandra Monti, Nunzianna Doti, Giuseppina Sanna, Aldo Manzin, Anna De Filippis, Massimiliano Galdiero
Summary: Pandemic and epidemic outbreaks of respiratory viruses pose significant challenges to public health. This study identifies a potent antimicrobial peptide with broad-spectrum antiviral activity against several respiratory viruses.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cristina Mennitti, Ciro Miele, Carmela Scarano, Iolanda Veneruso, Alessandro Gentile, Rosaria Mormile, Francesca Saviano, Giovanni D'Alicandro, Cristina Mazzaccara, Giulia Frisso, Filomena Capasso, Valeria D'Argenio, Olga Scudiero
Summary: Acute or intense exercise can lead to metabolic imbalances, muscle injuries, or expose underlying disorders. Laboratory medicine in sports is crucial in monitoring athletes' health. This study presents an integrated approach to investigating the causes of deep venous thrombosis in an elite basketball player.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Virology
Annalisa Chianese, Valentina Iovane, Carla Zannella, Carla Capasso, Bianca Maria Nastri, Alessandra Monti, Nunzianna Doti, Serena Montagnaro, Ugo Pagnini, Giuseppe Iovane, Anna De Filippis, Massimiliano Galdiero
Summary: With the emergence of COVID-19, zoonoses have gained significant attention in the scientific community. Animals not only play a pivotal role in this infection but also in many other viral diseases, acting as intermediate hosts or vectors for the spread of zoonotic diseases. Approximately two-thirds of human infections are derived from animals, making the search for new broad-spectrum antiviral compounds crucial to prevent and control future epidemic outbreaks. In this study, the antiviral activity of five amphibian peptides against various enveloped animal viruses was evaluated, with three peptides showing potential as antiviral candidates against multiple animal viruses.
Article
Virology
Evelina La Civita, Carla Zannella, Stefano Brusa, Paolo Romano, Elisa Schettino, Fabrizio Salemi, Rosa Carrano, Luca Gentile, Alessandra Punziano, Gianluca Lagnese, Giuseppe Spadaro, Gianluigi Franci, Massimiliano Galdiero, Daniela Terracciano, Giuseppe Portella, Stefania Loffredo
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is the standard prevention measure for COVID-19, although the evaluation of its efficacy currently focuses on measuring antibodies only and ignores cellular immunity. This study investigates the humoral and cell-mediated response to BNT162b vaccine in two groups of fragile patients, finding that Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) and Kidney Transplant Recipients (KTR) patients have lower humoral response but similar cell-mediated response compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, patients vaccinated and infected show a more efficient immune response than those who are only vaccinated, indicating the importance of both humoral and cellular immunity in preventing COVID-19.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Ersilia Nigro, Vito D'Agnano, Gianluca Quarcio, Domenica Francesca Mariniello, Andrea Bianco, Aurora Daniele, Fabio Perrotta
Summary: Adipose tissue is not only a store of energy but also an endocrine organ. Obesity has been identified as a major risk factor for severe COVID-19 outcomes, likely due to the abnormal production of adipokines that can cause metabolic alterations, vascular endothelium dysfunction, and chronic inflammation. Understanding the link between obesity and COVID-19 severity can greatly contribute to the development of effective therapeutic strategies.