Antimicrobial Decapeptide KSL-W Attenuates Candida albicans Virulence by Modulating Its Effects on Toll-Like Receptor, Human Beta-Defensin, and Cytokine Expression by Engineered human Oral Mucosa

Abstract

We investigated the toxicity of synthetic antimicrobial decapeptide KSL-W on normal human gingival epithelial cell cultures, its effect on Candida albicans adhesion and growth, and the activation of epithelial cell innate immunity. Our results indicate that KSL-W had no toxic effect on cell adhesion or growth, suggesting its safe use with human cells. Pre-treating C. albicans with KSL-W attenuated the yeast s virulence as demonstrated by its reduced adhesion and growth on engineered human oral mucosa epithelium and the subsequent decreased expression of some innate defense molecules by targeted epithelial cells. Indeed, the expression of Toll-like receptors and human beta-defensins was reduced in tissues infected with KSL-W-treated Candida. Proinflammtory cytokine secretion (IL-1beta and IL-6) by the epithelial cells was also regulated by KSL-W in a manner similar to that of antifungal molecule amphotericin B. These findings therefore show that KSL-W is safe for use with human cells and is able to attenuate Candida virulence by modulating its effects on host innate immunity. This study proposes the potential application of KSL-W peptide as an alternative antifungal agent.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 02, 2011
Accession Number
ADA615490

Entities

People

  • A. Semlali
  • Kai P. Leung
  • M. Rouabhia
  • S. Curt

Organizations

  • United States Army Institute of Surgical Research

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Antifungal Agents
  • Cells
  • Culture Techniques
  • Cytokines
  • Epithelial Cells
  • Fungi
  • Gene Expression
  • Health Services
  • Infection
  • Lymphocytes
  • Molecules
  • Mucous Membrane
  • Proteins
  • Public Health
  • Virulence

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Immunology
  • Immunology and Pathology
  • Microbial Pathology