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Published on: December 24, 2017
Effect of defensin peptides on eukaryotic cells: primary epithelial cells, fibroblasts and squamous cell carcinoma
Michiko Nishimura1, Yoshihiro Abiko, Yoshihito Kurashige
1Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Ishikari-Tobetsu, Hokkaido 061-0293, Japan.
Background:
Although the usefulness of the antimicrobial peptides known as defensins has been suggested against oral and skin infections, possible adverse effects of the defensins on the host should be understood before clinical applications can be contemplated.
Objective:
In the present study, we investigated how alpha-defensin (HNP-1) and beta-defensins (hBD-1, -2, -3) affect cells including primary epithelial cells, fibroblasts and squamous cell carcinoma cell lines, SCC-9 and KB.
Method:
Cell proliferation was assessed by the direct cell counting and XTT assay.
Results:
We found that alpha-defensin promotes proliferation of the epithelial cells at low concentration but has a cytotoxic effect at high concentration. In contrast, beta-defensins have little effect on these cells at any concentration, suggesting that beta-defensins may have no adverse effects on the host.
Conclusion:
Therefore, in terms of host response beta-defensins may be more suitable antimicrobial agents for clinical applications than alpha-defensins.
Insights
Beta-defensins show promise as antimicrobial agents with minimal host cell effects. Alpha-defensins, however, can be cytotoxic at higher concentrations, suggesting beta-defensins are more suitable for clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Defensins are antimicrobial peptides with potential applications in treating oral and skin infections.
- Understanding host-related adverse effects is crucial for the clinical use of defensins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of alpha-defensin (HNP-1) and beta-defensins (hBD-1, -2, -3) on various human cell types.
- To compare the safety profiles of alpha- and beta-defensins for potential therapeutic applications.
Main Methods:
- Cell proliferation was evaluated using direct cell counting and the XTT assay.
- Primary epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and squamous cell carcinoma lines (SCC-9, KB) were utilized.
Main Results:
- Alpha-defensin (HNP-1) demonstrated a dose-dependent effect, promoting epithelial cell proliferation at low concentrations and exhibiting cytotoxicity at high concentrations.
- Beta-defensins (hBD-1, -2, -3) exhibited minimal impact on cell proliferation across all tested concentrations.
- These findings suggest beta-defensins may possess a more favorable safety profile for host cells compared to alpha-defensins.
Conclusions:
- Beta-defensins appear to be more suitable antimicrobial agents for clinical applications due to their lack of adverse effects on host cells.
- Alpha-defensins may require careful dose management to mitigate potential host toxicity.
