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Antimicrobial Peptides Produced by Selective Pressure Incorporation of Non-canonical Amino Acids
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Antimicrobial Peptides Produced by Selective Pressure Incorporation of Non-canonical Amino Acids

Published on: May 4, 2018

Regulation of antimicrobial peptide gene expression by nutrients and by-products of microbial metabolism

Yan Campbell1, Mary L Fantacone, Adrian F Gombart

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, 307 Linus Pauling Science Center, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.

European Journal of Nutrition
|July 17, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Dietary compounds like vitamins A and D, and microbial by-products such as butyrate, can regulate antimicrobial peptide (AMP) gene expression, enhancing innate immunity and barrier defense against infections.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Nutritional Science
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are crucial for innate immunity and barrier defense.
  • AMPs possess diverse functions beyond membrane disruption, including immune cell modulation.
  • Dysregulation of AMPs is implicated in inflammatory diseases and cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the effects of nutrients and microbial metabolites on AMP gene expression.
  • To highlight the role of dietary compounds in modulating the innate immune response.

Main Methods:

  • Review of in vitro and in vivo studies.
  • Analysis of published data on nutrient and microbial metabolite effects on AMP gene expression.

Main Results:

  • Vitamins A and D, histone deacetylases, butyrate, and secondary bile acids regulate human AMP expression.
  • Vitamin D deficiency increases infection susceptibility; supplementation improves defense.
  • Butyrate increases colonic AMP expression, protecting against infection.

Conclusions:

  • Diet and nutritional supplements can modulate immune function.
  • Gut microbial metabolites communicate with intestinal cells, affecting AMP expression.
  • This interaction strengthens the mucosal barrier against microbial invasion.

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