Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026
Live-cell Imaging of Fungal Cells to Investigate Modes of Entry and Subcellular Localization of Antifungal Plant Defensins
Published on: December 24, 2017
A study on fungal defensin against multidrug-resistant Clostridium perfringens and its treatment on infected poultry
Xueling Zheng1,2, Da Teng3,4, Ruoyu Mao1,2
1Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China.
Abstract:
In the present study, we aimed to investigate the antibacterial activity and mechanisms of plectasin-derived peptide NZ2114 in vitro and its therapeutic effects in vivo on broilers challenged with Clostridium perfringens. In vitro assay showed that NZ2114 had potent (minimal inhibitory concentration, 0.91 μM) and rapid antibacterial activity (99.9% reduction within 2 h), and the dual antibacterial mechanisms (including interfering with the cell membrane and intracellular DNA) against C. perfringens CVCC 2030. In vivo study, NZ2114 tended to increase linearly and quadratically the average daily gain as NZ2114 level increased and was the highest at 20 mg/L. NZ2114 at 10 ~ 40 mg/L dramatically reduced jejunal lesion score. Besides, the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β tended to downregulate linearly and quadratically as the NZ2114 level increased and were all the lowest at the dose of 20 mg/L. NZ2114 significantly upregulated those levels of IgA, IgG, IgM, and sIgA with a linear and quadratic dose effect, with the highest IgA, IgG, IgM, and sIgA at 20 mg/L. Finally, NZ2114 tended to linearly and quadratically increase the numerical value of crypt depth, with the lowest value at 40 mg/L. Lincomycin only dramatically reduced the jejunal lesion score and increased the numerical value of crypt depth. These results indicate that NZ2114 has the potential as a new alternative to antibiotics for the treatment of C. perfringens-induced necrotic enteritis infection.Key points• NZ2114 could kill C. perfringens by dual antibacterial mechanisms• Broiler necrotic enteritis model induced by C. perfringens was established• NZ2114 treatment could ameliorate C. perfringens-induced necrotic enteritis.
Insights
Plectasin-derived peptide NZ2114 shows potent antibacterial activity against Clostridium perfringens. This peptide effectively treats necrotic enteritis in broilers by dual mechanisms, offering a promising alternative to antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Microbiology
- Animal Science
Background:
- Clostridium perfringens infection causes necrotic enteritis in broilers, leading to significant economic losses in the poultry industry.
- Current antibiotic treatments face challenges due to resistance and regulatory concerns, necessitating the development of alternatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro antibacterial activity and mechanisms of plectasin-derived peptide NZ2114 against Clostridium perfringens.
- To assess the therapeutic efficacy of NZ2114 in a broiler model challenged with Clostridium perfringens.
Main Methods:
- In vitro assays determined the minimal inhibitory concentration and time-kill kinetics of NZ2114 against C. perfringens.
- A broiler necrotic enteritis model was established to evaluate NZ2114's effects on growth performance, intestinal lesions, immune response, and gut morphology.
Main Results:
- NZ2114 demonstrated potent and rapid in vitro antibacterial activity via dual mechanisms, targeting the cell membrane and intracellular DNA.
- In vivo, NZ2114 improved average daily gain, reduced jejunal lesion scores, modulated inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β), and enhanced immunoglobulin production (IgA, IgG, IgM, sIgA).
- NZ2114 also influenced crypt depth, with optimal effects observed at specific dosages, outperforming lincomycin in some aspects.
Conclusions:
- NZ2114 exhibits significant antibacterial properties and therapeutic potential against Clostridium perfringens-induced necrotic enteritis in broilers.
- The dual antibacterial mechanisms and positive effects on host immunity and gut health position NZ2114 as a viable alternative to conventional antibiotics.
