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In Vitro Antifungal Activity of LL-37 Analogue Peptides against Candida spp
Gladys Pinilla1, Yenifer Tatiana Coronado1, Gabriel Chaves1
1Grupo de Investigación REMA, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Colegio Mayor de Cundinamarca, Calle 28 # 5-B-02, Bogotá 110311, Colombia.
Abstract:
Fungal infections have increased in recent decades with considerable morbidity and mortality, mainly in immunosuppressed or admitted-to-the-ICU patients. The fungal resistance to conventional antifungal treatments has become a public health problem, especially with Candida that presents resistance to several antifungals. Therefore, generating new alternatives of antifungal therapy is fundamental. One of these possibilities is the use of antimicrobial peptides, such as LL-37, which acts on the disruption of the microorganism membrane and promotes immunomodulatory effects in the host. In this study, we evaluated the in vitro antifungal activity of the LL-37 analogue peptides (AC-1, LL37-1, AC-2, and D) against different Candida spp. and clinical isolates obtained from patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis. Our results suggest that the peptides with the best ranges of MICs were LL37-1 and AC-2 (0.07 µM) against the strains studied. This inhibitory effect was confirmed by analyzing the yeast growth curves that evidenced a significant decrease in the fungal growth after exposure to LL-37 peptides. By the XTT technique we observed a significant reduction in the biofilm formation process when compared to yeasts untreated with the analogue peptides. In conclusion, we suggest that LL-37 analogue peptides may play an important antimicrobial role against Candida spp.
Insights
New antimicrobial peptides show promise against drug-resistant Candida infections. LL-37 analogues, LL37-1 and AC-2, effectively inhibited fungal growth and biofilm formation in vitro, offering potential new antifungal therapies.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Fungal infections, particularly by Candida species, are increasing, causing significant illness and death.
- Antifungal resistance in Candida poses a major public health challenge, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Antimicrobial peptides, like LL-37, offer a potential alternative due to their membrane-disrupting and immunomodulatory properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of LL-37 analogue peptides against various Candida species.
- To assess the efficacy of these peptides against clinical isolates from vulvovaginal candidiasis patients.
- To investigate the impact of LL-37 analogues on Candida growth and biofilm formation.
Main Methods:
- Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) determination for LL-37 analogue peptides (AC-1, LL37-1, AC-2, D).
- Analysis of yeast growth curves following peptide exposure.
- XTT assay to quantify biofilm formation inhibition.
Main Results:
- LL37-1 and AC-2 demonstrated potent antifungal activity with low MICs (0.07 µM) against studied Candida strains.
- Peptide treatment significantly inhibited Candida yeast growth, as confirmed by growth curve analysis.
- The XTT assay revealed a significant reduction in biofilm formation upon exposure to LL-37 analogue peptides.
Conclusions:
- LL-37 analogue peptides, specifically LL37-1 and AC-2, exhibit significant in vitro antimicrobial activity against Candida species.
- These peptides effectively inhibit both fungal growth and biofilm formation, suggesting therapeutic potential.
- LL-37 analogue peptides represent a promising avenue for developing new antifungal treatments against challenging Candida infections.
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