Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2025
Quantifying the Antifungal Activity of Peptides Against Candida albicans
Published on: January 13, 2023
Differential expression of antimicrobial peptides in human fungal keratitis
Jia-Song Wang1, Xi Peng1, Zhao Zhao1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei Province, China.
Aim:
To analyze a series of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in corneal tissue from individuals with fungal keratitis (FK) during the active phase of the fungus infection and after healing.
Methods:
Patients undergone lamellar keratoplasty for the treatment of severe FK or corneal scar had their corneal buttons sampled. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to ascertain the gene expression of human beta-defensin (HBD)-1, -2, -3, -9, S100A7, 8, 9, and LL-37.
Results:
All AMPs' messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression was considerably elevated in all samples (n=12). In contrast to controls, where HBD-2, -3, and S100A7 mRNAs were expressed at very low levels, it was discovered that HBD-1, -9, S100A8, S100A9, and LL-37 were constitutively expressed in all healed samples (n=4). HBD-1, -2 -3, S100A7, and LL-37 mRNAs were significantly increased in all active FK samples (n=8). The levels of HBD-9, S100A8, and S100A9 mRNAs were moderately upregulated in all active FK samples. Subgroup comparison showed that HBD-2 was significantly increased in Fusarium keratitis samples (n=5), and LL-37 mRNAs were significantly enhanced in Aspergillus keratitis samples (n=3). Whereas there was not significantly increased of HBD-1, -3, -9, S100A7, 8, 9 mRNA in Aspergillus keratitis samples compared with Fusarium keratitis samples.
Conclusion:
AMPs expression is increased in active FK, but not all AMPs are equally expressed. HBD-2 and LL-37 expression levels are the highest, showing some specificity of AMP expression related to FK. Human AMPs, particularly HBD-2 may play a significant role in Fusarium keratitis and LL-37 might be the key player in Aspergillus keratitis.
Insights
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are elevated in active fungal keratitis (FK). Human beta-defensin-2 (HBD-2) and LL-37 show specific roles in Fusarium and Aspergillus keratitis, respectively.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Fungal keratitis (FK) is a serious eye infection.
- Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are crucial in innate immunity against pathogens.
- Understanding AMPs' role in FK can inform treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the expression of various AMPs in corneal tissue during active FK and after healing.
- To investigate potential differences in AMP expression related to specific fungal species.
Main Methods:
- Corneal tissue samples were obtained from patients undergoing lamellar keratoplasty for severe FK or corneal scars.
- Quantitative real-time PCR was employed to measure the gene expression of specific AMPs, including human beta-defensin (HBD) variants and LL-37.
Main Results:
- All studied AMPs showed elevated messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression in active FK samples compared to healed samples.
- HBD-1, -9, S100A8, S100A9, and LL-37 were constitutively expressed in healed corneal tissue.
- HBD-2 mRNA levels were significantly higher in Fusarium keratitis, while LL-37 mRNA was significantly elevated in Aspergillus keratitis.
Conclusions:
- AMPs expression is significantly upregulated during active fungal keratitis.
- Specific AMPs, notably HBD-2 and LL-37, demonstrate differential expression patterns linked to Fusarium and Aspergillus species, respectively.
- These findings suggest a targeted role for certain AMPs in the host response to different fungal pathogens causing keratitis.
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