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Combinatory Use of hLF(1-11), a Synthetic Peptide Derived from Human Lactoferrin, and Fluconazole/Amphotericin B

Carlo P J M Brouwer1,2, Bart Theelen2,3, Youp van der Linden2

  • 1CBMR Scientific Inc., Edmonton, AB T6J4V9, Canada.

Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 29, 2024
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Human lactoferrin peptide hLF(1-11) effectively combats resistant Malassezia furfur strains. Combining hLF(1-11) with existing antifungals enhances treatment efficacy against yeast infections.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Biochemistry
  • Antimicrobial Research

Background:

  • Growing resistance of Malassezia yeasts to conventional antifungal drugs necessitates new therapeutic agents.
  • Human lactoferrin-derived peptides exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties.
  • Optimizing yeast growth conditions and viability assays in low-lipid media is crucial for evaluating peptide efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of human lactoferrin-derived peptide hLF(1-11) against Malassezia furfur.
  • To assess the synergistic effects of hLF(1-11) in combination with established antifungal drugs.

Main Methods:

  • Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of 30 Malassezia furfur strains with diverse IGS1 genotypes.
  • Determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for hLF(1-11).
  • Fractional inhibitory concentration index (FIC) calculations for drug combinations.

Main Results:

  • hLF(1-11) demonstrated inhibitory activity against all tested Malassezia species, with MIC values between 12.5 and 100 μg/mL.
  • Combinatory tests revealed synergistic or additive effects (FIC ≤ 1.0) for most Malassezia furfur strains when hLF(1-11) was combined with antifungal drugs.
  • The peptide effectively inhibited yeast growth, indicating potential for enhanced antifungal therapies.

Conclusions:

  • hLF(1-11) shows promise as a complementary agent in treating resistant Malassezia infections.
  • Combination therapy with hLF(1-11) and standard antifungals like fluconazole or amphotericin can improve treatment outcomes.
  • This approach enhances the potency of existing antifungal drugs against resistant yeast strains.
Keywords:
MalasseziaantifungalshLF(1-11)lactoferrinpeptidesynergytreatment

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