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New Insight and Applications of Multifunction Antimicrobial Peptides

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2023) | Viewed by 9271

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
BIOECOAGRO Unit of Research INRAE 1158, Lille University, 59655 Villeneuve d’Ascq, France
Interests: microbiology; molecular biology; antimicrobials; food safety; food microbiology; antibacterial activity; probiotics; lactic acid bacteria; bacteriocins; fungi; foodborne pathogens

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), or host defense peptides (HDPs), are produced by all living organisms. In eukaryotes, these peptides are considered as the first barrier of innate immune system against external threats. In prokaryotes, AMPs could be ribosomally or non-ribosomally synthesized, leading to the elimination of intruders through different modes of action. The main target of these peptides is the cytoplasmic membrane; however, DNA, cell wall, and protein synthesis are also affected by some AMPs. Currently, antimicrobial resistance is acknowledged as a major concern in the world. Their misuses have enabled the development and dissemination of microorganisms with expanded antibiotic resistance capability. Research on the alternatives to tackle this phenomenon is urgently needed, as supported by different national and international organizations. Today, AMPs have largely demonstrated their effectiveness on several malevolent bacteria, such as vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria. In addition to their antibacterial activity, AMPs are also endowed with further functions, including antiviral, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinoma activities. Some of these peptides are even able to modulate the immune response of host organisms, regulating cytokine secretion and dendritic cell behavior, and enhance recovery abilities. This “multifunction status” of AMPs renders these molecules a new category of drugs whose potential has been steadily reported and documented.

Dr. Yanath Belguesmia
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • antimicrobial peptides
  • AMP
  • host defense peptides
  • HDP
  • defensins
  • cathelicidin
  • bacteriocins
  • colicin
  • bacteriocin-like inhibitory substance
  • BLIS
  • pharmaceutical formulations
  • One-Health
  • immunomodulation
  • anti-cancer activity
  • antiviral activity
  • therapeutic agent

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Review

18 pages, 804 KiB  
Review
Colicins and Microcins Produced by Enterobacteriaceae: Characterization, Mode of Action, and Putative Applications
by Katarina G. Marković, Mirjana Ž. Grujović, Maja G. Koraćević, Danijela D. Nikodijević, Milena G. Milutinović, Teresa Semedo-Lemsaddek and Milan D. Djilas
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11825; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811825 - 19 Sep 2022
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3905
Abstract
Enterobacteriaceae are widely present in many environments related to humans, including the human body and the food that they consume, from both plant or animal origin. Hence, they are considered relevant members of the gastrointestinal tract microbiota. On the other hand, these bacteria [...] Read more.
Enterobacteriaceae are widely present in many environments related to humans, including the human body and the food that they consume, from both plant or animal origin. Hence, they are considered relevant members of the gastrointestinal tract microbiota. On the other hand, these bacteria are also recognized as putative pathogens, able to impair human health and, in food, they are considered indicators for the microbiological quality and hygiene status of a production process. Nevertheless, beneficial properties have also been associated with Enterobacteriaceae, such as the ability to synthesize peptides and proteins, which can have a role in the structure of microbial communities. Among these antimicrobial molecules, those with higher molecular mass are called colicins, while those with lower molecular mass are named microcins. In recent years, some studies show an emphasis on molecules that can help control the development of pathogens. However, not enough data are available on this subject, especially related to microcins. Hence, this review gathers and summarizes current knowledge on colicins and microcins, potential usage in the treatment of pathogen-associated diseases and cancer, as well as putative applications in food biotechnology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insight and Applications of Multifunction Antimicrobial Peptides)
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12 pages, 3258 KiB  
Review
Broadening and Enhancing Bacteriocins Activities by Association with Bioactive Substances
by Hassan Zgheib, Djamel Drider and Yanath Belguesmia
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(21), 7835; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17217835 - 26 Oct 2020
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4842
Abstract
Bacteriocins are antimicrobial peptides some of which are endowed with antiviral, anticancer and antibiofilm properties. These properties could be improved through synergistic interactions of these bacteriocins with other bioactive molecules such as antibiotics, phages, nanoparticles and essential oils. A number of studies are [...] Read more.
Bacteriocins are antimicrobial peptides some of which are endowed with antiviral, anticancer and antibiofilm properties. These properties could be improved through synergistic interactions of these bacteriocins with other bioactive molecules such as antibiotics, phages, nanoparticles and essential oils. A number of studies are steadily reporting the effects of these combinations as new and potential therapeutic strategies in the future, as they may offer many incentives over existing therapies. In particular, bacteriocins can benefit from combination with nanoparticles which can improve their stability and solubility, and protect them from enzymatic degradation, reduce their interactions with other molecules and improve their bioavailability. Furthermore, the combination of bacteriocins with other antimicrobials is foreseen as a way to reduce the development of antibiotic resistance due to the involvement of several modes of action. Another relevant advantage of these synergistic combinations is that it decreases the concentration of each antimicrobial component, thereby reducing their side effects such as their toxicity. In addition, combination can extend the utility of bacteriocins as antiviral or anticancer agents. Thus, in this review, we report and discuss the synergistic effects of bacteriocin combinations as medicines, and also for other diverse applications including, antiviral, antispoilage, anticancer and antibiofilms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insight and Applications of Multifunction Antimicrobial Peptides)
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