In Vivo Detoxification of Lipopolysaccharide by Antimicrobial Peptides

Bioconjug Chem. 2017 Feb 15;28(2):319-324. doi: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.6b00664. Epub 2016 Dec 20.

Abstract

Abundant lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can result in sepsis and septic shock, indicating a serious Gram-negative bacterial contamination. We have developed a novel strategy based on dendritic antimicrobial peptides that can detoxify LPS. The dendritic antimicrobial peptides bind to LPS at the surface of Gram-negative bacteria, killing the bacteria but removing the LPS from the cell wall of dead Gram-negative bacteria, hence detoxifying pathogenic bacteria in its host cells and effectively improving survival of animals infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Our findings provide a way to detoxify bacterial contamination.

MeSH terms

  • A549 Cells
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / chemistry
  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / metabolism*
  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / pharmacology*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Humans
  • Lipopolysaccharides / metabolism*
  • Lipopolysaccharides / toxicity*
  • Mice
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / drug effects
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / metabolism
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / physiology

Substances

  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides
  • Lipopolysaccharides