Evaluation of LL-37 antimicrobial peptide derivatives alone and in combination with vancomycin against S. aureus

J Antibiot (Tokyo). 2018 Nov;71(11):971-974. doi: 10.1038/s41429-018-0090-7. Epub 2018 Aug 17.

Abstract

Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infections continues to be a challenge due to antimicrobial resistance. Endogenous antimicrobial peptides may offer a new option for treating S. aureus infections but several factors limit their clinical utility. Herein, we studied the activity of the antimicrobial peptide LL-37 and two truncated derivatives, LL-13 and LL-17 alone and in combination with vancomycin against a range of drug-resistant S. aureus strains including methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin resistant S. aureus (VRSA) strains in vitro. When used with vancomycin, LL-13 and LL-17 displayed synergy against VRSA and showed the ability to restore sensitivity to vancomycin after pretreatment. In addition, LL-13 and LL-17 showed a strong ability to inhibit S. aureus biofilm production. LL-37 derivatives may be useful in treating infections that are resistant to vancomycin or in scenarios where biofilm formation is a concern.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / administration & dosage
  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / pharmacology*
  • Cathelicidins
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Methicillin Resistance*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects*
  • Vancomycin / administration & dosage
  • Vancomycin / pharmacology*
  • Vancomycin Resistance*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides
  • Vancomycin
  • Cathelicidins