A broad spectrum anti-bacterial peptide with an adjunct potential for tuberculosis chemotherapy

Sci Rep. 2021 Feb 18;11(1):4201. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-83755-3.

Abstract

Alternative ways to prevent and treat infectious diseases are needed. Previously, we identified a fungal peptide, NZX, that was comparable to rifampicin in lowering M. tuberculosis load in a murine tuberculosis (TB) infection model. Here we assessed the potential synergy between this cationic host defence peptide (CHDP) and the current TB drugs and analysed its pharmacokinetics. We found additive effect of this peptide with isoniazid and ethambutol and confirmed these results with ethambutol in a murine TB-model. In vivo, the peptide remained stable in circulation and preserved lung structure better than ethambutol alone. Antibiotic resistance studies did not induce mutants with reduced susceptibility to the peptide. We further observed that this peptide was effective against nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), such as M. avium and M. abscessus, and several Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. In conclusion, the presented data supports a role for this CHDP in the treatment of drug resistant organisms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / pharmacology*
  • Ethambutol / pharmacology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Isoniazid / pharmacology
  • Male
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests / methods
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / diet therapy
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / drug effects
  • Nontuberculous Mycobacteria / drug effects
  • Rifampin / pharmacology
  • Tuberculosis / drug therapy*
  • Tuberculosis / microbiology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides
  • Ethambutol
  • Isoniazid
  • Rifampin