Effect of induced expression of an antimicrobial peptide melittin on Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma hominis infections in vivo.

Abstract

A plasmid construct was designed in which the gene of antimicrobial peptide melittin is controlled by the tetracycline-responsive promoter of human cytomegalovirus, aided by a constitutively expressed trans-activator protein gene. Its vaginal administration and induction of melittin gene transcription with doxycycline markedly suppressed subsequent genital tract infection of mice by Mycoplasma hominis and Chlamydia trachomatis. At least half of the melittin-protected animals proved free of either pathogen within 3-4 weeks. Recombinant plasmids expressing genes of antimicrobial peptides hold much promise as agents for prevention and control of urogenital latent infections.

• Authors: V N Lazarev, M M Shkarupeta, G A Titova, E S Kostrjukova, T A Akopian, V M Govorun
• Journal: Biochemical and biophysical research communications (Biochem Biophys Res Commun) Vol. 338 Issue 2 Pg. 946-50 (Dec 16 2005) ISSN: 0006-291X [Print] United States
• PMID: 16246304 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides
• Melitten

Topics

• Animals
• Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides (genetics, metabolism, therapeutic use)
• Chlamydia Infections (metabolism, microbiology, therapy)
• Chlamydia trachomatis (isolation & purification)
• Female
• Gene Transfer Techniques
• Genetic Therapy (methods)
• Melitten (genetics, metabolism, therapeutic use)
• Mice
• Mice, Inbred BALB C
• Mycoplasma Infections (metabolism, microbiology, therapy)
• Mycoplasma hominis (isolation & purification)
• Plasmids (administration & dosage)
• Treatment Outcome
• Vaginitis (metabolism, microbiology, therapy)