Effect of defensin peptides on eukaryotic cells: primary epithelial cells, fibroblasts and squamous cell carcinoma cell lines.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Although the usefulness of the antimicrobial peptides known as defensins has been suggested against oral and skin infections, possible adverse effects of the defensins on the host should be understood before clinical applications can be contemplated.

OBJECTIVE:

In the present study, we investigated how alpha-defensin (HNP-1) and beta-defensins (hBD-1, -2, -3) affect cells including primary epithelial cells, fibroblasts and squamous cell carcinoma cell lines, SCC-9 and KB.

METHOD:

Cell proliferation was assessed by the direct cell counting and XTT assay.

RESULTS:

We found that alpha-defensin promotes proliferation of the epithelial cells at low concentration but has a cytotoxic effect at high concentration. In contrast, beta-defensins have little effect on these cells at any concentration, suggesting that beta-defensins may have no adverse effects on the host.

CONCLUSION:

Therefore, in terms of host response beta-defensins may be more suitable antimicrobial agents for clinical applications than alpha-defensins.

• Authors: Michiko Nishimura, Yoshihiro Abiko, Yoshihito Kurashige, Maiko Takeshima, Mami Yamazaki, Kaoru Kusano, Masato Saitoh, Keisuke Nakashima, Takashi Inoue, Tohru Kaku
• Journal: Journal of dermatological science (J Dermatol Sci) Vol. 36 Issue 2 Pg. 87-95 (Nov 2004) ISSN: 0923-1811 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 15519138 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• DEFB1 protein, human
• DEFB103A protein, human
• DEFB4A protein, human
• Defensins
• alpha-Defensins
• beta-Defensins
• human neutrophil peptide 1

Topics

• Animals
• Carcinoma, Squamous Cell (pathology)
• Cell Count
• Cell Division (drug effects)
• Cell Line, Tumor
• Defensins
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Epithelial Cells (cytology, drug effects)
• Fibroblasts (cytology, drug effects)
• Gingiva (cytology)
• Humans
• Swine
• alpha-Defensins (administration & dosage, pharmacology)
• beta-Defensins (pharmacology)