Abstract | BACKGROUND: Because the human lactoferrin-derived peptide, hLF(1-11), exerts potent in vitro candidacidal activity, we investigated whether it displays antifungal activity against disseminated Candida albicans infections. METHODS: Neutropenic mice were intravenously infected with C. albicans and, 24 h later, were injected with hLF(1-11); 18 h later, the number of viable yeasts in the kidneys was determined microbiologically, the size and number of infectious foci were determined histologically, and serum cytokine levels were determined by immunoassays. RESULTS: hLF(1-11) was effective (maximum reduction, 1.5 logs) against disseminated C. albicans infections, and its antifungal activity leveled off at a concentration of 0.4 ng of hLF(1-11)/kg of body weight. The antifungal activity of hLF(1-11) was increased in mice injected with interleukin (IL)-10 neutralizing antibodies, which suggests that IL-10 reduces the antifungal activity of hLF(1-11). In agreement with this result was the finding that injection of high doses of hLF(1-11) into infected mice was accompanied by increased levels of IL-10 in serum. Microscopic analysis revealed that infectious foci in kidneys of hLF(1-11)-treated mice contained mainly blastoconidia, whereas filamentous forms were abundant in untreated mice. The peptide inhibited the in vitro morphological transition of C. albicans, in a dose-dependent manner. : hLF(1-11) is effective against disseminated C. albicans infections; and its effects on C. albicans viability and virulence and on host cells may explain this antifungal activity.
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Authors | Antonella Lupetti, Carlo P J M Brouwer, Sylvia J P Bogaards, Mick M Welling, Emile de Heer, Mario Campa, Jaap T van Dissel, Robert H E Friesen, Peter H Nibbering |
Journal | The Journal of infectious diseases
(J Infect Dis)
Vol. 196
Issue 9
Pg. 1416-24
(Nov 01 2007)
ISSN: 0022-1899 [Print] United States |
PMID | 17922408
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Antifungal Agents
- Carrier Proteins
- LTF protein, human
- Interleukin-10
- Fluconazole
- Lactoferrin
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Topics |
- Animals
- Antifungal Agents
(pharmacology)
- Candida albicans
(drug effects)
- Candidiasis
(drug therapy, microbiology)
- Carrier Proteins
(pharmacology)
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Drug Resistance, Fungal
- Female
- Fluconazole
(pharmacology)
- Humans
- Interleukin-10
(blood)
- Kidney Diseases
(drug therapy, microbiology, pathology)
- Lactoferrin
- Mice
- Neutropenia
- Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms
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