Antimicrobial defense systems in saliva.

The oral cavity is one of the most heavily colonized parts of our body. The warm, nutrient-rich and moist environment promotes the growth of a diverse microflora. One of the factors responsible for the ecological equilibrium in the mouth is saliva, which in several ways affects the colonization and growth of bacteria. In this paper, we discuss the various mechanisms by which the composition of the oral microflora is modulated by saliva. Saliva covers the oral hard and soft tissues with a conditioning film which governs the initial attachment of microorganisms, a crucial step in the setup of the oral microflora. It furthermore contains proteins which in the soluble phase bind to bacteria, blocking their adherence to surfaces. When the supply of nutrients is diminished, bacteria use salivary glycoproteins, especially high-molecular-weight mucins, as a source of complex carbohydrates, requiring a consortium of microorganisms for breakdown. In this way saliva promotes the complexity of the oral microflora, which in itself protects against overgrowth by few pathogenic species. Finally, saliva harbors a large panel of antimicrobial proteins which directly and indirectly inhibit uncontrolled outgrowth of bacteria. These include lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase, lysozyme and antimicrobial peptides. Under pathological conditions serum leakage occurs, and saliva mobilizes the humoral and cellular defense mechanisms in the blood. In sum, saliva favors the establishment of a highly diverse microflora, rather than a semisterile environment.

DMBT1 functions as pattern-recognition molecule for poly-sulfated and poly-phosphorylated ligands.

Deleted in malignant brain tumors 1 (DMBT1) is a secreted glycoprotein displaying a broad bacterial-binding spectrum. Recent functional and genetic studies linked DMBT1 to the suppression of LPS-induced TLR4-mediated NF-kappaB activation and to the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease. Here, we aimed at unraveling the molecular basis of its function in mucosal protection and of its broad pathogen-binding specificity. We report that DMBT1 directly interacts with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) and carrageenan, a structurally similar sulfated polysaccharide, which is used as a texturizer and thickener in human dietary products. However, binding of DMBT1 does not reduce the cytotoxic effects of these agents to intestinal epithelial cells in vitro. DSS and carrageenan compete for DMBT1-mediated bacterial aggregation via interaction with its bacterial-recognition motif. Competition and ELISA studies identify poly-sulfated and poly-phosphorylated structures as ligands for this recognition motif, such as heparansulfate, LPS, and lipoteichoic acid. Dose-response studies in Dmbt1(-/-) and Dmbt1(+/+) mice utilizing the DSS-induced colitis model demonstrate a differential response only to low but not to high DSS doses. We propose that DMBT1 functions as pattern-recognition molecule for poly-sulfated and poly-phosphorylated ligands providing a molecular basis for its broad bacterial-binding specificity and its inhibitory effects on LPS-induced TLR4-mediated NF-kappaB activation.

Bactericidal activity of LFchimera is stronger and less sensitive to ionic strength than its constituent lactoferricin and lactoferrampin peptides.

The innate immunity factor lactoferrin harbours two antimicrobial moieties, lactoferricin and lactoferrampin, situated in close proximity in the N1 domain of the molecule. Most likely they cooperate in many of the beneficial activities of lactoferrin. To investigate whether chimerization of both peptides forms a functional unit we designed a chimerical structure containing lactoferricin amino acids 17-30 and lactoferrampin amino acids 265-284. The bactericidal activity of this LFchimera was found to be drastically stronger than that of the constituent peptides, as was demonstrated by the need for lower dose, shorter incubation time and less ionic strength dependency. Likewise, strongly enhanced interaction with negatively charged model membranes was found for the LFchimera relative to the constituent peptides. Thus, chimerization of the two antimicrobial peptides resembling their structural orientation in the native molecule strikingly improves their biological activity.

A common binding motif for various bacteria of the bacteria-binding peptide SRCRP2 of DMBT1/gp-340/salivary agglutinin.

Abstract Salivary agglutinin (DMBT1SAG) is identical to lung glycoprotein-340 and encoded by deleted in malignant brain tumors-1. It is a member of the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) superfamily, proteins that have one or more SRCR domains. Salivary agglutinin plays a role in oral innate immunity by the binding and agglutination of oral streptococci. S. mutans has been shown to bind to a 16-mer peptide (QGRVEVLYRGSWGTVC) located within the SRCR domains. Within this peptide, designated SRCR Peptide 2, residues VEVL and W were critical for binding. The aim of this study was to investigate binding of DMBT1SAG to other bacteria. Therefore, interaction between a series of bacteria and DMBT1(SAG), SRCR peptide 2 and its alanine substitution variants was studied in adhesion and agglutination assays. For different bacteria there was a highly significant correlation between adhesion to DMBT1SAG and adhesion to SRCR peptide 2 suggesting that SRCR peptide 2 is the major bacteria binding site. An alanine substitution scan showed that 8 amino acids were involved in binding (xRVEVLYxxSWxxxx). The binding motifs varied for different species were found, but the residues VxVxY and W were always present. In conclusion, a common binding motif (RVEVLYxxxSW) within the SRCR domains is responsible for the broad bacteria-binding spectrum of DMBT1SAG.

Salivary agglutinin/glycoprotein-340/DMBT1: a single molecule with variable composition and with different functions in infection, inflammation and cancer.

Salivary agglutinin (SAG), lung glycoprotein-340 (gp-340) and Deleted in Malignant Brain Tumours 1 (DMBT1) are three names for identical proteins encoded by the dmbt1 gene. DMBT1/SAG/gp-340 belongs to the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) superfamily of proteins, a superfamily of secreted or membrane-bound proteins with SRCR domains that are highly conserved down to sponges, the most ancient metazoa. On the one hand, DMBT1 may represent an innate defence factor acting as a pattern recognition molecule. It interacts with a broad range of pathogens, including cariogenic streptococci and Helicobacter pylori, influenza viruses and HIV, but also with mucosal defence proteins, such as IgA, surfactant proteins and MUC5B. Stimulation of alveolar macrophage migration, suppression of neutrophil oxidative burst and activation of the complement cascade point further to an important role in the regulation of inflammatory responses. On the other hand, DMBT1 has been demonstrated to play a role in epithelial and stem cell differentiation. Inactivation of the gene coding for this protein may lead to disturbed differentiation, possibly resulting in tumour formation. These data strongly point to a role for DMBT1 as a molecule linking innate immune processes with regenerative processes.

Implications for diagnostics in the biochemistry and physiology of saliva.

Oral fluid mainly consists of a mixture of glandular salivas. In addition, it is contaminated by some crevicular fluid, containing serum constituents. The contribution of the various salivary glands shows a continuous variation, resulting in wide ranges of concentrations for all constituents of oral fluid. As a consequence, the collection of oral fluid for diagnostic purposes should be standardized. Oral fluid can be used to detect a number of diseases and recent use of illicit drugs. It can also be used to monitor therapeutic drug concentrations. The development of microchips for salivary components offers great possibilities to use oral fluid for point-of-care testing.

The human cathelicidin peptide LL-37 and truncated variants induce segregation of lipids and proteins in the plasma membrane of Candida albicans.

The human cathelicidin peptide LL-37 and several truncated variants differ in their capability to transmigrate over the plasma membrane of Candida albicans. We investigated whether retention at the cell perimeter or membrane transmigration affects their membrane-disrupting activities and candidacidal properties. Using fluorescein-labeled peptides, we demonstrate that LL-37 and its C-terminally truncated peptide LL-31 remain permanently associated with the perimeter of the cell. The N-terminally truncated peptide RK-31 initially accumulated at the cell boundary, but transmigrated into the cytoplasm within 30 min. The C-terminally truncated peptide LL-25 transmigrated instantaneously into the cytoplasm. The ultrastructural effects on the plasma membrane were studied by freeze-fracture electron microscopy combined with filipin cytochemistry. All peptides, whether they transmigrated over the plasma membrane or not, induced phase separation in the plasma membrane. All peptides induced leakage of cell components, including nucleotides and proteins. Proteins were identified by SDS-PAGE in combination with mass spectrometry, which revealed that predominantly proteins smaller than 50 kDa had leaked out of C. albicans.

Antimicrobial peptides: review of their application in musculoskeletal infections.

Antimicrobial resistance is expected to increase the burden of osteomyelitis drastically. The rise in resistant bacterial strains is driving researchers to find new treatment options. As a potential new antibiotic class, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) combine several attractive intrinsic properties. Their minimal propensity for inducing antimicrobial resistance could be of particular clinical significance. AMPs act as an essential part of the innate immune system and have been identified in virtually all forms of life. These short, positively charged peptides have a combined pore-forming and intracellular killing effect on a broad range of microorganisms. Their reported spectrum of action includes resistant bacterial strains, viruses, and fungi. Moreover, immunomodulating, antitumoric, and angiogenic mechanisms have been reported. We have designed degradable and nondegradable drug-release systems for local treatment with AMPs. In animal models of osteomyelitis, these systems reduced bone infection caused by both resistant and nonresistant strains. The systemic application of several peptides for experimental detection and treatment of bone and soft-tissue infection is also discussed in this review. Radioactive-labeled peptides have accurately discriminated sterile inflammation from active infection in imaging studies. Successful preclinical studies of AMPs indicate that clinical evaluation of these powerful antibiotic agents is in order.

Preparation of LL-37-grafted titanium surfaces with bactericidal activity.

Modification of material surfaces aimed at bestowing them with antimicrobial properties is a promising approach in the development of new biomaterials. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are an attractive alternative to conventional antibiotics because of lack of toxicity, inherently high selectivity, and absence of immune response. As the antimicrobial mode of action of the AMP cathelin LL37 is formation of pores and disruption of microbial membrane, the purpose of the present study was to develop and test a method of covalent immobilization of LL37 on titanium surface. The application of a flexible hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) spacer and selective N-terminal conjugation of LL37 resulted in a surface peptide layer which was capable of killing bacteria on contact.

In vitro gentamicin release from commercially available calcium-phosphate bone substitutes influence of carrier type on duration of the release profile.

BACKGROUND: Polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) beads releasing antibiotics are used extensively to treat osteomyelitis, but require surgical removal afterwards because they do not degrade. METHODS: As an alternative option, this report compares the in vitro gentamicin release profile from clinically used, biodegradable carrier-materials: six injectable cements and six granule-types. Cement cylinders and coated granules containing 3% gentamicin were submerged in dH2O and placed in a 48-sample parallel drug-release system. At regular intervals (30, 90, 180 min. and then every 24 h, for 21 days), the release fluid was exchanged and the gentamicin concentration was measured. The activity of released gentamicin was tested on Staphylococcus aureus. RESULTS: All combinations showed initial burst-release of active gentamicin, two cements had continuous-release (17 days). The relative release of all cements (36-85%) and granules (30-62%) was higher than previously reported for injectable PMMA-cements (up to 17%) and comparable to other biodegradable carriers. From the cements residual gentamicin could be extracted, whereas the granules released all gentamicin that had adhered to the surface. CONCLUSION: The high release achieved shows great promise for clinical application of these biodegradable drug-carriers. Using the appropriate combination, the required release profile (burst or sustained) may be achieved.

A one-enzyme strategy to release an antimicrobial peptide from the LFampin-domain of bovine lactoferrin.

Antimicrobial peptides have been found throughout living nature, yet antimicrobial sequences may still lie hidden within a wide variety of proteins. A rational strategy was developed to select interesting domains, based on the presumed common features of antimicrobial peptides, and to release these from accessible and safe proteins. In silico proteolysis simulations of bovine lactoferrin (bLF) with selected endoproteinases predicted the liberation of peptides that encompasses a cationic amphipathic alpha-helix. Three predicted peptides were synthesized and tested for their biological activity, demonstrating that one single enzyme was sufficient to obtain an antimicrobial peptide. The proof of principle demonstrated that a 32-mer fragment isolated from the endoproteinase AspN digestion of bLF possessed strong antimicrobial activity. Moreover, desalted crude digest had improved activity over native bLF. Hence, selective digestion of bLF increases its antimicrobial activity by release of antimicrobial stretches.

Ultrastructural effects of antimicrobial peptides from bovine lactoferrin on the membranes of Candida albicans and Escherichia coli.

Antimicrobial peptides allegedly exert their action on microbial membranes. Bovine lactoferrin enfold two antimicrobial domains, lactoferricin B (LFcin B) and lactoferrampin (LFampin). Effects of representative peptides thereof on the membranes of Candida albicans and Escherichia coli were investigated. Confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that these peptides were internalized within a few minutes, concurrently with disrupting membrane integrity as indicated by freeze-fracture transmission electron microscopy. The most striking findings were induction of distinct vesicle-like structures in the membrane of C. albicans by the LFampin peptide, and detachment of the outer membrane and surface protrusions in E. coli by the LFcin B peptide.

The management of xerostomia in patients on haemodialysis: comparison of artificial saliva and chewing gum.

Many patients on haemodialysis (HD) therapy suffer from a dry mouth and xerostomia. This can be relieved by mechanical and gustatory stimulation or palliative care. The aim of this crossover study was to investigate the effect and preferences of a sugar-free chewing gum (Freedent White) and a xanthan gum-based artificial saliva (Xialine) in the management of xerostomia in chronic HD patients. Sixty-five HD patients participated in a 6-week crossover trial. The artificial saliva was rated significantly lower than the chewing gum for effectiveness, taste and a global assessment. No preference differences were found for gender and age, although older subjects rated the artificial saliva with a higher mark. Thirty-nine subjects (60%) preferred chewing gum, 15% (n=10) preferred the artificial saliva. Therefore, both chewing gum and artificial saliva could play an important role in the palliative care of xerostomia in HD patients.

Effect of amino acid substitutions on the candidacidal activity of LFampin 265-284.

LFampin 265-284, derived from bovine lactoferrin, has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against the yeast Candida albicans and several Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. A glycine substitution scan was used to identify residues that are important for its candidacidal activity. Each single substitution of a positively charged residue led to considerable reduction in candidacidal activity, for each residue to a different extent. Substitution within the helix-facilitating N-terminal sequence DLIW had less severe effect; substitution of Ile and Trp led to a somewhat reduced potency. No substantial effects were found on the propensity to adopt a helical structure or to bind to C. albicans cells.

Lactoferrampin, an antimicrobial peptide of bovine lactoferrin, exerts its candidacidal activity by a cluster of positively charged residues at the C-terminus in combination with a helix-facilitating N-terminal part.

The antimicrobial activity of bovine lactoferrin (bLF) is attributed to lactoferricin, which is situated in the N1-domain of bLF. Recently, another antimicrobial domain consisting of residues 268-284, designated lactoferrampin (LFampin), has been identified in the N1-domain of bLF, which exhibited antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans and several bacteria. In the present study, the candidacidal activity of a series of peptides spanning this antimicrobial domain was investigated in relation to the charge and the capacity to form a helical conformation in hydrophobic environments. C-Terminal truncation of LFampin resulted in a drastic decrease in candidacidal activity. Positively charged residues clustered at the C-terminal side of the LFampin domain appeared to be crucial for the candidacidal activity. The ability to adopt helical conformations did not change when LFampin was truncated at the C-terminal side. N-Terminally truncated LFampin peptides, truncated up to the sequence 270-284, were more reluctant to adopt a helical conformation. Therefore, we conclude that the C-terminal part of LFampin 265-284, which is the most active peptide, is crucial for its candidacidal activity, due to the presence of clustered positive charges, and that the N-terminal part is essential for activity as it facilitates helix formation.

Candidacidal effects of two antimicrobial peptides: histatin 5 causes small membrane defects, but LL-37 causes massive disruption of the cell membrane.

The effects of antimicrobial peptides on artificial membranes have been well-documented; however, reports on the ultrastructural effects on the membranes of micro-organisms are relatively scarce. We compared the effects of histatin 5 and LL-37, two antimicrobial peptides present in human saliva, on the functional and morphological properties of the Candida albicans cell membrane. Fluorescence microscopy and immunogold transmission electron microscopy revealed that LL-37 remained associated with the cell wall and cell membrane, whereas histatin 5 transmigrated over the membrane and accumulated intracellularly. Freeze-fracture electron microscopy revealed that LL-37 severely affected the membrane morphology, resulting in the disintegration of the membrane bilayer into discrete vesicles, and an instantaneous efflux of small molecules such as ATP as well as larger molecules such as proteins with molecular masses up to 40 kDa. The effects of histatin 5 on the membrane morphology were less pronounced, but still resulted in the efflux of nucleotides. As the morphological defects induced by histatin 5 are much smaller than those induced by LL-37, but the efflux of nucleotides is similar at comparable candidacidal concentrations, we suggest that the loss of nucleotides plays an important role in the killing process.

Chewing gum and a saliva substitute alleviate thirst and xerostomia in patients on haemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: Most patients on haemodialysis (HD) have to maintain a fluid-restricted diet to prevent a high interdialytic weight gain (IWG). The prevalence of xerostomia (the feeling of a dry mouth) is higher in HD patients than in controls. Recently, we demonstrated that xerostomia and thirst were positively correlated with IWG in HD patients. Thus, this may play a role as a stimulus for fluid intake between dialysis sessions. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of chewing gum or a saliva substitute on xerostomia, thirst and IWG. METHODS: This study was a randomized two-treatment crossover design with repeated measures. After the use of chewing gum or saliva substitute for 2 weeks, a wash-out period of 2 weeks was introduced and hereafter the other regimen was carried out. Xerostomia and thirst were assessed by validated questionnaires as xerostomia inventory (XI) and dialysis thirst inventory (DTI), at baseline and after each treatment period, as were IWG and salivary flow rates. RESULTS: Sixty-five HD patients (42 men, 54.6+/-14.1 years; 23 women, 54.7+/-16.3 years) participated in this study. Chewing gum decreased XI from 29.9+/-9.5 to 28.1+/-9.1 (P<0.05). Chewing gum as well as a saliva substitute reduced DTI significantly (P<0.05), but no differences occurred for the average IWG or salivary flow rates. CONCLUSIONS: The use of chewing gum and, to a lesser extent, a saliva substitute may alleviate thirst and xerostomia in some HD patients.

Bacteria binding by DMBT1/SAG/gp-340 is confined to the VEVLXXXXW motif in its scavenger receptor cysteine-rich domains.

The scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) proteins form an archaic group of metazoan proteins characterized by the presence of SRCR domains. These proteins are classified in group A and B based on the number of conserved cysteine residues in their SRCR domains, i.e. six for group A and eight for group B. The protein DMBT1 (deleted in malignant brain tumors 1), which is identical to salivary agglutinin and lung gp-340, belongs to the group B SRCR proteins and is considered to be involved in tumor suppression and host defense by pathogen binding. In a previous study we used nonoverlapping synthetic peptides covering the SRCR consensus sequence to identify a 16-amino acid bacteria-binding protein loop (peptide SRCRP2; QGRVEVLYRGSWGTVC) within the SRCR domains. In this study, using overlapping peptides, we pinpointed the minimal bacteria-binding site on SRCRP2, and thus DMBT1, to an 11-amino acid motif (DMBT1 pathogen-binding site 1 or DMBT1pbs1; GRVEVLYRGSW). An alanine substitution scan revealed that VEVL and Trp are critical residues in this motif. Bacteria binding by DMBT1pbs1 was different from the bacteria binding by the macrophage receptor MARCO in which an RXR motif was critical. In addition, the homologous consensus sequences of a number of SRCR proteins were synthesized and tested for bacteria binding. Only consensus sequences of DMBT1 orthologues bound bacteria by this motif.

A peptide domain of bovine milk lactoferrin inhibits the interaction between streptococcal surface protein antigen and a salivary agglutinin peptide domain.

The peptide domain of salivary agglutinin responsible for its interaction with cell surface protein antigen (PAc) of Streptococcus mutans or bovine lactoferrin was found in the same peptide, scavenger receptor cysteine-rich domain peptide 2 (SRCRP2). Inhibition studies suggest that PAc and lactoferrin, of which residues 480 to 492 seem important, competitively bind to the SRCRP2 domain of salivary agglutinin.