Novel selective proline-based peptidomimetics for human cathepsin K inhibition.

Human cathepsin K (CatK) stands out as a promising target for the treatment of osteoporosis, considering its role in degrading the bone matrix. Given the small and shallow S2 subsite of CatK and considering its preference for proline or hydroxyproline, we now propose the rigidification of the leucine fragment found at the P2 position in a dipeptidyl-based inhibitor, generating rigid proline-based analogs. Accordingly, with these new proline-based peptidomimetics inhibitors, we selectively inhibited CatK against other human cathepsins (B, L and S). Among these new ligands, the most active one exhibited a high affinity (pKi = 7.3 - 50.1 nM) for CatK and no inhibition over the other cathepsins. This specific inhibitor harbors two novel substituents never employed in other CatK inhibitors: the trifluoromethylpyrazole and the 4-methylproline at P3 and P2 positions. These results broaden and advance the path toward new potent and selective inhibitors for CatK.

TNF-mimetic peptide mixed with fibrin glue improves peripheral nerve regeneration.

Surgical intervention is necessary following nerve trauma. Tubular prostheses can guide growing axons and inserting substances within these prostheses can be positive for the regeneration, making it an alternative for the current standard tools for nerve repair. Our aim was to investigate the effects of fibrin glue BthTL when combined with a synthetic TNF mimetic-action peptide on nerve regeneration. Male Wistar rats suffered left sciatic nerve transection. For repairing, we used empty silicon tubes (n = 10), tubes filled with fibrin glue BthTL (Tube + Glue group, n = 10) or tubes filled with fibrin glue BThTL mixed with TNF mimetic peptide (Tube + Glue + Pep group, n = 10). Animals were euthanized after 45 days. We collected nerves to perform immunostaining (neurofilament, GAP43, S100-ß, NGFRp75 and Iba-1), light and transmission electron microscopy (for counting myelinated, unmyelinated and degenerated fibers; and for the evaluation of morphometric aspects of regenerated fibers) and collagen staining. All procedures were approved by local ethics committee (protocol 063/17). Tube + Glue + Pep group showed intense inflammatory infiltrate, higher Iba-1 expression, increased immunostaining for NGFRp75 receptor (which characterizes Schwann cell regenerative phenotype), higher myelin thickness and fiber diameter and more type III collagen deposition. Tube + Glue group showed intermediate results between empty tube and Tube + Glue + Pep groups for anti-NGFRp75 immunostaining, inflammation and collagen; on fiber counts, this group showed more degenerate fibers and fewer unmyelinated axons than others. Empty tube group showed superiority only in GAP43 immunostaining. A combination of BthTL glue and TNF mimetic peptide induced greater axonal regrowth and remyelination.

Design and characterization of high-affinity synthetic peptides as bioreceptors for diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is one of the illnesses caused by Leishmania parasite infection, which can be asymptomatic or severe according to the infecting Leishmania strain. CL is commonly diagnosed by directly detecting the parasites or their DNA in tissue samples. New diagnostic methodologies target specific proteins (biomarkers) secreted by the parasite during the infection process. However, specific bioreceptors for the in vivo or in vitro detection of these novel biomarkers are rather limited in terms of sensitivity and specificity. For this reason, we here introduce three novel peptides as bioreceptors for the highly sensitive and selective identification of acid phosphatase (sAP) and proteophosphoglycan (PPG), which have a crucial role in leishmaniasis infection. These high-affinity peptides have been designed from the conservative domains of the lectin family, holding the ability to interact with the biological target and produce the same effect than the original protein. The synthetic peptides have been characterized and the affinity and kinetic constants for their interaction with the targets (sAP and PPG) have been determined by a surface plasmon resonance biosensor. Values obtained for KD are in the nanomolar range, which is comparable to high-affinity antibodies, with the additional advantage of a high biochemical stability and simpler production. Pep2854 exhibited a high affinity for sAP (KD = 1.48 nM) while Pep2856 had a good affinity for PPG (KD 1.76 nM). This study evidences that these peptidomimetics represent a novel alternative tool to the use of high molecular weight proteins for biorecognition in the diagnostic test and biosensor devices for CL.

New approaches towards the synthesis of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro isoquinoline-3-phosphonic acid (TicP).

Two new strategies for the efficient synthesis of racemic 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-phosphonic acid (TicP) (±)-2 have been developed. The first strategy involves the electron-transfer reduction of the easily obtained α,ß-dehydro phosphonophenylalanine followed by a Pictet-Spengler cyclization. The second strategy involves a radical decarboxylation-phosphorylation reaction on 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic). In both strategies, the highly electrophilic N-acyliminium ion is formed as a key intermediate, and the target compound is obtained in good yield using mild reaction conditions and readily available starting materials, complementing existing methodologies and contributing to the easy accessibility of (±)-2 for further research.

Rational design of mimetic peptides based on the interaction between Inga laurina inhibitor and trypsins for Spodoptera cosmioides pest control.

The interaction of Inga laurina Kunitz inhibitor with insect trypsins is an example of protein-protein interaction with potential application for the pest control. However, the crop field application of proteins as inhibitors is limited due to high production cost, the large molecular size and low environmental stability. The use of mimetic peptides that have molecular features associated with the protein inhibitor can result in a product with lower cost and higher efficiency for the agricultural application. Here, we designed mimetic peptides deriving from globular domains of ILTI that are predicted to interact with trypsin enzymes of Lepidoptera pest. Two linear peptides were identified and synthetized from the interface of interaction between trypsin-ILTI complexes. These peptides were derived due to its high-energy contribution for the biding affinity between the enzyme-protein inhibitor. The peptides showed structural stability, propensity to adopt the bound conformation also without the context of the protein, inhibitory activity of digestive trypsins and toxic effects on the S. cosmioides, indicating that they can be used as potential inhibitor for pest control.

Characterization of Three Osmotin-Like Proteins from Plumeria rubra and Prospection for Adiponectin Peptidomimetics.

BACKGROUND: Osmotin-Like Proteins (OLPs) have been purified and characterized from different plant tissues, including latex fluids. Besides its defensive role, tobacco osmotin seems to induce adiponectin-like physiological effects, acting as an agonist. However, molecular information about this agonistic effect on adiponectin receptors has been poorly exploited and other osmotins have not been investigated yet. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: The present study involved the characterization of three OLPs from Plumeria rubra latex and molecular docking studies to evaluate the interaction between them and adiponectin receptors (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2). RESULTS: P. rubra Osmotin-Like Proteins (PrOLPs) exhibited molecular masses from 21 to 25 kDa and isoelectric points ranging from 4.4 to 7.7. The proteins have 16 cysteine residues, which are involved in eight disulfide bonds, conserved in the same positions as other plant OLPs. The threedimensional (3D) models exhibited the three typical domains of OLPs, and molecular docking analysis showed that two PrOLP peptides interacted with two adiponectin receptors similarly to tobacco osmotin peptide. CONCLUSION: As observed for tobacco osmotin, the latex osmotins of P. rubra exhibited compatible interactions with adiponectin receptors. Therefore, these plant defense proteins (without known counterparts in humans) are potential tools to study modulation of glucose metabolism in type II diabetes, where adiponectin plays a pivotal role in homeostasis.

Comparative gender peptidomics of Bothrops atrox venoms: are there differences between them?

Bothrops atrox is known to be the pit viper responsible for most snakebites and human fatalities in the Amazon region. It can be found in a wide geographical area including northern South America, the east of Andes and the Amazon basin. Possibly, due to its wide distribution and generalist feeding, intraspecific venom variation was reported by previous proteomics studies. Sex-based and ontogenetic variations on venom compositions of Bothrops snakes were also subject of proteomic and peptidomic analysis. However, the venom peptidome of B. atrox remains unknown. Methods: We conducted a mass spectrometry-based analysis of the venom peptides of individual male and female specimens combining bottom-up and top-down approaches. Results: We identified in B. atrox a total of 105 native peptides in the mass range of 0.4 to 13.9 kDa. Quantitative analysis showed that phospholipase A2 and bradykinin potentiating peptides were the most abundant peptide families in both genders, whereas disintegrin levels were significantly increased in the venoms of females. Known peptides processed at non-canonical sites and new peptides as the Ba1a, which contains the SVMP BATXSVMPII1 catalytic site, were also revealed in this work. Conclusion: The venom peptidomes of male and female specimens of B. atrox were analyzed by mass spectrometry-based approaches in this work. The study points to differences in disintegrin levels in the venoms of females that may result in distinct pathophysiology of envenomation. Further research is required to explore the potential biological implications of this finding.(AU)

Discovery of a new isomannide-based peptidomimetic synthetized by Ugi multicomponent reaction as human tissue kallikrein 1 inhibitor.

Human kallikrein 1 (KLK1) is the most extensively studied member of this family and plays a major role in inflammation processes. From Ugi multicomponent reactions, isomannide-based peptidomimetic 10 and 13 where synthesized and showed low micromolar values of IC50 for KLK1 The most active compound (10) presented competitive mechanism, with three structural modifications important to interact with active site residues which corroborates its KLK1 inhibition. Finally, the most active compound also showed good ADMET profile, which indicates compound 10 as a potential hit in the search for new KLK1 inhibitors with low side effects.

Peptídeos peptidomiméticos da película adquirida do esmalte: efeitos no crescimento de cristal de hidroxiapatita / Peptidomimetics of acquired enamel pellicle peptides: effects on hydroxyapatite crystal growth

Os peptídeos da estaterina (DR9) e da histatina 3 (RR14), que ocorrem naturalmente na película in vivo, amplificam o efeito inibitório do crescimento de cristais de hidroxiapatita, função relacionada à remineralizarão do esmalte e formação de cálculos dentários. A hipótese da duplicação/hibridação de domínios funcionais dos peptídeos DR9 da estaterina e RR14 da histatina 3 foi testada. Para isto, os peptídeos peptidomiméticos (DR9-DR9, DR9-RR14), além deles individualmente e suas proteínas intactas (DR9, RR14, estaterina e histatina 3) foram estudados em sete concentrações diferentes para avaliar o efeito da inibição do crescimento de cristais de hidroxiapatita. Foi utilizado um ensaio colorimétrico de microplaca para quantificar o crescimento de cristais de hidroxiapatita. As experiências foram feitas em triplicata e a concentração inibitória (IC50) foi estabelecida para cada grupo. A IC50 foi calculada para todos os peptídeos e proteínas testados. A histatina 3 e o RR14 não atingiram o valor de IC50. O DR9- RR14 atingiu o valor de IC50 a 3,80 M. Como esperado, DR9 e DR9-DR9 demonstraram um efeito inibitório significativo na atividade de crescimento de cristais, atingindo o valor de IC50 a 2,82 M e 1,07 M, respectivamente. A estaterina atingiu o valor de IC50 a 2,50 M. Na análise estatística, foram aplicados os testes ANOVA e Student-Newman-Keuls para comparações por pares, para comparar os valores entre os grupos. O DR9-DR9 amplificou o efeito inibitório do crescimento de cristais de hidroxiapatita quando comparado com DR9 único (p <0,05), demonstrando que a multiplicação do domínio funcional é uma forte tendência evolutiva da proteína. De forma interessante, o peptídeo híbrido DR9-RR14 demonstrou um efeito inibitório intermediário quando comparado com outros dois grupos: DR9 único e DR9-DR9. Este estudo utilizou a abordagem peptidomimética para investigar uma via potencial de evolução da proteína relacionada com a duplicação/hibridação dos constituintes peptídicos naturais da película adquirida de esmalte. O conhecimento obtido por meio dos resultados deste trabalho pode fornecer uma base para o desenvolvimento de peptídeos sintéticos para uso terapêutico, tanto contra cárie dentária, como para a doença periodontal.(AU)

The statherin and histatin 3 peptides (DR9 and RR14 respectively), which occur naturally in the film in vivo, amplify the inhibitory effect for the growth of hydroxyapatite crystals, a function related to remineralization of the enamel and formation of dental calculi. The hypothesis of duplication/hybridization of functional domains of the DR9 peptides of the statherin and RR14 of histatin 3 was tested. For this, the peptidomimetic peptides (DR9-DR9, DR9-RR14), in addition to them individually and their intact proteins (DR9, RR14, statherin and histatin 3) were studied at seven different concentrations to evaluate the effect of growth inhibition of hydroxyapatite crystals. A colorimetric assay of microplate was used to quantify the growth of hydroxyapatite crystals. The experiments were done in triplicate and the inhibitory concentration (IC50) was established for each group. The IC50 was calculated for all peptides and proteins tested. Histatin 3 and RR14 did not reach the IC50 value. DR9-RR14 reached the IC50 value at 3.80 M. As expected, DR9 and DR9-DR9 demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect on crystal growth activity, reaching the IC50 value at 2.82 M and 1.07 M, respectively. Statherin reached the IC50 value at 2.50 M. ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls tests for paired comparisons were applied to compare the values between the groups. DR9-DR9 amplified the inhibitory effect of hydroxyapatite crystal growth when compared to single DR9 (p <0.05), demonstrating that the multiplication of the functional domain is a strong protein evolution pathway. Interestingly, the hybrid peptide DR9-RR14 demonstrated an intermediate inhibitory effect when compared to other two groups: single DR9 and DR9-DR9. This study utilized the peptidomimetic approach to investigate a potential pathway of protein evolution related to duplication/hybridization of the natural peptidic constituents of the acquired enamel film. The knowledge obtained through the results of this work can provide a basis for the development of synthetic peptides for therapeutic use, both against dental caries and for periodontal disease.(AU)

Peptidomimetic Targeting of Cavß2 Overcomes Dysregulation of the L-Type Calcium Channel Density and Recovers Cardiac Function.

BACKGROUND: L-type calcium channels (LTCCs) play important roles in regulating cardiomyocyte physiology, which is governed by appropriate LTCC trafficking to and density at the cell surface. Factors influencing the expression, half-life, subcellular trafficking, and gating of LTCCs are therefore critically involved in conditions of cardiac physiology and disease. METHODS: Yeast 2-hybrid screenings, biochemical and molecular evaluations, protein interaction assays, fluorescence microscopy, structural molecular modeling, and functional studies were used to investigate the molecular mechanisms through which the LTCC Cavß2 chaperone regulates channel density at the plasma membrane. RESULTS: On the basis of our previous results, we found a direct linear correlation between the total amount of the LTCC pore-forming Cavα1.2 and the Akt-dependent phosphorylation status of Cavß2 both in a mouse model of diabetic cardiac disease and in 6 diabetic and 7 nondiabetic cardiomyopathy patients with aortic stenosis undergoing aortic valve replacement. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that a conformational change in Cavß2 triggered by Akt phosphorylation increases LTCC density at the cardiac plasma membrane, and thus the inward calcium current, through a complex pathway involving reduction of Cavα1.2 retrograde trafficking and protein degradation through the prevention of dynamin-mediated LTCC endocytosis; promotion of Cavα1.2 anterograde trafficking by blocking Kir/Gem-dependent sequestration of Cavß2, thus facilitating the chaperoning of Cavα1.2; and promotion of Cavα1.2 transcription by the prevention of Kir/Gem-mediated shuttling of Cavß2 to the nucleus, where it limits the transcription of Cavα1.2 through recruitment of the heterochromatin protein 1γ epigenetic repressor to the Cacna1c promoter. On the basis of this mechanism, we developed a novel mimetic peptide that, through targeting of Cavß2, corrects LTCC life-cycle alterations, facilitating the proper function of cardiac cells. Delivery of mimetic peptide into a mouse model of diabetic cardiac disease associated with LTCC abnormalities restored impaired calcium balance and recovered cardiac function. CONCLUSIONS: We have uncovered novel mechanisms modulating LTCC trafficking and life cycle and provide proof of concept for the use of Cavß2 mimetic peptide as a novel therapeutic tool for the improvement of cardiac conditions correlated with alterations in LTCC levels and function.

Structural and functional evaluation of the palindromic alanine-rich antimicrobial peptide Pa-MAP2.

Recently, several peptides have been studied regarding the defence process against pathogenic microorganisms, which are able to act against different targets, with the purpose of developing novel bioactive compounds. The present work focuses on the structural and functional evaluation of the palindromic antimicrobial peptide Pa-MAP2, designed based on the peptide Pa-MAP from Pleuronectes americanus. For a better structural understanding, molecular modelling analyses were carried out, together with molecular dynamics and circular dichroism, in different media. Antibacterial activity against Gram-negative and positive bacteria was evaluated, as well as cytotoxicity against human erythrocytes, RAW 264.7, Vero and L6 cells. In silico docking experiments, lipid vesicle studies, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging were carried out to explore the activity of the peptide. In vivo studies on infected mice were also done. The palindromic primary sequence favoured an α-helix structure that was pH dependent, only present on alkaline environment, with dynamic N- and C-terminals that are stabilized in anionic media. Pa-MAP2 only showed activity against Gram-negative bacteria, with a MIC of 3.2 µM, and without any cytotoxic effect. In silico, lipid vesicles and AFM studies confirm the preference for anionic lipids (POPG, POPS, DPPE, DPPG and LPS), with the positively charged lysine residues being essential for the initial electrostatic interaction. In vivo studies showed that Pa-MAP2 increases to 100% the survival rate of mice infected with Escherichia coli. Data here reported indicated that palindromic Pa-MAP2 could be an alternative candidate for use in therapeutics against Gram-negative bacterial infections.

Synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular modeling of pseudo-peptides based statine as inhibitors for human tissue kallikrein 5.

Human kallikrein 5 (KLK5) is a potential target for the treatment of skin inflammation and cancer. A new series of statine based peptidomimetic compounds were designed and synthesized through simple and efficient reactions. Some KLK5 inhibitors (2a-c compounds) were identified with nanomolar affinity showing Ki values of 0.12-0.13 µM. Our molecular modeling studies suggest that the inhibitors binding at the KLK5 through H-bond interactions with key residues (mainly His108, Gln242, Gly243, Ser245, and Ser260), disrupting the correlated motions mainly among the Ile67-Tyr127, Glu128-Val187, and Gly237-Ser293 subdomains, which seems to be crucial for KLK5 activity. Therefore, we believe that these findings will significantly facilitate our understanding of the conformational dynamics in the course of KLK5 inhibition and, consequently, the development of more potent molecules as alternative for cancer treatment.

Fluorescent Peptoids as Selective Live Cell Imaging Probes.

This paper describes the synthesis of fluorescent peptoids using the Ugi multicomponent reaction (4CR). The four synthesized structures had their photophysical properties evaluated and their potential as biomarkers established. The peptidomimetics were used at very low concentrations (10 nM) to follow their internalization in breast cancer cells and had their localization precisely determined. One of the new peptoids displayed mitochondrial affinity and stained this important organelle selectively. Co-staining experiments using MitoTracker Red confirmed the localization inside live cells.

New mimetic peptides inhibitors of Αß aggregation. Molecular guidance for rational drug design.

A new series of mimetic peptides possessing a significant Aß aggregation modulating effect was reported here. These compounds were obtained based on a molecular modelling study which allowed us to perform a structural-based virtual selection. Monitoring Aß aggregation by thioflavin T fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy revealed that fibril formation was significantly decreased upon prolonged incubation in presence of the active compounds. Dot blot analysis suggested a decrease of soluble oligomers strongly associated with cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease. For the molecular dynamics simulations, we used an Aß42 pentameric model where the compounds were docked using a blind docking technique. To analyze the dynamic behaviour of the complexes, extensive molecular dynamics simulations were carried out in explicit water. We also measured parameters or descriptors that allowed us to quantify the effect of these compounds as potential inhibitors of Aß aggregation. Thus, significant alterations in the structure of our Aß42 protofibril model were identified. Among others we observed the destruction of the regular helical twist, the loss of a stabilizing salt bridge and the loss of a stabilizing hydrophobic interaction in the ß1 region. Our results may be helpful in the structural identification and understanding of the minimum structural requirements for these molecules and might provide a guide in the design of new aggregation modulating ligands.

Factors impacting the growth and nutritional status of cystic fibrosis patients younger than 10 years of age who did not undergo neonatal screening / Fatores que afetam o crescimento e estado nutricional de pacientes com fibrose cística com idade inferior a 10 anos e que não foram submetidos à triagem neonatal

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate by clinical and laboratory parameters how cystic fibrosis (CF) affects growth and nutritional status of children who were undergoing CF treatment but did not receive newborn screening. METHODS: A historical cohort study of 52 CF patients younger than 10 years of age were followed in a reference center in Campinas, Southeast Brazil. Anthropometric measurements were abstracted from medical records until March/2010, when neonatal screening program was implemented. Between September/2009 and March/2010, parental height of the 52 CF patients were also measured. RESULTS: Regarding nutritional status, four patients had Z-scores ≤-2 for height/age (H/A) and body mass index/age (BMI/A). The following variables were associated with improved H/A ratio: fewer hospitalizations, longer time from first appointment to diagnosis, longer time from birth to diagnosis and later onset of respiratory disease. Forced vital capacity [FVC(%)], forced expiratory flow between 25-75% of FVC [FEF25-75(%)], forced expiratory volume in the first second [FEV1(%)], gestational age, birth weight and early respiratory symptoms were associated with improved BMI/A. CONCLUSIONS: Greater number of hospitalizations, diagnosis delay and early onset of respiratory disease had a negative impact on growth. Lower spirometric values, lower gestational age, lower birth weight, and early onset of respiratory symptoms had negative impact on nutritional status. Malnutrition was observed in 7.7% of cases, but 23% of children had nutritional risk. .

OBJETIVO: Avaliar por meio de parâmetros clínicos e laboratoriais como a fibrose cística (FC) afeta o crescimento e estado nutricional de crianças submetidas ao tratamento de FC que não foram submetidas à triagem neonatal. MÉTODOS: Uma coorte histórica com 52 pacientes com FC menores de 10 anos foi acompanhada em um centro de referência em Campinas, Sudeste do Brasil. Peso e altura foram coletados de prontuários médicos até março de 2010, quando a triagem neonatal foi implementada. Entre setembro de 2009 a março de 2010 a altura dos pais foi medida. RESULTADOS: Quatro pacientes tiveram escores Z ≤ -2 para altura/idade (A/I) e índice de massa corporal/idade (IMC/A). As seguintes variáveis foram associadas com melhor razão A/I: menor número de hospitalizações, maior tempo entre a primeira consulta e o diagnóstico, maior tempo entre o nascimento e o diagnóstico e início tardio da doença respiratória. Capacidade vital forçada [CVF(%)], fluxo expiratório forçado entre 25-75% da CVF [FEF25-75(%)], volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo [VEF1(%)], idade gestacional, peso ao nascer e início dos sintomas respiratórios foram associados com melhor IMC/I. CONCLUSÕES: Maior número de hospitalizações, retardo no diagnóstico e início precoce da doença respiratória tiveram impacto negativo no crescimento. Menores valores espirométricos, menor idade gestacional, menor peso ao nascer e o início precoce dos sintomas respiratórios tiveram impacto negativo no estado nutricional. A desnutrição foi observada em 7,7% dos casos, mas 23% das crianças apresentaram risco nutricional. .

Carbohydrate-steroid conjugation by Ugi reaction: one-pot synthesis of triple sugar/pseudo-peptide/spirostane hybrids.

The one-pot synthesis of novel molecular chimeras incorporating sugar, pseudo-peptide, and steroidal moieties is described. For this, a new carbohydrate-steroid conjugation approach based on the Ugi four-component reaction was implemented for the ligation of glucose and chacotriose to spirostanic steroids. The approach proved wide substrate scope, as both mono and oligosaccharides functionalized with amino, carboxy, and isocyano groups were conjugated to steroidal substrates in an efficient, multicomponent manner. Two alternative strategies based on the hydrazoic acid variant of the Ugi reaction were employed for the synthesis of tetrazole-based chacotriose-diosgenin conjugates resembling naturally occurring spirostan saponins. This is the first time that triple sugar/pseudo-peptide/steroid hybrids are produced, thus opening up an avenue of opportunities for applications in drug discovery and biological chemistry.

Ultra-sensitive electrochemical immunosensor using analyte peptidomimetics selected from phage display peptide libraries.

Immunosensors for small analytes have been a great addition to the analytical toolbox due to their high sensitivity and extended analytical range. In these systems the analyte is detected when it competes for binding to the detecting antibody with a tracer compound. In this work we introduce the use of phage particles bearing peptides that mimic the target analyte as surrogates for conventional tracers. As a proof of concept, we developed a magneto-electrochemical immunosensor (EI) for the herbicide molinate and compare its performance with conventional formats. Using the same anti-molinate antibody and phage particles bearing a molinate peptidomimetic, the EI performed with an IC(50) of 0.15 ngmL(-1) (linear range from 4.4 × 10(-3) to 10 ngmL(-1)). Compared to the conventional ELISA, the EI was faster (minutes), performed with a much wider linear range, and the detection limit that was 2500-fold lower. The EI produced consistent measurements and could be successfully used to assay river water samples with excellent recoveries. By using the same EI with a conventional tracer, we found that an important contribution to the gain in sensitivity is due to the filamentous structure of the phage (9 × 1000 nm) which works as a multienzymatic tracer, amplifying the competitive reaction. Since phage-borne peptidomimetics can be selected from phage display libraries in a straightforward systematic manner and their production is simple and inexpensive, they can contribute to facilitate the development of ultrasensitive biosensors.

Receptor-dependent 4D-QSAR analysis of peptidemimetic inhibitors of Trypanosoma cruzi trypanothione reductase with receptor-based alignment.

Receptor-dependent four-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (RD-4D-QSAR) studies were applied on a series of 21 peptides reversible inhibitors of Trypanosoma cruzi trypanothione reductase (TR) (Amino Acids, 20, 2001, 145). The RD-4D-QSAR (J Chem Inform Comp Sci, 43, 2003, 1591) approach can evaluate multiple conformations from molecular dynamics simulation and several superposition structure alignments inside a box composed by unitary cubic cells. The descriptors are the occupancy frequency of the atoms types inside the grid cells. We could develop 3D-QSAR models that were highly predictive (q(2) above 0.71). The 3D-QSAR models can be visualized as a spatial map of atom types that are important on the comprehension of the ligand-enzyme interaction mechanism, pointing main pharmacophoric groups and TR subsites described in the literature. We were able also to identify some TR subsites for further development in the drug discovery process against tropical diseases not yet studied.

Study of various presentation forms for a peptide mimetic of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B capsular polysaccharide.

The formulation of a broadly protective vaccine to prevent the serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis (MenB) disease is still an unmet medical need. We have previously reported the induction of bactericidal and protective antibodies against MenB after immunization of mice with a phage-displayed peptide named 4 L-5. This peptide mimics a capsular polysaccharide (CPS) epitope in MenB. With the aim of developing vaccine formulations that could be used in humans, we evaluate in this study various forms of presentation to the immune system of the 4 L-5 sequence, based on synthetic peptides. We synthesized the following: (i) a linear 4 L-5 peptide, (ii) a multiple antigen peptide containing four copies of the 4 L-5 sequence (named MAP), which was then dimerized, and the product named dimeric MAP, and (iii) a second multiple antigen peptide, in this case with two copies of the 4 L-5 sequence and a copy of a T-helper cell epitope of tetanus toxoid, which was then dimerized and the product named MAP-TT. The linear peptide, the MAP, and the dimeric MAP were conjugated to the carrier protein P64K by different conjugation methods. Plain antigens and antigens coupled to P64K were used to immunize BALB/c mice. Of those variants that gave immunogenic results, MAP-TT rendered the highest levels of specific antipeptide IgG antibodies and serum bactericidal activity. These results can find application in the development of meningococcal vaccine candidates and in peptide-based vaccines strategies.

Development of designed site-directed pseudopeptide-peptido-mimetic immunogens as novel minimal subunit-vaccine candidates for malaria.

Synthetic vaccines constitute the most promising tools for controlling and preventing infectious diseases. When synthetic immunogens are designed from the pathogen native sequences, these are normally poorly immunogenic and do not induce protection, as demonstrated in our research. After attempting many synthetic strategies for improving the immunogenicity properties of these sequences, the approach consisting of identifying high binding motifs present in those, and then performing specific changes on amino-acids belonging to such motifs, has proven to be a workable strategy. In addition, other strategies consisting of chemically introducing non-natural constraints to the backbone topology of the molecule and modifying the α-carbon asymmetry are becoming valuable tools to be considered in this pursuit. Non-natural structural constraints to the peptide backbone can be achieved by introducing peptide bond isosters such as reduced amides, partially retro or retro-inverso modifications or even including urea motifs. The second can be obtained by strategically replacing L-amino-acids with their enantiomeric forms for obtaining both structurally site-directed designed immunogens as potential vaccine candidates and their Ig structural molecular images, both having immuno-therapeutic effects for preventing and controlling malaria.