Cyclosporine Does Not Prevent Microvascular Loss in Transplantation but Can Synergize With a Neutrophil Elastase Inhibitor, Elafin, to Maintain Graft Perfusion During Acute Rejection.

The loss of a functional microvascular bed in rejecting solid organ transplants is correlated with fibrotic remodeling and chronic rejection; in lung allografts, this pathology is predicted by bronchoalveolar fluid neutrophilia which suggests a role for polymorphonuclear cells in microcirculatory injury. In a mouse orthotopic tracheal transplant model, cyclosporine, which primarily inhibits T cells, failed as a monotherapy for preventing microvessel rejection and graft ischemia. To target neutrophil action that may be contributing to vascular injury, we examined the effect of a neutrophil elastase inhibitor, elafin, on the microvascular health of transplant tissue. We showed that elafin monotherapy prolonged microvascular perfusion and enhanced tissue oxygenation while diminishing the infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages and decreasing tissue deposition of complement C3 and the membrane attack complex, C5b-9. Elafin was also found to promote angiogenesis through activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway but was insufficient as a single agent to completely prevent tissue ischemia during acute rejection episodes. However, when combined with cyclosporine, elafin effectively preserved airway microvascular perfusion and oxygenation. The therapeutic strategy of targeting neutrophil elastase activity alongside standard immunosuppression during acute rejection episodes may be an effective approach for preventing the development of irreversible fibrotic remodeling.

CXCL10 reduces melanoma proliferation and invasiveness in vitro and in vivo.

BACKGROUND: Melanoma is often infiltrated by inflammatory and immune cells that might either maintain chronic inflammation, therefore promoting tumour growth, or mount an antitumour response to control tumour outcome. In this setting, Th1-oriented lymphocyte infiltration is associated with a better outcome in melanoma. Although the interferon-induced protein CXCL10 is expressed by Th1 immune cells, its receptor was also shown to be involved in melanoma progression and metastasis. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the CXCL10-mediated antitumoral response in vivo, and its clinical relevance. Methods C57BL/6 mice bearing B16F1 melanoma were treated intraperitoneally with an adenovirus vector expressing CXCL10. In addition, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 20 patients, 10 with melanoma in remission and 10 with melanoma in progression, were assessed for their cytokine/chemokine content using a 30-plex assay, and for their ability to modulate melanoma invasion in vitro in Transwell(®) (Sigma-Aldrich) chambers coated with Matrigel(®) (BD Biosciences). RESULTS: Treatment with CXCL10 reduced melanoma tumour growth in C57BL/6 mice compared with controls in vivo, and reduced melanoma invasion in vitro. Screening for expression of 30 cytokine/chemokine proteins showed that only CXCL10 was significantly increased in patients in remission compared with patients in progression. PBMC only from patients in remission significantly reduced melanoma cell invasiveness in an ex vivo Transwell(®) assay. Accordingly, this inhibitory effect was also observed with PBMC culture media from patients with melanoma in remission. CONCLUSIONS: The quantitative increase in CXCL10 production, together with its ability to limit melanoma progression, shows the potential benefit of this chemokine to control melanoma progression or metastasis.

An additive interaction between the NFkappaB and estrogen receptor signalling pathways in human endometrial epithelial cells.

BACKGROUND: Human embryo implantation is regulated by estradiol (E2), progesterone and locally produced mediators including interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta). Interactions between the estrogen receptor (ER) and NF kappa B (NFkappaB) signalling pathways have been reported in other systems but have not been detailed in human endometrium. METHODS AND RESULTS: Real-time PCR showed that mRNA for the p65 and p105 NFkappaB subunits is maximally expressed in endometrium from the putative implantation window. Both subunits are localized in the endometrial epithelium throughout the menstrual cycle. Reporter assays for estrogen response element (ERE) activity were used to examine functional interactions between ER and NFkappaB in telomerase immortalized endometrial epithelial cells (TERT-EEC). E2 and IL-1beta treatment of TERT-EECs enhances ERE activity by a NFkappaB and ER dependent mechanism; this effect could be mediated by ERalpha or ERbeta. E2 and IL-1beta also positively interact to increase endogenous gene expression of prostaglandin E synthase and c-myc. This is a gene-dependent action as there is no additive effect on cyclin D1 or progesterone receptor expression. CONCLUSION: In summary, we have established that NFkappaB signalling proteins are expressed in normal endometrium and report that IL-1beta can enhance the actions of E2 in a cell line derived from healthy endometrium. This mechanism may allow IL-1beta, possibly from the developing embryo, to modulate the function of the endometrial epithelium to promote successful implantation, for example by regulating prostaglandin production. Aberrations in the interaction between the ER and NFkappaB signalling pathways may have a negative impact on implantation contributing to pathologies such as early pregnancy loss and infertility.

Altered secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor expression in the uterine decidua of tubal compared with intrauterine pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: The role of the innate immune system in tubal implantation remains undefined. This study compared expression of two key mediators of innate immunity, secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) and elafin, in the uterine decidua of women with intrauterine and tubal pregnancies. METHODS: Uterine decidua was collected from women (18-45 years) undergoing surgical termination of pregnancy (n = 7), surgical management of spontaneous abortion (n = 6) and tubal pregnancy (n = 10). Using quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, mRNA and protein expression patterns of SLPI and elafin were compared. RESULTS: Relative SLPI mRNA expression was significantly higher in decidua of women with tubal pregnancy (12.37 +/- 2.66) compared with spontaneous abortion (5.09 +/- 2.22, P < 0.0185). There was no difference demonstrated in elafin mRNA expression. SLPI and elafin protein expression were demonstrated in the decidual leukocyte populations and epithelium. There was no obvious qualitative difference in levels of SLPI and elafin protein expression or their distribution in the uterine decidua of women with termination of pregnancy, spontaneous abortion or tubal pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Herein we demonstrate novel differences in gene expression of uterine decidua of tubal pregnancy compared with spontaneous abortion thereby contributing further to current knowledge of mechanisms involved in extrauterine implantation. The altered expression of SLPI may be a consequence of, or predispose to, tubal pregnancy.

Innate immune defences in the human uterus during pregnancy.

The prevention of uterine infection is critical to appropriate fetal development and term delivery. The innate immune system is one component of the uterine environment and has a role in prevention of uterine infection. Natural antimicrobials are innate immune molecules with anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal activity. We discuss two groups of natural antimicrobials in relation to pregnancy: (i) the defensins; and (ii) the whey acidic protein motif containing proteins, secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) and elafin. Human beta-defensins (HBD) 1-3 are expressed by placental and chorion trophoblast, amnion epithelium and decidua in term and preterm pregnancy. Elafin shows a similar pattern of localisation while SLPI is produced only by amnion epithelium and decidua. Evidence suggests that there is aberrant production of some natural antimicrobials in pathologic conditions of pregnancy. In preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) levels of SLPI and elafin are reduced in amniotic fluid and fetal membranes, respectively. Elafin and HBD3 increase in chorioamnionitis and levels of the alpha-defensins, HNP1-3, increase in maternal plasma and amniotic fluid in women affected by microbial invasion of the uterus. In vitro culture studies have suggested a mechanism for increased production of natural antimicrobials in chorioamnionitis. Elafin, SLPI, HBD2 and 3 are all upregulated by inflammatory molecules in cells derived from gestational tissues. In summary, production of natural antimicrobials at key sites within the pregnant uterus suggests an important role in prevention of uterine infection during pregnancy and labour. Aberrant production of these molecules in PPROM and chorioamnionitis suggests that they also have a role in pathologic conditions. In particular, upregulation of these molecules by inflammatory molecules present in chorioamnionitis will ensure a robust response to infection.

Expression of natural antimicrobials by human placenta and fetal membranes.

Preterm birth associated with infection is a major clinical problem. We hypothesized that this condition is associated with altered expression of natural antimicrobial molecules (beta-defensins (HBD), elafin). Therefore, we examined expression of these molecules and their regulation by proinflammatory cytokines in placentae and fetal membranes from term pregnancy. HBD1-3 and elafin were localized by immunohistochemistry in fetal membranes and placenta. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to examine mRNA expression in primary trophoblast cells treated with inflammatory molecules. HBD1-3 and elafin were immunolocalized to placental and chorion trophoblast layers of fetal membranes and placenta. Immunoreactivity was also observed in amnion epithelium and decidua. No differences were noted between samples from women who were not in labour compared to those in active labour. In in vitro cultures of primary trophoblast cells, HBD2 and elafin mRNA expression was upregulated by the proinflammatory cytokine, IL-1beta. These results suggest that the chorion and placental trophoblast layers may be key barriers to the progression of infection in the pregnant uterus. Natural antimicrobial expression may be altered in response to inflammatory mediator expression associated with the onset of labour and/or uterine infection, providing increased protection when the uterus may be particularly susceptible to infection.

Endogenous pulmonary antibiotics.

The human lung produces a variety of peptides and proteins which have intrinsic antimicrobial activity. In general these molecules have broad spectra of antimicrobial activity, kill micro-organisms rapidly, and evade resistance generated by pathogens. In recent years it has become increasingly apparent that the antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) simultaneously possess immunomodulatory functions, suggesting complex roles for these molecules in regulating the clearance of, and immune response to, invading pathogens. These collective properties have stimulated considerable interest in the potential clinical application of endogenous AMPs. This article outlines the biology of AMPs, their pattern of expression in the lung, and their functions, with reference to both antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activity. We then consider the biological importance of AMPs, before concentrating on the potential to use AMPs to therapeutic effect. The principles discussed in the article apply to innate immune defence throughout the body, but particular emphasis is placed on AMPs in the lung and the potential application to pulmonary infection.

Subunit structure of calgranulins A and B obtained from sputum, plasma, granulocytes and cultured epithelial cells.

The calcium-binding proteins calgranulins A and B co-purified with an elastase-specific inhibitor after the affinity and cation-exchange chromatography of the perchloric acid-soluble fraction of pooled sputum collected from patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (Sallenave, J.-M. and Ryle, A.P. (1991) Biol. Chem. Hoppe-Seyler 372, 13-21). The calgranulins were separated from the inhibitor by reverse-phase FPLC. Protein blot analysis of the calgranulin fraction in the absence of reducing agent revealed a band of 25 kDa corresponding to the disulphide-bonded heterodimerization of the two monomer components. Similar results were obtained from the immunoprecipitation and protein blot analysis of plasma, granulocytes and cultured epithelial cells. This implies that the calgranulins exist in the heterodimeric form in secretions in vivo. Their association with pancreatic elastase during the affinity chromatography stage of purification implicates them in the tissue destruction elicited by the inflammatory response in chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.

Secretory leukocyte proteinase inhibitor is a major leukocyte elastase inhibitor in human neutrophils.

Secretory leukocyte proteinase inhibitor (SLPI) is the main neutrophil elastase (HLE) inhibitor found in the upper airways during pulmonary inflammation. It has been shown to be synthesized and secreted in vitro by epithelial cells and has been localized in tracheal glands and bronchiolar epithelial cells by immunocytochemistry. In this study, using immunodetection and immunopurification techniques with specific anti-SLPI immunoglobulin G (IgG), we show that SLPI is present as a native 14-kDa molecule in neutrophil cytosol. In addition, we demonstrate that SLPI is the major inhibitor of HLE present in neutrophil cytosol because pre-incubation with specific anti-SLPI IgG was able to inhibit completely the anti-HLE activity of the cytosol. SLPI can be secreted (probably in an inactive form) by neutrophils and its secretion is enhanced when the cells are stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). Elafin, an elastase-specific inhibitor, is also present in minute amounts in neutrophil cytosol and its secretion can be up-regulated. The presence of SLPI in the cytosol of neutrophils may serve as a protective screen against proteinases spilling from azurophilic granules. An alternative or supplementary role may be the maintenance of a differentiated phenotype.

Gene transfer for cytokine functional studies in the lung: the multifunctional role of GM-CSF in pulmonary inflammation.

Using adenoviral-mediated gene transfer techniques, the murine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) transgene is efficiently targeted to and highly expressed by the respiratory epithelium of rat lung. This lung tissue-directed expression of GM-CSF induces accumulation of both eosinophils and macrophages at early stages and an irreversible fibrotic reaction at later stages. These tissue responses to GM-CSF appear to be distinct from those induced by other proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-5, IL-6, macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2), or RANTES overexpressed in the lung. These findings clearly demonstrate that GM-CSF is more than a hematopoietic cytokine in the lung and may play a pivotal role in the multiple pathological processes underlying numerous respiratory illnesses, including asthma. In this overview, the differences in tissue responses induced by GM-CSF and other individual cytokines are highlighted. In addition, the mechanisms by which GM-CSF and other individual cytokines are highlighted. In addition, the mechanisms by which GM-CSF contributes to the development of eosinophilia, macrophage granuloma, and fibrosis are discussed in conjunction with the recent findings from us and others.

Regulation of adenovirus-mediated elafin transgene expression by bacterial lipopolysaccharide.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a mediator of inflammatory lung injury. Selective augmentation of host defense molecules such as elafin (an elastase inhibitor with antimicrobial activity) at the onset of pulmonary inflammation is an attractive potential therapeutic strategy. The aim of this study was to determine whether elafin expression could be induced by LPS administered after transfection with adenovirus (Ad) encoding human elafin downstream of the murine cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter (known to be potentially responsive to LPS). In addition, we aimed to determine the effect of local elafin augmentation on neutrophil migration to the lung. LPS significantly up-regulated elafin expression from pulmonary epithelial cells transfected with Ad-elafin in vitro. In murine airways expression of human elafin was achieved using doses low enough (3 x 10(7) plaque forming units) to circumvent overt vector-induced inflammation. LPS significantly up-regulated human elafin secretion in murine airways treated with Ad-elafin [117 ng/ml in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) after LPS administration, 5.9 ng/ml after PBS, p < 0.01)]. Over-expression of elafin significantly augmented LPS-mediated neutrophil migration into the airways in vivo (1.30 x 10(6) neutrophils in BALF after Ad-elafin/LPS treatment, 0.54 x 10(6) after Ad-lacZ/LPS (p < 0.05), 0.63 x 10(6) after PBS/LPS (p < 0.05)) and significantly enhanced human neutrophil migration in vitro. These data suggest novel functions for elafin in neutrophil migration, and that judicious selection of promoters may allow single, low-dose adenoviral administration to effect inflammation-specific expression of potentially therapeutic transgenes.

Evidence of an alpha 2-macroglobulin-like molecule in plasma of Salamandra salamandra. Structural and functional similarity with human alpha 2-macroglobulin.

A high-Mr (Mr 750,000) alpha 1-macroglobulin, obtained from Salamandra salamandra, is described. Salamander alpha 1-macroglobulin is composed of two monomers of equal Mr, which are composed of two polypeptide chains, each of Mr 180,000, linked by disulfide bonds. The molecular parameters of this protein, its binding to trypsin and inactivation by methylamine suggest that salamander alpha 1-macroglobulin is closely related to human alpha 2-macroglobulin and to other related proteins described in the animal kingdom.

Elafin (elastase-specific inhibitor) has anti-microbial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative respiratory pathogens.

Elafin (elastase-specific inhibitor) is a low molecular weight inhibitor of neutrophil elastase which is secreted in the lung. Using synthetic peptides corresponding to full-length elafin (H2N-1AVT.....95Q-OH), the NH2-terminal domain (H2N-1AVT.....50K-OH) and the COOH-terminal domain (H2N-51PGS.....95Q-OH), we demonstrate that elafin's anti-elastase activity resides exclusively in the COOH-terminus. Several characteristics of elafin suggest potential anti-microbial activity. The anti-microbial activity of elafin, and of its two structural domains, was tested against the respiratory pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Elafin killed both bacteria efficiently, with 93% killing of P. aeruginosa by 2.5 microM elafin and 48% killing of S. aureus by 25 microM elafin. For both organisms, full-length elafin was required to optimise bacterial killing. These findings represent the first demonstration of co-existent anti-proteolytic and anti-microbial functions for elafin.

Human neutrophil elastase regulates the expression and secretion of elafin (elastase-specific inhibitor) in type II alveolar epithelial cells.

Elafin is a low molecular weight antiproteinase believed to be important in the regulation of elastase mediated tissue damage. The expression of elafin is known to be regulated by proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 beta and tumour necrosis factor but little was known regarding the effect of human neutrophil elastase (HNE). Employing a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter construct of the human elafin gene, reverse transcription PCR from total cellular RNA and ELISA techniques, we have examined the effect of human neutrophil elastase on the transcription and secretion of human elafin in the pulmonary epithelial A549 cell line. Stimulation with HNE at concentrations of 10(-10) and 10(-11) M resulted in a significant upregulation of elafin promoter activity. Similarly, transcription of the endogenous human elafin gene was upregulated with HNE concentrations ranging from 10(-10) to 10(-12) M. In addition, we demonstrate that stimulation with HNE at concentrations ranging from 10(-9) and 10(-12) M resulted in a significant reduction in the secreted elafin protein as measured in the cell supernatant. These results provide further evidence for a role of elafin in the regulation of HNE driven proteolysis of the extracellular matrix.

Annexin A1 processing is associated with caspase-dependent apoptosis in BZR cells.

Annexins are widely distributed and have been described in lung as well as in other cells and tissues. Annexin I (ANX AI) is a member of the calcium-dependent phospholipid binding protein family. Besides its anti-inflammatory function, ANX AI has been involved in several mechanisms such as the Erk repression pathway or apoptosis. To investigate the role of ANX AI on apoptosis in broncho-alveolar cells, we have constructed a plasmid containing the ANX AI full length cDNA. Transfected BZR cells displayed a higher level of both forms of ANX AI (37 and 33 kDa) as well as a decrease in cell viability (two-fold versus cells transfected with an empty vector). In order to analyse the endogenous ANX AI processing during stimulus-induced apoptosis, BZR cells were treated with a commonly used inducer, i.e. C2 ceramides. In these conditions, microscopic analysis revealed chromatin condensation in dying cells and the Bcl-2, Bcl-x(L)/Bax mRNA balance was altered. Caspase-3 is one of the key executioners of apoptosis, being responsible for the cleavage of many proteins such as the nuclear enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). We demonstrate that caspase-3 was activated after 4 h treatment in the presence of ceramide leading to the cleavage of PARP. Dose-response experiments revealed that cell morphology and viability modifications following ceramide treatment were accompanied by an increase in endogenous ANX AI processing. Interestingly, in both ceramide and transfection experiments, the ANX AI cleaved form was enhanced whereas pre-treatment with the caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-fmk abolished ANX AI cleavage. In conclusion, this study demonstrates a complex regulatory role of caspase-dependent apoptosis where ANX AI is processed at the N-terminal region which could give susceptibility to apoptosis upon ceramide treatment.

Oncostatin M, but not interleukin-6 or leukemia inhibitory factor, stimulates expression of alpha1-proteinase inhibitor in A549 human alveolar epithelial cells.

Alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor (A1-Pi) is the main serine proteinase inhibitor found in human plasma and is a potent elastase inhibitor in various tissues, including lung. A1-Pi is expressed and induced in liver during inflammatory responses but can also be produced by epithelial cells. Since hepatocyte A1-Pi production is stimulated by interleukin-6 (IL-6) and other gp130-cytokines, such as leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and oncostatin M (OM), we investigated the role of these cytokines in regulating A1-Pi in lung epithelial cells. We show that OM, a monocyte and T cell product, can specifically and potently induce A1-Pi production in lung-derived A549 alveolar (epithelial) cells, as well as in liver-derived HepG2 cells. Both A1-Pi protein (as detected by ELISA and Western blots) and mRNA levels were enhanced 20-fold to 30-fold in A549 cells. OM was also able to stimulate the expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in these cells. Interestingly, other members of the IL-6 family (IL-6 and LIF) had little or no effect on A549 cells, and proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) also had no stimulatory effect on A1-Pi synthesis in A549 cells. Costimulation with IL-1 beta resulted in a decrease in A1-Pi production from OM-stimulated A549 cells. However, IL-6 production was synergistically enhanced. OM was also able to stimulate A1-Pi production from a bronchial epithelial primary cell line, whereas an intestinal epithelial cell line HT29 responded to IL-6 but not OM. These results suggest that lung levels A1-Pi could be derived not only from liver and inflammatory cells but also from epithelial cells, which can be upregulated on stimulation by OM. This may have implications for regulation of local activity of human neutrophil elastase (HNE) in such diseases as emphysema and cystic fibrosis.

Cytokines in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality. The term is heterogenous and encompasses a number of distinct but often overlapping phenotypes including chronic bronchitis, small airways obstruction, emphysema and in some individuals, a systemic component. Although there have been significant advances in understanding the pathophysiology of COPD, understanding of the role of the inflammation in the pathogenesis of the condition remains in its infancy. Indeed, cytokines that are known to orchestrate the inflammatory response in asthma and other inflammatory diseases are only beginning to be reported in COPD. In this review, we highlight the potential role of cytokines in the development of mucus hypersecretion observed in chronic bronchitis and the morphological changes observed in the small airways and airspaces contributing to the development of airflow limitation and respiratory failure respectively. We report evidence that exacerbations are linked to increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and that the wasting and skeletal muscle dysfunction observed in some patients is most probably related to the presence of a systemic inflammatory response. In addition transgenic and gene therapy technology has been used to explore the temporal and co-ordinated role of cytokines in the development of COPD animal models. Enhanced understanding of the events involved in the pathogenesis of COPD will lead to the development of therapy with potential to modify the observed progressive decline in lung function and impact on the development of the illness.

Antimicrobial peptides: mediators of innate immunity as templates for the development of novel anti-infective and immune therapeutics.

Antimicrobial molecules are ancient and essential small cationic molecules of the host defence system which are found in a wide variety of species. They display antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacteria, fungi and viruses, an activity that has been mostly attributed to the disruption of microbial membranes. In this article, we will review the "classical" functions of 3 classes of antimicrobial molecules, namely defensins, cathelicidins, and the four-disulfide core proteins secretory leukocyte proteinase inhibitor (SLPI) and elafin. In addition to the study of their expression in a variety of cell types and the regulation of their production, we will also describe novel properties of these molecules that have been highlighted by recent studies. These include their ability to chemoattract a variety of inflammatory, immune and other cell types (neutrophils, macrophages, monocytes, lymphocytes, mast cells, epithelial cells) in vitro and in vivo. In addition, we will discuss the potential use of these newly discovered properties for therapeutic or vaccination purposes, using protein- or gene-transfer based methodologies. Finally, we will examine in an extensive fashion the strategies used by microorganisms to circumvent and subvert host defence mechanisms, such as the modifications of cell membranes and walls, the secretion of inactivating proteins and proteases and the down-regulation of expression of antimicrobial molecules. Increased understanding of the mechanisms used by both the host and the microbes to 'win the battle' may ultimately lead to new therapeutic strategies aimed to treat infectious diseases.

Neutrophil-derived elastases and their inhibitors: potential role in the pathogenesis of lung disease.

The proteinase-antiproteinase hypothesis still receives support from clinical and experimental observations in a range of inflammatory lung diseases. The function of these molecules appears to be broader than originally believed and further research is likely to lead to an improved understanding of their role in the regulation of both the beneficial and detrimental effects in inflammatory response and the maintenance of the homeostasis in the normal lung. Thus the potential for the development as therapeutic tools is likely to become more attractive as improved drug development and delivery mechanisms appear.

Society for general microbiology - 148th ordinary meeting. Activities and actions of antimicrobial peptides. 26-30 March 2001, Edinburgh, UK.

The rapidly expanding field of antimicrobial peptides is one that is attracting increasing interest from research groups around the world. The importance of antimicrobial agents in providing alternatives to conventional antibiotics has been highlighted in recent years by the emergence of a number of multidrug-resistant pathogens, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). Indeed, bacteria refractory to treatment by all known antibiotics are now a reality and the need for developing novel antimicrobial agents is urgent. This meeting brought together researchers working in a number of varied, but ultimately related areas. The functional diversity and putative mechanisms of action of antimicrobial peptides were discussed in depth, along with recent developments in the design of synthetic peptides with enhanced antimicrobial properties. Several ongoing studies were described, ranging from research into cystic fibrosis to work in the food industry. It was emphasized that cationic antimicrobial peptides have a range of properties to offer the world of scientific research and may play an important role in the ongoing battle against pathogenic microorganisms. Oral presentation sessions of the conference were co-chaired by Dr Deirdre A Devine (University of Leeds, UK) and Dr David G Smith (University of Edinburgh, UK).