Antimicrobial Activity of Human Fetal Membranes: From Biological Function to Clinical Use

Abstract

The fetal membranes provide a supportive environment for the growing embryo and later fetus. Due to their versatile properties, the use of fetal membranes in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine is increasing in recent years. Moreover, as microbial infections present a crucial complication in various treatments, their antimicrobial properties are gaining more attention. The antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are secreted by cells from various perinatal derivatives, including human amnio-chorionic membrane (hACM), human amniotic membrane (hAM), and human chorionic membrane (hCM). By exhibiting antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiprotozoal activities and immunomodulatory activities, they contribute to ensuring a healthy pregnancy and preventing complications. Several research groups investigated the antimicrobial properties of hACM, hAM, and hCM and their derivatives. These studies advanced basic knowledge of antimicrobial properties of perinatal derivatives and also provided an important insight into the potential of utilizing their antimicrobial properties in a clinical setting. After surveying the studies presenting assays on antimicrobial activity of hACM, hAM, and hCM, we identified several considerations to be taken into account when planning future studies and eventual translation of fetal membranes and their derivatives as antimicrobial agents from bench to bedside. Namely, (1) the standardization of hACM, hAM, and hCM preparation to guarantee rigorous antimicrobial activity, (2) standardization of the antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods to enable comparison of results between various studies, (3) investigation of the antimicrobial properties of fetal membranes and their derivatives in the in vivo setting, and (4) designation of donor criteria that enable the optimal donor selection. By taking these considerations into account, future studies will provide crucial information that will enable reaching the optimal treatment outcomes using the fetal membranes and their derivatives as antimicrobial agents.

Oral Administration of Nanopeptide CMCS-20H Conspicuously Boosts Immunity and Precautionary Effect Against Bacterial Infection in Fish

“…AMP family plays an important physiological role, such as bactericidal, immunoregulation, and others ( 32 ). Therefore, a great variety of AMPs have been developed as an immunopotentiator to prevent diseases ( 36 , 37 ). In this study, a novel AMP gcIFN-20H was highly expressed in yeast and loaded on CMCS to form enzymatic hydrolysis-resistant CMCS-20H nanoparticles.…”

Expression of Antimicrobial Peptide Genes in the Canine Amniotic Membrane

“…Human AM also showed antimicrobial activity. In in vitro study, human AM is found to have inhibition properties against various strains of Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, using antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods [ 18 ]. Natural antimicrobial peptides are key components of the innate immune system and have broad-spectrum protection against bacteria, viruses, and parasites [ 18 ].…”

The Role of Antimicrobial Peptides in Preterm Birth

“…AMPs, which are distributed throughout the female reproductive tract during pregnancy, play a role in preventing infection through their antimicrobial activities and modulating immune responses. HNP 1-3 were reported to be expressed in the vernix caseosa, chorion, placental trophoblasts, and amniotic fluid [41,[98][99][100][101][102]. The levels of HNP 1-3 in the amniotic fluid are not markedly altered during pregnancy, but significantly increase during normal term parturition triggered by spontaneous labor [41].…”

“…β-defensin is widely expressed in pregnant uteri. HBD1-3 were reported to be expressed in the placenta and chorion trophoblast, amnion epithelium, and decidua, while HBD-1 and HBD-2 mRNA were expressed in the chorion, villus, and placental tissues [101][102][103][104]. The concentration of HBD-2 was not altered during pregnancy, whereas HBD-1 concentration was significantly higher in mid-pregnancy than in term [105,106].…”