Effect of Recombinant Prophenin 2 on the Integrity and Viability ofTrichomonas vaginalis

Abstract

Trichomonas vaginalis is the causal agent of trichomoniasis, which is associated with preterm child delivery, low birth weight, and an increased risk of infection by human papilloma virus and human immunodeficiency virus following exposure. Several reports have established increasing numbers of trichomoniasis cases resistant to metronidazole, the agent used for treatment, and it is therefore important to identify new therapeutic alternatives. Previously, our group reported the effect of tritrpticin, a synthetic peptide derived from porcine prophenin, on T. vaginalis; however, the hemolytic activity of this small peptide complicates its possible use as a therapeutic agent. In this study, we report that the propeptide and the processed peptide of prophenin 2 (cleaved with hydroxylamine) affected the integrity and growth of T. vaginalis and that pro-prophenin 2 displays some resistance to proteolysis by T. vaginalis proteinases at 1 h. Its effect on T. vaginalis as well as its low hemolytic activity and short-time stability to parasite proteinases makes prophenin 2 an interesting candidate for synergistic or alternative treatment against T. vaginalis.

Intrinsic alterations in peripheral neutrophils from cystic fibrosis newborn piglets

“…In this regard, the list of differentially abundant proteins between CFTR +/+ and CFTR -/neutrophils showed that CFTR -/neutrophils were defective in several proteins implicated in neutrophil maturation and response to pathogens. Antimicrobial peptides, such as PR-39 (22) and Prophenin-2 (23), as well as SRGN, PTPRN2 and CANX, which are implicated in phagosome and granule maturation and degranulation processes were downregulated in CFTR -/neutrophils. In addition, we identified several proteins that play an important role in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation to be differentially abundant in the CFTR -/neutrophils.…”

Antimicrobial peptides: mechanism of action, activity and clinical potential

“…Their structures are stabilized only by hydrogen bonds and van der Waals force of interacting with the membrane lipids. Typically, PR-39 is rich in proline (49%) and arginine (24%) [ 108 ], prophenin-1 is rich in proline (53.2%) and phenylalanine (19%) [ 109 ], indolicidin is rich in tryptophan (38%) and proline (23%) [ 110 ], and histatin-8 is rich in histidine (33.3%) [ 111 ].…”

Antimicrobial Peptides in Farm Animals: An Updated Review on Its Diversity, Function, Modes of Action and Therapeutic Prospects

“…PF-1 was more effective against Gram-negative bacteria as compared to Gram-positive bacteria [ 145 ]. One study reported that recombinant PF-2 affected the growth and integrity of Trichomonas vaginalis [ 146 ]. In primary bone marrow cells, expression of the PF-2 gene is regulated by cytokines GM-CSF and IL-3 and transcription factor PU.1 [ 147 ].…”