The only human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide, playing key roles in innate immune defense, wound healing, and modulation of inflammatory responses.
We have identified an 11-residue pattern (KR(F/A)KKFFKK(L/P)K), which we have named the ATRA motif, within the sequence of the Chinese cobra (Naja atra) cathelicidin. A series of 11-residue peptides (ATRA-1, -2, -1A and -1P) were designed to probe th…
We investigated the mechanisms by which T-cell cytokines are able to influence the Toll-like receptor (TLR)-induced, vitamin D-dependent antimicrobial pathway in human monocytes. T-cell cytokines differentially influenced TLR2/1-induced expression of…
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The discovery of increasing numbers of epithelial antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), cytokines that specifically induce AMPs in epithelial cells, and mechanisms of its regulation point toward a central role of the keratinocyte as effec…
Among bacterial pathogens, Pseudomonas (P.) aeruginosa infection is the most sight threatening. The corneal innate immune responses are key mediators of the host's defense to P. aeruginosa. Using a mouse model of Pseudomonas keratitis, we evaluated t…
Epithelial cells (ECs) are usually hyporesponsive to various microbial products. Detection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the major component of gram-negative bacteria, is impeded, at least in part, by intracellular sequestration of its receptor, Toll-…
In addition to their microbiocidal properties, human beta-defensins (hBDs) and cathelicidin LL-37 stimulate a number of mammalian cell activities, including migration, proliferation, and cytokine/chemokine production. Because hBDs and LL-37 cause mas…
The urinary tract is frequently being exposed to potential pathogens and rapid defence mechanisms are therefore needed. Cathelicidin, a human antimicrobial peptide is expressed and secreted by bladder epithelial cells and protects the urinary tract f…
Human cathelicidin LL-37, a host defense peptide derived from leukocytes and epithelial cells, plays a crucial role in innate and adaptive immunity. Not only does LL-37 eliminate pathogenic microbes directly but also modulates host immune responses.…
Cellsorba™ is a medical device for leukocytapheresis (LCAP) treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). Cellsorba™ EX Global type has been developed from Cellsorba E for intended use with ACD-A as anticoagulant. We evaluated safety and efficacy of the modi…
Defensins were first identified in 1985 and are now recognized as part of a large family of antimicrobial peptides, divided into three categories: alpha-, beta-, and -defensins. These defensin classes differ in structure, sites of expression and biol…
Recent in vivo studies indicate that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may have beneficial effects in the treatment of sepsis induced by bacterial infection. Administration of MSCs in these studies improved survival and enhanced bacterial clearance. The…
OBJECTIVE: To review the current literature on vitamin D and asthma, discussing the possible roles of vitamin D on asthma pathogenesis and the potential consequences of vitamin D deficiency. DATA SOURCES: PubMed database was searched from 1950 to 200…
Worldwide bacterial resistance to traditional antibiotics has drawn much research attention to naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) owing to their potential as alternative antimicrobials. Structural studies of AMPs are essential for an i…
Vitamin D was discovered as the preventive agent of nutritional rickets, a defect in bone development due to inadequate uptake of dietary calcium. However, a variety of studies over the last several years has revealed that vitamin D controls much mor…
BACKGROUND: Production of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) is the primary mechanism by which skin innate immunity protects against infection. Hormonally active vitamin D3 (1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3; 1,25D₃) is a vital regulator of skin innate immunity,…
Haemophilus ducreyi is an extracellular pathogen of human epithelial surfaces that resists human antimicrobial peptides (APs). The organism's genome contains homologs of genes sensitive to antimicrobial peptides (sap operon) in nontypeable Haemophilu…
Cathelicidin antimicrobial protein, hCAP18, is the sole cathelin protein in human. Its C-terminal peptide, which is released enzymatically from the holoprotein, has broad antimicrobial activity but also has effects on eukaryotic cells. hCAP18 is pres…
To evaluate the association of Toll-like receptors (TLRs), antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and vitamin D receptors (VDRs) in psoriasis, lesional (PP) and perilesional skin (PN) from psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (AD) patients and healthy controls (NN) w…
Pustulosis palmaris et plantaris or palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) is a refractory pustular eruption on the palms and soles with unknown etiology. Numerous eccrine sweat pores exist on the palms and soles, suggesting the involvement of eccrine sweatin…
BACKGROUND: Bone generation and maintenance involve osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteocytes which originate from unique precursors and rely on key growth factors for differentiation. However, an incomplete understanding of bone forming cells during…