The only human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide, playing key roles in innate immune defense, wound healing, and modulation of inflammatory responses.
OBJECTIVE: Paeniclostridium sordellii is a pathogen that causes rapidly fatal infections characterized by severe edema, extreme leukemoid reaction and lack of an innate immune response. We recently identified a metalloproteinase of P. sordellii-1 (Mc…
BACKGROUND: The lungs are the organ most likely to sustain serious injury from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the mechanisms for long-term complications are not clear. Patients with severe COVID-19 have shorter telomere lengths and hig…
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a known bacterium that produces biofilms and causes severe infection. Furthermore, P. aeruginosa biofilms are extremely difficult to eradicate, leading to the development of chronic and antibiotic-resistant i…
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), also known as host defense peptides, are ubiquitous naturally occurring molecules secreted by various cell types of the body. In the skin, AMPs serve as a first-line innate immune defense against exogenous microorganism…
Chronic inflammatory responses can inflict permanent damage to host tissues. Specialized pro-resolving mediators downregulate inflammation but also can have other functions. The aim of this study was to examine whether oral epithelial cells express t…
Sequence type (ST) 5 methicillin-resistant(MRSA) with staphylococcal cassette chromosome(SCCmec) type II (ST5-MRSA-II) and ST72-MRSA-IV represent the most significant genotypes for healthcare- (HA) and community-associated (CA) MRSA in Korea, respect…
BACKGROUND: Because of the increased incidence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, the use of disinfectants over antibiotics has been encouraged. However, the interactions between disinfectants and host local immunity are poorly understood. OBJECT…
BACKGROUND: Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a pathophysiological mechanism that remains unclear. Recently, dysregulation of the sensory nerve system has been implicated in the development of this condition. OBJECTIVE: This study a…
Cathelicidins have antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities. Previous studies have shown that chicken cathelicidin-2 (CATH-2) exerts strong anti-inflammatory activity through LPS neutralization. However, it is still unclear whether other intrace…
Peri-implantitis is a pathological condition involving tissues around dental implants that are characterized by inflammation of the peri-implant mucosa and progressive loss of supporting bone. We found that the antimicrobial peptide KR-12-3 (KRIVKWIK…
Pancreatic cancer is amongst the most lethal malignancies, while its poor prognosis could be associated with promotion of autophagy and the tumor immune microenvironment. Studies have confirmed the pro-tumorigenic nature of the cathelicidin family of…
INTRODUCTION: Global emergence of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has clearly shown variable severity, mortality, and frequency between and within populations worldwide. These striking differences have made many biological variables attractive for…
Antimicrobial peptides are proteins that have been found to be an important factor in the natural immune response to a variety of pathogens. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a respiratory pathogen with the capability to cause serious upper and lo…
BACKGROUND: Cathelicidin/LL-37 plays a significant role in the human immune defense reaction. Preterm human immature organs being exposed to inflammation-induced injury was the critical denominator leading to the common preterm associated complicatio…
Mast cells (MCs) are critically involved in microbial defense by releasing antimicrobial peptides (such as cathelicidin LL-37 and defensins) and phagocytosis of microbes. In past years, it has become evident that in addition MCs may eliminate invadin…
Innate immunity responds to infections and inflammatory stimuli through a carefully choreographed set of interactions between cells, stimuli and their specific receptors. Of particular importance are endogenous peptides, which assume roles as defensi…
Beneficial effects of vitamin D on COVID-19 progression have been discussed in several studies. Vitamin D stimulates the expression of the antimicrobial peptide LL-37, and evidence shows that LL-37 can antagonize SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, we investigate…
Microbial keratitis is a common cause of ocular pain and visual impairment worldwide. The ocular surface has a relatively paucicellular microbial community, mostly found in the conjunctiva, while the cornea would be considered relatively sterile. How…
BACKGROUND: Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting the face, and the current treatment effect is not satisfactory. Based on the photomodulation of optimal pulse technology (OPT), we developed a novel treatment mode, namely, advanced…
Hyaline cartilage is an important tracheal structure, yet little is known about its molecular composition, complicating investigation of pathologies and replacement options. Our aim was to research tracheal hyaline cartilage structure, protective tis…