Current protein & peptide science最新文献

{"title":"Biomarker Revolution in Choriocarcinoma: Beyond β-hCG - Emerging Tools for Diagnosis, Prognosis & Therapeutic Monitoring.","authors":"Mishu Mangla, Seetu Palo, Aparna Setty, Harpreet Kaur","doi":"10.2174/0113892037458067260407213522","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0113892037458067260407213522","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Choriocarcinoma, a rare yet highly aggressive gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, is uniquely responsive to chemotherapy. The serum marker β-human chorionic gonadotropin (βhCG) has long been central to its diagnosis and monitoring, but not without limitations. Persistent false positives, poor specificity for residual disease or resistance, and slow detection of relapse are a few to mention. Advances in precision oncology have introduced novel biomarkers, such as ctDNA, circulating tumor cells (CTCs), exosomes, miRNAs, and exosomal miRNAs, that promise improved specificity, early relapse detection, and personalized monitoring. This review encapsulates the current landscape of emerging biomarkers in choriocarcinoma, categorizes them by methodological class and clinical utility, discusses integration challenges, and outlines future research directions toward multi-marker precision diagnostics.</p>","PeriodicalId":10859,"journal":{"name":"Current protein & peptide science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147971130","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Role of Antimicrobial Peptide (AMP) Delivery Systems in Combating Antimicrobial Resistance: Current Trends and Novel Approaches.","authors":"Anshu, Atul Pratap Singh, Himanchal Sharma, Dhananjay Taumar, Iram Rajpoot, Vatan Chaudhary","doi":"10.2174/0113892037389018251201064052","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0113892037389018251201064052","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a critical global health concern, undermining the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics and complicating the treatment of infectious diseases. As a result, there is an urgent need to explore alternative therapeutic strategies. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) offer a promising solution due to their ability to target microbial membranes and essential cellular functions, exhibiting potent activity even against resistant strains. However, translating AMPs into clinical use is challenging due to issues, such as enzymatic degradation, short half-life, systemic toxicity, and poor pharmacokinetic profiles. To address these barriers, innovative delivery technologies have been developed. Systems such as nanoparticles, hydrogels, polymeric carriers, and microneedle arrays are being explored to enhance AMP stability, bioavailability, and targeted action. Additionally, advancements in peptide modification, combination therapies, and stimuli-responsive platforms are further enhancing their therapeutic potential. This review outlines the latest advancements in AMP delivery strategies aimed at counteracting AMR. It highlights key developments, identifies ongoing challenges, and proposes directions for future research. Emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach, the study underscores the transformative role of AMP-based systems in the next generation of antimicrobial therapies.</p>","PeriodicalId":10859,"journal":{"name":"Current protein & peptide science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147971133","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Determinants of Epitope Immunodominance Hierarchies in Protein Antigens at the Molecular, Structural, and Cellular Levels, Including MHC-Dependent Mechanisms.","authors":"David Pedroza-Escobar, Tania González-Cortés, Irais Castillo-Maldonado, Dealmy Delgadillo-Guzmán, Erika Flores-Loyola, Agustina Ramirez-Moreno, Joaquín Avalos-Soto, Miguel-Ángel Téllez-López, Sergio-Everardo Velázquez-Gauna, Jorge Haro Santa Cruz, Gladis Michel Ramírez, Rubén García-Garza, Rubén Daniel Arellano Pérez Vertti, Rocío Meza-Velázquez, Manuel-Gerardo Rosales-González","doi":"10.2174/0113892037456975260410060342","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0113892037456975260410060342","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Epitope immunodominance describes the phenomenon whereby some antigenic epitopes preferentially elicit immune responses, whereas other epitopes remain subdominant or immunologically silent. Epitope immunodominance hierarchies are the result of coordinated molecular, structural, and cellular mechanisms. These hierarchies emerge from selective immune recognition processes that balance effective immunity and self-tolerance mechanisms.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The aim of this study is to describe the molecular, structural, and cellular parameters that mediate epitope immunodominance in antigens. In addition, it details how central and peripheral tolerance mechanisms influence epitope selection and immunodominance hierarchies in T- and B-cell responses.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Epitope immunodominance arises from molecular and structural characteristics, including the nature of the antigen, the level of protein structure, host genetic factors, and immune regulatory mechanisms. Epitope immunodominance hierarchies depend on multiple factors, including the structural accessibility of epitopes, the epitope density, the distinctive binding affinities of antigen-derived peptides to MHC molecules, the availability of T cells able to recognize peptide-MHC complexes, the molecular stability of conformational epitopes recognized by BCRs, and the efficiency of antigen processing by antigen-presenting cells. Collectively, these factors focus immune recognition, determining whether specific epitopes dominate the immune response or remain immunologically silent.</p>","PeriodicalId":10859,"journal":{"name":"Current protein & peptide science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147971127","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Radiolabeled-NeoB: A Dual-Action Diagnostic and Therapeutic Agent Targeting Gastrin-Releasing Peptide Receptors in Cancer.","authors":"Hiva Rahmati, Seyed Mehdi Mousavi, Fatemeh Jalali-Zefrei, Soghra Farzipour, Zobin Souri","doi":"10.2174/0113892037397866251201112707","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0113892037397866251201112707","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Nuclear medicine has revolutionized diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in oncology by offering molecular-level insights into tissue function-often detecting pathological changes before they manifest structurally. At the heart of this advancement lies the growing field of radiotheranostics, which combines targeted molecular imaging with precision radiotherapy. One of the most promising molecular targets in this field is the Gastrin-Releasing Peptide Receptor (GRPR), which is overexpressed in several solid tumors, including prostate cancer, breast cancer, and Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs). Among the GRPR-targeting radiopharmaceuticals, NeoB (formerly NeoBOMB1)-a radiolabeled GRPR antagonist-has emerged as a potent agent, enabling both diagnostic imaging ([67/68Ga]Ga-NeoB) and targeted radionuclide therapy ([177Lu] Lu-NeoB). This narrative review examines the current state of NeoB-based radiopharmaceuticals in cancer, with a focus on their diagnostic and therapeutic applications, primarily in prostate cancer, breast cancer, and Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST), including preclinical and clinical studies published up to January 2025. Additionally, limitations and future directions are addressed. In diagnostic imaging, [68Ga]Ga-NeoB PET/CT demonstrated high detection rates for primary tumors and distant metastases in GRPR-positive cancers, with moderate accuracy for detecting lymph node metastases. In therapeutic studies, [177Lu] Lu-NeoB showed strong tumor uptake and significant antitumor activity in preclinical models, with no observed toxicity. One ongoing multicenter clinical trial, initiated in 2019, is assessing the safety and efficacy of [177Lu] Lu-NeoB in patients with advanced or metastatic cancers, including those with moderate renal impairment. Despite encouraging findings, several limitations remain. GRPR is physiologically expressed in normal tissues such as the pancreas and kidneys, leading to non-specific uptake and potential off-target radiation. Optimizing molecular structure, radionuclide selection, and dosing strategies is essential to reduce toxicity. Moreover, long-term efficacy and safety data in humans are still lacking, and further largescale clinical trials are needed to validate NeoB's clinical utility.</p>","PeriodicalId":10859,"journal":{"name":"Current protein & peptide science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147971122","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advancing Diabetic Wound Care: Topical Transferosomal Insulin Delivery for Improved Healing.","authors":"Arpita Bhakuni, Lalit Singh, Monika Gulia, Rahul Pratap Singh, Ashok Kumar, Vikas Jhawat","doi":"10.2174/0113892037434672251121095324","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0113892037434672251121095324","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Diabetes, a chronic metabolic disorder, is associated with severe health complications, including impaired wound healing, affecting approximately 25% of diabetic individuals worldwide. Factors such as neuropathy, chronic vascular diseases, retinopathy, infections, and non-traumatic lower limb amputations contribute to the incidence and severity of diabetic wounds.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To explore the pathophysiology of diabetic wounds, the role of insulin in wound healing, and the efficacy of advanced drug delivery systems-particularly insulin-based topical formulations- in improving healing outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This review examines the impact of physiological factors, including oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, impaired angiogenesis, and hyperglycemia, on diabetic wounds. It also analyzes the role of topical insulin delivered via transferosomes entrapped in organogels in enhancing localized treatment, sustained drug release, and patient adherence.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Insulin resistance significantly impairs wound healing by promoting oxidative stress, inflammation, and impaired angiogenesis, thereby complicating treatment. Advanced drug delivery systems, particularly insulin-based topical formulations, improve glucose regulation, enhance tissue repair, and reduce inflammation. Technologies such as transferosomes ensure sustained drug release, enhance drug efficacy, and minimize complications, resulting in superior healing outcomes compared to traditional methods.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Transferosome-based organogel delivery systems incorporating insulin offer promising therapeutic approaches for diabetic wound management. By addressing specific healing challenges through targeted delivery, deeper tissue penetration, and sustained drug release, these systems improve patient adherence and quality of life, significantly enhancing healing outcomes compared to conventional treatments.</p>","PeriodicalId":10859,"journal":{"name":"Current protein & peptide science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147971187","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nanoparticle-Driven Advances in Antimicrobial Therapy: Strengthening Peptide Effectiveness.","authors":"Lalit Kumar, Vikas Aggarwal, Vishnu Das, Sumit Durgapal, Isha Singh, Komal Komal, Mohit Vij, Mridhula Manimaran","doi":"10.2174/0113892037410801251210131105","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0113892037410801251210131105","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) are intriguing alternatives to antibiotics for combating Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) pathogens; however, their clinical use is restricted by their rapid clearance, poor tissue penetration, and enzymatic degradation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a systematic analysis of lipidic and polymeric nanoparticles for antimicrobial peptide administration, assessing encapsulation efficiency, release kinetics, biocompatibility, and antibacterial activity. In vitro and in vivo investigations, along with patented technology, were evaluated to discern significant advancements and obstacles.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In addition to enhancing the bioavailability of AMPs, nanoparticle formulations facilitate targeted delivery to infection sites and reduce off-target toxicity, including against ESKAPE pathogens. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that stimuli-responsive systems enable controlled release, while surface functionalization, including ligand targeting and PEGylation, improves stability and specificity. Regulatory obstacles, such as standardized quality attributes and trial endpoints, persist; however, they are mitigated by global initiatives, such as the World Health Organization's 2024 antimicrobial development initiative.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Nanoparticle-driven AMP therapies hold significant promise for treating infectious diseases by effectively addressing delivery challenges. Future initiatives must enhance scalable functionalization and address regulatory challenges to expedite clinical translation for MDR infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":10859,"journal":{"name":"Current protein & peptide science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147940561","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"1 H NMR-Based Metabolomics Survey in Breast Cancer Cell Line Treated by Chimera Alpha - Fetoprotein (AFP) Peptide.","authors":"Seyedeh Masoumeh Nourolahi, Mahdi Behdani, Monireh Movahedi, Delavar Shahbazzadeh, Zahra Zamani, Akbar Oghalaie, Fatemeh Kazemi-Lomedasht","doi":"10.2174/0113892037405069251125063244","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0113892037405069251125063244","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>This study investigates the anticancer potential of the synthetic 15-mer HM-I peptide (SMAIRVSISERSLYI), derived from a chimeric rat/human α-fetoprotein (AFP). HM-I is proposed as a selective anti-cancer agent with minimal effects on normal cells and specificity for targeting hormone-dependent breast cancer cells.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics, combined with LC/MS and GC/MS spectrometry, was utilized to analyze metabolic alterations induced by HM-I in ZR-75-1 breast cancer cells. Cells were cultured under three conditions: (1) with estradiol (positive control), (2) without estradiol (negative control), and (3) with both estradiol and HM-I peptide (treatment group). Spectral data were processed using H NMR and chemometric methods, including partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). Metabolites were identified via the Human Metabolome Database, and altered metabolic pathways were mapped using bioinformatics tools.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Estradiol (10⁸⁹ M) stimulated the proliferation of ER⁷ ZR-75-1 cells, while treatment with HM-I peptide (10⁸⁸ M) significantly inhibited this estrogen-induced proliferation. Metabolic profiling revealed notable alterations primarily in amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism, including pathways related to aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, glycolysis, and biotin synthesis.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>HM-I peptide demonstrates potent inhibitory effects on estradiol-induced breast cancer cell growth, with distinct metabolic alterations.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In summary, the chimeric peptide HM-I at 10⁸⁸ M concentration effectively inhibits estrogen-induced proliferation in breast cancer cells, likely through modulation of estrogen signaling pathways, without direct cytotoxic effects in the absence of estrogen. These results suggest HMI acts as a selective modulator of hormone-dependent cancer growth. Nevertheless, further quantitative and mechanistic studies are required to fully understand its mode of action. Additionally, in vivo investigations addressing peptide stability, delivery, pharmacokinetics, and safety are crucial for advancing HM-I toward clinical application in estrogen-dependent cancers.</p>","PeriodicalId":10859,"journal":{"name":"Current protein & peptide science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147940558","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multi-Target Antioxidant Potential of Tricin Against Parkinson's Disease- Linked Oxidative Stress.","authors":"Sushil Giri, Phool Chandra","doi":"10.2174/0113892037405800251209190725","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0113892037405800251209190725","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Oxidative stress (OS) is a key factor in the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease (PD). It is closely associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), neuroinflammation, and excitotoxicity mediated by nitric oxide (NO). These mechanisms underscore OS as a crucial therapeutic target. This study investigated the molecular interaction of tricin with OS-related targets and validated its antioxidant potential.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Nine protein targets were retrieved from RCSB-PDB, including Peroxisome Proliferator- Activated Receptor Gamma (PPAR-γ), Orphan Nuclear Receptor-Related 1 (NURR1), Lipoprotein- Associated Phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), AKT1, Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Adenosine A2A Receptor (A2AR), Monoamine Oxidase B (MAO-B), and Catechol- O-Methyl-Transferase (COMT). Molecular docking simulations were conducted to assess binding affinities, and in vitro assays confirmed antioxidant activity against free radicals.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Tricin showed effective interactions with all nine targets. It exhibited potent interactions with PPAR-γ, Lp-PLA2, VEGF and COMT compared to their native ligands, with binding energies of -7.3, -8.1, -7.3, and -7.6 kcal/mol, respectively. Additionally, it displayed significant binding affinities for MAO-B, NURR1, AKT1, IL-6, and A2AR, with binding energies of -8.9, -7.1, -5.9, -6.7, and -7.7 kcal/mol, respectively. In vitro assays confirmed concentration-dependent scavenging, with effective inhibitory concentrations against 2,2'-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>These findings suggest that tricin may act as a multitarget antioxidant and modulator of OS-related pathways in PD.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The outcomes suggest that tricin could exert neuroprotective effects by inhibiting and scavenging OS and possibly acting on multiple PD-related targets.</p>","PeriodicalId":10859,"journal":{"name":"Current protein & peptide science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147834087","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Uncovering Herbivory Defense Responsive Proteins in Chickpea (Cicer spp.) Through Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomics.","authors":"Alakesh Das, Arunima S, Prakash Jyoti Kalita, Jagdish Jaba, Debajit Das, Bidyut Kumar Sarmah, Sumita Acharjee","doi":"10.2174/0113892037437648260217065833","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0113892037437648260217065833","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The legume pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera, is a major biotic constraint to chickpea production, causing substantial global yield losses. The downstream signaling pathways underlying host-insect interactions remain largely unexplored, yet understanding these processes is crucial for developing pest-resilient cultivars.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systems biology approach was employed to investigate the leaf proteome of 2 cultivated chickpea genotypes (JG 12 and JG 36) and 1 moderately tolerant wild genotype (ILWC 46) under simulated herbivory. This study aimed to elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying plant defense against insect attack.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Proteomic profiling revealed 190-200, 170-210, and 170-200 total protein spots in ILWC 46, JG12, and JG 36, respectively. 76 Differentially Expressed Proteins (DEPs) were visually identified, of which 62 were selected for Mass Spectrometric (MS) analysis. ILWC 46 exhibited 22 DEPs (4 downregulated, 18 upregulated), JG 12 showed 23 DEPs (5 downregulated, 18 upregulated), and JG 36 had 17 DEPs (10 downregulated, 7 upregulated). Five proteins were common to JG 12 and JG 36.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Genotype-specific proteomic changes suggest variable defense responses: predominant upregulation in ILWC 46 indicates enhanced metabolic activity under stress, whereas JG 36's downregulation implies reduced adaptability. Functional categorization showed modulation of photosynthesis, primary metabolism, and stress-related proteins, highlighting energy reallocation and activation of defense pathways sustaining stress tolerance differences among genotypes.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study provides a comprehensive proteomic perspective on chickpea defense responses to herbivory, highlighting candidate proteins and pathways for enhancing insect resistance in both cultivated and wild germplasm.</p>","PeriodicalId":10859,"journal":{"name":"Current protein & peptide science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147834233","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Activity of Luetzelburgia auriculata Lectin Against Leishmania major Promastigote Via Carbohydrate Recognition Domain.","authors":"Yasmim de A Grangeiro, Ana L E Santos, Flávia E V Barbosa, Luiz N A Vitor, Adrielle R Costa, Renato R Roma, Racquel O S Souza, Bruno A M Rocha, Cláudio G L Silva, Claudener S Teixeira","doi":"10.2174/0113892037412576251025091741","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0113892037412576251025091741","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Leishmaniasis, an infectious disease, significantly impacts patients' quality of life. Current treatments primarily involve glucantime and amphotericin B. Although these drugs are effective, their limitations necessitate the exploration of alternative therapies. Lectins show promise in this context due to their established ability to interact with membrane glycans of various pathogens.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>Luetzelburgia auriculata agglutinin (LAA) exhibits binding affinity for galactose and lactose carbohydrates.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Based on these properties, this study evaluated the in vitro anti-promastigote potential of LAA in L. major strains. Promastigotes were incubated with different concentrations of LAA (5- 320 μg/mL), and cell viability was determined using Neubauer chamber counting. After determining the 24-hour IC₅₀ of LAA, we examined the contribution of the carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) to the lectin's activity. To explore possible mechanisms underlying its effects, fluorescence assays were performed using 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH₂-DA) and propidium iodide (PI). Scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate the morphological changes induced by LAA in promastigotes. Additionally, the effects of combining LAA with amphotericin B and glucantime on promastigote forms were assessed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>LAA inhibited the growth of promastigote forms of Leishmania major in a time- and concentration- dependent manner, with IC₅₀ values of 82 μg/mL at 24 h, 25 μg/mL at 48 h, and 20 μg/mL at 72 h. Fluorescence assays indicated that the lectin stimulates reactive oxygen species production and compromises parasite membrane integrity.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This effect is likely associated with LAA's ability to interact with glycans from L. major. Furthermore, evidence suggests that LAA exerts a modulatory effect when co-administered with amphotericin B, enhancing the drug's activity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Overall, our results indicate that LAA is a promising alternative for the treatment of cutaneous Leishmaniasis caused by L. major. However, further in vivo studies are required to elucidate its mechanisms of action in a biological system.</p>","PeriodicalId":10859,"journal":{"name":"Current protein & peptide science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147833831","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}