A Synthetic Cell-Penetrating Heparin-Binding Peptide Derived from BMP4 with Anti-Inflammatory and Chondrogenic Functions for the Treatment of Arthritis

Abstract

We report dual therapeutic effects of a synthetic heparin-binding peptide (HBP) corresponding to residues 15–24 of the heparin binding site in BMP4 in a collagen-induced rheumatic arthritis model (CIA) for the first time. The cell penetrating capacity of HBP led to improved cartilage recovery and anti-inflammatory effects via down-regulation of the iNOS-IFNγ-IL6 signaling pathway in inflamed RAW264.7 cells. Both arthritis and paw swelling scores were significantly improved following HBP injection into CIA model mice. Anti-rheumatic effects were accelerated upon combined treatment with Enbrel® and HBP. Serum IFNγ and IL6 concentrations were markedly reduced following intraperitoneal HBP injection in CIA mice. The anti-rheumatic effects of HBP in mice were similar to those of Enbrel®. Furthermore, the combination of Enbrel® and HBP induced similar anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory effects as Enbrel®. We further investigated the effect of HBP on damaged chondrocytes in CIA mice. Regenerative capacity of HBP was confirmed based on increased expression of chondrocyte biomarker genes, including aggrecan, collagen type II and TNFα, in adult human knee chondrocytes. These findings collectively support the utility of our cell-permeable bifunctional HBP with anti-inflammatory and chondrogenic properties as a potential source of therapeutic agents for degenerative inflammatory diseases.

Bacterial-Specific Aggregation and Killing of Immunomodulatory Host Defense Peptides

“…These results are consistent with a recent study, where natural HDP-derived bacterial flocculating peptides exhibited the suppression of IL-1β from LPS-stimulated macrophages. Although the suppression of LPS-induced inflammation has been observed in various natural [ 29 ], synthetic [ 30 , 31 ], and chimeric AMPs [ 32 , 33 ], the notable feature of mCA4-5 is its reduced length, reduced charge, and bacterial-flocculating efficacy, when compared with many other immunomodulatory AMPs.…”

Platelet Derived Vesicles Enhance the TGF-beta Signaling Pathway of M1 Macrophage

“…These include the bone morphogenetic proteins BMP4 and BMP6, which are multifunctional growth factors whose high expression is associated with pro-reparative macrophage differentiation (14). Bmp is involved in a variety of physiological processes, such as regulation of angiogenesis, cell migration adhesion, and collagen formation (15). In addition, NPVs also upregulated IL-10 signaling.…”