Cathelicidins: Peptides with Antimicrobial, Immunomodulatory, Anti- Inflammatory, Angiogenic, Anticancer and Procancer Activities

Abstract

The family of peptides designated as cathelicidins was identified over a decade ago. Cathelicidins have since gained increasing recognition, both as endogenous antibiotics and as effector molecules of the innate immune system. The human cathelicidin LL-37 is widely expressed in human tissues and plays diverse biological roles. It contributes substantially to host defense and impacts multiple aspects of immunity. In view of the escalating importance of cathelicidins, the activities of LL-37 with an emphasis on antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, angiogenic, anticancer and procancer effects are discussed in this review article.

Group A Streptococcal M1 Protein Sequesters Cathelicidin to Evade Innate Immune Killing

“…Cathelicidins are cationic antimicrobial peptides produced by leukocytes and epithelial cells that provide a critical first line of defense against microbial invasion (Ho Wong et al, 2013; Nizet et al, 2001). Cathelicidin expression is strongly induced during infection and injury (Dorschner et al, 2001), initially as a full-length protein that lacks antimicrobial activity (Zaiou et al, 2003).…”

Phospholipid-driven differences determine the action of the synthetic antimicrobial peptide OP-145 on Gram-positive bacterial and mammalian membrane model systems

“…This peptide family plays an important role in the immune system and possesses a wide spectrum of activities against bacteria, fungi, viruses and cancer cells [18]. Its molecular mode of membrane disruption strongly depends on the target membrane lipid composition [19][20][21][22][23].…”

Serum cathelicidin as a marker for diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 1 diabetes

“…Antimicrobial peptides have many roles in cell immunity through activating mastocyte, leukocyte, and monocyte chemotaxis, leading to either antiinflammatory or proinflammatory properties in addition to their antimicrobial effects . Cathelicidins are AMPs that have a proved role in many autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematous, atherosclerosis, and psoriasis, in addition to their stimulatory effect on wound healing and angiogenesis . Studies showed that cathelicidin is also synthesized in adipocytes.…”

“…4 Cathelicidins are AMPs that have a proved role in many autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematous, atherosclerosis, and psoriasis, [5][6][7][8] in addition to their stimulatory effect on wound healing and angiogenesis. 9 Studies showed that cathelicidin is also synthesized in adipocytes. Adipose tissue has an important role in the immune and endocrine system as it has been documented that adipocytes can secrete a wide variety of hormones, cytokines, and AMPs, which play a major role in insulin resistance, inflammatory processes, and carcinogenesis.…”