Cathelicidin boosts the antifungal activity of neutrophils and improves prognosis during Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis.

ABSTRACT: Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) is one of the common pathogens of fungal keratitis. Fungal growth and invasion cause excessive inflammation and corneal damage, leading to severe vision loss. Neutrophils are the primary infiltrating cells critical for fungal clearance. Cathelicidin [LL-37 in humans and cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP) in mice], a natural antimicrobial peptide, can directly inhibit the growth of many pathogens and regulate immune responses. However, the role of cathelicidin and its effect on neutrophils in A. fumigatus keratitis remain unclear. By establishing A. fumigatus keratitis mouse models, we found that cathelicidin was increased in A. fumigatus keratitis. It could reduce fungal loads, lower clinical scores, an

SUBMITTER: Hou X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11003229 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature