Histatin 8 Interactions with Copper, Zinc, and Nickel Ions, and Its Antimicrobial Profile in Relation to Histatin 5.

ABSTRACT: Histatins are histidine-rich antimicrobial peptides present in human saliva, with histatin 5 (Hst5) demonstrating the most potent antifungal activity. Previous studies have linked the antifungal properties of histatins, particularly those against Candida species, to their ability to bind metal ions such as Cu(II) and Zn(II). While the antimicrobial activity of some histatins is well established, the impact of metal ion coordination on this activity remains an area of ongoing investigation. This study focuses on histatin 8 (Hst8), a less-explored member of the histatin family, and compares its metal-binding and antimicrobial properties to those of Hst5. Using isothermal titration microcalorimetry (ITC), we examined the interactions of Hst8 with Cu(II), Zn(II), and Ni(II) ions and eva

SUBMITTER: Sokolowska J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12787115 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature