Old Polyanionic Drug Suramin Suppresses Detrimental Cytotoxicity of the Host Defense Peptide LL-37.

ABSTRACT: The host defense peptide LL-37 is the only human cathelicidin, characterized by pleiotropic activity ranging from immunological to anti-neoplastic functions. However, its overexpression has been associated with harmful inflammatory responses and apoptosis. Thus, for the latter cases, the development of strategies aiming to reduce LL-37 toxicity is highly desired as these have the potential to provide a viable solution. Here, we demonstrate that the reduction of LL-37 toxicity might be achieved by the impairment of its cell surface binding through interaction with small organic compounds that are able to alter the peptide conformation and minimize its cell penetration ability. In this regard, the performed cell viability and internalization studies showed a remarkable attenuation of LL-37 c

SUBMITTER: Queme-Pena M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7887748 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature