1. |
- Raschig, Judith, et al.
(author)
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Ubiquitously expressed Human Beta Defensin 1 (hBD1) forms bacteria-entrapping nets in a redox dependent mode of action
- 2017
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In: PLoS Pathogens. - : PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE. - 1553-7366 .- 1553-7374. ; 13:3
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Ever since the discovery of endogenous host defense antimicrobial peptides it has been discussed how these evolutionary conserved molecules avoid to induce resistance and to remain effective. Human beta-defensin 1 (hBD1) is an ubiquitously expressed endogenous antimicrobial peptide that exhibits qualitatively distinct activities between its oxidized and reduced forms. Here, we explore these antimicrobial mechanisms. Surprisingly, using electron microscopy we detected a so far unknown net-like structure surrounding bacteria, which were treated with the reduced but not the oxidized form of hBD1. A transmigration assay demonstrated that hBD1-derived nets capture bacteria and inhibit bacterial transmigration independent of bacterial killing. The presence of nets could completely prevent migration of hBD1 resistant pathogens and are stable in the presence of human duodenal secretion with a high amount of proteases. In contrast to HD6, cysteins are necessary for net formation. This redox-dependent function serves as an additional mechanism of action for hBD1 and differs from net formation by other defensins such as Paneth cell-derived human alpha-defensin 6 (HD6). While hBD1red and hBD1ox have distinct antimicrobial profiles and functions, only the reduced form provides additional host protection by entrapping bacteria in extracellular net structures preventing bacterial invasion. Better understanding of the modes of action of endogenous host peptides will help to find new antimicrobial strategies.
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2. |
- Stenzinger, Albrecht, et al.
(author)
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Implementation of precision medicine in healthcare—A European perspective
- 2023
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In: Journal of Internal Medicine. - 0954-6820 .- 1365-2796. ; 294:4, s. 437-454
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The technical development of high-throughput sequencing technologies and the parallel development of targeted therapies in the last decade have enabled a transition from traditional medicine to personalized treatment and care. In this way, by using comprehensive genomic testing, more effective treatments with fewer side effects are provided to each patient—that is, precision or personalized medicine (PM). In several European countries—such as in England, France, Denmark, and Spain—the governments have adopted national strategies and taken “top-down” decisions to invest in national infrastructure for PM. In other countries—such as Sweden, Germany, and Italy with regionally organized healthcare systems—the profession has instead taken “bottom-up” initiatives to build competence networks and infrastructure to enable equal access to PM. In this review, we summarize key learnings at the European level on the implementation process to establish sustainable governance and organization for PM at the regional, national, and EU/international levels. We also discuss critical ethical and legal aspects of implementing PM, and the importance of access to real-world data and performing clinical trials for evidence generation, as well as the need for improved reimbursement models, increased cross-disciplinary education and patient involvement. In summary, PM represents a paradigm shift, and modernization of healthcare and all relevant stakeholders—that is, healthcare, academia, policymakers, industry, and patients—must be involved in this system transformation to create a sustainable, non-siloed ecosystem for precision healthcare that benefits our patients and society at large.
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3. |
- Stenzinger, Albrecht, et al.
(author)
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Trailblazing precision medicine in Europe : A joint view by Genomic Medicine Sweden and the Centers for Personalized Medicine, ZPM, in Germany
- 2022
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In: Seminars in Cancer Biology. - : Elsevier. - 1044-579X .- 1096-3650. ; 84, s. 242-254
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Over the last decades, rapid technological and scientific advances have led to a merge of molecular sciences and clinical medicine, resulting in a better understanding of disease mechanisms and the development of novel therapies that exploit specific molecular lesions or profiles driving disease. Precision oncology is here used as an example, illustrating the potential of precision/personalized medicine that also holds great promise in other medical fields. Real-world implementation can only be achieved by dedicated healthcare connected centers which amass and build up interdisciplinary expertise reflecting the complexity of precision medicine. Networks of such centers are ideally suited for a nation-wide outreach offering access to precision medicine to patients independent of their place of residence. Two of these multicentric initiatives, Genomic Medicine Sweden (GMS) and the Centers for Personalized Medicine (ZPM) initiative in Germany have teamed up to present and share their views on core concepts, potentials, challenges, and future developments in precision medicine. Together with other initiatives worldwide, GMS and ZPM aim at providing a robust and sustainable framework, covering all components from technology development to clinical trials, ethical and legal aspects as well as involvement of all relevant stakeholders, including patients and policymakers in the field.
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4. |
- Wendler, Judith, et al.
(author)
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Proteolytic Degradation of reduced Human Beta Defensin 1 generates a Novel Antibiotic Octapeptide
- 2019
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In: Scientific Reports. - : Nature Publishing Group. - 2045-2322. ; 9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Microbial resistance against clinical used antibiotics is on the rise. Accordingly, there is a high demand for new innovative antimicrobial strategies. The host-defense peptide human beta-defensin 1 (hBD-1) is produced continuously by epithelial cells and exhibits compelling antimicrobial activity after reduction of its disulphide bridges. Here we report that proteolysis of reduced hBD-1 by gastrointestinal proteases as well as human duodenal secretions produces an eight-amino acid carboxy-terminal fragment. The generated octapeptide retains antibiotic activity, yet with distinct characteristics differing from the full-length peptide. We modified the octapeptide by stabilizing its termini and by using non-natural D-amino acids. The native and modified peptide variants showed antibiotic activity against pathogenic as well as antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, including E. coli, P. aeruginosa and C. albicans. Moreover, in an in vitro C. albicans infection model the tested peptides demonstrated effective amelioration of C. albicans infection without showing cytotoxity on human cells. In summary, protease degradation of hBD-1 provides a yet unknown mechanism to broaden antimicrobial host defense, which could be used to develop defensin-derived therapeutic applications.
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