Advanced search
Start date
Betweenand
Related content
(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Human Antimicrobial Peptide Isolated From Triatoma infestans Haemolymph, Trypanosoma cruzi-Transmitting Vector

Full text
Author(s):
Lima Diniz, Laura Cristina [1, 2] ; Miranda, Antonio [3] ; da Silva, Jr., Pedro Ismael [1, 4]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] Butantan Inst, Special Lab Toxinol, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] USP IPT IBU, Postgrad Program Interunits Biotechnol, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[3] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Biophys, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[4] Butantan Inst, Special Lab Toxinol, LET CeTICS, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 4
Document type: Journal article
Source: FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY; v. 8, OCT 30 2018.
Web of Science Citations: 1
Abstract

The importance of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in relation to the survival of invertebrates is well known. The source and the mode of action on the insects' immune system of these molecules have been described from different perspectives. Insects produce their own AMPs as well as obtain these molecules from various sources, for example by absorption through the intestinal tract, as previously described for Boophilus microplus. Blood-sucking barber bug Triatoma infestans attracts social, economic and medical interest owing to its role in the transmission of Chagas disease. Despite new studies, descriptions of AMPs from this insect have remained elusive. Thus, the aims of this work were to characterize the antimicrobial potential of human fibrinopeptide A (FbPA) obtained from the T. infestans haemolymph and identify its natural source. Therefore, FbPA was isolated from the T. infestans haemolymph through liquid chromatography and identified by mass spectrometry. This peptide exhibited antimicrobial activity against Micrococcus luteus. Native FbPA from human blood and the synthetic FbPA also exhibited antimicrobial activity. The synthetic FbPA was conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate and offered to the insects. The haemolymph collected after 72 h exhibited fluorescence at the same wavelength as fluorescein isothiocyanate. Our experiments show that beyond intrinsic AMP production, T. infestans is able to co-opt molecules via internalization and may use them as AMPs for protection. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 13/07467-1 - CeTICS - Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling
Grantee:Hugo Aguirre Armelin
Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC