Peptides from Galleria mellonella against Cryptococcus spp: toxicity in three-dimensional cell cultures and G. mellonella

Author(s)

Gualque, Marcos William De Lima ; Vaso, Carolina Orlando ; dos Santos, Kelvin Sousa ; Galeane, Mariana Cristina ; Gomes, Paulo Cesar ; Palma, Mario Sergio ; Giannini, Maria Jose Soares Mendes ; Moroz, Andrei ; Almeida, Ana Marisa Fusco

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: FUTURE MICROBIOLOGY; v. N/A, p. 11-pg., 2024-11-18.

Abstract

Aim: This work aimed to test peptides against the planktonic and biofilm form of Cryptococcus spp. and in vitro toxicity using three-dimensional (3D) cells characterized and evaluate in vivo toxicity in Galleria mellonella.Materials & methods: Susceptibility tests were conducted on the planktonic form and biofilm formation. The toxicity of the peptides was evaluated in lung and brain cells in monolayer (2D) and 3D mono- and co-culture, in addition to in vivo analysis with G. mellonella.Results: Susceptibility values ranged from 31.25 to over 250 mu g/ml with a fungicidal profile. Regarding toxicity, the PepM2 peptide was not toxic in 3D culture (500 mu g/ml). G. mellonella, showed a survival rate of more than 85% In assays with brain and lung cell lines, concentrations ranged from 4 x 104 to 4 x 103 cells/well for brain cells and 1 x 103 cells/well for lung cells. Cocultures used 1 x 105 brain and 1 x 103 lung cells.Conclusion: This study shows that the peptides have great potential against cryptococcosis, and all spheroids were characterized as having a spheroidal and compact structure. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 22/15826-0 - From the development of three-dimensional human lung models of infection to the evolution of functional human lung models for studying the interaction with Histoplasma capsulatum biofilm
• Grantee: Ana Marisa Fusco Almeida
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 21/14839-9 - Development of co-culture of pulmonary and cerebral spheroids and cerebral organoids for the evaluation of the interaction of Cryptococcus sp. and study of the antifungal activity of peptides derived from Galleria mellonella
• Grantee: Marcos William de Lima Gualque
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 20/15586-4 - Establishment of a three-dimensional model to determine the pharmacological efficacy and safety of nitrofuran and indoles derivatives and evaluation of Histoplasma capsulatum infection
• Grantee: Carolina Orlando Vaso
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)