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HOME > J. Microbiol > Volume 52(7); 2014 > Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Responses of Candida albicans to the Human Antimicrobial Peptide LL-37
Pei-Wen Tsai 1, Yin-Lien Cheng 1, Wen-Ping Hsieh 2, Chung-Yu Lan 1,3
Journal of Microbiology 2014;52(7):581-589.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-014-3630-2
Published online: May 30, 2014
1Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan, 2Institute of Statistics, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan, 3Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
Corresponding author:  Chung-Yu Lan , Tel: +886-3-574-2473, 
Received: 6 December 2013   • Revised: 28 January 2014   • Accepted: 7 March 2014
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Abstract

Candida albicans is a major fungal pathogen in humans. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are critical components of the innate immune response in vertebrates and represent the first line of defense against microbial infection. LL-37 is the only member of the human family of cathelicidin AMPs and is commonly expressed by various tissues and cells, including surfaces of epithelia. The candidacidal effects of LL-37 have been well documented, but the mechanisms by which LL-37 kills C. albicans are not completely understood. In this study, we examined the effects of LL-37 on cell wall and cellular responses in C. albicans. Using transmission electron microscopy, carbohydrate analyses, and staining for β-1,3-glucan, changing of C. albicans cell wall integrity was detected upon LL-37 treatment. In addition, LL-37 also affected cell wall architecture of the pathogen. Finally, DNA microarray analysis and quantitative PCR demonstrated that sub-lethal concentrations of LL-37 modulated the expression of genes with a variety of functions, including transporters, regulators for biological processes, response to stress or chemical stimulus, and pathogenesis. Together, LL-37 induces complex responses in C. albicans, making LL-37 a promising candidate for use as a therapeutic agent against fungal infections.

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    Responses of Candida albicans to the Human Antimicrobial Peptide LL-37
    J. Microbiol. 2014;52(7):581-589.   Published online May 30, 2014
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-014-3630-2
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