Assays for Identifying Inducers of the Antimicrobial Peptide LL-37.
Nylén. Frank F; Bergman. Peter P; Gudmundsson. Gudmundur H GH; Agerberth. Birgitta B
Key Findings
- A cell‑based screening assay was developed to identify compounds that increase LL‑37 expression.
- The assay can be used to test many small molecules quickly and efficiently.
- Known LL‑37 inducers such as 1,25‑dihydroxyvitamin D3 and phenylbutyrate were validated in the system.
Practical Outcomes
- For biohackers, the immediate takeaway is that vitamin D3 (especially its active form) and phenylbutyrate are confirmed ways to raise LL‑37 levels. The new assay may lead to future discoveries of other safe, over‑the‑counter compounds that boost this peptide, but the paper itself doesn't provide a ready‑to‑use protocol.
Summary
The researchers created a lab test that can quickly check which chemicals boost the body's natural antibiotic peptide LL‑37. While the study itself doesn't give a new supplement or dosage, it shows a way to find more LL‑37‑raising compounds beyond the known ones like vitamin D3 and phenylbutyrate.
Abstract
One promising approach to meet the growing problem of antibiotic resistance is to modulate host defense mechanisms, i.e., host-directed therapy (HDT), in the fight against infections. Induction of endogenous antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) via small molecular compounds, such as 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D<sub>3</sub> or phenylbutyrate, could provide one such HDT-based approach.We have developed a cell-based screening assay for the identification of novel compounds with the capacity to induce AMP expression and here follows the detailed protocol.
Study Information
pubmed
2017
10.1007/978-1-4939-6737-7_19
3
19