The bactericidal activity of several histone-derived antimicrobial peptides (HDAPs) has been well documented.  Additionally, several other antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) show activity against cancer cell lines. In this study, we examined the activity of hipposin, a naturally occurring HDAP, and three HDAPs previously designed in our lab (DesHDAPs1-3) against non-pathogenic fibroblast cells and various cancer cell lines.  Given that some HDAPs translocate across bacterial membranes, we also investigated whether these peptides readily enter mammalian cells.  Viability studies indicate that none of the four peptides studied are lethal to fibroblasts.  While DesHDAPs 1-3 are inactive against cancer cell lines, hipposin shows anticancer properties.  Interestingly, hipposin appears to be more active against prostate cancer cells than pancreatic cancer cells.  This work raises questions about how different cancer types interact with AMPs, and provides a basis for a better understanding of the factors affecting potency against mammalian cells.

Interactions between histone-derived antimicrobial peptides and in vitro mammalian cell models

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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