Novel Lactotransferrin-Derived Antimicrobial Peptide LF-1 Inhibits the Cariogenic Virulence Factors of <i>Streptococcus mutans</i>

• Main Authors: Junyuan Luo (Author), Zening Feng (Author), Xiaohui Lyu (Author), Linglin Zhang (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: MDPI AG, 2023-03-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

We previously developed a novel lactotransferrin-derived antimicrobial peptide, LF-1, with selective antibacterial activity against the characteristic cariogenic bacterium <i>Streptococcus mutans</i>. This study further investigated the effects of LF-1 on the cariogenic virulence factors of <i>S. mutans</i> and evaluated the changes in virulence-associated enzymes and genes; the viability, acidogenicity, and aciduricity of planktonic <i>S. mutans</i>; and initial colonisation and biofilm formation after treatment with LF-1. The method of qRT-PCR was used to evaluate <i>S. mutans</i> virulence-associated gene expression. LF-1 interfered with the cell viability of <i>S. mutans</i> within 6 h. LF-1 inhibited the acidogenicity and aciduricity of <i>S. mutans,</i> with reduced lactic acid production and survival in a lethal acidic environment, and inactivated lactate dehydrogenase and F₁F₀-ATPase activity. LF-1 decreased surface-adherent <i>S. mutans</i> within 60 min and inhibited <i>S. mutans</i> biofilm formation, where scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy showed reduced extracellular matrix and bacteria. LF-1 downregulates <i>S. mutans</i> virulence-associated gene expression. LF-1 inhibited the growth and cariogenic virulence factors of <i>S. mutans</i> in vitro with a reduction in key enzymatic activity and downregulation of virulence-associated gene expression. LF-1 has promising application prospects in the fight against <i>S. mutans</i> and dental caries.

Item Description

10.3390/antibiotics12030563
2079-6382