Efficacy of Cathelicidin LL-37 in an MRSA Wound Infection Mouse Model

• Main Authors: Oriana Simonetti (Author), Oscar Cirioni (Author), Gaia Goteri (Author), Guendalina Lucarini (Author), Elżbieta Kamysz (Author), Wojciech Kamysz (Author), Fiorenza Orlando (Author), Giulio Rizzetto (Author), Elisa Molinelli (Author), Gianluca Morroni (Author), Roberto Ghiselli (Author), Mauro Provinciali (Author), Andrea Giacometti (Author), Annamaria Offidani (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: MDPI AG, 2021-10-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

Background: LL-37 is the only human antimicrobial peptide that belongs to the cathelicidins. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of LL-37 in the management of MRSA-infected surgical wounds in mice. Methods: A wound on the back of adult male BALB/c mice was made and inoculated with <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>. Two control groups were formed (uninfected and not treated, C0; infected and not treated, C1) and six contaminated groups were treated, respectively, with: teicoplanin, LL-37, given topically and /or systemically. Histological examination of VEGF expression and micro-vessel density, and bacterial cultures of wound tissues, were performed. Results: Histological examination of wounds in the group treated with topical and intraperitoneal LL-37 showed increased re-epithelialization, formation of the granulation tissue, collagen organization, and angiogenesis. Conclusions: Based on the mode of action, LL-37 has a potential future role in the management of infected wounds.

Item Description

10.3390/antibiotics10101210
2079-6382