The human host defense peptide LL37/hCAP accelerates angiogenesis in PEGT/PBT biopolymers.
BACKGROUND
Antimicrobial peptides are effector molecules of the innate immune response and contribute to host defense and inflammation. This study was designed to evaluate neovascularization in biopolymers after instillation with LL37 of angiogenesis in the dorsal skinfold chamber in mice.


METHODS
The host defense peptide human cathelicicin LL37 was tested for in vitro antimicrobial activity in a bilayer radial diffusion assay. For in vivo testing, 4 different concentrations of LL37 or carrier control were instilled into a biopolymer, then inserted into the dorsal skinfold chamber in Balb/c mice. Standard microcirculatory parameters were assessed over 24 days' follow-up.


RESULTS
LL37 showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and -negative bacteria. The LL37 treatment of the biopolymer accelerated the onset of neovascularization by 6 days compared with the carrier control (P < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrated that LL37 has antimicrobial activity and is important for early support of neoangiogenesis in biopolymers. The multifunctional human host defense peptide LL37 has potential as an adjunct for tissue engineering.
Steinstraesser
Lars
L
Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany. lars.steinstraesser@ruhr-uni-bochum.de
Ring
Andre
A
Bals
Robert
R
Steinau
Hans-Ulrich
HU
Langer
Stefan
S
D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects*; D054804:Cathelicidins; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D005260:Female; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic / Q000187:drug effects*; D011091:Polyesters / Q000737:chemistry*; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry*; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*
D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides; D054804:Cathelicidins; C493255:PEGT-PBT copolymer; D011091:Polyesters; D011506:Proteins; C094880:protegrin-1; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols