title: Retrocyclin inhibits Gardnerella vaginalis biofilm formation and toxin activity.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Retrocyclins are cyclic antimicrobial peptides that have been shown to be both broadly active and safe in animal models. RC-101, a synthetic retrocyclin, targets important human pathogens and is a candidate vaginal microbicide. Its activity against microbes associated with bacterial vaginosis is unknown.
  
  
  METHODS
  We investigated the effect of RC-101 on toxin activity, bacterial growth and biofilm formation of Gardnerella vaginalis in vitro.
  
  
  RESULTS
  RC-101 potently inhibits the cytolytic activity of vaginolysin, the Gardnerella vaginalis toxin, on both erythrocytes and nucleated cells. RC-101 lacks inhibitory activity against planktonic G. vaginalis but markedly decreases biofilm formation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These dual properties, toxin inhibition and biofilm retardation, justify further exploration of RC-101 as a candidate agent for bacterial vaginosis prevention.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
authors.forename: Thomas A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Hooven
authors.forename: Tara M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Randis
authors.forename: Saul R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Hymes
authors.forename: Ryan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rampersaud
authors.forename: Adam J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Ratner
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000378:metabolism; D001427:Bacterial Toxins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D018441:Biofilms / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D023082:Defensins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006194:Gardnerella vaginalis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000472:pathogenicity / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D001427:Bacterial Toxins; D023082:Defensins; C450142:theta-defensin; C542392:vaginolysin, Gardnerella vaginalis