Abstract
Purpose: :
In innate immunity, antimicrobial peptides has an important role of self protection of ocular surface. hCAP (human cationic antimicrobial protein)-18, an antimicrobial peptide produced by neutrophils has antiviral effect, e.g. herpes simplex virus type 1, HAdV (human adenovirus). We investigated antiadenovirus activity of hCAP-18 in vitro in several serotypes inducing keratoconjunctivitis.
Methods: :
A549 cells were used for viral cell culture, and HAdV types 3, 4, 8, 19 and 37 were used. HAdV types 3, 4, 8, 37 were prototype strains, and HAdV19a was a clinical strain. hCAP-18 was synthesized according to the amino acid sequence reported previously. After calculating CC50 (50% cytotoxic concentration) of hCAP-18, the adenovirus was cultivated with the agent for 7days under serial dilution. Adenoviral DNA was quantitatively measured by real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction).
Results: :
CC50 of hCAP-18 was 4400µg/ ml. The relationship between the concentration of hCAP-18 and decrease in virus copy was observed in HAdV types 3, 8, 19, 37 but not in HAdV type 4. EC50 (50% effective concentration) of hCAP-18 were 270µg/ ml (type 3), 144µg/ ml (type 8), 118µg/ ml (type 19), 172µg/ ml (type 37). hCAP was more effective for HAdV D species than B species.
Conclusions: :
hCAP-18 has inhibitory activity against HAdV types 3, 8, 19, 37 which induce keratoconjunctivitis. Our results indicate that hCAP may be possible candidate as eye drop for HAdV keratoconjunctivitis.
Keywords: adenovirus • conjunctivitis • antiviral drugs