This project has carried out a multidisciplinary approach combining biochemical, microbiological techniques and preclinical testing in mouse models to explore the efficacy and safety profile of 1) the selected frog skin-derived peptide Esc(1-21) and in particular, its new designed diastereomer, 2) the peptide-loaded NPs(NanoParticles). Preclinical data in a murine model of P. aeruginosa lung infection have provided the first evidence of the success of polylactic-co-glycolic NPs as valuable nanocarriers to assist the delivery of antimicrobial peptides in the conductive airways as well as to boost up their antimicrobial effect. Furthermore, researchers have observed that the re-epithelialization of the bronchial epithelium by the selected peptides involves transactivation of epidermal growth factor receptor. On the basis of these findings, it can be concluded that the identified diastereomer of Esc (1-21) represents the best candidate for the development of inhalable nanoformulations These NPs could be further developed into dry powders for inhalation, allowing a much easier and faster administration as compared to nebulized liquid formulations or intravenous injection.

Congress abstracts

– Cappiello F, Carnicelli V, Angioi A et al. “Esc(1-21) and its diastereomer: antipseudomonal frog-skin derived peptides with multiple immunomodulatory properties” 16th Naples Workshop on Bioactive Peptides (June 7-9)
– Cappiello F, Carnicelli V, Angioi M et al. “The frog skin-derived peptides Esc(1-21) and its diastereomer: are they promoters of airway epithelium repair?” (Poster) XV FISV (Federazione Italiana Scienze della Vita) Congress, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy, September 18-21, 2018
– Cappiello F, Carnicelli V, Angioi M et al. “Esc(1-21) and its diastereomer: antipseudomonal frog-skin derived peptides with multiple immunomodulatory properties” 16th Naples Workshop on Bioactive Peptides, June 7-9, 2018 Naples
– Mangoni ML “How to control Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced pneumonia? A lesson from derivatives of the amphibian skin peptide esculentin-1a” XV FISV (Federazione Italiana Scienze della Vita) Congress, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy, September 18-21, 2018
– Mangoni ML, Cappiello F, Casciano B et al. “How to control Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced pneumonia and keratitis? A lesson from the amphibian skin-derived peptide Esculentin(1-21) and its diastereomer” 35th European Peptide Symposium, 26-31 August 2018, Dublin City University, Ireland