Host defense peptide expression improve the epithelial barrier

Date: Thursday 3rd of April at 12:30 in Askja, room N-132

Title: Inducers of host defense peptide expression, improve the epithelial barrier integrity

Speaker: Guðmundur Hrafn Guðmundsson, Professor at Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, University of Iceland

Abstract: Our studies on innate immunity with emphasis on front line defenses have unfolded key components in our innate immunity. Among the components is the sole human cathelicidin containing the host defense peptide LL-37. This peptide is a potent antimicrobial components coregulated with other host defense peptides like the beta-defensins in epithelial cells and macrophages. The defense peptides kill pathogens directly, affect host cells receptors in immunomodulation and are an essential part of epithelial integrity. Most importantly, the peptides were recently found to regulate the bacterial composition of our microbiota and their role in dysbiosis has been highlighted. Our studies on induced expression of the peptides to enhance defenses has led to novel compounds that are in drug development against infections and inflammatory disorders. Recently the compounds have shown an interesting effect in chemotherapy models and in wound healing. In the presentation the background work will be covered and links to the startup company Akthelia and the IN-ARMOR EU grant will be explained.