The Critical Role of the Antimicrobial Peptide LL-37/ CRAMP in Protection of Colon Microbiota Balance, Mucosal Homeostasis, Anti-Inflammatory Responses, and Resistance to Carcinogenesis

Crit Rev Immunol. 2019;39(2):83-92. doi: 10.1615/CritRevImmunol.2019030225.

Abstract

Mouse cathelin-related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP) and its homologue human cathelicidin (LL-37) play active roles in innate immune responses, angiogenesis, and wound healing. In addition, LL-37/CRAMP fends off microbes and protects against infections in the colon, where the epithelium is exposed to myriad of enteric pathogens. It is increasingly recognized that LL-37/CRAMP maintains colon mucosal barrier integrity, shapes the composition of microbiota, and protects the host from tumorigenesis. In this review, we discuss the importance of LL-37/CRAMP in the homeostasis of the host, with novel findings derived from mice deficient in CRAMP that support the proposition for this natural antimicrobial peptide and an immune modulator as a drug lead for therapeutic development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / metabolism*
  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / genetics
  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / metabolism*
  • Carcinogenesis
  • Cathelicidins
  • Colon / immunology*
  • Colon / microbiology
  • Colonic Neoplasms / immunology
  • Colonic Neoplasms / microbiology*
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome / immunology*
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Mucosal
  • Intestinal Mucosa / immunology*
  • Intestinal Mucosa / microbiology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides
  • Cathelicidins