Statherin-derived peptides as antifungal strategy against Candida albicans

Objective: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of statherin and its naturally occurring peptides (DR9-2, DR9, GE-12, IT-32, GQ-19, IP-18) on Candida albicans metabolism and biofilm development. Design: After the killing assay, a peptide pellicle was formed on the bottom of a polystyrene plate at the IC50 of each peptide. Over the peptide pellicle, Candida albicans biofilm (48 h) was grown. The peptides antimicrobial activity after the peptides treatment was evaluated by alamarBlue, total biofilm biomass and colony forming units (CFU) counting. Results: The pellicle with statherin and the peptides (DR9-2, DR9, GE-12, IP-18, GQ-19) was able to reduce he viability of Candida albicans compared to the negative control. They also decreased cell proliferation by 20 % and total biomass. IT-32 showed the highest reduction in cell proliferation and biomass, which was similar to the positive control, histatin 5. Conclusions: These results suggest that the naturally occuring peptides from statherin are able to decrease Candida albicans colonization and biofilm proliferation.

Automated summary

The study evaluated the effect of statherin and its naturally occurring peptides on Candida albicans metabolism and biofilm development. The peptides were found to decrease the viability and proliferation of Candida albicans, with IT-32 showing the most significant reduction in cell proliferation and biomass. These results suggest that statherin peptides have potential in reducing Candida albicans colonization and biofilm proliferation.