Targeting Listeria monocytogenes consensus sequence of internalin genes using an antisense molecule

In this study, we targeted a highly conserved region of these proteins by an antisense sequence that was covalently conjugated to the cell penetrating peptides (CPP) to overcome the challenging delivery barriers. Then, we evaluated the efficiency of this construct in vitro. We also assessed the antigenicity, cytotoxicity, and probability of apoptosis induction by this construct.The studied CPP-PNA inhibited bacterial growth and suppressed the mRNA expression of internalins in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, at all studied concentrations, CPP-PNA significantly reduced the invasion rate of L. monocytogenes in the examined cell lines. Moreover, different concentrations of CPP-PNA did not have a significant antigenic, cytotoxic, and apoptotic properties compared to the control.These results suggest the effectiveness of CPP-antisense in targeting the mRNAs of internalins for various research, therapeutic and preventive purposes. However, additional research is required to evaluate the potency, safety, and pharmacokinetics of this compound for the prevention and treatment of listeriosis.
Source: Microbial Pathogenesis - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research