Exploring anti-viral and immunomodulatory activities of Regenerating Islet-Derived proteins

• Published in: The Journal of immunology (1950) 2018-05, Vol.200 (1_Supplement), p.168-168.3
• Main Authors: De Luna, Xavier, Hsieh, I-Ni, White, Mitchell, Hartshorn, Kevan L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0022-1767; 1550-6606
• DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.200.Supp.168.3

The Regenerating Islet Derived Protein 3 (REG3) family are classified as antimicrobial peptides typically expressed in the gut epithelia of mammals, and help maintain host-bacteria homeostasis in our gastrointestinal tract. However, recent data has shown that the peptides are expressed in respiratory epithelia as well and play an important role in host defense in the lung against gram positive bacteria. The expression of one of the REG peptides in the lung is suppressed by IAV infection in mice and this contributes to bacterial superinfections which complicate influenza. REG3 peptides are classified as C-type lectins and our lab focuses on anti-microbial peptides as well as C-type lectins (mannose-binding lectin and surfactant protein D) and their function against Influenza A virus. Here I will be describing the previously unknown effects REG3 family of peptides on IAV infection. Preliminary data I have generated indicate that REG3 peptides inhibit the infectivity of IAV. I have compared the activity two different REG3 peptides and gained preliminary evidence that they not only inhibit viral infectivity but disrupt viral membranes (using electron microscopy) and alter viral interactions with epithelial cells using confocal microscopy. Of interest, the peptides also increase uptake of IAV by neutrophils and also increase neutrophil respiratory burst responses to the virus. These data suggest that REG proteins have significant and previously unknown effects to inhibit viral infectivity but also can modulate responsiveness of phagocyte to viruses