3D Reconstruction of HvRNASET2 Molecule to Understand Its Antibacterial Role
Basic science / structural biology published in Int J Mol Sci (2020)
Abstract
Recent studies performed on the invertebrate model Hirudo verbana (medicinal leech) suggest that the T2 ribonucleic enzyme HvRNASET2 modulates the leech's innate immune response, promoting microbial agglutination and supporting phagocytic cells recruitment in challenged tissues. Indeed, following injection of both lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and Staphylococcus aureus in the leech body wall, HvRNASET2 is expressed by leech type I granulocytes and induces bacterial aggregation to aid macrophage phagocytosis. Here, we investigate the HvRNASET2 antimicrobial role, in particular assessing the effects on the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli. For this purpose, starting from the three-dimensional molecule reconstruction and in silico analyses, the antibacterial activity was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. The changes induced in treated bacteria, such as agglutination and alteration in wall integrity, were observed by means of light, transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, immunogold, AMPs (antimicrobial peptides) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) binding assays were carried out to evaluate HvRNASET2 interaction with the microbial envelopes and the ensuing ability to affect microbial viability. Finally, in vivo experiments confirmed that HvRNASET2 promotes a more rapid phagocytosis of bacterial aggregates by macrophages, representing a novel molecule for counteracting pathogen infections and developing alternative solutions to improve human health.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
3D molecular reconstruction and functional characterization of HvRNASET2 from Hirudo medicinalis. Confirms antibacterial activity through bacterial agglutination and phagocytosis enhancement, with macrophage recruitment in challenged tissues.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
This study investigated the antimicrobial role of the T2 ribonuclease enzyme HvRNASET2 from Hirudo verbana (medicinal leech), combining 3D molecular reconstruction, in silico analyses, and in vitro/in vivo experiments against Escherichia coli. HvRNASET2, expressed by leech type I granulocytes, promoted bacterial agglutination, altered wall integrity, and accelerated macrophage phagocytosis of bacterial aggregates. For ASH's domain, this is relevant as it characterizes a component of the leech innate immune system with antimicrobial properties, contributing to understanding of leech biology and molecules of potential biomedical interest. The authors suggest HvRNASET2 may represent a novel molecule for counteracting pathogen infections and developing alternative solutions to improve human health. Caveat: this is preclinical work in invertebrate and animal models; no human therapeutic application, formulation, or clinical data is presented.
Citación
3D Reconstruction of HvRNASET2 Molecule to Understand Its Antibacterial Role.
Baranzini N et al. · International journal of molecular sciences, 2020
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026