The Kinocidin Interleukin-26 Shows Immediate Antimicrobial Effects Even to Multi-resistant Isolates
Björn-Thore Hansen, Gregor Maschkowitz, Rainer Podschun, Helmut Fickenscher
Abstract
The cationic proinflammatory cytokine Interleukin 26 (IL-26) shows antibacterial activity and inhibits the replication of cytomegalovirus and hepatitis C virus. This study evaluates the early microbicidal activities of IL-26 against major bacterial species including multi-resistant variants and Candida albicans . Recombinant IL-26 was bacterially expressed and studied for its microbicidal effects in culture. We show that IL-26 has strong 90% bactericidal activities against Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus , and Acinetobacter baumannii . Similarly, IL-26 sensitivity was also detectable in vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus species, methicillin-resistant S. aureus , and carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii clinical isolates. Additionally, a significant, albeit weak fungicidal effect against Candida albicans was observed. Activities against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae , and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were not detectable. The proinflammatory cytokine and kinocidin IL-26 shows strong bactericidal activities against A. baumannii and, almost selectively, against Gram-positive bacteria.