Increasing resistance to existing antimicrobial agents is causing a major worldwide health crisis. To address this, we have taken two different approaches: 1, enhancing our own natural innate immune defenses; and 2, examining new classes of antimicrobial agents that are refractory to the development of resistance. With respect to the first, we show that vitamin D can induce the expression of a naturally occurring antimicrobial peptide, LL-37, which exhibits potent activity against bacteria, fungi and viruses. When administered topically, this nutritional supplement can prevent the development of experimental periodontitis in mice. Similarly, we show that small molecule mimics of this antimicrobial peptide exhibit potent broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity both in vitro and in vivo, with no development of resistance. Together our approach has identified significant new ways to treat and prevent microbial infections.

Presented by: Dr. Gill Diamond

CE Eligible: Yes