Investigating the Effects of Temporin-Rb, an Antimicrobial Peptide, on Cell Viability and Pro-inflammatory Gene Expression in A549 Cells

This study investigates the effects of Temporin-Rb, an antimicrobial peptide, on A549 cells' viability and pro-inflammatory gene expression. The MTT assay revealed a dose- and time-dependent reduction in cell viability. RT-PCR analysis demonstrated significant changes in the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, with transforming growth factor-beta (TGF beta) exhibiting the most pronounced alterations (15- fold), implicating its role in mediating the peptide's effects. The study highlights the potential of selectively targeting specific pro-inflammatory signaling pathways, like TGF beta, to modulate immune responses effectively. The differential effects of Temporin-Rb on pro-inflammatory cytokine expression were further analyzed, with TGF beta and interleukin-1 (IL-1 beta) showing substantial alterations. ELISA confirmed Temporin-Rb's ability to modulate TGF beta production by A549 cells, supporting its immunomodulatory properties. These findings contribute to the understanding of Temporin-Rb's therapeutic potential as an antimicrobial and immunomodulatory agent in various cellular models. Further research is warranted to explore its underlying mechanisms and clinical applications.