N-acetyl-cysteine mediates protection against Mycobacterium avium through induction of human β-defensin-2 in a mouse lung infection model

• DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2020.08.003
• Publication Date: 2020-09-01T18:30:33Z
• Authors: Ayako Shiozawa; Chiaki Kajiwara; Yoshikazu Ishii; Kazuhiro Tateda
• Keywords: Antimycobacterial

Mycobacterium avium complex is a causative organism for refractory diseases. In this study, we examined the effects of N-acetyl-cysteine on M. infection in vitro and vivo. treatment suppressed growth A549 cells concentration-dependent manner. This effect was related to induction antibacterial peptide human β-defensin-2. mouse model, significantly reduced number bacteria lungs induced murine β-defensin-3. interleukin-17-deficient mice, disappeared, indicating that these mechanisms may be mediated by interleukin-17. Moreover, an additional reduction bacterial load observed mice administered combination with clarithromycin. Our findings demonstrate potent antimycobacterial against inducing antimicrobial peptide, suggesting have applications as alternative classical regimens.