In vivo expression and in vitro regulation of salivary histatin 3

Abstract

Human salivary glands and the oral mucosa secrete a wide spectrum of antimicrobial agents which are believed to be essential for the protection and maintenance of a healthy oral environment. Histatins are believed to play a key role in controlling opportunistic fungal pathogens, such as Candida albicans, in the oral cavity. An increase in the immunocompromised population over the last few decades has established Candida spp. as clinically important oral fungal pathogens. Widespread use of the limited numbers of antifungal agents available to treat candidal infections has led to the rapid development of drug-resistant strains, which are the main cause for antifungal treatment failures. Histatins are naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides which have potent anticandidal activity at physiological concentrations, are non-toxic to mammalian cells, and do not induce resistance. Their mechanism of action is distinct from that of the azole-based antifungal drugs, and they are fungicidal against both azole-susceptible and azole-resistant Candida strains. Therefore, they represent a promising therapeutic alternative to current antifungal agents in the treatment of oral candidiasis.