RcAlb-PepIII, a Plant 2S Albumin-Derived Peptide, Induces Changes in the Proteomic Profile of Cryptococcus neoformans, Leading to Cell Death

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are molecules that are naturally produced and constitutively expressed in most living organisms. They play an essential role, mainly in the defense against microbial pathogens. Accordingly, these peptides are relevant to public health research and represent a feasible alternative to address persistent microbial resistance. In this study, we present the proteomic analysis of Cryptococcus neoformans treated with RcAlb-PepIII, a synthetic AMP (SAMP) derived from 2S albumin of Ricinus communis seed cake. This research is relevant, since C. neoformans is an emerging fungal pathogen classified as a critical threat by the World Health Organization (WHO). The proteomic profile of C. neoformans revealed that, in cells treated with RcAlb-PepIII, several proteins involved in DNA maintenance and repair systems were detected. In addition, proteins associated with diverse cellular stress responses were detected, including processes not directly related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism. These findings are important for understanding the mechanism of action of SAMPs and for developing alternative and/or synergistic therapies/treatments against pathogens of such global importance.