Caulerpin Mitigates Helicobacter pylori-Induced Inflammation via Formyl Peptide Receptors

Abstract

The identification of novel strategies to control <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> (<i>Hp</i>)-associated chronic inflammation is, at present, a considerable challenge. Here, we attempt to combat this issue by modulating the innate immune response, targeting formyl peptide receptors (FPRs), G-protein coupled receptors that play key roles in both the regulation and the resolution of the innate inflammatory response. Specifically, we investigated, in vitro, whether Caulerpin-a bis-indole alkaloid isolated from algae of the genus <i>Caulerpa</i>-could act as a molecular antagonist scaffold of FPRs. We showed that Caulerpin significantly reduces the immune response against <i>Hp</i> culture filtrate, by reverting the FPR2-related signaling cascade and thus counteracting the inflammatory reaction triggered by <i>Hp</i> peptide Hp(2-20). Our study suggests Caulerpin to be a promising therapeutic or adjuvant agent for the attenuation of inflammation triggered by <i>Hp</i> infection, as well as its related adverse clinical outcomes.