Human Histone Fragments Display Antibacterial Properties against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Jaber, N.; Di Somma, A.; Rodriguez-alfonso, A. A.; Cane, C.; Read, C.; Ständker, L.; Wiese, S.; Duilio, A.; Münch, J.; Spellerberg, B.

doi:10.64898/2026.05.11.724237

bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.05.11.724237

Human Histone Fragments Display Antibacterial Properties against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Jaber, N.·Di Somma, A.·Rodriguez-alfonso, A. A.·Cane, C.·Read, C.·Ständker, L.·Wiese, S.·Duilio, A.·Münch, J.·Spellerberg, B.

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Abstract

BackgroundRising antimicrobial resistance rates, require new therapeutic approaches such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are part of the innate immune defense, as alternatives to antibiotics. In this study, we aim to unravel the antibacterial activity of human histone H1.2 peptide against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its potential immune modulatory role. MethodsWe used a hemofiltrate peptide database for antimicrobial peptide prediction to identify novel human AMPs. Thirteen sequences of histone H1 were identified as putative AMPs, synthesized, and tested against bacterial ESKAPE pathogens in a radial diffusion assay. SYTOX green assay, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and differential proteomics assays were conducted to determine the mode of action of H1.2 peptide fragment. A crystal violet assay was performed to evaluate the inhibition of biofilm formation. The cytotoxicity of the peptide was tested in LDH and Alamar assays. Finally, to visualize the contributions of H1.2 in NETs formation, scanning electron microscopy was performed. ResultsThe H1.2 peptide inhibited the growth of P. aeruginosa in a dose and pH-dependent manner without cytotoxicity towards mammalian THP-1 cells. It acts on intracellular targets to inhibit the growth of P. aeruginosa. STRING analysis from the differential proteomics assay showed that H1.2 targets the downregulation of proteins involved in the biogenesis of outer membrane proteins, including the folding and trafficking of outer membrane proteins across the cytoplasmic membrane. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that H1.2 forms NET-like structures capable of trapping and immobilizing P. aeruginosa. ConclusionThe characterized antimicrobial activity of H1.2 points to a role for human histone H1 fragments in innate immunity and may represent a promising approach for the development of novel antibacterial therapies. Graphical Summary O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=192 HEIGHT=200 SRC="FIGDIR/small/724237v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (36K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1778ddborg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@26430org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@ffbfa2org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@7e38ae_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG Sec transport and BAM complex system including chaperone proteins and quality control proteases are inhibited by H1.2 in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.Outer membrane proteins (OMPs) are synthesized in the cytoplasm and transported across the inner membrane via the Sec translocase, assisted by SecA/SecB or ribosomes. In the periplasm, they are escorted by chaperones such as SurA to the BAM complex for insertion into the outer membrane. Here, we show that H1.2, an antimicrobial peptide, targets membrane biogenesis in P. aeruginosa through downregulating Sec translocase (SecA/SecB and SecYEG), SurA, and BAM complex. Therefore, leading to improper transfer, folding and insertion of OMPs into the outer membrane. Normally, misfolded proteins are degraded by the protease MucD to prevent toxic aggregation in the bacteria. However, with H1.2 inhibiting MucD the proteotoxic stress is exacerbated, ultimately compromising bacterial homeostasis and viability. Figure created using BioRender.com.

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Jaber, N., Di Somma, A., Rodriguez-alfonso, A. A., Cane, C., Read, C., Ständker, L., Wiese, S., Duilio, A., Münch, J., Spellerberg, B.. 2026-05-11. Human Histone Fragments Display Antibacterial Properties against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.05.11.724237

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