Antimicrobial Peptides Induce Cell Death in Marginal Zone Lymphoma Models Resistant to Targeted Therapies
Author(s)
Date Issued
2026
Type
article
Volume
7
Issue
2
Start Page
1
End Page
4
Journal
Abstract
Introduction: Marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) is an indolent yet incurable B-cell malignancy in which targeted agents such as BTK and PI3K inhibitors frequently fail due to resistance or toxicity. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), evolutionarily conserved effectors of innate immunity, possess selective cytotoxicity against malignant cells by exploiting tumor-specific membrane alterations. Methods: Peptides were synthesized and tested for their anti-proliferative activity in MZL cell lines. Results: We evaluated the antitumor activity of seven natural AMPs, including Antarctic fish–derived trematocines and chionodracine variants, and amphibian temporins, against MZL cell lines (VL51, Karpas1718) and derivatives resistant to BTK, PI3K δ, or PI3K α/ δinhibitors. Among them, W-trematocine and temporin L demonstrated potent dose-dependent cytotoxicity with IC50 values of 5.7–10 μM, maintaining full activity in all resistant models. Other peptides showed moderate activity, while chionodracine-1 was inactive. Notably, W-trematocine displayed minimal toxicity toward nonmalignant cells in prior studies, underscoring its selectivity. AMP-mediated killing, driven by membrane disruption and non-apoptotic death pathways, bypassed conventional resistance mechanisms, suggesting therapeutic potential in relapsed/refractory disease. Conclusion: Our findings highlight natural AMPs as promising candidates for development in drug-resistant MZL, warranting further optimization and preclinical validation.