Project description:Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis) is one of the rarest endangered reptiles found in China and possesses strong immune potential. This study tested the antibacterial ability of Chinese alligator serum (CAS) against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and analyzed the underlying mechanisms. Results showed that the CAS had a marked antibacterial effect on K. pneumoniae, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa. However, S. aureus was only mildly affected, and this effect disappeared when incubated with Protease K. The serum proteome revealed that the antibacterial ability of CAS was produced by interactions between various proteins and that the complement proteins played a major antibacterial role. Furthermore, the prediction of the structure and function of complement component 3 revealed eight potential protein binding sites and one nucleic acid binding site that were likely related to the broad-spectrum antibacterial ability of this serum. This study provided evidence that CAS elicits significant antibacterial effects against some pathogens and provides the basis for further development of novel antibacterial drugs.
