Unraveling the role of antimicrobial proteins in leptospirosis: A comprehensive transcriptomic analysis.

Leptospirosis, caused by Leptospira bacteria, poses a significant global health threat with notable mortality rates. This study employs advanced transcriptomics to explore the complex interactions between host and pathogen, focusing on antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Genomic data from mice infected with various Leptospira serotypes underwent rigorous quality control, alignment to the Mus musculus genome, and quantification using FeatureCounts. DESeq2 analysis revealed 491 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), shedding light on key molecular pathways crucial to leptospirosis pathogenesis, particularly involving AMP resistance mechanisms. Important molecular functions, KEGG pathways, cellular components, and biological processes linked to AMP resistance were revealed by functional enrichment analysis. These findings underscore roles in stress responses, immune modulation, and stimulus regulation. Utilizing Cytoscape, a protein-protein interaction network identified pivotal hub proteins such as Ptprc, Stat3, Syk, Stat5a, Stat1, Il18, Fcgr3, Jak2, Sell, and Jak1, integral to immune responses, signaling cascades, and cellular processes essential for AMP resistance. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying AMP resistance in leptospirosis. The identified biomarkers hold promise for developing targeted diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies to combat AMP-resistant leptospirosis strains, potentially alleviating its global health impact. Further validation and comprehensive exploration are crucial to advancing our understanding and enhancing patient care strategies against antimicrobial resistance in leptospirosis.