The neutralizing effect of heparin on blood-derived antimicrobial compounds
Impact on antibacterial activity and inflammatory response
Recent publication
As part of our innate immune system, antimicrobial compounds in human blood are able to neutralise pathogenic bacteria and have an anti-inflammatory effect. In in-vitro tests, researchers were able to prove that unfractionated heparin reduces this antibacterial and neutralising effect in human blood serum. Their results provide the starting point for two important further research questions. Since unfractionated heparin reduces the effect of the antimicrobial protein compounds in the blood, it appears that the components bind. This mechanism could be used to isolate and identify antimicrobial blood components in order to utilise them as therapeutic approaches. On the other hand, the results question the use of heparin as an anticoagulant in sepsis patients. It remains to be seen whether the effect only occurs with unfractionated heparin or also with the low-molecular-weight heparin used. It also needs to be checked whether the in-vitro results can be confirmed in in-vivo studies. The work was supported by the Gesellschaft für Forschungsförderung Niederösterreich (GFF) and realised with the participation of the Division of Water Quality and Health of the KL.
Cont, D, Harm, S, Schildböck, C, Kolm, C, Kirschner, AKT, Farnleitner, AH, Pilecky, M, Zottl, J, Hartmann, J & Weber, V 2024, 'The neutralizing effect of heparin on blood-derived antimicrobial compounds: impact on antibacterial activity and inflammatory response', Frontiers in Immunology, vol. 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1373255
Denisa Cont MSc
Scientific Staff (PreDoc)
Division of Water Quality and Health
DI Dr. Claudia Kolm Bakk
Scientific Staff (PostDoc)
Division of Water Quality and Health
Assoc. Prof. PD Mag. Dr. Alexander Kirschner
Scientific Staff (Sen. PostDoc)
Division of Water Quality and Health
Univ.-Prof. PD Dr. Andreas Farnleitner MSc
Head of
Division of Water Quality and Health
