The therapeutic potential of thiocyanate and hypothiocyanous acid against pulmonary infections

Free Radic Biol Med. 2024 Jul:219:104-111. doi: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.04.217. Epub 2024 Apr 11.

Abstract

Hypothiocyanous acid (HOSCN) is an endogenous oxidant produced by peroxidase oxidation of thiocyanate (SCN-), an ubiquitous sulfur-containing pseudohalide synthesized from cyanide. HOSCN serves as a potent microbicidal agent against pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and fungi, functioning through thiol-targeting mechanisms, independent of currently approved antimicrobials. Additionally, SCN- reacts with hypochlorous acid (HOCl), a highly reactive oxidant produced by myeloperoxidase (MPO) at sites of inflammation, also producing HOSCN. This imparts both antioxidant and antimicrobial potential to SCN-. In this review, we discuss roles of HOSCN/SCN- in immunity and potential therapeutic implications for combating infections.

Keywords: Hypothiocyanous acid; Infections; Peroxidase; Redox; Thiocyanate.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Infective Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Infective Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Infective Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hypochlorous Acid / chemistry
  • Hypochlorous Acid / metabolism
  • Hypochlorous Acid / therapeutic use
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Peroxidase / metabolism
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / drug therapy
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / microbiology
  • Thiocyanates* / chemistry
  • Thiocyanates* / metabolism
  • Thiocyanates* / pharmacology
  • Thiocyanates* / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Thiocyanates
  • hypothiocyanous acid
  • thiocyanate
  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Peroxidase
  • Hypochlorous Acid