Tech Spotlight: Rational Design of α-Helical Antimicrobial Peptides

Cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been recently been discovered as a new class of antibiotics.The two major classes of AMPs are the α-helical and the β-sheet peptides. The α-helical peptides are ideal for use as antibiotics, but can be toxic to normal cells.

A research team led by Robert S. Hodges of the University of Colorado has employed a synthetic peptide approach to the rational design of new amphipathic α-helical AMPs that dramatically reduces or removes their toxicity. These peptides have potent antimicrobial activities and are useful against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria (including mycobacterium tuberculosis, fungi, viruses, and protozoa). The peptides are effective compounds for use in human and/or veterinary medicine or as agents in agricultural, food science, or industrial applications.

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