The relationship between peptide structure and antibacterial activity.
Cationic antimicrobial peptides are a class of small, positively charged peptides known for their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. These peptides have also been shown to possess anti-viral and anti-cancer activity and, most recently, the ability to modulate the innate immune response. To date, a large number of antimicrobial peptides have been chemically characterized, however, few high-resolution structures are available. Structure-activity studies of these peptides reveal two main requirements for antimicrobial activity, (1) a cationic charge and (2) an induced amphipathic conformation. In addition to peptide conformation, the role of membrane lipid composition, specifically non-bilayer lipids, on peptide activity will also be discussed.
Powers
Jon-Paul S
JP
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, #300-6174 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z3. bob@cmdr.ubc.ca
Hancock
Robert E W
RE
D000818:Animals; D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D008563:Membrane Lipids / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D011487:Protein Conformation; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship
D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides; D008563:Membrane Lipids