The relationship between peptide structure and antibacterial activity

Jon Paul S. Powers, Robert E.W. Hancock

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

801 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1681-1691
Number of pages11
JournalPeptides
Volume24
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished or Issued - Nov 2003
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Antimicrobial cationic peptide
  • Polyphemusin
  • Structure

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Physiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

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