Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 7, 2026
Antimicrobial Peptides Produced by Selective Pressure Incorporation of Non-canonical Amino Acids
Published on: May 4, 2018
LL-37-derived peptide shows promising antimicrobial potential against multidrug-resistance pathogens
Demeke Asmamaw1, Huajun Cai2, Prateeksha Prateeksha3
1Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Evolution & Animal Models, Sino-African Joint Research Center, and New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Kunming Institute of Zoology, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.17 Longxin Road, Kunming, Yunnan, 650201, China; Kunming College of Life Science, University of Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650204, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
Abstract:
The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections poses global health challenges, highlighting the urgent need for new antimicrobial agents. The key advantages of antimicrobial peptides are their ability to rapid bactericidal activity and their low propensity for resistance development. In this study, we designed a series of antimicrobial peptides by fusing the two fragments of antimicrobial peptides Cathelicidin-BF (1-9) and LL-37 (17-29), and then tested against selected Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial strains. Among these peptides, KF-22 displayed potent antibacterial activity against a panel of Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogens with MICs less than 5 μg/mL, with demonstrating low toxicity. Moreover, KF-22 exhibits rapid bactericidal activity and a low propensity to induce resistance, simultaneously showing excellent anti-biofilm and persisters activity. Mechanistic studies revealed that KF-22 induces membrane damage by targeting bacterial-specific membrane components, leading to the dissipate the proton motive force (PMF) and resulting in metabolic perturbations. Furthermore, in mice models no significant change was observed in plasma biochemical parameters between the treated and the control groups. In addition, in vivo studies confirmed that KF-22 are effective against drug-resistant pathogens. Taken together, the findings suggest that KF-22 is a promising candidate for further development to tackle MDR bacterial infections.
Insights
A novel antimicrobial peptide, KF-22, shows potent activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria. This peptide demonstrates rapid killing, low resistance development, and anti-biofilm properties, offering a promising new therapeutic candidate.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections are a growing global health threat.
- New antimicrobial agents are urgently needed to combat resistant pathogens.
- Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) offer rapid bactericidal activity and low resistance potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and evaluate novel antimicrobial peptides derived from Cathelicidin-BF and LL-37 fragments.
- To assess the antibacterial efficacy, toxicity, and resistance potential of the designed peptides.
- To investigate the mechanism of action and in vivo effectiveness of the lead candidate peptide.
Main Methods:
- Fusion of Cathelicidin-BF (1-9) and LL-37 (17-29) fragments to create novel antimicrobial peptides.
- In vitro testing against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial strains to determine Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs).
- Assessment of cytotoxicity, anti-biofilm activity, persister cell activity, mechanism of action (membrane damage, proton motive force dissipation), and in vivo efficacy in mouse models.
Main Results:
- KF-22 demonstrated potent antibacterial activity against a range of pathogens, with MICs < 5 μg/mL.
- KF-22 exhibited low toxicity, rapid bactericidal effects, and a low propensity for resistance development.
- Mechanistic studies indicated KF-22 targets bacterial membranes, dissipates proton motive force, and shows anti-biofilm and anti-persister activity.
- In vivo studies confirmed KF-22's effectiveness against drug-resistant pathogens with no observed significant toxicity in mice.
Conclusions:
- KF-22 is a potent antimicrobial peptide with broad-spectrum activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
- KF-22 displays favorable properties including low toxicity, rapid action, and anti-resistance potential.
- KF-22 represents a promising therapeutic candidate for combating multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.
More Related Videos
12:02An Efficient Method for the Synthesis of Peptoids with Mixed Lysine-type/Arginine-type Monomers and Evaluation of Their Anti-leishmanial Activity
Published on: November 2, 2016
10:13Production and Visualization of Bacterial Spheroplasts and Protoplasts to Characterize Antimicrobial Peptide Localization
Published on: August 11, 2018
Related Concept Videos
01:23Antimicrobial Proteins
Interferons
Interferons (IFNs) are proteins produced by lymphocytes, macrophages, and fibroblasts infected with viruses. While IFNs cannot prevent viruses from entering and...
01:31Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
01:30Development of Antibiotic Resistance
01:28Antimicrobial Effectiveness