Repurposing a peptide toxin from wasp venom into antiinfectives with dual antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2012379117
• Publication Date: 2020-10-13T00:30:35Z
• Authors: Osmar N. Silva; Marcelo D. T. Torres; Jicong Cao; Eliane S. F. Alves; Leticia V. Rodrigues; Jarbas M. Resende; Luciano M. Lião; William F. Porto; Isabel C. M. Fens...; Timothy K. Lu; Octavio L. Franco; Cesar de la Fuent...
• Keywords: Repurposing

Significance Novel antibiotics are urgently needed to treat the ever-increasing number of drug-resistant infections. Venoms constitute a treasure trove novel potential medicines. Here, we converted peptide derived from venom into potent antimicrobials capable resolving otherwise lethal infections in mice. We demonstrate that acts directly on bacteria by targeting their membrane, while also modulating host immune response and dampening unwanted inflammation. Venom-derived molecules such as ones described here represent an exciting new source antibiotics.