| abstract |
The present invention provides cyclic and linear short peptides containing one of the following amino acid sequences: K(2Nal)RR(2-Nal)I (SEQ ID NO: 1), K(2-Nal)RR(2-Nal)V (SEQ ID NO:2), K(2-Nal)IK(2-Nal)R (SEQ ID NO:3), K(2-Nal)RR(2Nal)VR(2-Nal)I (SEQ ID NO:4), I(2-Nal)RV(2-Nal)RR(2-Nal)K (SEQ ID NO:5), K(1-Nal)RR(1-Nal)VR(1-Nal)I (SEQ ID NO:6), and K(Bip)RR(Bip)VR(Bip)I (SEQ ID NO: 7), wherein 1-Nal represents (naphtha-1-yl)alanine, 2-Nal represents (naphtha-2-yl)alanine and Bip represents (4,4'-biphen-yl)alanine. The peptides exhibit broad spectrum antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi, with improved serum compatibility and reduced hemolysis. |