| abstract |
The invention encompasses hexapeptides consisting of alternating hydrophobic residues (B) at positions 2, 4, and 6, hydrophilic, charged residues (X) at positions 1 and 3, and a naphthylalanine (Nal), an aliphatic or aromatic residue (O) at position five, represented generally by the formula XBXBOB, which exhibit antimicrobial activity against infections caused by a variety of pathogens. These pathogens may include gram positive or negative bacteria, acid-fast bacteria such as mycobacteria, parasites, dermatophytes, or fungal pathogens. Typical fungal pathogens include Candida albicans and typical dermatophytes include Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes . The hexapeptides of the present invention exhibit antifungal activity, antibacterial activity, desirable stability, and lack toxicity to the mammal receiving treatment. |