| abstract |
A method of antibiotic treatment combines a pore-forming agent with histones, which stabilize the pores and inhibit transcription. This combination has a significant and complete effect on eliminating bacterial growth. A composition comprising a pore-forming agent and a histone, and optionally, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient. The pore-forming agents can include LL-37, magainin, or polymyxin B. Examples of a histone include H2A and H3. A method for killing bacteria comprises contacting bacteria with a pore-forming agent and a histone, or with a composition of the invention. Also provided is a method for treating a bacterial infection in a subject, the method comprising administering a pore-forming agent and a histone to the subject, such as in the form of a composition of the invention. In some embodiments, the bacteria comprise Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and/or Staphylococcus aureus. |