| abstract |
Cationic antimicrobial and virus-neutralizing peptides having 16 to 18 amino acids and comprising 0-4 cysteines are provided as five native protegrins isolated from porcine leukocyte granules having two cystine bridges or as various protegrin analogs having no, or a single, cystine bridge. Native protegrins have, and analogs may have, carboxyl-terminal amidation and analogs may optionally be prepared in amino-terminal acylated and/or cysteine-stabilized and/or carboxyl-terminal esterified forms. Any of the 1-4 native cysteines may be replaced with a hydrophobic or a small amino acid and various substituents are disclosed for the remaining 12-16 positions. Recombinant host cells and methods for production are disclosed, as well as pharmaceutical compositions, compositions for agricultural application, and methods for bacteriostatic, virus-neutralizing, and endotoxin-inactivating use of native protegrins and their analogs. |