University of Illinois

Menghua Xiong

Jianjun Cheng

Ziyuan Song

Lin-Feng Chen

Yan Bao

The disclosure provides a class of pH-sensitive, helix/random conformation switchable antimicrobial polypeptide (HRS-AMP) compositions as a single agent to selectively kill bacteria (e.g.,) under acidic condition in the stomach with diminished bacterial resistance compared to currently used antibiotics. Methods of treating bacterial infections in the stomach are also provided.

Conformation switchable antimicrobial peptides and methods of using the same

The invention provides antimicrobial polypeptides (AMPs) with high radial amphiphilicity. Unlike typical AMPs characterized by facial amphiphilicity or biomimetic antimicrobial polymers with randomly distributed charged and hydrophobic groups, these new AMPs are homo-polypeptides with radially amphiphilic structure. They adopt a stable &#x3b1;-helical conformation with a hydrophobic helical core and a charged exterior shell, formed by flexible hydrophobic side chains with terminal charge group. The radially amphiphilic polypeptides offer several advantages over conventional AMPs with regard to stability against protease and simplicity of design. They also exhibit high antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and low hemolytic activity. The AMPs thus provide a general platform for treating drug-resistant bacterial infections.

Growing community of inventors

Guangzhou, China

Menghua Xiong