In Vitro Therapeutic Effect of a Synthetic All-D Antimicrobial Peptide against Clinically Isolated Drug-Resistant Strains

摘要

Conventional antibiotics have become indispensable in the modern health care system, assisting and complementing the native immune system. However, the recent appearance of antibiotic-resistant strains has necessitated a search for more potent and efficacious antibiotic agents. Over the past decade, a variety of antibacterial peptides have been identified in a wide range of species [1], serving as important components of innate immunity and the host defense systems of insects, amphibians and mammals [2-3]. Among the more potent of these antimicrobial compounds are small bioactive peptides, such as cecropin A (CA), magainin 2 (MA), melittin, HP (2-20) and plant defensin [4].