A Tachyplesin Antimicrobial Peptide from Theraphosidae Spiders with Potent Antifungal Activity Against Cryptococcus neoformans.

ABSTRACT: The venoms of Theraphosidae spiders have evolved into diverse natural pharmacopeias through selective pressures. Cryptococcus neoformans is a global health threat that frequently causes life-threatening meningitis and fungemia, particularly in immunocompromised patients. In this study, we identify a novel anti-C. neoformans peptide, QS18 (QCFKVCFRKRCFTKCSRS), from the venom gland of China's native spider species Chilobrachys liboensis by utilizing bioinformatic tools. QS18 shares over 50% sequence similarity with tachyplesin peptides, previously identified only in horseshoe crab hemocytes, expanding the known repertoire of the tachyplesin family to terrestrial arachnids. The oxidative folding of QS18 notably enhances its antifungal activity and stability, resulting in

SUBMITTER: Michira BB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11728142 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature