The wasp venom antimicrobial peptide polybia-CP and its synthetic derivatives display antiplasmodial and anticancer properties.

ABSTRACT: The wasp venom-derived antimicrobial peptide polybia-CP has been previously shown to exhibit potent antimicrobial activity, but it is also highly toxic. Previously, using a physicochemical-guided peptide design strategy, we reversed its toxicity while preserving and even enhancing its antibacterial properties. Here, we report on several additional unanticipated biological properties of polybia-CP and derivatives, namely their ability to target Plasmodium sporozoites and cancer cells. We leverage a physicochemical-guided approach to identify features that operate as functional hotspots making these peptides viable antiplasmodial and anticancer agents. Helical content and net positive charge are identified as key structural and physicochemical determinants for antiplasmodial activity.

SUBMITTER: Torres MDT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7510464 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature