Infectious disease is a major health concern worldwide. One of the growing threats with infectious disease is the increase in development of drug resistance to current therapies, which is creating a great need for the development of novel therapeutics. Researchers at the University Nebraska Medical Center, in conjunction with researchers at San Diego State University, have identified a novel antimicrobial peptide. This peptide is a potent activator of the immune system. The peptide has been modified to enhance its immune stimulating properties while eliminating unwanted inflammatory stimulating properties. Researchers have conducted initial in vivo proof of concept studies demonstrating its efficacy. The peptide was effective at treating mice infected with either influenza or S. aureus. Furthermore, researchers have demonstrated that this peptide has direct antibacterial effects and was able to kill both gram positive and gram negative bacteria in culture. This peptide represents a novel antimicrobial peptide that demonstrates both immune stimulating capabilities and direct antimicrobial properties.

File Number: 227 

Web site: http://unemed.atticdev.ist.unomaha.edu/content/...

Disease: Infectious Diseases