Short amphipathic peptides with activity against bacteria and intracellular pathogens

US6566334B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY AND AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL COLLEGE · US

Inventors

• Mark McLaughlin · Tampa, US
• Thomas Scott Yokum · Greensboro, US
• Frederick M. Enright · Baton Rouge, US
• Philip H. Elzer · Baton Rouge, US
• Robert P. Hammer · Baton Rouge, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 5, 1998
• Grant date: May 20, 2003
• Expiry date: Feb 5, 2018

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S977/903
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

“Minimalist” antimicrobial peptides are disclosed based on 50 to 80% &agr;,&agr;-dialkylated amino acids. The peptides are short, cationic, amphipathic, and possess a high helix propensity. Polar &agr;,&agr;-dialkylated amino acids are also disclosed. These peptides are easy and inexpensive to synthesize via solid-phase techniques. The peptides exhibit in vitro anti-bacterial properties at concentrations that are not lethal to normal mammalian cells. The peptides exhibit in vivo bioactivity against intracellular pathogens.