Magainin II – Antimicrobial Peptides – AMP

Magainins, also known as PGS (peptide glycine serine) are anti-microbial peptides originally isolated from the skin of the African clawed frog Xenopus laevis, they belong to a large family of amphibian amphipathic alpha-helical cationic anti-microbial peptides (CAMPs). Magainin II is active against a wide spectrum of pathogens including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi and protozoa and has anti-viral properties. Magainins also displays anti-tumour activities and are known to facilitate wound closure and to reduce inflammation. Magainin peptides act by first binding to and then causing eventual collapse of the membrane. Magainins, carry several positive charges, and interact best with membranes with a negative surface charge, such as bacteria or tumour cells. They are non-toxic to healthy eukaryotic cells which are charge-neutral at their outer membrane. The physical mode of action of these peptides reduces the ability of target organisms to develop resistance to them, suggesting good therapeutic potential.