A trans-kingdom antimicrobial peptide targeting cystic fibrosis pathogens

Abstract

More than 90% of lung infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa [1]; further CF pathogens include clinical isolates of Burkholderia cepacia, Staphylococcus aureus and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, a newly emerging pathogen [2]. Current therapies are targeted at reducing obstruction, inflammation, or infection, but pathogenic bacteria easily develop resistance to conventional antibiotics [3]. Such molecules affect vital microbial functions through recognition and interaction with specific targets involved in metabolic reactions within cells. The susceptibility of these target molecules to mutations makes it easy for the microbes to become resistant to antibiotics. This strongly encourages the quest of novel antimicrobials especially for the treatment of chronic infections.