Identification and characterization of antimicrobial peptides from major pathogen entry and replication sites (A02)

• Subject Area: Medical Microbiology and Mycology, Hygiene, Molecular Infection Biology ; Virology
• Term: since 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 316249678

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) may provide alternative treatment options against viruses and bacteria. Examination of human peptide libraries allowed the discovery of various novel peptides and proteins with anti-microbial activity. These include hemoglobin fragments, amyloidogenic peptides, α1-antitrypsin, and fragments of a mitochondrial protein. Aims of the next funding period, are the isolation, characterization and optimization of further AMPs against SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses, as well as major bacterial pathogens, including those forming biofilms. A particular focus will be the antimicrobial mechanisms of fibril-forming peptides and the generation of AMPs by immune-activated proteolytic cleavage of abundant precursor proteins.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1279: Exploiting the Human Peptidome for Novel Antimicrobial and Anticancer Agents
• Applicant Institution: Universität Ulm
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Jan Münch; Professorin Dr. Barbara Spellerberg