Computational systems and methods are described for identifying new α-helical antimicrobial peptides using a systemic consensus formula. Newly identified α-helical antimicrobial peptides are tested experimentally and show potent microbiocidal activities.

Provided herein are synthetic peptides with enhanced antimicrobial and antibiofilm characteristics, and are biocompatible with mammalian cellular systems. The disclosed synthetic antimicrobial moieties include a mastoparan peptide having SEQ ID NO:1 and a pentapeptide motif formed from phenylalanine, leucine, proline, and two isoleucine residues, wherein the pentapeptide motif is conjugated the N-terminus of the mastoparan peptide. Also provided are compositions comprising the synthetic peptides, as well as methods of treating a microbial infection or removing a biofilm using the peptides.

The present disclosure relates to a peptide comprising at least five amino acid residues, wherein at least one amino acid residue is modified to an epsilon-lysine, delta-ornithine, gamma-2,4-diaminobutyric acid, beta-2,3-diaminopropionic acid, with the peptide also comprising at least one non-epsilon lysine, non-delta-ornithine, non-gamma-2,4-diaminobutyric acid or non-beta-2,3-diaminopropionic acid, and wherein the peptide displays a reduced or no cytotoxicity when compared to an equivalent non-modified peptide. In a preferred embodiment, the modifications are to the melittin or mastoparan B peptides, and comprise the substitution of at least one a-lysine residue for an ε-lysine residue, and the modified peptides display antimicrobial activity. The present disclosure is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions, kits, ophthalmic preparations comprising the modified antimicrobial peptides and use of the modified antimicrobial peptides in methods of inhibiting growth of microorganisms, methods of managing microbial colonization, methods of treating proliferative disease, and methods of treating inflammation. The present disclosure also relates to a method of improving the therapeutic index (safety) of an isolated peptide comprising the aforementioned modification.

The present disclosure relates to a method of treating or preventing atherosclerosis in a subject by administering an inhibitor of FXII.

The present disclosure relates to a method of treating or preventing atherosclerosis in a subject by administering an inhibitor of FXII.

The present invention provides improved LAMP Constructs comprising specific fragments of the LAMP lumenal domain to deliver allergens to immune cells for enhanced processing. These LAMP Constructs can be used for the treatment of disease and in particular allergic reactions and/or allergies. The improved LAMP Constructs allow for presentation of properly configured three dimensional epitopes for production of an immune response when administered to a subject. The improved LAMP Constructs can be multivalent molecules, and/or can be provided as part of a multivalent vaccine containing two or more LAMP Constructs.

Microorganisms are genetically engineered to continuously co-produce amino acids, proteins, microbial biomass, chemicals, or any combination thereof by microbial fermentation, particularly by microbial fermentation of a gaseous substrate. The microorganisms are C1-fixing. The production of ethylene, microbial biomass, and heterologous tandem repeat proteins can be improved. This can be effected by improved promoters or nutrient limiting means.

The present disclosure describes the identification of a consensus formula representing -helical antimicrobial peptides (AHAPs) from broad classes of higher eukaryotes. Further provided are microbicidal peptides, compositions, methods, and uses, and computer systems and methods for identifying consensus formulae and for searching microbicidal peptides. In some embodiments, the peptide or fusion peptide includes one or more non-natural amino acid residues. Also provided is a composition comprising the -helical antimicrobial peptide or the fusion peptide, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Also provided is a method of treating an infection in a patient in need thereof, comprising administering to the patient an effective amount of a composition comprising an -helical antimicrobial peptide.

The present disclosure relates to a method of treating or preventing atherosclerosis in a subject by administering an inhibitor of FXII.

The present disclosure relates to a peptide comprising at least five amino acid residues, wherein at least one amino acid residue is modified to an epsilon-lysine, delta-ornithine, gamma-2, 4-diaminobutyric acid, beta-2,3-diaminopropionic acid, with the peptide also comprising at least one non-epsilon lysine, non-delta-ornithine, non-gamma-2, 4-diaminobutyric acid or non-beta-2,3-diaminopropionic acid, and wherein the peptide displays a reduced or no cytotoxicity when compared to an equivalent non-modified peptide. In a preferred embodiment, the modifications are to the melittin or mastoparan B peptides, and comprise the substitution of at least one -lysine residue for an -lysine residue, and the modified peptides display antimicrobial activity. The present disclosure is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions, kits, ophthalmic preparations comprising the modified antimicrobial peptides and use of the modified antimicrobial peptides in methods of inhibiting growth of microorganisms, methods of managing microbial colonization, methods of treating proliferative disease, and methods of treating inflammation. The present disclosure also relates to a method of improving the therapeutic index (safety) of an isolated peptide comprising the aforementioned modification.