| 摘要 |
In certain embodiments, novel targeting peptides that specifically/preferentially bind to S. mutans are provided. The targeting peptides can be attached to effectors (e.g., detectable labels, drugs, antimicrobial peptides, etc.) to form chimeric constructs for specifically/preferentially delivering the effector to and/or into the target organism. In certain embodiments the targeting peptides attached, e.g., to antimicrobial peptides can be used to selectively inhibit and/or kill S. mutans and, when used in the oral cavity of a mammal, can be effective to reduce the incidence and/or severity of dental caries and/or the incidence and/or severity of periodontal disease. |
| 主权项 |
1. A targeting peptide that binds to Streptococcus mutans, where said peptide comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence
X1-X2-F-R-X5-X6-X7-R-X9-X10-X11-X12-X13-X14-X15-X16 or the inverse of said amino acid sequence, wherein:
X1 is a polar amino acid, or A; X2 is F, W, Q, A, or an analog thereof; X5 is a hydrophobic amino acid; X6 is a hydrophobic amino acid, N, Q, or an analog thereof; X7 is a polar amino acid, A, F, or an analog thereof; X9 is a polar amino acid, A or an analog thereof; X10 is a hydrophobic amino acid, Q, A, or an analog thereof; X11 is a hydrophobic amino acid; X12 is Q, A, or an analog thereof; X13 is a non-polar amino acid; X14 is a hydrophobic amino acid; X15 is a non-polar amino acid, N, S, D, or an analog thereof; X16 is a polar amino acid, F, A, or an analog thereof; and said peptide ranges in length up to 100 amino acids. |
