| 摘要 |
<p>The first group of peptides of the invention are known as Caerins. These peptides have the formula: W-Gly-Leu-X-Z, wherein W is hydrogen, C1-6 alkyl, C6-10 aryl, C7-16 aralkyl or C1-20 acyl; X is a peptide sequence comprising 20 to 23 amino acid residues; and Z is hydroxy, amino, C1-6 alkylamino, di-(C1-6 alkyl)-amino, C1-18 alkoxy or C7-18 aralkoxy. Generally, Caerins have a molecular weight of between 2300 and 2700. The second group of peptides of the invention are known as Caeridins. These peptides have the formula: W-Gly-Leu-Y-Z, wherein W is hydrogen, C1-6 alkyl, C6-10 aryl, C7-16 aralkyl or C1-20 acyl; Y is a peptide sequence comprising 8 to 13 amino acid residues; and Z is hydroxy, amino, C1-6 alkylamino, di-(C1-6 alkyl)-amino, C1-18 alkoxy or C7-18 aralkoxy. Generally, Caeridins have a molecular weight of between 1100 and 1600. Representative members of both groups of peptides may be isolated from the skin or glands of Litoria splendida and Litoria caerulea. Some of the present peptides have potent physiological activity. For example, one of the Caerins has potent antibiotic activity against a variety of bacteria. Some of the peptides also have anti-viral activity, and may have anti-fungal activity. The peptides may also be used for food preservation.</p> |
