Bacterial Antagonist Mediated Protein Molecules

Abstract

Bacterial antagonism mediated by ribosomally synthesised peptides has gained considerable attention in recent years because of its potential applications in the control of undesirable microbiota. These peptides, generally referred to as bacteriocins, are defined as a heterogeneous group of ribosomally synthesised, proteinaceous substances (with or without further modifications) extracellularly secreted by many Gram-positive and some Gram-negative bacteria. Their mode of activity is primarily bactericidal and directed against closely related strains and species. These peptides are nearly all cationic and very often amphyphilic, which is reflected in the fact that many of these peptides kill their target cells by accumulation in the membrane causing increasing permeability and loss of barrier functions . Bacteriocins have been explored primarily as natural food preservatives, but there is much interest in exploring the application of these therapeutic peptides as antimicrobial agents since many of them exhibit antimicrobial activity against various important human pathogens.The suitability of bacteriocins such as pharmaceuticals is explored through measures of cytotoxicity, effects on the natural microbiota, and in vivo efficacy in mouse models. Bacteriocins are promising therapeutic agents.