Therapeutic Application of Lantibiotics and Other Lanthipeptides: Old and New Findings

Lanthipeptides are ribosomally synthesized and posttranslationally modified peptides, with modifications that are incorporated during biosynthesis by dedicated enzymes. Various modifications of the peptides are possible, resulting in a highly diverse group of bioactive peptides that offer a potentia...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied and environmental microbiology 2021-06, Vol.87 (14), p.e0018621-e0018621
Main Authors: van Staden, Anton Du Preez, van Zyl, Winschau F, Trindade, Marla, Dicks, Leon M T, Smith, Carine
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Anti-Bacterial Agents - therapeutic use
Bacteriocins - genetics
Bacteriocins - therapeutic use
Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections - drug therapy
Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections - drug therapy
Humans
Minireview
Peptides - genetics
Peptides - therapeutic use
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Summary:Lanthipeptides are ribosomally synthesized and posttranslationally modified peptides, with modifications that are incorporated during biosynthesis by dedicated enzymes. Various modifications of the peptides are possible, resulting in a highly diverse group of bioactive peptides that offer a potential reservoir for use in the fight against a plethora of diseases. Their activities range from the antimicrobial properties of lantibiotics, especially against antibiotic-resistant strains, to antiviral activity, immunomodulatory properties, antiallodynic effects, and the potential to alleviate cystic fibrosis symptoms. Lanthipeptide biosynthetic genes are widespread within bacterial genomes, providing a substantial repository for novel bioactive peptides. Using genome mining tools, novel bioactive lanthipeptides can be identified, and coupled with rapid screening and heterologous expression technologies, the lanthipeptide drug discovery pipeline can be significantly sped up. Lanthipeptides represent a group of bioactive peptides that hold great potential as biotherapeutics, especially at a time when novel and more effective therapies are required. With this review, we provide insight into the latest developments made toward the therapeutic applications and production of lanthipeptides, specifically looking at heterologous expression systems.
ISSN:0099-2240
1098-5336
DOI:10.1128/AEM.00186-21