crotalicidin

Crotalicidin is a cationic antimicrobial peptide (AMP) belonging to the cathelicidin family, originally isolated from the venom gland of the South American rattlesnake *Crotalus durissus terrificus*. It exhibits potent antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria and pathogenic yeasts, as well as antitumor properties with selective cytotoxicity toward cancer cells. Mechanistically, crotalicidin acts primarily by disrupting cell membranes through electrostatic interactions and intercalation into lipid bilayers, leading to membrane destabilization and cell death. This mechanism underlies both its antibacterial and antitumoral effects. Crotalicidin also demonstrates activity against protozoan parasites such as *Trypanosoma cruzi*, making it a promising template for anti-infective and anticancer drug development[2][3][5][6][7][8]. Fragments derived from crotalicidin (e.g., Ctn[15–34]) retain or enhance these activities while reducing toxicity toward healthy mammalian cells[5].

Other names

Ctncathelicidin-related vipericidinrattlesnake cathelicidin