plantaricin A

Plantaricin A (PlnA) is a 26-residue antimicrobial peptide and peptide pheromone produced by *Lactiplantibacillus plantarum* (formerly *Lactobacillus plantarum*), specifically strain C11. It is a class II bacteriocin that serves a dual role: it acts as an induction factor for the production of other bacteriocins and exhibits direct antimicrobial activity. PlnA functions as a signaling molecule by binding to and activating the histidine protein kinase PlnB, which triggers a three-component regulatory system (PlnBCD) to upregulate the transcription of bacteriocin synthesis genes. Beyond its regulatory function, PlnA possesses membrane-permeabilizing properties, allowing it to disrupt the cell membranes of sensitive bacterial species. It has been investigated in preclinical research for its potential as a topical antimicrobial agent for skin infections and for its immunomodulatory effects on human cells, such as keratinocytes and monocytes.

Other names

Bacteriocin PlnAPlantaricin A peptide