protegrin-1

Protegrin-1 (PG-1) is a potent, cationic 18-amino acid antimicrobial peptide (AMP) belonging to the cathelicidin family, originally isolated from porcine leukocytes. It adopts a stable β-hairpin structure stabilized by two internal disulfide bonds. PG-1 exhibits broad-spectrum microbicidal activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (including multidrug-resistant strains like MRSA and *Acinetobacter baumannii*), fungi, and certain enveloped viruses. Its primary mechanism of action involves binding to and disrupting microbial cell membranes through pore formation, leading to rapid lysis and cell death. Beyond its direct microbicidal effects, PG-1 possesses immunomodulatory properties, including the ability to temper inflammatory responses by inhibiting the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. It has also been investigated for its potential to inhibit the Dengue virus NS2B-NS3 serine protease and for its anticancer activity against tumors such as glioblastoma. Although highly effective, the clinical development of the natural PG-1 peptide has been hindered by its toxicity to mammalian cells, particularly its hemolytic activity, which has led to the development of synthetic analogs with improved safety profiles.

Other names

PG-1PG1PG 1Protegrin 1Protegrin1Protegrin-1