A02 – Identification and characterization of antimicrobial peptides from major pathogen entry and replication sites (Jan Münch, Barbara Spellerberg)

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) may provide alternative treatment options against viruses and bacteria. Examination of human peptide libraries allowed the discovery of various novel peptides and proteins with anti-microbial activity. These include hemoglobin fragments, amyloidogenic peptides, α1-antitrypsin, and fragments of a mitochondrial protein. Aims of the next funding period, are the isolation, characterization and optimization of further AMPs against SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses, as well as major bacterial pathogens, including those forming biofilms. A particular focus will be the antimicrobial mechanisms of fibril-forming peptides and the generation of AMPs by immune-activated proteolytic cleavage of abundant precursor proteins.

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Principal Investigators

Münch, Jan, Prof. Dr.

Institute of Molecular Virology
Ulm University Medical Center
Meyerhofstr. 1
89081 Ulm
Tel: 0731 50065150
jan.muench(at)uni-ulm.de

Spellerberg, Barbara, Prof. Dr.

Institute for Med. Microbiology
and Hygiene
Ulm University Medical Center
Albert Einstein Allee 11
89081 Ulm
Tel: 0731 50065333
barbara.spellerberg(at)uniklinik-ulm.de