Theromyzin
Antimicrobial peptide; structural analogue of mammalian defensin family.
Praeklinisch / mechanistischLast updated: 2026-05-26 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Mechanistic Evidence Box
Preclinical / mechanistic- Page type
- Compound profile
- Evidence type
- Antimicrobial peptide; structural analogue of mammalian defensin family.
- Evidence level
- In vitro
- Drug vs leech
- Purified natural compound
Clinical translation limit
Theromyzin's in vitro antimicrobial activity does not establish clinical efficacy as a therapeutic antibiotic. No FDA-approved derivative exists. Mechanism is preclinical/biochemical only.
Molecular Profile
- Category
- Antimicrobial
- Evidence tier
- Preclinical
- Molecular weight
- 4,300 Da
- Source species
- Theromyzon tessulatum
- Discovered
- 2004 · Tasiemski et al.
Biological Targets
- → bacterial membranes (broad-spectrum)
Key Citations
- Tasiemski A et al. (2004), J Biol Chem
External Resources
Related Antimicrobial Compounds
Theromacin
Antimicrobial peptide active against Gram-negative bacteria — innate immunity of leech.
Macrostomin
Antimicrobial peptide active against Gram-positive bacteria — amphipathic alpha-helix.
Hirunipins
Newly-characterized antimicrobial peptide family (Kumar 2025) — candidate next-generation antibiotics against AMR pathogens.
Destabilase Lysozyme Activity
Lysozyme domain of destabilase — antimicrobial activity against peptidoglycan-containing bacteria.