American Society of Hirudotherapy

Destabilase Lysozyme Activity

Lysozyme domain of destabilase — antimicrobial activity against peptidoglycan-containing bacteria.

Preclinical / mechanisticLast updated: 2026-05-26 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Molecular weight of Destabilase Lysozyme Activity compared with other characterized leech-derived compoundsHementerin80 kDaHementin80 kDaHementin-Like Protein (HLP-1)80 kDaLeech Collagenase70 kDaHaemadipsa yanyuanensis Progr…70 kDaLeech Apyrase67 kDaCalin65 kDaHyaluronidase60 kDaAntithrombin III binding prot…58 kDaCollagenolytic Fibrinolysin55 kDaLeech Thrombospondin-Like Pro…50 kDaDestabilase Lysozyme Activity12.5 kDa
Molecular weight (kilodaltons) of Destabilase Lysozyme Activity (highlighted) alongside other characterized leech salivary compounds. Smaller proteins/peptides generally diffuse and act faster.

Mechanistic Evidence Box

Preclinical / mechanistic
Page type
Compound profile
Evidence type
Lysozyme domain of destabilase — antimicrobial activity against peptidoglycan-containing bacteria.
Evidence level
In vitro
Drug vs leech
Purified natural compound

Clinical translation limit

Destabilase's lysozyme activity against bacterial peptidoglycan is in vitro/mechanistic only and does not establish clinical efficacy as an antimicrobial. No FDA-approved derivative exists.

Molecular Profile

Category
Antimicrobial
Evidence tier
Preclinical
Molecular weight
12,500 Da
Source species
Hirudo medicinalis
Destabilase Lysozyme Activity molecular structure

Biological Targets

  • → bacterial peptidoglycan (β1,4 N-acetylmuramic acid — N-acetylglucosamine)

External Resources

    Related Antimicrobial Compounds

    Theromacin

    Antimicrobial peptide active against Gram-negative bacteria — innate immunity of leech.

    Theromyzin

    Antimicrobial peptide; structural analogue of mammalian defensin family.

    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.

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