American Society of Hirudotherapy

Theromycin-2

Isoform of theromycin — leech-derived antimicrobial / anti-inflammatory peptide.

Preclinical / mechanisticLast updated: 2026-05-26 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Molecular weight of Theromycin-2 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 kDaTheromycin-28.5 kDa
Molecular weight (kilodaltons) of Theromycin-2 (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
Isoform of theromycin — leech-derived antimicrobial / anti-inflammatory peptide.
Evidence level
In vitro
Drug vs leech
Purified natural compound

Clinical translation limit

Theromycin-2 is documented mechanistically only; no human evidence. In vitro activity does NOT establish clinical antimicrobial efficacy, and no FDA-approved derivative exists.

Molecular Profile

Category
Antimicrobial
Evidence tier
Preclinical
Molecular weight
8,500 Da
Source species
Theromyzon tessulatum
Discovered
2014
Theromycin-2 molecular structure

Biological Targets

  • → bacterial cell membranes
  • → innate immune signaling

Key Citations

  1. Liu Z et al. (2019), Parasit Vectors

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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