Sociedad Americana de Hirudoterapia

Theromyzin

Antimicrobial peptide; structural analogue of mammalian defensin family.

Preclínico / mecanísticoLast updated: 2026-05-26 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Molecular weight of Theromyzin 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 kDaTheromyzin4.3 kDa
Molecular weight (kilodaltons) of Theromyzin (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
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.
Theromyzin molecular structure

Biological Targets

  • → bacterial membranes (broad-spectrum)

Key Citations

  1. 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.

    ← Back to Compound Reference

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