Antibacterial protein from Asian medicinal leech
Anti-Gram-positive peptide isolated from Asian medicinal leech salivary glands.
Доклинические / механистические данныеLast updated: 2026-05-26 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Mechanistic Evidence Box
Preclinical / mechanistic- Page type
- Compound profile
- Evidence type
- Anti-Gram-positive peptide isolated from Asian medicinal leech salivary glands.
- Evidence level
- In vitro
- Drug vs leech
- Purified natural compound
Clinical translation limit
This peptide's in vitro Gram-positive antimicrobial activity does not establish clinical efficacy. No FDA-approved derivative exists. Mechanism is preclinical/biochemical only.
Molecular Profile
- Category
- Antimicrobial
- Evidence tier
- Preclinical
- Molecular weight
- 4,500 Da
- Source species
- Whitmania pigra (Asian medicinal leech)
Biological Targets
- → Staphylococcus aureus and other Gram-positives
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.