High therapeutic index of factor C sushi peptides: Potent antimicrobials against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Factor C protein isolated from the horseshoe crab, Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda, has endotoxin binding capability. Synthetic peptides of 34 amino acids based on the sequence of two regions of factor C (Sushi 1 and Sushi 3) as well as their corresponding mutants exhibited activities against 30 clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Collectively, all four peptides demonstrated exceptionally effective bactericidal activity against P. aeruginosa with 90% minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBC₉₀s) in the range of 0.06 to 0.25 μg/ml (16 to 63 nM). Viable bacteria were reduced by 90% after 7 min and were totally eradicated within 40 to 50 min. These peptides are minimally hemolytic against both rabbit and human erythrocytes even at concentrations up to 1,600-fold their MBC₉₀s. Both in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that cytotoxic effects are small even at 1,000-fold their MBC₉₀s. Furthermore, the Sushi peptides are tolerant of high-salt and adverse pH conditions. These findings demonstrate the promising therapeutic potential of the Sushi peptides.