Cecropin A

Cecropin A is a 37-amino acid antimicrobial peptide first isolated from the cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia). It is one of the founding members of the cecropin family of antimicrobial peptides and shows potent activity against parasites, particularly those causing tropical diseases.

Cecropin A contains two alpha-helical regions connected by a hinge. It binds to negatively charged membranes and creates ion channels through a 'carpet-like' mechanism at lower concentrations and membrane lysis at higher concentrations. This dual-phase action is particularly effective against parasitic membranes.

Rapid membrane association. More resistant to proteolysis than some other AMPs. Hybrid cecropin-melittin peptides show improved stability.

Note: These are research protocols from literature. This is not medical advice.

Peptides that may be combined based on complementary mechanisms in research settings.

• 1Kills Plasmodium berghei ookinetes in mosquito midgut (malaria transmission blocking)
• 2Effective against Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas disease) in vitro
• 3Demonstrated leishmanicidal activity against multiple Leishmania species
• 4Transgenic mosquitoes expressing cecropin show resistance to malaria parasites
• 5Low cytotoxicity to mammalian cells at effective antiparasitic doses

Store lyophilized at -20°C. Reconstituted stable at 4°C for 48 hours.

Scientific References

• 1
  Cecropins: antibacterial peptides from insects

  Steiner H, et al.

  Nature, 1981

• 2
  Antimicrobial peptides against parasitic infections

  Pretzel J, et al.

  Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 2013