The insect AMPs that first defined how cecropins lyse both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Also known as: cecropin A · cecropin B
Part of the Foundational & therapeutic peptides cluster
Overview
Cecropins are antimicrobial peptides first isolated from the hemolymph of the cecropia moth. Roughly 31-37 residues long, they form amphipathic alpha-helices and lyse both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial membranes. As a cornerstone of insect innate immunity, they are widely studied research peptides rather than approved drugs.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Insect hemolymph (originally the cecropia moth, Hyalophora cecropia)
Primary research or clinical context: Antimicrobial-peptide research (not an approved drug)
Insect innate immunity
Cecropins A, B and D are produced by insects such as Hyalophora cecropia in response to bacterial infection. Their two-helix, amphipathic structure with an AGP hinge lets them permeabilize bacterial membranes, forming a core part of the insect innate immune response.
Hybrids and research use
Cecropin sequences are frequently fused with fragments of melittin to make cecropin-melittin hybrids used to probe membrane selectivity. Cecropins are investigational research peptides here; nothing on this page is a treatment claim.
FAQ about Cecropin
What is Cecropin?+
Cecropins are antimicrobial peptides first isolated from the hemolymph of the cecropia moth. Roughly 31-37 residues long, they form amphipathic alpha-helices and lyse both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial membranes. As a cornerstone of insect innate immunity, they are widely studied research peptides rather than approved drugs.
Is Cecropin an approved medicine?+
Cecropin is discussed here as a research / educational topic. Antimicrobial-peptide research (not an approved drug). This is not medical advice.
What is the typical length of Cecropin?+
Cecropin is not a classic amino-acid chain peptide in the same sense; see the profile for classification details.