One of the smallest natural AMPs — famously tryptophan-rich, active against bacteria, fungi and even HIV in vitro.
Part of the Foundational & therapeutic peptides cluster
Overview
Indolicidin is a 13-residue cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide from bovine neutrophils, unusually rich in tryptophan and proline. It is one of the shortest natural AMPs and is studied for membrane activity and DNA-binding effects against bacteria, fungi and viruses. It is a research peptide, not an approved drug.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Bovine neutrophils (cathelicidin family)
Primary research or clinical context: Antimicrobial-peptide research (not an approved drug)
A tryptophan-rich outlier
Indolicidin (ILPWKWPWWPWRR) packs five tryptophans and three prolines into just 13 residues, giving it an unusual conformation among antimicrobial peptides. Its high aromatic content makes it a favorite for studying how AMPs anchor into and cross membranes.
Research interest
Beyond membrane disruption, indolicidin has been reported to bind nucleic acids and act against fungi and enveloped viruses in laboratory studies. Such breadth keeps it prominent in AMP research; no clinical or therapeutic use is claimed here.
Sequence
One-letter sequence commonly cited for Indolicidin (educational; isoforms and modifications may differ):
ILPWKWPWWPWRR
Residues plotted ~100° apart around an α-helix — clustering of one color reveals an amphipathic face.
FAQ about Indolicidin
What is Indolicidin?+
Indolicidin is a 13-residue cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide from bovine neutrophils, unusually rich in tryptophan and proline. It is one of the shortest natural AMPs and is studied for membrane activity and DNA-binding effects against bacteria, fungi and viruses. It is a research peptide, not an approved drug.
Is Indolicidin an approved medicine?+
Indolicidin 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 Indolicidin?+
Indolicidin is commonly described as approximately 13 amino acids (Antimicrobial peptide).