Lantibiotics
Lantibiotics are a group of antibacterial proteins ( peptide - antibiotics ), which after the amino acid lanthionine are named. A distinction is made between type A lantibiotics with long, slightly bridged chains and type B lantibiotics with spherical molecules according to their structure and mechanism of action. In addition to the treatment of infections, the area of application is also on physiologically degradable preservatives and substances against dental plaque and acne. Nisin (E234), a lantibiotic, is already approved as a food additive.
Further examples of lantibiotics are mersacidin , which enzymatically interrupts the reaction required to build up the bacterial cell wall. It works almost exclusively against staphylococci. It is therapeutically more effective than vancomycin and is considered a beacon of hope against antibiotic resistance .
Individual evidence
- ^ A b Sandberger, E. Gabler: Lantibiotics: New group of substances against staphylococci Deutsches Ärzteblatt 1998; 95 (36): A-2074 / B-1794 / C-1669.