Antimicrobial Activity of Small β-Peptidomimetics Based on the Pharmacophore Model of Short Cationic Antimicrobial Peptides

Abstract

We have synthesized a series of small beta-peptidomimetics (M(w) <650) that were based on the minimal pharmacophore model for anti-Staphylococcal activity of short cationic antimicrobial peptides. All beta-peptidomimetics had a net charge of +2 and formed an amphipathic scaffold consisting of an achiral lipophilic beta(2,2)-amino acid coupled to a C-terminal l-arginine amide residue. By varying the lipophilic side-chains of the beta(2,2)-amino acids, we obtained a series of highly potent beta-peptidomimetics with high enzymatic stability against alpha-chymotrypsin and a general low toxicity against human erythrocytes. The most potent beta-peptidomimetics displayed minimal inhibitory concentrations of 2.1-7.2 muM against Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), methicillin resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE), and Escherichia coli. Small amphipathic beta-peptidomimetics may be a promising class of antimicrobial agents by means of having a similar range of potency and selectivity as larger cationic antimicrobial peptides in addition to improved enzymatic stability and lower costs of production.