Mechanisms of action and <i>in vivo</i> antibacterial efficacy assessment of five novel hybrid peptides derived from Indolicidin and Ranalexin against <i>Streptococcus pneumoniae</i>

Abstract

Our results suggest that attacking and breaching the cell wall/membrane is most probably the principal mechanism for the hybrid peptides. In addition, the hybrid peptides could possess another mechanism of action by inhibiting intracellular functions such as DNA synthesis. AMPs could play a great role in combating antibiotic resistance as they can reduce the therapeutic concentrations of standard drugs.