Expression and isolation of recombinant peptides were carried out as previously described.20 CATH-2 and (ri)-r(P)ApoBSPro peptides were obtained from CPC Scientific Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA) and CASLO ApS (Kongens Lyngby, Denmark), respectively.
Abstract
Encrypted peptides have been recently found in the human proteome and represent a potential class of antibiotics. Here we report three peptides derived from the human apolipoprotein B (residues 887–922) that exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against drug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Staphylococci both in vitro and in an animal model. The peptides had excellent cytotoxicity profiles, targeted bacteria by depolarizing and permeabilizing their cytoplasmic membrane, inhibited biofilms, and displayed anti-inflammatory properties. Importantly, the peptides, when used in combination, potentiated the activity of conventional antibiotics against bacteria and did not select for bacterial resistance. To ensure translatability of these molecules, a protease resistant retro-inverso variant of the lead encrypted peptide was synthesized and demonstrated anti-infective activity in a preclinical mouse model. Our results provide a link between human plasma and innate immunity and point to the blood as a source of much-needed antimicrobials.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Connect with us and stay updated by following our social media channels.
Latest Briefings from our Knowledge Center
Press Releases, Industry News, Articles, and Technical Content
Chen, D., Mirski, M. A., Chen, S., Bryden, W. A., McLoughlin, M., Kiser, K. M., Caton, E. R., Haddaway, C. R., Cetta, M. S., & Pan, Y. PNAS nexus (2024), 3(9).
PEG36-Nle(O-Bzl)-Met(O)2-Oic-Abu-ACC was designed in house and synthesized by CPC Scientific Inc (San Jose, CA, Fig. S1). Amino-PEG36-acid (CAS: 196936-04-6) and 2-(7-amino-2-oxochromen-4-yl)acetamide (CAS:296236-23-2) were used for the synthesis. The synthesized sensor was resuspended in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-grade water with a concentration of 200 µM.
Chayanon Ngambenjawong, Henry Ko, Tahoura Samad, Novalia Pishesha, Hidde L. Ploegh, and Sangeeta N. Bhatia. ACS Nano 2025 19 (10), 9958-9970.
Therapeutic peptides and their Cy7-labeled analogs (Table S1 and Figure S14) were synthesized by CPC Scientific (CA, U.S.A.) via standard Fmoc-based SPPS.
Dakin, L.A., Xing, L., Hall, J. et al. Nat Commun 16, 4579 (2025).
The enzymatic reaction was started with the addition of 8 µM of substrate Atto655 - (Ser-Arg-Gly-Ala)3 (CPC Scientific Inc.) in assay buffer.
Olivia R. Buonarati, Nidia Quillinan, K. Ulrich Bayer. bioRxiv 2025.
tatCN19o. CPC Scientific; Coultrap et al. 2011. N/A (custom peptide).
J. Zeng, G.W.Z. Loi, E.N. Saipuljumri, M.A. Romero Durán, O. Silva-García, J.M. Perez-Aguilar, V.M. Baizabal-Aguirre, & C.H. Lo. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 2024 121 (14).
FKC (FKCRRWQWRMKK-NH2), rhodamine-conjugated FKC (Rho-FKCRRWQWRMKK-NH2), and IDR (VQRWLIVWRIRK-NH2) peptides were synthesized using solid phase F-moc chemistry by CPC Scientific, Inc. with a purity greater than 95%.
Join us as we celebrate a proud milestone: the successful listing of Medtide Inc., parent company of CPC Scientific, on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in June 2025. This moment marks a new chapter of growth, innovation, and global impact for our organization.
Gain insights from Joseph Denby's rapid-fire Q&A spotlight at NextGen Biomed, where he explores the landscape of peptide and oligo APIs, as well as the role of green chemistry in manufacturing.
Home / Knowledge Center / Articles
Highlights from CPC Scientific’s 2025 Annual Conference
GMP Peptide Manufacturing
We’re excited to share the key moments from CPC Scientific’s 2025 Annual Conference!
Hosted in San Jose, California, our annual gathering brought together colleagues from various teams and timezones for meaningful updates, focused […]
At NextGen Biomed 2025, Joseph Denby delivered a cutting-edge presentation highlighting the critical role green chemistry plays in the sustainable production of peptide APIs and peptide–oligo conjugates...