The bacterial surface layer provides protection against antimicrobial peptides

Appl Environ Microbiol. 2012 Aug;78(15):5452-6. doi: 10.1128/AEM.01493-12. Epub 2012 May 25.

Abstract

This report describes a previously unrecognized role for bacterial surface layers as barriers that confer protection against antimicrobial peptides. As antimicrobial peptides exist in natural environments, S-layers may provide a bacterial survival mechanism that has been selected for through evolution.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / pharmacology*
  • Biological Evolution*
  • Caulobacter crescentus / drug effects
  • Caulobacter crescentus / metabolism
  • Caulobacter crescentus / ultrastructure*
  • Cell Wall / drug effects
  • Cell Wall / metabolism*
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism*
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Species Specificity

Substances

  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • S-layer proteins