In vitro activity of the novel antimicrobial peptide WR-286 in combination with vancomycin against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract

Background: Multidrug resistance bacteria are a serious problem for health specialists and all the people in the world. The main reasons for this problem are the misuse of antibiotics and the limited number of antibiotics as compared to different human diseases. The important antibiotic-resistant bacteria include Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are regarded as promising antimicrobial agents because they satisfy the requirements for the creation of innovative antimicrobial drugs. The aim of the study: To design a novel antimicrobial peptide and study its effect against MRSA when we combined it with vancomycin. Materials and methods: To produce the hexapeptide WR-286, 1-(2, 6-difluorobenzyl)-1H-1, 2, 3-triazole-4-carboxylic acid, tryptophan (W), and arginine (R) were rationally combined. Different bacterial strains were used to test WR-286's antibacterial properties. Investigations of WR-286's hemolytic activity toward human erythrocytes were also conducted. Finally, utilizing the checkerboard approach and the fractional inhibitory index, synergistic tests with vancomycin were carried out. Results: With MIC values as low as 35 μM, WR-286 demonstrated strong antibacterial activity against MRSA. The toxicity of WR-286 to human red blood cells was very low. Additionally, the peptide and vancomycin's activity were improved by the synergistic experiments. Conclusion: According to the current investigation, WR-286 has little hemolytic activity and displays promising antibacterial activity against MRSA. Additionally, when coupled with vancomycin, the peptide has synergistic effect. The novel AMPs described in this work are promising potential candidates for antimicrobial drug development.