Search

As an alternative class of antimicrobial agents, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have gained significant attention. In this study, K1K8, a scorpion AMP derivative, showed effective activity against Candida albicans including clinically resistant strains. K1K8 killed C. albicans cells mainly by damaging the cell membrane and inducing necrosis via an ROS-related pathway. K1K8 could also interact with DNA after damaging the nuclear envelope. Moreover, K1K8 inhibited hyphal development and biofilm formation of C. albicans in a dose-dependent manner. In the mouse skin infection model, K1K8 significantly decreased the counts of C. albicans cells in the infection area. Overall, K1K8 is a potential anti-infective agent against skin infections caused by C. albicans. [Display omitted] • K1K8 showed effective activity against Candida albicans in vitro. • K1K8 damaged the cell membrane, induced necrosis, and interacted with DNA. • K1K8 inhibited hyphal development and biofilm formation of C. albicans. • K1K8 effectively inhibited C. albicans in a mouse skin infection model. • K1K8 is a potential anti-infective agent against skin infections caused by C. albicans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]