Antimicrobial properties of hemokinin-1 against strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Aims In this study, we examined whether hemokinin-1, the newest member of the tachykinin family and a close relative of substance P, has antimicrobial properties which have been attributed to other neuropeptides including substance P. Main methods Top agar assays were performed to determine the antimicrobial activity of hemokinin-1 and substance P against various microorganisms. Key findings Here we provide evidence that hemokinin-1 peptide possesses antimicrobial properties against some strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while substance P was only marginally effective. Significance Our study is the first to link hemokinin-1 to the essential role of defending the body against microbial challenges and adds hemokinin-1 to the list of potential drugs that could help in the fight against P. aeruginosa, an opportunistic human pathogen.