BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE AMPHIPHILIC PEPTIDE COMPOSITIONS AND USES THEREFOR

Abstract: Biologically active amphiphilic peptides including one of the following basic structures: I) R1-R2-R2-R1-R2-R2-R1-R1-R2-R1-R1; II) R2-R1-R2-R2-R1-R1-R2-R2-R1-R2-R2; III) R1-R2-R2-R1-R1-R2-R2-R1-R2-R2-R1-R1-R2-R3; IV) R1-R2-R1-R1-R2-R2-R1-R1-R2-R2-R4; V) R1-R1-R2-R2-R1-R2-R2-R1-R1-R2-R2-R3; or VI) R1-R1-R3-R2-R1-R1-R1-R1-R1-R1-R2-R1-R1-R2-R2-R1-R1-R2-R2-R1. R1 is a hydrophobic amino acid and R2 is a basic hydrophilic or neutral hydrophilic amino acid, R3 is a neutral hydrophilic amino acid, and R4 is a neutral hydrophilic amino acid or proline. There is also provided a biologically active amphiphilic peptide having a structural formula selected from the group consisting of: (a) R1-R2-R2-R1-R2-R2-R1; (b) R1-R1-R2-R2-R1-R2-R2-R1; (c) R2-R1-R1-R2-R2-R1-R2-R2-R1; (d) R2-R2-R1-R1-R2-R2-R1-R2-R2-R1; and (e) R1-R2-R2-R1-R1-R2-R2-R1-R2-R2-R1, wherein R1 and R2 are hereinabove described. Such peptides may be employed as pharmaceuticals.

Description: BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE AMPHIPHILIC PEPTIDE COMPOSITIONS AND USES THEREFOR This application is a continuation-in-part of Applica¬ tion Serial No. 760,054, filed September 13, 1991. This invention relates to biologically active amphiphilic peptides. More particularly, this invention relates to biologically active amphiphilic peptides useful in pharmaceutical compositions. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a biologically active amphiphilic peptide which includes the following basic structure X 10 R 1~ R 2~ R 2~ R 1~ R 2 "R 2~ R 1~ R 1~ R 2~ R 1~ R 1' R. is a hydrophobic amino acid, and R, is a basic hydrophilic or neutral hydrophilic amino acid. In one embodiment, the peptide includes the basic structure Y IQ -X- I Ø wherein X- 0 is as hereinabove described and Y 10 is: (i) R 2 ; (ii) R^R j . or (iii) R 2 -R-- .-, , wherein R., and R, are as hereinabove described. The hydrophobic amino may be selected from the class consisting of Ala, Cys, Phe, Gly, lie, Leu, Met, Pro, Val, Trp and Tyr. SUBSTITUTESHEET The basic hydrophilic amino acid acids may be selected from the class consisting of Lys, Arg, His, Orn, homoarginine (Har), 2, 4-diaminobutyric acid (Dbu), and p-aminophenylalanine. The neutral hydrophilic amino acids may be selected from the class consisting of Asn, Gin, Ser, Thr, and homoserine (Hse). In one embodiment, R.. is leucine. In another embodiment, R, is lysine. Representative examples of peptides in accor¬ dance with this aspect of the present invention include those having the following structures: (SEQ ID NO 1) (SEQ ID NO 2) (SEQ ID NO 3) (SEQ ID NO 4) In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a biologically active amphiphilic peptide which includes the following basic structure 12 : R 2 -R 1 -R2-R2 "R i" R i ""R 2~ R 2~ R l~ R 2~ R 2 wherein R ι is a hydrophobic amino acid and R„ is a basic hydrophilic or neutral hydrophilic amino acid. In one embodiment R- is leucine. In another embodi¬ ment, R 2 is lysine. In one embodiment, the peptide includes the basic structure Yι 2 " x i2 ' wherein X 12 is as hereinabove described, In one embodiment, the peptide may have the following structure; SUBSTITUTESHEET Lys Lys Leu Leu Lys Lys Leu Lys Lys Leu 5 10 Leu Lys Lys Leu Arg Arg 15 (SEQ ID NO. :5) In another embodiment, the peptide includes the basic structure X 12 - Z- 2 , wherein X- 2 is as hereinabove de¬ scribed, and Z 1? is: (i) R 2 ( i i) V R ι ; (iii) R 1 -R 1 -R 2 ; (iv) R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 ; or (V) R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 ; In one embodiment, the peptide may have the following structure: Lys Leu Lys Lys Leu Leu Lys Lys Leu Lys Lys Leu Leu Lys Lys Leu 5 10 15 (SEQ ID NO:6) In another embodiment, the peptide may include the structure: (Y 12>a " X 12 " ^12^' wherein x _ 2 ' Y 12 and Z 12 are as hereinabove described, and a is 0 or 1, and b is 0 or 1. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a biologically active amphiphilic peptide which includes the following basic structure X 14 : R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 3 , wherein R.. and R 2 are as hereinabove described, and R. is a neutral hydrophilic amino acid. In one embodiment, the peptide may have the following structure: (SEQ ID NO:7) SUBSTITUTESHEET In another embodiment, the peptide may have the follow¬ ing structure: (SEQ ID NO:8) In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a biologically active amphiphilic peptide which includes the following basic structure X lβ : R 1 -R 2 -R 1 -R,-R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R,-R 2 -R 2 -R 4 , wherein R. and R, are as hereinabove described, and R. is a neutral hydrophilic amino acid or proline. In one embodiment, the peptide may include the follow¬ ing structure γ - ιg ~Xι g ) wherein X. β is the basic peptide structure hereinabove described, and Y lβ is: (i) - x . (iii) -R^R^R^ (iv) -R^-R^; (V) -R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 1 -R 1 ; (vi) -R 2 -R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 1 -R 1 ; or (vii) -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 1 -R 1 , wherein R.. and R« are as hereinabove described. In one embodiment, the peptide may include the struc¬ ture: X- g -Z- g , wherein X lβ is as hereinabove described, and Z 16 is: (i) -R 2 ; (ii) -R £ -R 2 ; (iii) -R 2 -R 2 -R ι; (iv) -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 1 ; (v) -R.-R.-R.-R.-R^ (vi) -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 ; or ( ii) -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 - 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 . In a preferred embodiment, the peptide may have one of the following structures: SUBSTITUTESHEET ( SEQ ID NO: 9 ) ; or ( SEQ ID NO: 10) . In another embodiment, the peptide may have the struc¬ ture ( Y -ig) a ~X-ig-(Z,g) b , wherein X lg γ ιg anci z ng are as hereinabove described, a is 0 or 1, and b is 0 or 1. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a biologically active amphiphilic peptide which includes the following basic structure -ι 8 : R l~ R l~ R 2 "R 2~ R l "R 2 "R 2 -R l "R l "R 2 "R 2 "R l "R 3' wherein R.. , R ? , and R_ are as hereinabove described. In accordance with another embodiment, the peptide may include the structure Y-.-X.., wherein X- g is as hereinabove described, and Y lβ is: (i) - ^ (iii) -R 2 -R 2 -R ι; (iV) -R j -E^-Rg-F^; (V) -R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 ; (vi) -R 2 -R 1 -R ; ,-R 2 -R 2 -R 1 ; or (vii) -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 , wherein R. and R 2 are as hereinabove described. In another embodiment, the peptide includes the struc¬ ture X-iQ-Z g , wherein X 18 is as hereinabove described, and Z 18 is: (i) -R χ ; (iii) -R 1 -R 5 -R 5 ; (iv) -R^R.-Rg-R^ (V) -R 1 -R 5 -R 5 -R 3 -R 1 ; (vi) -R 1 -R 5 -R 5 -R 3 -R 1 -R 3 ; (Vii) -R 1 -R 5 -R 5 -R 3 -R 1 -R 3 -R 3 ; (viii) -R 1 -R 5 -R 5 -R 3 -R ; ,-R 3 -R 3 -R 5 ; or SHEET (ix) -R.-R 5 -R 5 -R 3 -R--R 3 -R 3 -R 5 -R 3 , wherein R^ ^ and R 3 are as hereinabove described, and R 5 is proline. In one embodiment, the peptide has the following structure: (SEQ ID NO:11). In one embodiment, the peptide may have the structure wherein X 18' Y 18' an Z 18 are as hereinabove described, a is 0 or 1, and b is 0 or 1. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a biologically active amphiphilic peptide which includes the following basic structure X 20 : R l "R l "R 3 "R 2 _R l "R l "R l "R l~ R l "R l "R 2 "R l~ R l "R 2 "R 2 "R l "R l "R 2 "R 2 "R l " wherein R-, R 2 , and R_ are as hereinabove described. In one embodiment, the peptide may have the following structure: (SEQ ID NO:12). In another embodiment, the peptide may include the structure X^ 0 - ?0 , wherein X 20 is as hereinabove described, and Z- 0 is: (i) -R 2 ; (ii) -R 2 -R 2 ; (iii) -R 2 -R 2 -R ι; (iv) -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 1 ; (v) -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 1 -R 2 ; (vi) -R 2 -R 2 -R-- --R 2 -R 2 _ or (vii) -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 . In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a biologically active amphiphilic peptide having a structure selected from the group consisting of: (&) * "Rn"R_ > — R — R«"Rn ■ R«, ' (b) R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 ; (c) R 2 -R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 SUBSTITUTE SHEEi (d) R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 ; and (e) R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 - --R 2 -R 2 -R ; ,-R 2 -R 2 -R 1 , wherein R.. and R 2 are. as hereinabove described. In one embodiment, the peptide has the structure (a), and a representative example of such a structure is (SEQ ID NO:13), which is given in the accompanying sequence listing. In another embodiment, the peptide has the structure (b), and a representative example of such a structure is (SEQ ID NO:14), which is given in the accompanying sequence listing. In another embodiment, the peptide has the structure (c), and a representative example of such a structure is (SEQ ID NO:15) as given in the accompanying sequence list¬ ing. In yet another embodiment, the peptide has the struc¬ ture (d), and a representative example of such a structure is (SEQ ID NO:16) as given in the accompanying sequence listing. In a further embodiment, the peptide has the structure (e), and representative examples of such a structure are (SEQ ID NO:17) and (SEQ ID NO:18) as given in the accompany¬ ing sequence listing. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a biologically active amphiphilic peptide having the following structural formula: (SEQ ID NO:19). In general, the peptides hereinabove described are ion channel-forming peptides. An ion channel-forming peptide or ionophore is a peptide which increases the permeability for ions across a natural or synthetic lipid membrane. B. Christensen et al., PNAS, Vol. 85 Pgs. 5072-76 (July, 1988) and Anzai, et al., Biochimica et Biophysica Acta., Vol. 1064, pgs. 256-266 (1991), describe methodology which indicates whether or not HEET a peptide has ion channel-forming properties and is there¬ fore an ionophore. As used herein an ion channel-forming peptide is a peptide which has ion channel-forming proper¬ ties as determined by the method of Christensen et al or Anzai, et al. In one embodiment, the hereinabove described peptides may be acetylated with a CT CO-group at the N-terminal, said CH 3 CO-group being hereinafter referred to by the letter X. In another embodiment, the hereinabove described peptides may include an octanoyl group at the N-terminal. In accordance with one embodiment, each of the amino acid residues contained in the peptides which is not glycine, is a D-amino acid residue. Although the scope of this particular embodiment is not to be limited to any theoretical reasoning, it is believed that the above-men¬ tioned peptides, when consisting entirely of D-amino acid or glycine residues, may have increased resistance to proteolytic enzymes while retaining their biological activi¬ ty. Such peptides thus may be administered orally. Also, " in accordance with another embodiment, all of the amino acid residues may be D-amino acid or glycine residues, or L-amino acid or glycine residues. In general, the peptides and/or analogues or deriva¬ tives thereof are generally water soluble to a concentration of at least 20 mg/ml at neutral pH in water. In addition, the structure of such peptide provides for flexibility of the peptide molecule. When the peptide is placed in water, it does not assume an amphiphilic structure. When the peptide encounters an oily surface or membrane, the peptide chain folds upon itself into a rod-like structure. SUBS The peptides and/or analogues or derivatives thereof may be administered to a host; for example a human or non-human animal, in an amount effective to inhibit growth of a target cell, virus, or virally-infected cell. Thus, for example, the peptides and/or analogues or derivatives thereof may be used as antimicrobial agents anti-viral agents, anti-bacterial agents, anti-tumor agents, anti-para¬ sitic agents, spermicides, as well as exhibiting other bioactive functions. The term "antimicrobial" as used herein means that the polypeptides of the present invention inhibit, prevent, or destroy the growth or proliferation of microbes such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, or the like. The term "anti-bacterial" as used herein means that the polypeptides employed in the present invention produce effects adverse to the normal biological functions of bacteria, including death or destruction and prevention of the growth or proliferation of the bacteria when contacted with the polypeptides. The term "antibiotic" as used herein means that the peptides employed in the present invention produce effects adverse to the normal biological functions of the non-host cell, tissue or organism, including death or destruction and prevention of the growth or proliferation of the non-host cell, tissue, or organism when contacted with the peptides. The term "spermicidal" as used herein means that the polypeptides employed in the present invention, inhibit, prevent, or destroy the motility of sperm. The term "antiviral" as used herein means that the polypeptides employed in the present invention inhibit, prevent, or destroy the growth or proliferation of viruses, or of virally-infected cells. SUBSTITUTESHEET The term "anti-tumor" as used herein means that the pol peptide inhibits the growth of or destroys tumors, including cancerous tumors. The term "anti-parasitic" as used herein means that the polypeptides employed in the present invention inhibit, prevent, or destroy the growth or proliferation of para¬ sites. The peptides of the present invention have a broad range of potent antibiotic activity against a plurality of microorganisms including gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and the like, as well as para¬ sites. The peptides of the present invention allow a method for treating or controlling microbial infection caused by organisms which are sensitive to the peptides. Such treat¬ ment may comprise administering to a host organism or tissue susceptible to or affiliated with a microbial infection an antimicrobial amount of at least one of the peptides. Because of the antibiotic, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antibacterial properties of the peptides, they may also be used as preservatives or sterilants or disinfectants of materials susceptible to microbial or viral contamination. The peptides and/or derivatives or analogues thereof may be administered in combination with a non-toxic pharma¬ ceutical carrier or vehicle such as a filler, non-toxic buffer, or physiological saline solution. Such pharmaceuti¬ cal compositions may be used topically or systemically and may be in any suitable form such as a liquid, solid, semi- solid, in ectable solution, tablet, ointment, lotion, paste, capsule, or the like. The peptide compositions may also be used in combination with adjuvants, protease inhibitors, or compatible drugs where such a combination is seen to be desirable or advantageous in controlling infection caused by harmful microorganisms including protozoa, viruses, and the like, as well as by parasites. SUBSTITUTE SHEET The peptides of the present invention may be adminis¬ tered to a host; in particular a human or non-human animal, in an effective antibiotic and/or anti-tumor and/or anti-vi¬ ral and/or anti-microbial and/or antibacterial and/or anti-parasitic and/or an antispermicidal amount. Depending on the use, a composition in accordance with the invention will contain an effective ant -microbial amount and/or an effective antispermicidal amount and/or an effective anti-viral amount and/or an effective anti-tumor amount and/or an effective anti-parasitic and/or an effec¬ tive antibiotic amount of one or more of the hereinabove described peptides which have such activity. The peptides may be administered by direct application of the peptides to the target cell or virus or virally-infected cell, or indirectly applied through systemic administration. The peptides of the present invention may also be employed in promoting or stimulating healing of a wound in a host. The term "wound healing" as used herein includes various aspects of the wound healing process. These aspects include, but are limited to, increased contraction of the wound, increased deposition of connective tissue, as evidenced by, for example, increased deposition of collagen in the wound, and increased tensile strength of the wound, i.e., the peptides increase wound breaking strength. The peptides of the present invention may also be employed so as to reverse the inhibition of wound healing caused by conditions which depress or compromise the immune system. The peptides of the present invention may be used in the treatment of external burns and to treat and/or prevent skin and burn infections. In particular, the peptides may be used to treat skin and burn infections caused by SHEET organisms such as, but not limited to, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. The peptides are also useful in the prevention or treatment of eye infections. Such infections may be caused by bacteria such as, but not limited to, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and N. gonorrhoeae, by fungi such as but not limited to C. albicans and A. fumigatus, by parasites such as but not limited to A. castellani, or by viruses. The peptides may also be effective in killing cysts, spores, or trophozoites of infection - causing organisms. Such organisms include, but are not limited to Acanthamoeba which forms trophozoites or cysts, C. albicans, which forms spores, and A. fumigatus, which forms spores as well. The peptides may also be administered to plants in an effective antimicrobial or antiviral or antiparasitic amount to prevent or treat microbial or viral or parasitic contami¬ nation thereof. The peptides, when used in topical compositions, are generally present in an amount of at least 0.1%, by weight. In most cases, it is not necessary to employ the peptide in an amount greater than 2.0%, by weight. I employing such compositions systemically (intramuscular, intravenous, intraperitoneal), the active peptide is present in an amount to achieve a serum level of the peptide of at least about 5 ug/ml. In general, the serum level, of peptide need not exceed 500 ug/ml. A preferred serum level is about 100 ug/ml. Such serum levels may be achieved by incorporating the peptide in a composition to be administered systemically at a dose of from 1 to about 10 mg/kg. In general, the peptide(s) need not be administered at a dose exceeding 100 mg/kg. The peptides may be produced by known techniques and obtained in substantially pure form. For example, the peptides may be synthesized on an automatic peptide SUBSTITUTESHEET synthesizer. Journal of the American Chemical Society, Vol. 85, pgs. 2149-54 (1963). It is also possible to produce such peptides by genetic engineering techniques. Thus, within the scope of the present invention there may be provided DNA which encodes the peptides hereinabove described. Such DNA may be expressed by means known to those skilled in the art. Thus, it is also contemplated that within the scope of the present invention the peptides may be administered by administering to a host DNA which encodes the peptide(s). In accordance with another embodiment, the peptides of the present invention may be employed in combination with an ion having phamacological properties for the purposes hereinabove described. An ion having pharmacological properties is one which when introduced into a target cell, virus, or virally-in¬ fected cell, inhibits and/or prevents and/or destroys the growth of the target cell, virus, or virally-infected cell. Such an ion having pharmacological properties is one which in the absence of an ion channel forming peptide is unable to cross a natural or synthetic lipid membrane; in particular a cell membrane, in sufficient amounts to affect a cell or virus adversely. The peptide and ion having pharmacological properties may be administered as a single composition or in separate compositions, and the single or separate compositions may include additional materials, actives and/or inactives, in addition to the peptide and ion having pharmacological properties. As representative examples of ions having pharmacological properties which may be employed, there may be mentioned fluoride, peroxide, bicarbonate, silver, zinc, mercury, arsenic, copper, platinum, antimony, gold, thalli¬ um, nickel, selenium, bismuth, and cadmium ions. SUBSTITUTESHEET The peptide and the ion having pharmacological proper¬ ties, whether administered or prepared in a single composi¬ tion or in separate compositions, are employed in amounts effective to inhibit and/or prevent and/or destroy the growth of the target cell. In effect, the ion potentiates the action of the peptide, i.e., the amount of ion is effective to reduce the maximum effective concentration of the peptide or protein for inhibiting growth of a target cell, virus, or virally-infected cell. The ion having pharmacological properties, when used topically, is generally employed in a concentration of from 0.05% to 2.0%. When used systemically, the ion is generally employed in an amount of from 1 to 10 mg. per kg. of host weight. Peptide dosages may be within .the ranges hereinabove described. It is also to be understood that the peptide and ion having pharmacological properties, may be delivered or administered in different forms; for example, the toxic ion may be administered orally, while the peptide may be admin¬ istered by IV or IP. As representative examples of administering the peptide or protein and ion for topical or local administration, the peptide could be administered in an amount of up to about 1% weight to weight and the ion delivered in an amount of about 50mM (about 0.1%). Alternatively, the ion, in the form of a salt such as sodium fluoride, could be administered orally in conjunction with systemic administration of the peptide. For example, the peptide may be administered IV or IP to achieve a serum dose of 100 micrograms per milliliter (10 milligrams per kilogram) in conjunction with an oral dose of ion, in particular, sodium fluoride, of 10 meq per kilogram. In accordance with another embodiment, the peptides of the present invention may be administered to a host in combination with an antibiotic selected from the class SUBSTITUTE SHEET consisting of bacitracins, gramacidin, polymyxin, vancomycin, teichoplanin, aminoglycosides, hydrophobic antibiotics, penicillins, monobactams, or derivatives or analogues thereof. The bacitracins, gramacidin, polymyxin, vancomycin, teichoplanin, and derivatives and analogues thereof, are a group of polypeptide antibiotics. A preferred bacitracin is bacitracin A. Aminoglycoside antibiotics include tobramycin, kanamycin, amikacin, the gentamicins (e.g., gentamicin C. , gentamicin C_, gentamicin C- ), netilmicin, and derivatives and analogues thereof. The preferred aminoglycosides are tobramycin and the gentamicins. The aminoglycosides, and the bacitracins hereinabove described, tend to be hydrophilic and water-soluble. Penicillins which may be employed include, but are not limited to benzyl penicillin, ampicillin, methicillin (dimethoxyphenyl penicillin), ticaricillin, penicillin V (phenoxymethyl penicillin), oxacillin, cloxacillin, dicloxacillin, flucloxacillin, amoxicillin, and amidinocillin. Preferred penicillins which may be employed are benzyl penicillin and ampicillin. A preferred monobactam which may be employed is aztreonam. As representative examples of hydrophobic antibiotics which may be used in the present invention, there may be mentioned macrolides such as erythromycin, roxythromycin, clarithromycin, etc.; 9-N-alkyl derivatives of erythromycin; midecamycin acetate; azithromycin; flurithromycin; rifabutin; rokitamycin; a 6-0-methyl erythromycin A known as TE-031 (Taisho); rifapentine; benzypiperazinyl rifamycins such as CGP-7040, CGP-5909, CGP-279353 (Ciba-Geigy); an erythromycin A derivative with a cyclic carbamate fused to the C 11 /C 12 position of a macrolide ring known as A-62514 (Abbott); AC-7230 (Toyo Jozo); benzoxazinorifamycin; SUBSTITUTE SHEET difficidin; dirithromycin; a 3-N-piperdinomethylzaino methyl rifamycin SV known as FCE-22250 (Farmitalia); M-119-a (Kirin Brewery); a 6-0-methyl-l-4"-0-carbamoyl erythromycin known as A-63075 (Abbott); 3-formylrifamycin SV-hydrazones with diazabicycloalkyl side chains such as CGP-27557 and CGP-2986 (Ciba-Geigy); and 16-membered macrolides having a 3-0-alpha-L-cladinosyl moiety, such as 3-0-alpha-L-cladinosyldeepoxy rosaramicin; tylosins and acyl demycinosyl tylosins. In addition to the macrolides hereinabove described, rifamycin, carbenicillin, and nafcillin may be employed as well. Other antibiotics which may be used (whether or not hydrophobic) are antibiotics which are 50-S ribosome inhibi¬ tors such as lincomycin; clindamycin; and chloramphenicol; etc.; antibiotics which have a large lipid like lactone ring, such as mystatin; pimaricin, etc. The peptide and antibiotic may be adminstered by direct administration to a target cell or by systemic or topical administration to a host which includes the target cell, in order to prevent, destroy or inhibit the growth of a target cell. Target cells whose growth may be prevented, inhibit¬ ed, or destroyed by the administration of the peptides and antibiotic include Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as fungal cells. The antibiotic, such as those hereinabove described, or derivatives or analogues thereof, when used topically, is generally employed in a concetration of about 0.1% to about 10%. When used systemically, the antibiotic or derivative or analogue thereof is generally employed in an amount of from 1.25 mg. to about 45 mg. per kg. of host weight per day. Peptide dosages may be those as hereinabove described. As representative exmples of administering the peptide and antibiotic for topical or local administration, the SUBSTITUTE SHEET peptide could be admnistered in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 10% weight to weight, and the antibiotic is deliv¬ ered in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 10% weight to weight. In accordance with another embodiment, the peptides of the present invention may be administered in combination with an antiparasitic agent or an antifungal agent. Antiparasitic agents which may be employed include, but are not limited to, anti-protozoan agents. Examples of specific anti-parasitic agents which may be employed in¬ clude, but are not limited to, pentamidine isethionate, and propamidine isethionate (Brolene). Anti-fungal agents which may be employed include, but are not limited to, ketoconazole. It is also to be under¬ stood that certain anti-parasitic agents, may also have anti-fungal activity, and that certain anti-fungal agents may have anti-parasitic activity. ~~ In accordance with another embodiment, the peptides of the present invention may be administered in combination with an antibiotic which inhibits DNA gyrase, which is an enzyme involved in the formation of bonds between individual coiling strands of replicating bacterial DNA. Thus, DNA gyrase is necessary for the normal replication of bacterial » DNA, and, therefore, antibiotics which inhibit DNA gyrase inhibit the normal replication of bacterial DNA. Examples of antibiotics which inhibit DNA gyrase include nalidixic acid, oxolinic acid, cinoxacin, and quinolone antibiotics which include ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, enoxacin, pefloxacin, lomefloxacin, fleroxacin, tosulfloxacin, temafloxacin, and rufloxacin. In accordance with another embodiment, the peptides of the present invention may be administered for the purpose hereinabove described in combination with other biologically SUBSTITUTE SHEET active amphiphilic peptides, or in combination with ion channel-forming proteins. The present invention will be further described with respect to the following example; however, the scope of the invention is not to be limited thereby. EXAMPLE " Table I, which follows, indicates the Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) in μg/ml of Peptides (SEQ ID NO:l) through (SEQ ID NO:3), (SEQ ID NO:5), (SEQ ID NO:6), (SEQ ID NO:9) through (SEQ ID NO:11), and (SEQ ID NO:17) against S.aureus strain ATCC 25923, P. aeruginosa strain ATCC 27853, and E.coli ATCC strain 25922. The procedure for the antibacterial assay is based upon the guidelines of the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards, Document M7-T2, Volume 8, No. 8, 1988. Stock solutions of peptides (SEQ ID NO: 1) through (SEQ ID NO:3), (SEQ ID NO:5), (SEQ ID NO:6), (SEQ ID NO:9) through (SEQ ID NO:12), and (SEQ ID NO:18) in accordance with the present invention are prepared at a concentration of 512 μg/ml in sterile deionized distilled water and stored at -70°C. Each peptide is a C-terminal amide and may or may not be acetylated at the N-Terminus. An acetyl group at the N-terminus is indicated by an X. The stock peptide solution is diluted in serial dilu¬ tions (1:2) down the wells of a microtiter plate so that the final concentrations of peptides in the wells are 0.25, 0.50, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, and 256 μg/ml. 1-5 X 10 5 CFUs/ml of either S. aureus ATCC 25923, E. coli ATCC 25922, or P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 were added to the wells in full strength Mueller Hinton broth (BBL 11443) from a mid-log culture. The inoculum is standardized spectrophotometrically at 600 run and is verified by colony counts. The plates are incubated for 16-20 hours at 37°C, SUBSTITUTESHEET and the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for each peptide is determined. Minimal inhibitory concentration is defined as the lowest concentration of peptide which produc¬ es a clear well in the microtiter plate. The minimal inhibitory concentration of each of (SEQ ID NO:l) through (SEQ ID NO:3), (SEQ ID NO:5), (SEQ ID NO:6), (SEQ ID NO:9) through (SEQ ID NO:11), and (SEQ ID NO:17) is given in Table I below. Table I Peptide X-(SEQ ID NO:,l)-NH 2 (SEQ ID NO.:l)-NH 2 X-(SEQ ID NO:2)-NH 2 (SEQ ID NO. :2)-NH 2 X-(SEQ ID NO:3)-NH 2 (SEQ ID NO.:3)-NH 2 X-(SEQ ID NO:5)-NH 2 X-(SEQ ID NO:6)-NH 2 X-(SEQ ID NO:9)-NH 2 X-(SEQ ID NO:10)-NH 2 (SEQ ID NO:11) (SEQ ID NO:17)-NH 2 X-(SEQ ID NO:17)-NH 2 The peptides of the present invention, whether administered alone or in combination with agents such as ions having pharmalogical properties, antibiotics, or other biologically active peptides or proteins as hereinabove described, may be employed in a wide variety of pharmaceutical compositions in combination with a non-toxic pharmaceutical carrier or vehicle such as a filler, non-toxic buffer, or physiological saline solution. Such pharmaceutical compositions may be used topically SUBSTITUTESHEET or systemically and may be in any suitable form such as a liquid, solid, semi-solid, injectable solution, tablet, ointment, lotion, paste, capsule or the " like. The peptide and/or agent as hereinabove described may also be used in combination with adjuvants, protease inhibitors, or compatible drugs where such a combination is seen to be desirable or advantageous in control¬ ling infection caused by harmful microorganisms including proto¬ zoa, viruses, parasites, fungi, and the like. The peptide may be administered to a host in particular an animal, in an effective antibiotic and/or anti-tumor and/or antiviral and/or antimicrobial and/or antispermicidal and/or antifungal and/or antiparasitic amount, or in an amount effective to stimulate wound healing in a host. The peptides may be administered either alone or in combination with an ion having pharmacological properties, antibiotic, or ion channel forming peptide or protein as hereinabove described. When the peptide is administered in combination with a ion having pharmacological properties, the activity of the peptide is potentiated. When the peptide is administered in combination with an agent as hereinabove described, it is possible to administer the peptide and agent in separate forms. For example, the agent may be administered systemically and the peptide may be administered topically. When the peptide is administered topically, it may be administered in combination with a water-soluble vehicle, said water-soluble vehicle being in the form of an ointment, cream, lotion, paste or the like. Examples of water-soluble vehicles which may be employed include, but are not limited to, glycols, such as polyethylene glycol, hydroxycellulose, and KY Jelly. The water-soluble vehicle is preferably free of an oily substance. The peptide may also be employed in combination with a ion having pharmacological properties, as hereinabove described in the form of an oral composition for oral hygiene. Such a compo¬ sition may be incorporated into a wide variety of compositions SUBSTITUTESHEET and materials used for oral hygiene purposes, which include, but are not limited to, toothpastes, mouthwashes, tooth gels, and tooth powders. Such composition may thus be used to treat or prevent periodontal disease, to prevent or reduce plaque, and/or to prevent or treat or reduce dental caries. The peptide and toxic ion may be used to inhibit, prevent, or destroy the growth of Streptococcus mutans, which is associated with dental caries and periodontal disease. Numerous modifications and variations of the present inven¬ tion are possible in light of the above teachings; therefore, within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as particularly described. TITUTESHEET SEQUENCE LISTING (1) GENERAL INFORMATION: (i) APPLICANT: Maloy, W. Lee Kari, TJ. Prasad Williams, Jon I. (ii) TITLE OF INVENTION: Biologically Active Peptide Compositions and Uses Therefor (iii) NUMBER OF SEQUENCES: 19 (iv) CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS: (A) ADDRESSEE: Carella, Byrne, Bain, Gilfillan, Cecchi & Stewart (B) STREET: 6 Becker Farm Road (C) CITY: Roseland (D) STATE: New Jersey (E) COUNTRY: USA (F) ZIP: 07068 (v) COMPUTER READABLE EORM: (A) MEDIUM TYPE: 3.5 inch diskette (B) COMPUTER: IBM PS/2 .(C) OPERATING SYSTEM: PC-DOS (D) SOFTWARE: DW4.V2 (vi) CURRENT APPLICATION DATA: (A) APPLICATION NUMBER: (B) FILING DATE: (C) CLASSIFICATION: (vii) PRIOR APPLICATION DATA: (A) APPLICATION NUMBER: 07/760,054 (B) FILING DATE: 13-SEP-1991 (viii) ATTORNEY/AGENT INFORMATION: (A) NAME: Olstein, Elliot M. (B) REGISTRATION NUMBER: 24,025 (C) REFERENCE/DOCKET NUMBER: 421250-161 (ix) TELECOMMUNICATION INFORMATION: (A) TELEPHONE: 201-994-1700 (B) TELEFAX: 201-994-1744 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:l: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS (A) LENGTH: 11 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: ~ (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (ix) FEATURE: (D) OTHER INFORMATION: May be a C-terminal amide, and/or may be acetylated at N-termi¬ nus. (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION:SEQ ID NO:l: Leu Lys Lys Leu Lys Lys Leu Leu Lys Leu 5 10 Leu (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:2: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS (A) LENGTH: 12 amino acids SUBSTITUTESHEET (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (ix) FEATURE: (D) OTHER INFORMATION: May be a C-terminal amide, and/or may be acetylated at N-termi¬ nus. (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION:SEQ ID NO:2: Leu Leu Lys Lys Leu Lys Lys Leu Leu Lys 5 10 Leu Leu (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:3: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 13 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (ix) FEATURE: (D) OTHER INFORMATION: May be a C-terminal amide, and/or may be acetylated at N-termi- nuε. SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( i) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION:SEQ ID NO:3: Lys Leu Leu Lys Lys Leu Lys Lys Leu Leu 5 10 Lys Leu Leu (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:4: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) ' LENGTH: 14 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (ix) FEATURE: (D) OTHER INFORMATION: May be a C-terminal amide, and/or may be acetylated at N-termi¬ nus. (Xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION:SEQ ID NO:4: Lys Lys Leu Leu Lys Lys Leu Lys Lys Leu 5 10 Leu Lys Leu Leu (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:5: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 16 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (ix) FEATURE: SUBSTITUTE SHEET (D) OTHER INFORMATION: ' May be a C-terminal amide, and/or may be acetylated at N-termi- nus. ' (ix) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:5: Lys Lys Leu Leu Lys Lys Leu Lys Lys Leu Leu Lys Lys Leu Arg Arg 5 10 15 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:6: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 16 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (ix) FEATURE: (D) OTHER INFORMATION: May be a C-terminal amide, and/or may be acetylated at N-termi- nus. (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION:SEQ ID NO:6: Lys Leu Lys Lys Leu Leu Lys Lys Leu Lys 5 10 Lys Leu Leu Lys Leu Leu 15 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:7: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 15 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (ix) FEATURE: (D) OTHER INFORMATION: May be a C-terminal amide, and/or may be acetylated at N-termi¬ nus. ( i) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION:SEQ ID NO:7: Leu Lys Lys Leu Leu Lys Lys Leu Lys Lys 5 10 Leu Leu Lys Lys Asn 15 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:8: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH:.15 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (ix) FEATURE: (D) OTHER INFORMATION: May be a C-terminal amide, and/or may be acetylated at N-termi¬ nus, Xaa is homoserine. (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION:SEQ ID NO:8: Leu Lys Lys Leu Leu Lys Lys Leu Lys Lys 5 10 Leu Leu Lys Lys Xaa 15 SUBSTITUTESHEET (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:9: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 18 amino " acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (ix) FEATURE: (D) OTHER INFORMATION: May be a C-terminal amide, and/o may be acetylated at N-termi- nus. (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION:SEQ ID NO:9: Leu Lys Leu Leu Lys Lys Leu Leu Lys Lys 5 10 sn Lys Lys Leu Leu Lys Lys Leu 15 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:10: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 18 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (ix) FEATURE: (D) OTHER INFORMATION: May be a C-terminal amide, and/or may be acetylated at N-termi¬ nus. SUBSTITUTESHEET (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION:SEQ ID NO:10: Leu Lys Leu Leu Lys Lys Leu Leu Lys Lys 5 10 Pro Lys Lys Leu Leu Lys Lys Leu 15 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:11: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 22 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: (D).TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (ix) FEATURE: (D) OTHER INFORMATION: May.be a C-terminal amide, and/or may be acetylated at N-termi- nus. (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION:SEQ ID NO:11: Leu Leu Lys Lys Leu Lys Lys Leu Leu Lys 5 10 Lys Leu Gin Gly Pro Pro Gin Gly Gin Ser 15 20 Pro Gin (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:12: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 20 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: SUBSTITUTE SHEET (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (ix) FEATURE: (D) OTHER INFORMATION: May be a C-terminal amide, and/or may be acetylated at N-termi- nus. (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION:SEQ ID NO:12: Leu Ala Ser Lys Ala Gly Ala lie Ala Gly 5 10 Lys lie Ala Lys Lys Leu Leu Lys Lys Leu 15 20 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:13: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 7 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (ix) FEATURE: (D) OTHER INFORMATION: May be a C-terminal amide, and/or may be acetylated at N-termi- nus. (Xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION:SEQ ID NO:13: Leu Lys Lys Leu Lys Lys Leu 5 SUBSTITUTESHEET (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:14: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 8 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (ix) FEATURE: (D) OTHER INFORMATION: May be a C-terminal amide, and/or may be acetylated at N-termi- nus. (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION:SEQ ID NO:14: Leu Leu Lys Lys Leu Lys Lys Leu 5 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:15: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 9 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (ix) FEATURE: (D) OTHER INFORMATION: May be a C-terminal amide, and/or may be acetylated at N-termi- nus. SUBSTITUTE SHEET (Xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION:SEQ ID NO:15: Lys Leu Leu Lys Lys Leu Lys Lys Leu 5 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:16: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 10 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (ix) FEATURE: (D) OTHER INFORMATION: May be a C-terminal amide, and/or may be acetylated at N-termi- nus. (Xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION:SEQ ID NO:16: Lys Lys Leu Leu Lys Lys Leu Lys Lys Leu 5 10 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:17: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 11 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (ix) FEATURE: (D) OTHER INFORMATION: May be a C-terminal amide, SUBSTITUTE SHEET . v. ' .- and/or may be acetylated at N-termi¬ nus. (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION:SEQ ID NO:17: Leu Lys Lys Leu Leu Lys Lys Leu Lys Lys Leu 5 10 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:18: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 11 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (ix) FEATURE: (D) OTHER INFORMATION: May be a C-terminal amide, and/or may be acetylated at N-termi- nus. (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION:SEQ ID NO:18: Ala Lys Lys Leu Leu Lys Lys Leu Lys Lys Leu 5 10 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:19: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 14 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide UB (ix) FEATURE: (D) OTHER INFORMATION: May be a C-terminal amide, and/or may be acetylated at N-termi- nus. (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION:SEQ ID NO:19: Leu Lys Lys Leu Leu Lys Lys Leu Lys Lys Leu 5 10 Leu Lys Arg SUBSTITUTESHEET

Claims: WHAT IS CLAIMED IS 1. A biologically active amphiphilic peptide, said peptide including the following basic structure R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 1 -R 1 , wherein R^ ^ is a hydropho¬ bic amino acid, and R 2 is a basic hydrophilic or neutral hydrophilic amino acid. . The peptide of Claim 1 wherein the peptide includes the basic structure: Y-._-X. 0 , wherein X 10 is the basic peptide structure of Claim 1, and Y- 0 is: (i) R 2 ; (ii) R 2 -R_; or (iii) R- j -R^R j . 3. A biologically active amphiphilic peptide, said peptide including the following basic structure 12 -* R 2 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 , wherein R 1 is a hydropho¬ bic amino acid and R 2 is a basic hydrophilic or neutral hydrophilic amino acid. 4. The peptide of Claim 3 wherein said peptide includes the basic structure Y ι ~X- ι ' wherein X 12 is the basic peptide structure of Claim 3, and Y 12 is: (i) R 2 ; (ii) R χ -R 2 ; (iii) R 1 -R 1 -R 2 ; (iv) R 2 -R 1 -R 1 -R 2 ; or 5 < v .> Thewpeptiwde of Claim 3 wherein said peptide includes the basic structure X 12 " z i 2 ' wherein X 12 is the basic peptide structure of Claim 3, and Z- 2 is: (i) R 2 ; (iii) R 1 -R 1 -R 2 ; (iv) R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 ; or (v) R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 . 6. A process for inhibiting growth of a target cell or virus in a host, comprising: administering to a host a biologically active amphiphilic peptide, said peptide including the following basic structure X 10 : R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 1 -R 1 , wherein R 1 is a hydropho¬ bic amino acid, and R 2 is a basic hydrophilic or neutral hydrophilic amino acid, said peptide being administered in an amount effective to inhibit growth of a target cell or virus in a host. 7. The process of Claim 6 wherein said peptide includes the basic structure: Y 10 -X 10 ,wherein X 1Q is the basic peptide structure of Claim 4 and Y..-. is: (i) R χ ; (ii) R 2 -R χ ; or (iii) R 2 -R 2 -R 1 . 8. The process of Claim 6 wherein said administering is in an effective antimicrobial amount. 9. The process of Claim 6 wherein said administering is in an effective anti-viral amount. 10. The process of Claim 6 wherein said administering is in an effective anti-tumor amount. 11. The process of Claim 6 wherein said administering is in an effective anti-parasitic amount. 12. The process of Claim 6 wherein said adminstering is in an effective antibiotic amount. 13. A process for inhibiting growth of a target cell or virus in a host, comprising: adminsitering to a host a biologically active amphiphilic peptide, said peptide including the following basic peptide structure X 1? : R 2 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R.-R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 , wherein R. is a hydropho¬ bic amino acid and R 2 is a basic hydrophilic or neutral SUBSTITUTE SHEET hydrophilic amino acid, said peptide being administered in an amount effective to inhibit growth of a target cell or virus in a host. 14. The process of Claim 13 wherein the peptide includes the basic structure γ ι2 ~X- ι wherein X- 2 is the basic peptide structure of Claim 13 and Y 12 is: laim 13 wherein the peptide includes the basic structure X. ? -Z 32 , wherein X 12 is the basic structure of Claim 13, and Z 12 is: (i) R 2 -; (ii) R j -R^ ' (iii) R^R^Rg; (iv) R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 ; or (v) R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 . 16. The process of Claim 13 wherein said peptide is admin¬ istered in an effective antimicrobial amount. 17. The process of Claim 13 wherein said peptide is admin¬ istered in an effective anti-viral amount. 18. The process of Claim 13 wherein said peptide is admin¬ istered in an effective anti-tumor amount. 19. The process of Claim 13 wherein said peptide is admin¬ istered in an effective antibiotic amount. 20. The process of Claim 13 wherein said peptide is admin¬ istered in an effective anti-parasitic amount. 21. A biologically active amphiphilic peptide, said peptide including the following basic structure X 14 = R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 3 , SUBSTITUTE SHEET wherein R.. is a hydrophobic amino acid, R 2 is a basic hydrophilic or neutral hydrophilic amino acid, and R_ is a neutral hydrophilic amino acid. 22. A biologically active amphiphilic peptide, said peptide including the following basic structure X 16 : R 1 -R 2 -R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 4 , wherein R., is a hydrophobic amino acid, R ? is a basic hydrophilic or a neutral hydrophilic amino acid, and R 4 is a neutral hydrophilic amino acid or proline. 23. The peptide of Claim 22 wherein said peptide includes the basic structure X lβ -Z- β , wherein X-. fi is the basic peptide structure of Claim 22, and Z 1fi is: ( i) -R 2 ; (ii) -R 2 -R 2 ; (iii) -R 2 -R 2 -R l } (iv) -R^R^R-^R^ (V) -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 1 -R 2 ; (vi) -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 ; or (vii) R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R- . 24. A biologically active amphiphilic peptide, said peptide including the following basic peptide structure X-, s : R l~ R l "R 2~ R 2~ R l~ R 2~ R 2~ R l "R l~ R 2~ R 2~ R l "R 3' wherein R. is a hydrophobic amino acid, R 2 is a basic hydrophilic or neutral hydrophilic amino acid, and R. is a neutral hydrophilic amino acid. 25. The peptide of Claim 24 wherein the peptide includes the basic structure X- ιo ~Z-, s. wherein X-, g is the basic peptide structure of Claim 24, and Z. fi is: (i) -R χ ; (ii) -R^Rg. (iii) -R j -Rg-Rg; (iv) -R 1 -R 5 -R 5 -R 3 ; (v) -R 1 -R 5 -R 5 -R 3 -R 1 ; (Vi) -R 1 -R 5 -R 5 -R 3 -R 1 -R 3 ; SUB (Vϋ ) -R 1 -R 5 -R 5 -R 3 -R 1 -R 3 -R 3 ; (viii ) -R 1 -R 5 -R 5 -R 3 -R. - 3 -R 3 -R 5 ; or (ix) -R 1 -R_-R 5 -R 3 -R ; .-R 3 -R 3 -R 5 -R 3 , wherein R 1 is a hydropho¬ bic amino acid, R 3 is a neutral hydrophilic amino acid, and R ς is proline. 26. A biologically active amphiphilic peptide, said peptide including the following basic structure X 2Q : R 1 -R 1 -R 3 -R 2 -R 1 -R 1 -R 1 -R 1 -R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -, wherein R 1 is a hydrophobic amino acid, R, is a basic hydrophilic or neutral hydrophilic amino acid, and R. is a neutral hydrophilic amino acid. 27. A biologically active amphiphilic peptide having a structure selected from the group consisting of: (a) R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 ; (C) R 2 -R.-R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 ; (d) R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 ; and (e) R.-R^R^R.-R.-R^R^R.-R^R^R. , wherein R- is a hydrophobic amino acid, and R 2 is a basic hydrophilic or neutral hydrophilic amino acid. 28. A biologically active amphiphilic peptide having the following structural formula: (SEQ ID NO:19). 29. A process for inhibiting growth of a target cell, virus, or virally-infected cell in a host, comprising: administering to a host a biologically active amphiphilic peptide, said peptide including the following basic structure X 14 : R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 ^R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 3 , wherein R, is a hydrophobic amino acid, R 2 is a basic hydrophilic or neutral hydrophilic amino acid, and R. is a neutral hydrophilic amino acid, said peptide being administered in an amount effective to inhibit growth of a target cell, virus, or virally-infected cell in a host. SUBSTITUTESHEET 30. The process of Claim 29 wherein said administering is in an effective antimicrobial amount. 31. The process of Claim 29 wherein said administering is in an effective anti-viral amount. 32. The process of Claim 29 wherein said administering is in an effective anti-tumor amount. 33. The process of Claim 29 wherein said administering is in an effective anti-parasitic amount. 34. The process of Claim 29 wherein said administering is in an effective antibiotic amount. 35. A process for inhibiting growth of a target cell, virus, or virally-infected cell in a host, comprising: administering to a host a biologically active amphiphilic peptide, said peptide including the following basic structure X 16 : R 1 -R 2 -R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R.-R--R 2 -R 2 -R 4 , wherein R 1 is a hydrophobic amino acid, R 2 is a basic hydrophilic or a neutral hydrophilic - amino acid, and R. is a neutral hydrophilic amino acid or proline, said peptide being administered in an amount effective to inhibit growth of a target cell, virus, or virally-infected cell in a host. 36. The process of Claim 35 wherein said peptide includes the basic structure X^ β -Z- β , wherein X. β is the basic peptide structure of Claim 35, and lβ is: (i) -R 2 ; (ii) -R 2 -R 2 ; (iii) -R 2 -R 2 -R ι; (iv) -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 1 ; (v) -R^-R^-R,,; (vi) -R 2 ~ 2 -R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 or (vii) R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R.-R 2 -R 2 -R 1 . 37. The process of Claim 35 wherein said administering is in an effective antimicrobial amount. SUBSTITUTE SHEET 38. The process of Claim 35 wherein said administering is in an effective anti-viral amount. 39. The process of Claim 35 wherein said administering is in an effective anti-tumor amount. 40. The process of Claim 35 wherein said administering is in an effective anti-parasitic amount. 41. The process of Claim 35 wherein said administering is in an effective antibiotic amount. 42. A process for inhibiting growth of a target cell, virus, or virally-infected cell in a host, comprising: administering to a host a biologically active amphiphilic peptide, said peptide including the following basic structure X 18 : R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 3 , wherein R., is a hydrophobic amino acid, R 2 is a basic hydrophilic or neutral hydrophilic amino acid, and R. is a neutral hydrophilic amino acid, said peptide being administered in an amount effective to inhibit growth of a target cell, virus, or virally-infected cell in a host. 43. The process of Claim 42 wherein the peptide includes the basic structure X ι g- Z ι g wherein X lg is the basic peptide structure of Claim 42, and Z-. β is: (i) -R 2 ; (ii) -R^; (iii) -R α -R 5 -R 5 ; (iv) rR^Rg-Rg-Rg; (V) -R 1 -R 5 -R 5 -R 3 -R 1 ; (Vi) -R 1 -R 5 -R 5 -R 3 -R 1 -R 3 ; (vii) -R 1 -R 5 -R 5 -R 3 -R 1 -R 3 -R 3 ; (viii) -R.-R 5 -R 5 -R 3 -R 1 -R 3 -R 3 -R 5 ; or (ix) -R.-R 5 -R 5 -R 3 -R 1 -R 3 -R 3 -R 5 -R 3 , wherein R. is a hydropho¬ bic amino acid, R 3 is a neutral hydrophilic amino acid, and R 5 is proline. SUBSTITUTESHEET 44. The process of Claim 42 wherein said administering is in an effective antimicrobial amount. 45. The process of Claim 42 wherein said administering is in an effective anti-viral amount. 46. The process of Claim 42 wherein said administering is in an effective anti-tumor amount. 47. The process of Claim 42 wherein said administering is in an effective anti-parasitic amount. 48. The process of Claim 42 wherein said administering is in an effective antibiotic amount. 49. A process for inhibiting growth of a target cell, virus, or virally-infected cell in a host, comprising: administering to a host a biologically active amphiphilic peptide, said peptide including the following basic structure Λ 20- R 1 -R 1 -R 3 -R 2 -R 1 -R 1 -R 1 -R 1 -R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -, wherein R, is a hydrophobic amino acid, R 2 is a basic hydrophilic or neutral hydrophilic amino acid, and R 3 is a neutral hydrophilic amino acid, said peptide being administered in an amount effective to inhibit growth of a target cell, virus, or virally-infected cell in a host. 50. The process of Claim 49 wherein said administering is in an effective antimicrobial amount. 51. The process of Claim 49 wherein said administering is in an effective anti-viral amount. 52. The process of Claim 49 wherein said administering is in an effective anti-tumor amount. 53. The process of Claim 49 wherein said administering is in an effective anti-parasitic amount. 54. The process of Claim 49 wherein said administering is in an effective antibiotic amount. 55. A process for inhibiting growth of a target cell, virus, or virally-infected cell in a host comprising: SUBSTITUTE SHEET administering to a host a biologically active amphiphilic peptide having a structure selected from the group consisting of: (a) R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 ; (b) R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 ; (c) R 2 -R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 ; (d) R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R ; ,-R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 ; and (e) R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 -R 2 -R 2 -R 1 , wherein R 1 is a hydrophobic amino acid, and R. is a basic hydrophilic or neutral hydrophilic amino acid, said peptide being administered in an amount effective to inhibit growth of a target cell, virus, or virally-infected cell in a host. 56. The process of Claim 55 wherein said administering is in an effective antimicrobial amount. 57. The process of Claim 55 wherein said administering is in an effective anti-viral amount. 58. The process of Claim 55 wherein said administering is in an effective anti-tumor amount. 59. The process of Claim 55 wherein said administering is in an effective anti-parasitic amount. 60. The process of Claim 55 wherein said administering is in an effective antibiotic amount. 61. A process for inhibiting growth of a target cell, virus, or virally-infected cell in a host, comprising: administering to a host a biologically active amphiphilic peptide having the following structural formula: (SEQ ID NO:19), said peptide being administered in an amount effective to inhibit growth of a target cell, virus, or virally- infected cell in a host. 62. The process of Claim 61 wherein said administering is in an effective antimicrobial amount. 63. The process of Claim 61 wherein said administering is in an effective anti-viral amount. 64. The process of Claim 61 wherein said administering is in an effective anti-tumor amount. SUBSTITUTESHEET 65. The process of Claim 61 wherein said administering is in an effective anti-parasitic amount. 66. The process of Claim 61 wherein said administering is in an effective antibiotic amount. SUBSTITUTESHEET

Inventors: KARI U PRASAD, MALOY W LEE, WILLIAMS JON I, KARI, U., PRASAD, MALOY, W., LEE, WILLIAMS, JON, I.
Applicants: MAGAININ PHARMA, MAGAININ PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
Application year: 1992
Main classification: C07K7
IPC codes: A61K38, C07K7, C07K14