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HP (2–20) derived from the amino terminal region of Helicobacter pylori ribosomal protein L1 exerts its antifungal effects by damaging the plasma membranes of Candida albicans

The fungicidal effects of the peptide HP (2–20), derived from the N‐terminal sequence of Helicobacter pylori ribosomal protein L1 (RPL1), have been investigated. HP (2–20) displays a strong fungicidal activity against various fungi, without haemolytic activity against human erythrocyte cells, and the fungicidal activity is inhibited by Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions. In order to investigate the fungicidal mechanism(s) of HP (2–20), the amount of intracellular trehalose was measured in C. albicans. It was found that the amounts of intracellular trehalose were decreased when HP (2–20) was used. The action of the peptide against fungal cell membranes was further examined by the potassium‐release test; HP (2–20) was found to increase the amount of K+ released from the cells. Furthermore, HP (2–20) caused significant morphological changes, as shown by scanning electron microscopy, and by testing the membrane disrupting activity using liposomes (phosphatidyl choline/cholesterol; 10 : 1, w/w). Our results suggest that HP (2–20) may exert its antifungal activity by disrupting the structure of cell membranes, via pore formation or direct interaction with the lipid bilayers. Copyright © 2002 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.