Indian Researchers Develop New Peptide Therapy For Eye Infections

A team of Indian researchers has developed a promising peptide-based therapy to treat fungal keratitis, a severe and potentially sight-threatening infection of the cornea.

The breakthrough offers hope for safer and more effective treatment options for patients suffering from corneal infections, which are a growing public health concern in India.

The study, conducted by researchers from Bose Institute in Kolkata along with collaborators from the LV Prasad Eye Institute in Hyderabad, has been published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.

The team designed a 15-residue peptide named SA-XV, derived from a larger host-defence peptide known as S100A12.

A New Approach to Treating Fungal Keratitis

Fungal keratitis affects the clear front part of the eye and can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.

Often described as a ‘slow epidemic’, corneal infections are particularly common in India, especially among individuals engaged in agricultural work who are more prone to eye injuries.

Poor hygiene practices and the overuse of contact lenses have further contributed to the rising incidence of such infections.

Currently, doctors widely use amphotericin B to treat fungal eye infections, but serious side effects such as kidney damage and high haemolytic activity, which rapidly destroys red blood cells, limit its clinical use.

This has created an urgent need for safer and more effective antifungal therapies.

According to the researchers, SA-XV has demonstrated strong antifungal activity with reduced toxicity.

In mouse models, the peptide significantly reduced the severity of keratitis, highlighting its therapeutic potential.

“The antimicrobial peptides are non-toxic, serum-stable, and effective in inhibiting the growth of both planktonic and biofilm forms of Fusarium and Candida species,” said Professor Anirban Bhunia of Bose Institute, who led the study.

The researchers explained that SA-XV works through a multi-step mechanism. It first interacts with the fungal cell wall and plasma membrane, then enters the cell and accumulates in the cytoplasm.

The peptide subsequently localises in the nucleus, binds to genomic DNA, and halts the fungal cell cycle. Finally, it targets the mitochondria, inducing fungal cell death through apoptosis.

Added Benefit of Wound Healing

Beyond its antifungal properties, the study also highlights SA-XV’s ability to promote corneal wound healing. This dual function makes it a particularly attractive therapeutic candidate, as it not only controls infection but also supports tissue repair.

The findings suggest that SA-XV could emerge as a novel therapeutic option for treating fungal eye infections while minimising side effects associated with current treatments.

If further validated through clinical trials, this peptide therapy could significantly improve outcomes for patients suffering from fungal keratitis and strengthen India’s contribution to innovative eye care solutions.

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