Researchers from Sultan Qaboos University have identified three antimicrobial peptides from dromedary camels that exhibit strong activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria.
antibacterial resistance It is rapidly becoming a global health emergency as existing drugs become ineffective and the pipeline for new antibiotic development remains slim. In an effort to counter this, researchers have Sultan Qaboos University A research team in Oman has identified three novel antimicrobial peptides from dromedary camels. These show promise against multidrug-resistant bacteria and may lead to new treatments.
Survey results We detail a comprehensive study that combines advanced computational screening with laboratory validation.
Harnessing camel immunity
Camels are known for their resilience in harsh environments, but their immune systems may also contain valuable lessons for human medicine. The research team focused on antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), small molecules that form part of the innate immune response and can rapidly destroy invading pathogens.
Camels are known for their resilience in harsh environments, but their immune systems may also contain valuable lessons for human medicine.
Scientists identified three previously uncharacterized peptides by analyzing the camel genome using bioinformatics tools. These were then synthesized and tested in the laboratory against clinically important multidrug-resistant strains, including those resistant to methicillin. Staphylococcus aureus and multidrug resistant Escherichia coli.
The researchers conducted colony-forming assays, membrane permeability tests, and electron microscopy to assess how effectively the peptides attacked bacterial cells. Two candidates, CdPG-3 and CdCATH, showed particularly potent antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
The diagram titled “Identification of Novel Camel Antimicrobial Peptides” shows five steps. 1: In silico identification of antimicrobial peptides using the camel genome. 2: Structural in silico characterization of three peptides: CdPMAP-23, CdPG-3, and CdCATH. 3: Peptide synthesis. 4: In vitro antibacterial assay showing inhibition of bacterial growth. 5: In vitro hemolysis analysis showing cells showing low hemolysis. Credit: BioRender. Al adwani, S. (2026) (https://BioRender.com/6j5xjvm) is licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Low toxicity and strong activity
According to this study, CdPG-3 and CdCATH cause significant membrane damage in bacterial cells, leading to leakage of cellular contents and cell death. Importantly, this effect was achieved at lower doses and without high toxicity to camel and human red blood cells.
The authors note that the strong innate immunity of camels containing these cathelicidin-like AMPs may explain their resistance to infections commonly seen in similar species.
The relatively low hemolytic activity observed in both camel and human cells further supports the safety profile of the peptide at therapeutic concentrations, which is an essential consideration in early stage drug development.
Different approaches to resistance
Traditional antibiotics work by targeting specific processes in bacteria, such as cell wall synthesis and protein production. However, bacteria can develop resistance through genetic mutations that alter these targets. In contrast, AMP exerts its effects more broadly by disrupting bacterial membranes.
This mechanism does not rely on a single molecular target, which may reduce the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance. These peptides physically compromise the structural integrity of microbial membranes, making them more difficult to adapt to against pathogens.
Looking to the future
Although the results are still in the early experimental stages, this study highlights the therapeutic potential of a natural defense molecule found in camels. Future studies will aim to optimize the peptide for clinical use, including improving peptide stability, dosing, and delivery.
Further studies aim to optimize the peptide for clinical use.
The authors suggest that Oman’s sizeable camel population could represent a valuable resource for continued research and development. As antimicrobial resistance continues to threaten modern medicine, innovative approaches like this could prove essential in safeguarding future treatments.