Several species of bacteria capable of invasive infections, such as S. pyogenes, S. equi and P. multocida, contain hyaluronic acid (HA) in their capsules. Bacterial species such as Staphylococcus aureus and related Staphylococci have capsules that contain acidic polysaccharides. Bacterial capsule or bacterial surface binding peptides were synthesized and tested in a culture model of invasive bacterial infections, specifically translocation through polarized keratinocyte cultures. The peptides reduced the translocation of a variety of bacterial species, with a concomitant increase in bacterial internalization by the keratinocytes. In vivo, subcutaneous inoculation of encapsulated GAS treated with peptides delayed bacterial dissemination. In a mouse surgical wound model infected with S. aureus, treatment with peptides reduced the numbers of bacteria and inflammation at the wound site.
