Description
Melittin is an antimicrobial peptide (AMP) found in Apis mellifera venom that exhibits antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-parasitic activities. In Candida, melittin increases formation of radicals, decreases the mitochondrial membrane potential, and increases release of Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum, inducing apoptosis and death. Like other AMPs, melittin induces pore formation in cell membranes, causing ion leakage. Melittin exhibits antimicrobial activity against Leishmania and Trypanosoma, inducing autophagy and apoptosis.