PlyG (recombinant gamma-lysin)

Introduction

lysin derived from bacteriophage gamma

Indications

• treatment of anthrax (investigational)
• identification of germinating anthrax spores*

* PlyG attached to luciferin detects germinating anthrax spores using a hand-held luminometer

Mechanism of action

• bactericidal for anthrax in vitro & in vivo
  • highly effective in killing B. anthracis, both vegetative cells & germinating spores
• non toxic in (to) mice
• mutations in anthrax strains resulting in antibiotic resistance did NOT affect activity of PlyG

More general terms

• bacteriophage lysin
• recombinant protein; chimer

Additional terms

• anthrax (woolsorter's disease)