Research Only Immune & Anti-Inflammatory

Melittin

also known as: Bee venom peptide, Apis mellifera peptide

The main weapon in bee venom — a powerful membrane-disrupting peptide being repurposed as an antimicrobial and anticancer research tool.

A 26-amino-acid amphipathic alpha-helical peptide comprising ~50% of honeybee venom dry weight that forms pores in lipid bilayers, producing potent cytolytic, antimicrobial, and anticancer activity.

Mechanism of action

Forms toroidal pores (~2.5 nm) in lipid bilayers. Unlike selective AMPs, melittin is cytolytic to both bacterial and mammalian cells. Activates phospholipase A2 and causes mast cell degranulation (bee sting pain). Cancer research exploits its lytic activity with tumor-targeting delivery systems.

Primary uses

Research: membrane biophysics
Anticancer research (nanoparticle conjugates)
Broad-spectrum antimicrobial research
Template for selective AMP design

Typical dosing

N/A N/A N/A (research only)

Not used clinically due to non-selective cytotoxicity.

Regulatory status

Not approved. In preclinical development for targeted anticancer therapy (melittin-loaded nanoparticles).

References

[pubmed] Habermann E. "Bee and wasp venoms." Science. 1972;177(4046):314-322.
[pubmed] Duffy C, et al. "Honeybee venom and melittin suppress growth factor receptor activation in HER2-enriched and triple-negative breast cancer." NPJ Precis Oncol. 2020;4:24.

Related peptides

Magainin

The frog-skin peptide that launched antimicrobial peptide research — discovered in 1987 when a researcher noticed surgical frogs never developed infections.

Cecropin

The insect immune system's first-line antibiotic — among the earliest AMPs discovered, proving innate immunity uses peptide weapons across the animal kingdom.

LL-37

The only human cathelicidin — an antimicrobial peptide with direct activity against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and biofilms, with additional roles in wound healing and immune signaling.

Ziconotide

A cone snail venom peptide turned FDA-approved painkiller — the first non-opioid intrathecal analgesic for severe chronic pain.

Disclaimer

This entry is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Dosing information reflects published regulatory or research data and is not a recommendation. Many compounds described here are not approved for human use in the United States. Consult a licensed medical professional before considering any peptide therapy.