Antimicrobial Peptides (AMP) are proteins with the potential to be an alternative therapy to antibiotics. Two families of AMPs have been identified for their antibacterial activity on pulmonary bacteria in humans. Institut Pasteur's research project involves studying the specific action of these AMPs on the bacteria responsible for pneumonia and nosocomial infections. Part of this work will be carried out on isolated strains of bacteria in patients suffering from cystic fibrosis. Particular attention will be paid to the capacity of these AMPs to eradicate these bacteria in patients suffering from cystic fibrosis.

The Air Liquide Foundation is donating €50,000 for the acquisition of the equipment required for the research project; namely a device for the exact characterization of the genes expressed, as well as reagents for cell and bacteria cultures.