Properties, classification and applications of lantibiotics from Gram-positive bacteria

During the last few decades a plethora of research has described the gene-encoded antimicrobial peptides from various organisms. Gram-positive bacteria are well known to synthesize ribosomal antibacterial peptides known as lantibiotics. A large number of these peptides have gained increasing attention from researchers due to their ability to hinder microbes residing in the same niche. The biosynthesis of lantibiotics comprises posttranslational modifications. Lantibiotics present an unprecedented structural feature of intramolecular rings that are added by the thioether amino acids lanthionine and 3-methyl lanthionine. This class of bacteriocin has evolved into two different lineages, type A and B depending upon the structural and functional properties. This chapter summarizes the current knowledge of the structures and properties of the relatively diverse lantibiotics from Gram-positive organisms. An emphasis is made on the properties of recently described peptides. Furthermore, the classes and mode of action of these peptides are described. An outlook of potential applications beyond food preservatives has also been presented that will facilitate the widespread implementation of these novel peptides.