Pune, India | December 18, 2025
A revolutionary peptide therapy developed by Indian scientists may soon transform how severe fungal eye infections are treated in India and abroad. This new therapy could become a major advance against fungal keratitis, a debilitating corneal infection that often causes vision loss.
The research involved a multidisciplinary team from the L V Prasad Eye Institute in Hyderabad and the Bose Institute in Kolkata, both supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. Their work led to the discovery of a 15-amino-acid peptide named SA XV, engineered from a larger host-defense protein with antifungal properties.
Fungal keratitis remains a serious health concern in India and other tropical regions. Agricultural workers exposed to plant debris and soil are particularly vulnerable. Improper contact lens use also contributes to rising infection rates in urban areas. These infections are difficult to treat due to limited drug options and the high toxicity of existing antifungals.
Currently, amphotericin B is one of the few drugs used to combat fungal keratitis. Its use is limited by severe side effects, including kidney damage and harm to red blood cells. Clinicians often face tough choices between efficacy and safety when treating patients.
In contrast, peptide therapy using SA XV offers a promising alternative. The engineered peptide, derived from the natural host-defense protein S100A12, is potent against fungal pathogens and safer for human cells. It remains stable in serum and shows minimal toxicity in laboratory tests.
Laboratory studies confirmed that SA XV blocks the growth of major fungi, including Fusarium and Candida, which are leading causes of corneal infections. Many conventional antifungal drugs fail against these pathogens. SA XV also disrupts biofilms, structured fungal communities that are difficult to eradicate with standard treatments.
Researchers investigated how SA XV works at a cellular level. The peptide first attaches to the fungal cell wall and membrane. Then it enters the fungal cell, binds to DNA, and halts the cell cycle. Finally, SA XV targets mitochondria and triggers programmed cell death. These multiple mechanisms make this peptide therapy highly effective.
Animal tests in mouse models of fungal keratitis showed that SA XV reduced fungal burden. It also supported corneal wound healing, improving outcomes by promoting tissue repair alongside infection control.
The findings, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, highlight SA XV’s dual action as an antifungal agent and a wound-healing promoter. This feature sets the peptide apart from traditional antifungal drugs, which usually lack tissue repair benefits.
Another advantage of peptide therapy is its potential to slow drug resistance. SA XV attacks multiple cellular targets in fungi, making it harder for pathogens to develop resistance. This could extend the therapy’s effectiveness over time.
Experts also point out that SA XV’s safety and affordability may make it suitable for regions with limited healthcare resources. By reducing side effects and improving efficacy, the therapy could prevent many avoidable cases of blindness.
In summary, peptide therapy with SA XV represents a major biomedical breakthrough. Its strong antifungal activity, wound-healing support, and favorable safety profile make it a promising alternative to existing treatments for fungal keratitis. As research advances toward human clinical trials, many scientists hope this innovation will soon benefit patients worldwide.
