Lysine substitutions convert a bacterial-agglutinating peptide into a bactericidal peptide that retains anti-lipopolysaccharide activity and low hemolytic activity

► Lysine substitution converts an agglutinating peptide to a bactericidal peptide. ► The peptide retains activity in saliva and in vivo. ► The peptide exhibits anti-lipopolysaccharide activity in vitro and in vivo. ► A serine hydroxyl is necessary for anti-LPS activity but not bactericidal activity. ► The peptide has low hemolytic activity.