Antimicrobial and DNA-binding activities of the peptide fragments of human lactoferrin and histatin 5 against Streptococcus mutans

Together, our results demonstrate that hLF1-11 and P-113 display antibacterial activity against dental cavity-inducing S. mutans through an intracellular mechanism that could involve DNA binding. Thus, these peptides might be attractive and valuable candidates for development into effective antimicrobial therapies to combat dental caries.