STAPLED ANTIMICROBIAL PEPTIDES (STAMPS) AND USES THEREOF

Provided are stapled antimicrobial peptides (i.e., StAMPs) and methods of using the same (e.g., for treating bacterial infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria). In certain embodiments, the stapled peptides are based on the amino acid sequence of the antimicrobial peptide Magainin II, but include certain modifications that have been found to confer advantageous properties (e.g., improved antimicrobial activity, selectivity for killing Gram-negative bacteria, and/or reduced toxicity). Also provided are unstapled peptides which can serve as synthetic precursors to the stapled peptides provided herein