Hemolytik2: An Updated Database of Hemolytic Peptides and Proteins

Abstract

Hemolytik 2.0 (http://webs.iiitd.edu.in/raghava/hemolytik2/) is a comprehensive, manually curated database that provides experimentally validated information on both hemolytic and non-hemolytic peptides. Data were meticulously extracted from peer-reviewed publications and established peptide repositories, including the Antimicrobial Peptide Database (APD), UniProt, the Collection of Anti-Microbial Peptides (CAMP-R4), and the Dragon Antimicrobial Peptide Database (DAMPD). This updated version of the original Hemolytik resource encompasses 13,215 entries, representing approximately 8,700 unique peptides. Each entry in Hemolytik 2.0 offers detailed annotations, including peptide name, amino acid sequence, biological source and origin, functional characterization, terminal modifications, stereochemistry, structural classification (linear or cyclic), and experimentally determined hemolytic activity. In addition, the database provides molecular representations of peptides in SMILES (Simplified Molecular Input Line Entry System) format, alongside predicted tertiary structures and annotated secondary structural states. Additionally, a RESTful API has been integrated into the Hemolytik 2.0 repository to enable programmatic access and automated retrieval of peptide data. Hemolytik 2.0 serves as a valuable resource for the scientific community, particularly for researchers involved in the design and development of therapeutic peptides, by facilitating the identification and optimization of peptide candidates with minimal hemolytic potential and enhanced safety profiles.