Table 2 Bacteriocin classification with representative bacteriocins isolated in our laboratory.

I

Lantibiotics, small (<5 kDa) peptides containing lanthionine and β-methyllanthionine

Nisin Z [77] and Q [31], Enterocin W [78],

Nukacin ISK-1 [79]

II

Small (<10 kDa), heat-stable, non-lanthionine-containing peptides

IIa

Small heat-stable peptides, synthesized in a form of precursor which is processed after two glycine residues, active against Listeria, have a consensus sequence of YGNGVXC in the N-terminal

Enterocin NKR-5-3C [35, 36], Enterocin A [80],

Munditicin [81],

Leucocin A [80]

IIb

Two component systems: two different peptides required to form an active poration complex

Lactococcin Q [43],

Enterocin NKR-5-3AZ [36],

Enterocin X [44]

IIc

N- and C- termini are covalently linked, resulting in a circular structure

Lactocyclicin Q [49], Leucocyclicin Q [50]

IId

Other class II bacteriocins, including sec-dependent bacteriocins and leaderless bacteriocins

Lacticin Q [22] and Z [54], Weissellicin Y and M [55], Leucocin Q and N [80]

III ^Ϯ

Large molecules heat sensitive peptides