Antimicrobial peptides

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a unique and diverse group of molecules, which are found in the innate immune response of many organisms. These peptides are potent, broad spectrum antibiotics which demonstrate potential as novel therapeutic agents.

Overview

AMPs are part of the innate immune system and are found among all classes of life. They are typically between 12 and 50 amino acids in length. The peptides are potent, broad spectrum antibiotics which demonstrate potential as novel therapeutic agents. AMPs are a first line of defense in the immune system. They are released by cells and can act against bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

Function

The primary function of AMPs is to disrupt the bacterial cell membrane. They are positively charged and are attracted to the negatively charged bacterial cell membranes. This allows the AMPs to bind to the bacterial cell membrane and form pores which disrupt the membrane causing cell death.

Types of Antimicrobial Peptides

There are several types of AMPs, including defensins, cathelicidins, and histatins.

• Defensins are small cysteine-rich cationic proteins found in both vertebrates and invertebrates. They are active against bacteria, fungi and many viruses.
• Cathelicidins are a family of polypeptides found in lysosomes of macrophages and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), and are stored in the secondary granules of PMNs.
• Histatins are a family of related cationic peptides that are found in human saliva and have antifungal activities.

Potential Therapeutic Uses

Due to their broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity, AMPs are being investigated for their potential use as novel therapeutic agents. They have potential to be used in the treatment of infections that are resistant to conventional antibiotics.

See Also

• Innate immune system
• Antibiotics
• Antifungal medication
• Antiviral medication

References

Antimicrobial peptides Resources
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