Antimicrobial Peptides

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), also known as host defense peptides (HDPs), are essential components of the innate immune system found across all forms of life. These peptides exploit key differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, making them effective targets for antimicrobial action. AMPs exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties and hold promise as innovative therapeutic agents. They have been shown to eliminate both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, as well as enveloped viruses, fungi, and even cancerous or transformed cells. Unlike most conventional antibiotics, AMPs often disrupt biological membranes, form transmembrane channels, and may also play a role in enhancing immune responses by acting as immunomodulators.