The frequent occurrence of multidrug-resistant strains to conventional antimicrobials has led to a clear decline in antibiotic therapies. Therefore, new molecules with different mechanisms of action are extremely necessary. Due to their unique properties, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent a valid alternative to conventional antibiotics and many of them have been characterized for their activity and cytotoxicity. However, the effects that these peptides cause at concentrations below the minimum growth inhibitory concentration (MIC) have yet to be fully analyzed along with the underlying molecular mechanism. In this mini-review, the ability of AMPs to synergize with different antibiotic classes or different natural compounds is examined. Furthermore, data on microbial resistance induction are reported to highlight the importance of antibiotic resistance in the fight against infections. Finally, the effects that sub-MIC levels of AMPs can have on the bacterial pathogenicity are summarized while showing how signaling pathways can be valid therapeutic targets for the treatment of infectious diseases. All these aspects support the high potential of AMPs as lead compounds for the development of new drugs with antibacterial and immunomodulatory activities.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1568026620666200427090912 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Association of salivary proteins with dental caries in children with mixed dentition: a systematic review.
Eur Arch Paediatr Dent
January 2025
Qatar University Health, College of Dental Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
Purpose: To review the current evidence on the association between salivary protein profile and dental caries in children during mixed dentition stage.
Methods: This systematic review followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Searches were run in PubMed, Scopus and Embase along with gray literature.
Effects of gut microbiota and metabolites on the host defense peptide expression.
Appl Microbiol Biotechnol
January 2025
National Engineering Research Center of Green Feeds and Healthy Livestock Industry, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China.
The widespread use of antibiotics has led to the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria, which pose significant threats to animal health and food safety. Host defense peptides (HDPs) have emerged as promising alternatives because of their unique antimicrobial properties and minimal resistance induction. However, the high costs associated with HDP production and incorporation into animal management practices hinder their widespread application.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFExplainable deep learning and virtual evolution identifies antimicrobial peptides with activity against multidrug-resistant human pathogens.
Nat Microbiol
January 2025
School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a promising approach to identify new antimicrobial compounds in diverse microbial species. Here we developed an AI-based, explainable deep learning model, EvoGradient, that predicts the potency of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and virtually modifies peptide sequences to produce more potent AMPs, akin to in silico directed evolution. We applied this model to peptides encoded in low-abundance human oral bacteria, resulting in the virtual evolution of 32 peptides into potent AMPs.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFResearch Progress on Extracellular Matrix-Based Composite Materials in Antibacterial Field.
Biomater Res
January 2025
Department of Orthopedics, The First People's Hospital of Huzhou, First Affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Zhejiang 313000, China.
Due to their exceptional cell compatibility, biodegradability, and capacity to trigger tissue regeneration, extracellular matrix (ECM) materials have drawn considerable attention in tissue healing and regenerative medicine. Interestingly, these materials undergo continuous degradation and release antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) while simultaneously promoting tissue regeneration, thereby exerting a potent antibacterial effect. On this basis, a variety of basic properties of ECM materials, such as porous adsorption, hydrophilic adsorption, group crosslinking, and electrostatic crosslinking, can be used to facilitate the integration of ECM materials and antibacterial agents through physical and chemical approaches in order to enhance the antibacterial efficacy.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDistinct immunological features of oropharyngeal cancer peritumoral tonsillar tissues from inflammatory tonsils and regional lymph nodes: A pilot study.
PLoS One
January 2025
Division of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan.
Background: Cancer immune responses are generated in secondary lymphoid organs, such as the lymph nodes and tonsils. In the current study, transcriptional profiles of peritumoral tonsillar tissues (PTTs) from oropharyngeal cancers (OPCs) were assessed and compared with those of inflammatory tonsils and regional lymph nodes (rLNs).
Methods: RNA samples of PTTs and rLNs from 13 OPCs, and 4 inflammatory tonsils were subjected to microarray analysis, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified from 730 nCounter Panel immune-related genes.
Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!