Therapeutic innovations to counter antimicrobial-resistant infections and antimicrobial peptides

Dear Editor,

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the phenomenon that occurs when infections are no longer sensitive to commercially available antimicrobials. Today, it is considered to be among the major global health problems. Among the most important strategies to counter the AMR phenomenon is to find alternative therapeutic strategies to common antimicrobials. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a class of naturally occurring molecules that act as crucial components of the innate immune system in a wide range of organisms, including humans, animals, plants and microorganisms. These peptides exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, enabling them to target and neutralize a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites. Recently, AMPs have been increasingly studied as potential therapeutic alternatives to conventional antibiotics. However, there are still many questions to be answered before their established use in clinical practice. The unique structure and different modes of action of AMP make them promising candidates for therapeutic development [1, 2]. The mechanisms of action of AMP are multiple, such as membrane disruption and potential intracellular targeting. Furthermore, through their amphipathic nature and cationic charge, AMPs selectively interact with negatively charged microbial membranes, distinguishing them from host cells. Upon binding, they insert into the lipid bilayer, leading to the formation of pores, thinning of the membrane or its complete disintegration, resulting in ion leakage, loss of membrane potential and eventual cell lysis. In addition to membrane disruption, some AMPs penetrate microbial cells to inhibit vital processes, including DNA/RNA synthesis, protein translation and enzyme activity, such as blocking cell wall biosynthesis. This dual mechanism of membrane attack and intracellular action enhances their broad-spectrum efficacy against bacteria, fungi, viruses and even drug-resistant strains, minimizing the development of resistance. In addition, an immunomodulatory role has been demonstrated for some AMPs, further enhancing host defence. Their versatility makes them promising candidates for the next generation of antimicrobial therapies [3]. Human defensin HBD 2, for instance, is being studied for its potential in the treatment of skin infections, respiratory tract infections and even inflammatory diseases [4]. Cathelicidins are another group of AMPs that demonstrate strong antimicrobial properties. The human cathelicidin, LL-37, is particularly effective against Gram-positive bacteria and has shown potential in the treatment of skin wounds and respiratory infections. LL-37 is also known for its immunomodulatory properties, which help regulate immune responses and promote wound healing. Melittin, derived from bees, is another potent AMP that acts by disrupting bacterial cell membranes. It has shown promise in the treatment of bacterial infections, particularly in combination with other therapeutic agents to enhance its efficacy [5, 6]. AMPs are promising therapies against drug-resistant infections due to their broad-spectrum activity, rapidity of killing and membrane-targeting mechanisms that circumvent traditional resistance.

The author declares no conflicts of interest.

No funding was received to conduct this study.

Consent to participate is not applicable. The author consents to the publication of the manuscript.

The author declares that the opinions expressed are of a personal nature and do not in any way commit the responsibility of the administrations to which they belong.