Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026

An Efficient Method for the Synthesis of Peptoids with Mixed Lysine-type/Arginine-type Monomers and Evaluation of Their Anti-leishmanial Activity
Published on: November 2, 2016
Modes of action of Leishmanicidal antimicrobial peptides
Alexandra K Marr1, Bradford S McGwire, W Robert McMaster
1Immunity & Infection Research Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Abstract:
Leishmaniasis is one of the major neglected tropical diseases of the world. It is present in 88 countries with an estimated number of 500,000 cases of visceral leishmaniasis and 1.5 million cases of cutaneous disease. No effective vaccinations are available against leishmaniasis and the efficacy of existing treatments is compromised due to the emergence of drug resistance. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop new compounds with antileishmanial activity. Antimicrobial peptides have potential as novel antileishmanial therapy, either for use alone or in combination with current drug regimens. The modes of action of these peptides against Leishmania includes: membrane disruption leading to necrotic cell death; induction of apoptosis; binding to intracellular target(s); and indirect effects via immunomodulation of host immune cells. This article reviews the mechanisms of action of antimicrobial peptides with leishmanicidal activity.
Related Concept Videos
Antimicrobial Proteins
Interferons
Interferons (IFNs) are proteins produced by lymphocytes, macrophages, and fibroblasts infected with viruses. While IFNs cannot prevent viruses from entering and...
Antifungal Agents
Inhibitors of Gram-positive Cell Wall Synthesis
Anthelminthic Agents
Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
Inhibitors of Bacterial Protein Synthesis

