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Published on: August 11, 2018
Antimicrobial Peptides and Cell-Penetrating Peptides for Treating Intracellular Bacterial Infections
Danieli F Buccini1, Marlon H Cardoso1,2, Octavio L Franco1,2
1S-inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil.
Abstract:
Bacterial infections caused by intracellular pathogens are difficult to control. Conventional antibiotic therapies are often ineffective, as high doses are needed to increase the number of antibiotics that will cross the host cell membrane to act on the intracellular bacterium. Moreover, higher doses of antibiotics may lead to elevated severe toxic effects against host cells. In this context, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have shown great potential to treat such infections by acting directly on the intracellular pathogenic bacterium or performing the delivery of cargos with antibacterial activities. Therefore, in this mini-review, we cover the main AMPs and CPPs described to date, aiming at intracellular bacterial infection treatment. Moreover, we discuss some of the proposed mechanisms of action for these peptide classes and their conjugation with other antimicrobials.
Insights
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) show promise for treating intracellular bacterial infections. These peptides can directly target bacteria or deliver antibacterial agents, overcoming limitations of conventional antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Intracellular bacterial infections pose significant treatment challenges.
- Conventional antibiotics require high doses to penetrate host cells, leading to toxicity.
- Existing therapies struggle to effectively reach and eliminate intracellular pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) for intracellular bacterial infection treatment.
- To explore the mechanisms of action of AMPs and CPPs.
- To discuss the conjugation of these peptides with other antimicrobial agents.
Main Methods:
- Mini-review of existing literature on AMPs and CPPs.
- Analysis of proposed mechanisms of action.
- Discussion of peptide conjugation strategies.
Main Results:
- AMPs and CPPs demonstrate potential for targeting intracellular bacteria.
- These peptides can act directly or serve as delivery vehicles for antibacterial cargos.
- Conjugation strategies enhance the efficacy of peptide-based therapies.
Conclusions:
- AMPs and CPPs offer a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics for intracellular infections.
- Further research into their mechanisms and conjugation is warranted.
- Peptide-based strategies can improve drug delivery and reduce host toxicity.
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