Host defense peptides in crocodilians - A comprehensive review

Area of Science:

• Zoology and Immunology
• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Crocodilians exhibit remarkable resistance to infections despite environmental microbial exposure and injuries.
• Their immune systems are characterized by highly active mechanisms, including superior plasma hemolytic capacity.
• Several host defense peptides (HDPs) like cathelicidins and beta-defensins have been identified in crocodilians.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential of crocodilian host defense peptides (HDPs) as novel therapeutic agents.
• To address the urgent need for innovative drugs against antimicrobial-resistant infections.
• To highlight recent advances in crocodilian HDP identification and characterization.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing research on crocodilian immune mechanisms and HDPs.
• Analysis of identified HDPs for their antimicrobial, antibiofilm, antifungal, and anticancer activities.
• Exploration of bioinformatics tools for HDP discovery and modification.

Main Results:

• Crocodilian HDPs demonstrate potent and broad-spectrum activities against various pathogens and cancer cells.
• The evolutionary conservation of HDPs in crocodilians provides insights into universal immune defense mechanisms.
• HDPs offer vast potential for therapeutic applications due to their novelty and modifiability.

Conclusions:

• Crocodilian HDPs represent a promising source for developing new antimicrobial and anticancer drugs.
• Further research into HDP structure, function, and bioinformatics can accelerate therapeutic development.
• These peptides are valuable candidates for combating the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.