Immunomodulatory peptides: new therapeutic horizons for emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Microbiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Multi-drug-resistant (MDR) infections pose a significant global health threat due to increasing bacterial resistance to antibiotics.
• Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), or host defense peptides (HDPs), offer a dual approach with antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects.
• HDPs are naturally produced by various eukaryotic organisms as a defense mechanism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of the immunomodulatory activities of HDPs.
• To explore the mechanisms of action and therapeutic benefits of HDPs.
• To highlight HDPs from diverse eukaryotic sources, including humans, plants, and animals.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific articles on HDPs.
• Analysis of studies detailing HDPs' antimicrobial and immunomodulatory functions.
• Compilation of data on HDPs from various eukaryotic origins.

Main Results:

• HDPs exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties (antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal).
• HDPs modulate the host immune response, enhancing defense against pathogens.
• Examples of HDPs include Purothionin, Defensins, Cathelicidins, and Histatins from various species.

Conclusions:

• HDPs represent a promising therapeutic alternative for combating drug-resistant infections.
• Understanding HDPs' immunomodulatory roles is crucial for developing novel treatments.
• Further research into diverse HDPs can unlock new strategies against infectious diseases.