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Advantages and Challenges of Using Antimicrobial Peptides in Synergism with Antibiotics for Treating
Regina Meneses Gonçalves1, Bruna Estéfani Dutra Monges1, Karen Garcia Nogueira Oshiro1
1S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, MS 79117900, Brazil.
Abstract:
Multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDR) have become a global threat, impairing positive outcomes in many cases of infectious diseases. Treating bacterial infections with antibiotic monotherapy has become a huge challenge in modern medicine. Although conventional antibiotics can be efficient against many bacteria, there is still a need to develop antimicrobial agents that act against MDR bacteria. Bioactive peptides, particularly effective against specific types of bacteria, are recognized for their selective and effective action against microorganisms and, at the same time, are relatively safe and well tolerated. Therefore, a growing number of works have proposed the use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in synergism with commercial antibiotics as an alternative therapeutic strategy. This review provides an overview of the critical parameters for using AMPs in synergism with antibiotics as well as addressing the strengths and weaknesses of this combination therapy using in vitro and in vivo models of infection. We also cover the challenges and perspectives of using this approach for clinical practice and the advantages of applying artificial intelligence strategies to predict the most promising combination therapies between AMPs and antibiotics.
Insights
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) combined with antibiotics offer a promising strategy against multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDR). This review explores their synergistic potential, challenges, and AI-driven future in combating MDR infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDR) pose a significant global health threat.
- Antibiotic monotherapy faces challenges in treating MDR bacterial infections.
- There is a critical need for novel antimicrobial agents effective against MDR bacteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the synergistic use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with conventional antibiotics.
- To analyze the strengths and weaknesses of AMP-antibiotic combination therapy.
- To discuss clinical translation challenges and artificial intelligence (AI) applications.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of in vitro and in vivo studies on AMP-antibiotic combinations.
- Analysis of critical parameters for synergistic therapy.
- Exploration of AI strategies for predicting effective combinations.
Main Results:
- AMPs show selective and effective antimicrobial action with good tolerability.
- Combination therapy with AMPs and antibiotics presents a viable alternative strategy.
- In vitro and in vivo models demonstrate the potential of synergistic approaches.
Conclusions:
- AMP-antibiotic combinations offer a promising therapeutic avenue against MDR bacteria.
- Further research is needed to overcome clinical translation challenges.
- AI holds potential for optimizing and discovering novel synergistic antimicrobial therapies.
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