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Updated: Jan 13, 2026

A Robust Discovery Platform for the Identification of Novel Mediators of Melanoma Metastasis
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A Robust Discovery Platform for the Identification of Novel Mediators of Melanoma Metastasis

Published on: March 8, 2022

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Chronic Infections as Catalysts for Melanoma Aggressiveness: Insights into Tumour Microenvironment Modulation

Layza Sá Rocha1, Ana Cristina Jacobowski1, Eduarda Thiburcio Do Nascimento Reis1

  • 1Laboratory of Protein Purification and their Biological Functions, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, 79070-900 Campo Grande-MS, Brazil.

Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention : APJCP
|October 28, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Chronic microbial infections worsen melanoma aggressiveness and resistance to treatment. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) show promise for controlling infection and improving melanoma therapy by modulating the tumor microenvironment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Microbiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Cutaneous melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer with high metastatic potential.
  • Chronic microbial infections are increasingly recognized to influence melanoma progression and therapy resistance.
  • Pathogen interactions within the tumor microenvironment can promote immune evasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of chronic infections in melanoma aggressiveness.
  • To evaluate antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as a potential therapeutic strategy for melanoma.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic review of peer-reviewed studies from 2020-2025 was conducted.
  • Databases searched included PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar.
  • Data synthesis focused on microbial species, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), AMP effectiveness, cytokines, immune pathways, and bioinformatics.

Main Results:

  • Specific pathogens (e.g., S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, C. tropicalis) exacerbate melanoma via inflammation and EMT.
  • Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) complicates treatment, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) demonstrate dual antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects, with AI-driven design enhancing specificity and safety.

Conclusions:

  • Chronic microbial infections significantly impact melanoma aggressiveness and treatment resistance.
  • Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) present a promising multifunctional approach for melanoma management.
  • Combining AMPs with immunotherapy may improve patient outcomes, warranting further clinical investigation.
Keywords:
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs)Antimicrobial resistance (AMR)Chronic infectionsMelanoma progressiontumour microenvironment modulation

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