Harnessing AMPs to Tackle ESKAPE Pathogens

Verma Surabhi1, Vijendra Prabhu2, Usha Yogendra Nayak3

  • 1Department of Public Health Genomics, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, 576104 Manipal, India.

ACS Infectious Diseases
|December 23, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) offer a promising strategy against drug-resistant ESKAPE pathogens, a major healthcare threat. Research explores AMPs

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global health threat, particularly in healthcare.
  • ESKAPE pathogens are multidrug-resistant nosocomial bacteria causing increased morbidity and mortality.
  • Novel strategies are urgently needed to combat the rising challenge of AMR.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the diverse nature and applications of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs).
  • To focus on the potential of AMPs against ESKAPE pathogens.
  • To explore AMPs in combination therapies and discuss clinical translation challenges.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on AMPs.
  • Analysis of in vitro and in vivo studies concerning AMP efficacy.
  • Examination of current challenges and future prospects for clinical application.

Main Results:

  • Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) demonstrate significant potential against multidrug-resistant ESKAPE pathogens.
  • AMPs show promise in both monotherapy and combination therapy approaches.
  • Existing research highlights the need for further investigation into clinical applications.

Conclusions:

  • AMPs represent a viable and promising therapeutic avenue for combating AMR, especially against ESKAPE pathogens.
  • Further research and development are crucial to bridge the gap between laboratory findings and clinical practice for AMPs.
  • Combination therapies involving AMPs may offer enhanced efficacy against drug-resistant infections.