Amphibian skin: a promising resource for antimicrobial peptides

Amphibian skin is a rich source of biologically active compounds that are assumed to have diverse physiological and defence functions. In addition to the range of pharmacologically active peptides present, some of which have mammalian homologues, skin secretions contain a broad spectrum of antimicrobial peptides. As yet, such peptides from only a few species have been studied, and screening of other species is expected to yield further new antimicrobial activities. Natural antimicrobial peptides isolated from amphibian skin could provide lead structures for either the chemical, or rDNA synthesis of novel antimicrobials.