Antimicrobial Peptides as Therapeutic Tools for Intracellular Infections

Authors: Firudin kizi Amirova M*

DOI: 10.23880/ijbp-16000262

Volume 9, Issue 2

Abstract

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) selectively recognize and destroy microorganisms and, unlike conventional antibiotics, have a unique advantage in terms of harmlessness to host cells. AMPs are characterized by cationic properties and amphiphilicity, which facilitates their interaction with microbial membranes. The crucial role of AMPs in resolving infections is based on two main mechanisms: direct destruction of pathogens and immune modulation. AMPs expand their therapeutic potential through adaptive immunity. Finally, by enhancing both innate and adaptive immunity, AMPs facilitate pathogen elimination through destroy microbial membranes, lysis of foreign cells via promoting the activation of T- and B-lymphocytes, neutrophils and macrophages stimulation. Due to their diverse modes of action/multitasking, AMPs demonstrate a reduced likelihood of developing resistance to them. Since the most difficult infections to treat are intracellular bacterial infections, where antibiotics are virtually ineffective, AMPs are becoming a promising alternative for treatment. In summary, one and the same AMP can express itself in multiple structural and functional forms, which increases their adaptability and effectiveness against various microbial attacks. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are essential components of immune system, capable of selectively recognizing and eliminating microorganisms that inhabit the host body. Unlike conventional antibiotics, AMPs offer a unique advantage in targeting pathogens without causing harm to host cells. These short peptides, typically ranging from 12 to 50 amino acids, are characterized by their cationic properties due to an abundance of positively charged amino acids. This enables them to exhibit amphiphilic behavior, with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions that facilitate interactions with microbial membranes. AMPs are critical not only for their bactericidal properties but also for their ability to modulate immune responses, thus enhancing both innate and adaptive immunity. AMPs play a pivotal role in the resolution of infections through two primary mechanisms: direct pathogen killing and immune modulation. They accomplish the former by disrupting microbial membranes, leading to cell lysis, while the latter involves the stimulation of immune cells such as neutrophils and macrophages, which amplify inflammation and accelerate pathogen clearance. Recent studies have revealed that AMPs also influence adaptive immunity, facilitating the activation of T and B-lymphocytes, thereby expanding their therapeutic potential. Importantly, AMPs exhibit a reduced likelihood of resistance development due to their diverse and simultaneous modes of action. One of the most challenging infections to treat is intracellular bacterial infections, where pathogens replicate within host cells. Antibiotics often fail in these cases due to their limited ability to penetrate host cells and the growing issue of antibiotic resistance, which prevents the therapeutic concentrations of antibiotics from reaching effective levels within the infected cells. Consequently, these infections can persist and become chronic, evading standard antibiotic treatment. In contrast, AMPs are emerging as a promising alternative for managing intracellular infections. In summary, the same AMP can exhibit multiple structural and functional properties, demonstrating a high degree of versatility. These overlapping characteristics often enhance their adaptability and efficacy against diverse microbial threats.

Keywords: Adaptive Immune Response; Antimicrobial Peptides; Functional Versatility; Intracellular Infections; Innate Immune System

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