Host defense antimicrobial peptides as antibiotics: design and application strategies. (June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mishra, Biswajit; Reiling, Scott; Zarena, D; Wang, Guangshun
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in chemical biology. Volume 38(2017)
• Page Start: 87
• Page End: 96
• Publication Date: 2017-06
• Subjects: Bioorganic chemistry -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Biochemistry -- Periodicals; Clinical biochemistry -- Periodicals; Biochemistry -- Periodicals; Chimie bio-organique -- Périodiques; Biologie -- Périodiques; 572.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2017.03.014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1367-5931

Abstract

Highlights: Antibiotic resistance is a serious problem of our era. Antimicrobial peptides are important templates for developing new antibiotics. Both peptide discovery and application strategies are described. Some AMPs are already in use and more are under development. Abstract : This review deals with the design and application strategies of new antibiotics based on naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). The initial candidate can be designed based on three-dimensional structure or selected from a library of peptides from natural or laboratory sources followed by optimization via structure-activity relationship studies. There are also advanced application strategies such as induction of AMP expression from host cells by various factors ( e.g ., metals, amino acids, vitamin D and sunlight), the use of engineered probiotic bacteria to deliver peptides, the design of prodrug and peptide conjugates to improve specific targeting. In addition, combined uses of newly developed AMPs with existing antimicrobial agents may provide a practical avenue for effective management of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (superbugs), including biofilms. Finally, we highlight AMPs already in use or under clinical trials.