Expanding horizon of antimicrobial peptides: mechanistic complexity and biomedical potential

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent a diverse class of naturally occurring molecules integral to innate immunity across various life forms. Characterized by their amphiphilic nature, cationic charge, and compact size, AMPs exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy against bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. A key attribute is their selective ability to disrupt microbial membranes while preserving host cell integrity, positioning them as promising candidates to address the escalating challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The mechanisms of AMP action are complex, encompassing both membrane-disruptive pathways, such as barrel stave pore formation, toroidal pore induction, and carpet-like membrane degradation, alongside non-membrane targeting mechanisms, including the inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis, protein translation, and cell wall

biosynthesis. Structurally varied, from α-helical and β-sheet conformations to cyclic and unstructured forms, AMPs are widely distributed in nature, originating from diverse sources like mammals, amphibians, insects, plants, and microorganisms. Beyond their antimicrobial properties, AMPs also demonstrate immunomodulatory and regenerative activities, broadening their potential for therapeutic and industrial applications, including the development of novel anti-infective agents and wound healing compounds.

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