BioAcyl Corp |
![]() |
| Resource type: Journal Article DOI: 10.1126/science.aau5480 BibTeX citation key: Lazzaro2020 View all bibliographic details |
Categories: BioAcyl Corp Subcategories: Anti-microbial peptides Creators: Lazzaro, Rolff, Zasloff Collection: Science |
Views: 7/50
|
| Abstract |
|
Small-peptide defense molecules are produced by most organisms to fend off invasion by bacteria. The antimicrobial peptides that we know about so far show substantial diversity, synergism, and alternative functions. Lazzaro et al. review our knowledge of the evolution and diversity of antimicrobial peptides, the rapid pharmacodynamics of which make them promising candidates for translational applications to complement efforts to overcome antibiotic resistance. Science, this issue p. eaau5480 Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are essential components of immune defenses of multicellular organisms and are currently in development as anti-infective drugs. AMPs have been classically assumed to have broad-spectrum activity and simple kinetics, but recent evidence suggests an unexpected degree of specificity and a high capacity for synergies. Deeper evaluation of the molecular evolution and population genetics of AMP genes reveals more evidence for adaptive maintenance of polymorphism in AMP genes than has previously been appreciated, as well as adaptive loss of AMP activity. AMPs exhibit pharmacodynamic properties that reduce the evolution of resistance in target microbes, and AMPs may synergize with one another and with conventional antibiotics. Both of these properties make AMPs attractive for translational applications. However, if AMPs are to be used clinically, it is crucial to understand their natural biology in order to lessen the risk of collateral harm and avoid the crisis of resistance now facing conventional antibiotics.
Added by: Dr. Enrique Feoli Last edited by: Dr. Enrique Feoli |