Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a multifaceted crisis, imposing a serious threat to global health. The traditional antibiotic pipeline has been exhausted, prompting research into alternate antimicrobial strategies. Inspired by nature, antimicrobial peptides are rapidly gaining attention for their clinical potential as they present distinct advantages over traditional antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides are found in all forms of life and demonstrate a pivotal role in the innate immune system. Many antimicrobial peptides are evolutionarily conserved, with limited propensity for resistance. Additionally, chemical modifications to the peptide backbone can be used to improve biological activity and stability and reduce toxicity. This review details the therapeutic potential of peptide-based antimicrobials, as well as the challenges needed to overcome in order for clinical translation. We explore the proposed mechanisms of activity, design of synthetic biomimics, and how this novel class of antimicrobial compound may address the need for effective antibiotics. Finally, we discuss commercially available peptide-based antimicrobials and antimicrobial peptides in clinical trials.
Highlights
Antimicrobial resistance is not a single grand challenge, but a series of interconnected challenges
While there are many factors that determine antimicrobial-resistance, the global spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria can be attributed to the misuse of antibiotics and an absence of effective antibiotics released to the market [2]
As many antimicrobial peptides act on evolutionarily conserved components of the cell membrane, bacteria must completely redesign the structure of their cell membranes, requiring multiple mutations over a prolonged period of time [54]
Summary
Antimicrobial resistance is not a single grand challenge, but a series of interconnected challenges. In order to prevent an apocalyptic post-antibiotic era, we require the efforts of governments, policy makers, pharmaceutical companies, agricultural workers, healthcare workers, and the general public. The number of antibiotic-resistant bacteria continues to rise [1]. While there are many factors that determine antimicrobial-resistance, the global spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria can be attributed to the misuse of antibiotics and an absence of effective antibiotics released to the market [2]. This crisis requires a global collaboration and comprehensive effort to design and produce effective antimicrobial agents that limit the spread of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens.
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