Peptides with Therapeutic Potential against Acinetobacter baumanii Infections

Abstract

Antibiotic poly-resistance (multi drug-, extreme-, and pan-drug resistance) is a major global threat to public health. Unfortunately, in 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced the carbapenemresistant isolates in the priority pathogens list for which new effective antibiotics or new ways of treating the infections caused by them are urgently needed. Acinetobacter baumannii is one of the most critical ESKAPE pathogens for which the treatment of resistant isolates have caused severe problems; its clinically significant features include resistance to UV light, drying, disinfectants, and antibiotics. Among the various suggested options, one of the antimicrobial agents with high potential to produce new anti-Acinetobacter drugs is the antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). AMPs are naturally produced by living organisms and protect the host against pathogens as a part of innate immunity. The main mechanisms action of AMPs are the ability to cause cell membrane and cell wall damage, the inhibition of protein synthesis, nucleic acids, and the induction of apoptosis and necrosis. AMPs would be likely among the main anti-A. baumannii drugs in the post-antibiotic era. Also, the application of computer science to increase anti-A. baumannii activity and reduce toxicity is also being developed.