Therapeutic Potential of Melittin Peptide: Major Pain-Producing Substance of European Honeybee (<em>Apis mellifera</em>) Venom against Several Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases

Abstract

Invertebrates have evolved to produce peptide compounds to ensure success in prey capture and defence against potential enemies. Some of these compounds have become highly potent therapeutic compounds used in medicine. Melittin, a peptide extracted from bee venom, has emerged as a promising therapeutic option that has the potential to obviate the disadvantages of existing therapeutics against several communicable and non-communicable diseases. This article reviews peer-reviewed journal articles to provide a conspectus of current research on the therapeutic uses of melittin. Melittin is predominantly an antimicrobial peptide and shows therapeutic potential against several non-communicable diseases, including cancers, inflammatory diseases and diabetes. Furthermore, it acts against a range of protozoan parasites that infect humans. The biological activities of melittin are mainly achieved via cytotoxicity and downregulation of certain metabolic pathways. The ability to conjugate with other compounds and nanoparticles to improve the effectiveness is an added advantage in melittin-based therapy. The antiparasitic properties and relatively shorter sequence enable the use of this molecule in biological control methods such as paratransgenesis. This is further facilitated by the ability to express in an inactive form to be activated later. Melittin is a peptide with a broad therapeutic potential. The supplementation of the existing knowledge with studies on effective and specific delivery mechanisms will enable the effective use of this peptide against many communicable and non-communicable diseases.