Research progress in structures, mechanisms, and modification of antimicrobial peptides

Abstract:

Bacterial infection has become one of the major problems threatening public health, and the abuse of antibiotics has accelerated the development of bacterial resistance. Antimicrobial peptides have attracted extensive attention due to their broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, rapid bactericidal effect, low toxicity, and low risk of drug resistance. However, the natural structures of antimicrobial peptides indicate some limitations, such as easy degradation, instability, low permeability, and high costs, in their application. How to improve antimicrobial peptides is still a problem to be solved. From the sources and structural characteristics of antimicrobial peptides, we analyzed the spatial structures related to the antibacterial activity and corresponding antibacterial mechanisms. In addition, we summarize the existing improvement strategies of antimicrobial peptides to lay a foundation for seeking new improvement schemes. This review provides new ideas and directions for the modification and clinical application of antimicrobial peptides in the future.