What Are Antimicrobial Peptides?
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small, naturally occurring protein molecules that play a crucial role in the innate immunity of most organisms. They represent one of the most universal and effective forms of defense against a variety of pathogens.
Their unique, amphipathic structure allows for selective interaction with the cell membranes of microorganisms. AMPs possess stably formed secondary structures, such as an α-helix or β-sheet, which determine their biological activity.
In an era of growing bacterial resistance to antibiotics, AMPs are seen as a promising therapeutic alternative. Their diverse mechanisms of action make it significantly harder for bacteria to develop resistance.