Antimicrobial peptides, conventional antibiotics, and their synergistic utility for the treatment of drug-resistant infections

Med Res Rev. 2022 Jul;42(4):1377-1422. doi: 10.1002/med.21879. Epub 2022 Jan 4.

Abstract

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), also known as host defense peptides (HDPs), are important effector immune defense molecules in multicellular organisms. AMPs exert their antimicrobial activities through several mechanisms; thus far, induction of drug resistance through AMPs has been regarded as unlikely. Therefore, they have great potential as new generation antimicrobial agents. To date, more than 30 AMP-related drugs are in the clinical trial phase. In recent years, studies show that some AMPs and conventional antibiotics have synergistic effects. The combined use of AMPs and antibiotics can kill drug-resistant pathogens, prevent drug resistance, and significantly improve the therapeutic effects of antibiotics. In this review, we discuss the progress in synergistic studies on AMPs and conventional antibiotics. An overview of the current understanding of the functional scope of AMPs, ongoing clinical trials, and challenges in the development processes are also presented.

Keywords: antimicrobial mechanism; antimicrobial peptides (AMPs); conventional antibiotics; drug-resistance; synergy.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents* / pharmacology
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Infective Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / pharmacology
  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / therapeutic use
  • Antimicrobial Peptides
  • Humans

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides
  • Antimicrobial Peptides