The co-evolution of host cationic antimicrobial peptides and microbial resistance.
Endogenous cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) are among the most ancient and efficient components of host defence. It is somewhat of an enigma that bacteria have not developed highly effective CAMP-resistance mechanisms, such as those that inhibit many therapeutic antibiotics. Here, we propose that CAMPs and CAMP-resistance mechanisms have co-evolved, leading to a transient host-pathogen balance that has shaped the existing CAMP repertoire. Elucidating the underlying principles of this process could help in the development of more sustainable antibiotics.
Peschel
Andreas
A
Cellular and Molecular Microbiology Division, Medical Microbiology and Hygiene Department, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany. andreas.peschel@uni-tuebingen.de
Sahl
Hans-Georg
HG
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D005075:Biological Evolution; D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides