Role of host defense peptides of the innate immune response in sepsis.
Innate immune response and its effector molecules have received growing attention in research. Host defense peptides are known to be antimicrobially active. Recently, the peptides have been recognized as potent signaling molecules for cellular effectors of both innate and adaptive immunity. Mammalian peptides in particular revealed immunomodulatory functions, including endotoxin-binding and -neutralizing capacity, chemotactic activities, induction of cytokines and chemokines, promotion of wound healing, and angiogenesis. In sepsis, they present a family of natural substances that can be used in combination with antibiotics to complete a broad-spectrum antimicrobial regimen with endotoxin-neutralizing properties. Although there are side effects, host defense peptides have the potential to be significant reinforcements to the currently available therapeutic options in the future. In this review, we analyze the role of host defense peptides in infection and immune response, and discuss recent efforts to establish host defense peptides as potent novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of sepsis.
Hirsch
Tobias
T
Department for Plastic Surgery, Burn Center, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
Metzig
Marie
M
Niederbichler
Andreas
A
Steinau
Hans-Ulrich
HU
Eriksson
Elof
E
Steinstraesser
Lars
L
D000818:Animals; D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000502:physiology*; D018805:Sepsis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000628:therapy
D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides