Development of novel therapeutic drugs in humans from plant antimicrobial peptides.
All living organisms, ranging from microorganisms to plants and mammals, have evolved mechanisms to actively defend themselves against pathogen attack. A wide range of biological activities have been attributed to plant antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) including growth inhibitory effects on a broad range of fungi, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, viruses, neoplasic cells and parasitic protozoa. Classes of AMPs, their mechanisms of action, biological activity, and cytotoxicity towards host cells are discussed. A particular focus regards AMP candidates with potential for use in defense against biological warfare agents. This field is young, but provides additional stimulus to consideration of these molecules as a new class of therapeutic agents and promises to revolutionize treatment of many infectious diseases.
da Rocha Pitta
Maira Galdino
MG
Group of Research in Therapeutical Innovation, Federal University of Pernambuco, Cidade Universitária, CEP 50.670-901, Recife - Pernambuco - Brazil. mgrpitta.nupit@ufpe.br
da Rocha Pitta
Marina Galdino
MG
Galdino
Suely Lins
SL
D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004194:Disease; D055808:Drug Discovery / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010944:Plants / Q000737:chemistry*
D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides