title: Host-defense peptides: from biology to therapeutic strategies.
abstract: Primitive innate defense mechanisms in the form of gene-encoded antimicrobial peptides are now considered as potential candidates for the development of new therapeutics. They are well known for their function as the first protective barrier of all organisms against microbial infections. In addition, emerging studies reveal that they assist in modulating the host immune system. The biological properties of these host-defense peptides, their role in human health, their cell selectivity and related molecular mechanisms are discussed in this multi-author review along with the strategies to transform them or their peptidomimetics into clinically usable drugs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemical Sciences, La Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy, marialuisa.mangoni@uniroma1.it
authors.forename: Maria Luisa
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Mangoni
mesh_terms: D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate
chemical_list: D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides