Immune modulation by multifaceted cationic host defense (antimicrobial) peptides.
Cationic host defense (antimicrobial) peptides were originally studied for their direct antimicrobial activities. They have since been found to exhibit multifaceted immunomodulatory activities, including profound anti-infective and selective anti-inflammatory properties, as well as adjuvant and wound-healing activities in animal models. These biological properties suggest that host defense peptides, and synthetic derivatives thereof, possess clinical potential beyond the treatment of antibiotic-resistant infections. In this Review, we provide an overview of the biological activities of host defense and synthetic peptides, their mechanism(s) of action and new therapeutic applications and challenges that are associated with their clinical use.
Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Ashley L
AL
Hilchie
Kelli
K
Wuerth
Robert E W
RE
Hancock
D000818:Animals; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000276:immunology / Q000494:pharmacology; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000276:immunology / Q000494:pharmacology; D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / Q000276:immunology* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D056747:Immunomodulation; D008264:Macrophages / Q000145:classification / Q000378:metabolism; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000276:immunology
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides