title: Host-defense peptides of the skin with therapeutic potential: From hagfish to human.
abstract: It is now well established that peptides that were first identified on the basis of their ability to inhibit growth of bacteria and fungi are multifunctional and so are more informatively described as host-defense peptides. In some cases, their role in protecting the organism against pathogenic microorganisms, although of importance, may be secondary. A previous article in the journal (Peptides 2014; 57:67-77) assessed the potential of peptides present in the skin secretions of frogs for development into anticancer, antiviral, immunomodulatory and antidiabetic drugs. This review aims to extend the scope of this earlier article by focusing upon therapeutic applications of host-defense peptides present in skin secretions and/or skin extracts of species belonging to other vertebrate classes (Agnatha, Elasmobranchii, Teleostei, Reptilia, and Mammalia as represented by the human) that supplement their potential role as anti-infectives for use against multidrug-resistant microorganisms.
authors: SAAD Centre for Pharmacy and Diabetes, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK. Electronic address: m.conlon@ulster.ac.uk.
authors: J Michael
authors: JM
authors: Conlon
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D006196:Hagfishes; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D007155:Immunologic Factors
keywords: Anticancer; Antimicrobial; Antiviral; Immunomodulatory; Skin peptides