Immuno-Stimulatory Peptides as a Potential Adjunct Therapy against Intra-Macrophagic Pathogens

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2017

Authors

Silva, T (Author) Other; Gomes, MS (Author) ICBAS

Journal

Title: Molecules

Vol. 22

ISSN: 1420-3049

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 7 Citations

Scopus - 10 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00M-XRW

DOI: 10.3390/molecules22081297

Abstract (EN): The treatment of infectious diseases is increasingly prone to failure due to the rapid spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are natural components of the innate immune system of most living organisms. Their capacity to kill microbes through multiple mechanisms makes the development of bacterial resistance less likely. Additionally, AMPs have important immunomodulatory effects, which critically contribute to their role in host defense. In this paper, we review the most recent evidence for the importance of AMPs in host defense against intracellular pathogens, particularly intra-macrophagic pathogens, such as mycobacteria. Cathelicidins and defensins are reviewed in more detail, due to the abundance of studies on these molecules. The cell-intrinsic as well as the systemic immune-related effects of the different AMPs are discussed. In the face of the strong potential emerging from the reviewed studies, the prospects for future use of AMPs as part of the therapeutic armamentarium against infectious diseases are presented.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 12