Development of Novel Therapeutic Drugs in Humans from Plant Antimicrobial Peptides

Title: Development of Novel Therapeutic Drugs in Humans from Plant Antimicrobial Peptides

Volume: 11 Issue: 3

Author(s): Maira Galdino da Rocha Pitta, Marina Galdino da Rocha Pitta and Suely Lins Galdino

Affiliation:

Keywords: AMPs, novel therapeutic approaches

Abstract: 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, neoplastic 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.

Cite this article as:

Galdino da Rocha Pitta Maira, Galdino da Rocha Pitta Marina and Lins Galdino Suely, Development of Novel Therapeutic Drugs in Humans from Plant Antimicrobial Peptides, Current Protein & Peptide Science 2010; 11 (3) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138920310791112066