Harnessing AMPs to Tackle ESKAPE Pathogens

The widespread and rapid dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global burden, and its consequences, especially in healthcare settings, are threatening. ESKAPE pathogens, a group of common nosocomial bacteria, have developed high levels of resistance to multiple antibiotics, leading to adverse effects, such as increased morbidity and mortality. As a result, there is an urgent need for effective strategies to combat AMR. Among the various available strategies, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as a promising approach to deal with AMR. This review elaborates on the diverse nature of AMPs and their applications, with a particular focus on ESKAPE pathogens. It also provides an overview of the current status of AMP research including both in vitro and in vivo studies and explores their potential in combination therapies against drug-resistant pathogens. The current challenges and future prospects of using AMPs in a clinical setting have also been discussed to acknowledge the gap between laboratory research and clinical application.