In pursuit of next-generation therapeutics: Antimicrobial peptides against superbugs, their sources, mechanism of action, nanotechnology-based delivery, and clinical applications

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) attracted attention as potential source of novel antimicrobials. Multi-drug resistant (MDR) infections have emerged as a global threat to public health in recent years. Furthermore, due to rapid emergence of new diseases, there is pressing need for development of efficient antimicrobials. AMPs are essential part of the innate immunity in most living organisms, acting as the primary line of defense against foreign invasions. AMPs kill a wide range of microorganisms by primarily targeting cell membranes or intracellular components through a variety of ways. AMPs can be broadly categorized based on their physico-chemical properties, structure, function, target and source of origin. The synthetic analogues produced either with suitable chemical modifications or with the use of suitable delivery systems are projected to eliminate the constraints of toxicity and poor stability commonly linked with natural AMPs. The concept of peptidomimetics is gaining ground around the world nowadays. Among the delivery systems, nanoparticles are emerging as potential delivery tools for AMPs, amplifying their utility against a variety of pathogens. In the present review, the broad classification of various AMPs, their mechanism of action (MOA), challenges associated with AMPs, current applications, and novel strategies to overcome the limitations have been discussed.