Drawing immune-capacity of fish-derived antimicrobial peptides for aquaculture industry: A comprehensive review

Fish, as vertebrates, secrete various antimicrobial peptides (AMPs)—short, positively charged amino acid chains that are integral components of the innate immune systems across numerous species. AMPs exhibit a broad spectrum of inhibitory activities against viruses, fungi, bacteria, and parasites. The rise of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms and concerns over excessive antibiotic use has spurred interest in AMPs for their potential applications in aquaculture, medicine, food, agriculture, and animal husbandry. This study elucidates the potential of fish-derived AMPs as antibacterial, antiviral, anti-parasitic, and antifungal agents, as well as their roles as vaccine adjuvants, components of inactivated vaccines, anticancer agents, and methods for AMP isolation. The review concisely addresses the application-oriented properties of fish AMPs, emphasizing their broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy and practical utility.