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Host-defense peptides: from biology to therapeutic strategies

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Abstract

Primitive innate defense mechanisms in the form of gene-encoded antimicrobial peptides are now considered as potential candidates for the development of new therapeutics. They are well known for their function as the first protective barrier of all organisms against microbial infections. In addition, emerging studies reveal that they assist in modulating the host immune system. The biological properties of these host-defense peptides, their role in human health, their cell selectivity and related molecular mechanisms are discussed in this multi-author review along with the strategies to transform them or their peptidomimetics into clinically usable drugs.

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Acknowledgments

I would like to thank all authors and reviewers who contributed to this multi-author review on the biology and therapeutic strategies of HDPs. I am very grateful to Prof. Klaus Eichmann for giving me the opportunity to organize and edit such fascinating project.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biochemical Sciences, La Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy

    Maria Luisa Mangoni

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  1. Maria Luisa Mangoni
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Correspondence to Maria Luisa Mangoni.

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Mangoni, M.L. Host-defense peptides: from biology to therapeutic strategies. Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 68, 2157–2159 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-011-0709-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-011-0709-3

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