Recent advances in the development of antimicrobial peptides against ESKAPE pathogens

Author(s)

Roque-Borda, Cesar Augusto ; Primo, Laura Maria Duran Gleriani ; Franzyk, Henrik ; Hansen, Paul Robert ; Pavan, Fernando Rogerio

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: HELIYON; v. 10, n. 11, p. 15-pg., 2024-06-15.

Abstract

Multi -drug resistant ESKAPE pathogens ( Enterococcus faecium , Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae , Acinetobacter baumannii , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and Enterobacter species) are a global health threat. The severity of the problem lies in its impact on mortality, therapeutic limitations, the threat to public health, and the costs associated with managing infections caused by these resistant strains. Effectively addressing this challenge requires innovative approaches to research, the development of new antimicrobials, and more responsible antibiotic use practices globally. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a part of the innate immune system of all higher organisms. They are short, cationic and amphipathic molecules with broad-spectrum activity. AMPs interact with the negatively charged bacterial membrane. In recent years, AMPs have attracted considerable interest as potential antibiotics. However, AMPs have low bioavailability and short half-lives, which may be circumvented by chemical modification. This review presents recent in vitro and in silico strategies for the modification of AMPs to improve their stability and application in preclinical experiments. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 23/16711-5 - Evaluation of the inhibitory activity of analogs of the antimicrobial peptide B1CTcu5 in portuguese clinical isolates of extensively drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis and investigation of the mechanism of action
• Grantee: Laura Maria Duran Gleriani Primo
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 23/01664-1 - Synthesis and characterization of antimicrobial peptide "B1CTcu5" analogs encapsulated in colon-specific microparticles and in vitro an in vivo studies against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
• Grantee: Fernando Rogério Pavan
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 20/16573-3 - In vitro and in vivo studies of antimicrobial peptide B1CTcu5 analogs encapsulated in colon-specific microparticles against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
• Grantee: Cesar Augusto Roque Borda
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 23/10440-0 - Evaluation of the in vitro activity of B1CTcu5 peptide analogues in macrophages infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
• Grantee: Laura Maria Duran Gleriani Primo
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 21/14603-5 - Drug discovery and design: antimicrobial peptide B1CTcu5 analogs promising against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
• Grantee: Cesar Augusto Roque Borda
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate