Antimicrobial Peptides in Farm animals: An updated review on its
diversity, function, mode of action and therapeutic prospects
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are the arsenals of the innate host
defense system exhibiting the ancient evolutionarily conserved
characteristics that is present in practically all forms of life. Recent
years have witnessed emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria
compounded with a slow discovery rate for new antibiotics that has
necessitated scientific efforts to search for alternatives to
antibiotics. Research on the identification of AMPs has generated very
encouraging evidences that they curb infectious pathologies and are also
useful as novel biologics to function as immunotherapeutic agents. Being
innate, they exhibit least toxicity to the host and exert wide spectrum
of biological activity including low resistance among microbes, and
increased wound healing actions. Notably, in veterinary science, the
constant practice of massive doses of antibiotics with inappropriate
withdrawal programs led to the high risk of livestock-associated
antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, the world faces tremendous pressure
for designing and devising strategies to mitigate the use of antibiotics
in animals and keep it safe for the posterity. In this review, we
illustrate the diversity of farm animals specific AMPs, their
biochemical foundations, mode of action and prospective application in
clinics. Subsequently, we present the data for their systematic
classification by the major and minor groups, antipathogenic action, and
allied bioactivities in the host. Finally, we address the limitations to
their clinical implementation and envision areas for further
advancement.