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Abstract

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small, host-defense proteins that play a critical role in the innate immune system. They exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and even cancer cells. AMPs are produced by a variety of organisms, including humans, and act as a first line of defense by directly disrupting the integrity of microbial membranes, inhibiting microbial growth, and modulating the immune response. Their potential as alternatives to conventional antibiotics is being increasingly recognized, especially in the context of growing antibiotic resistance. This review explores the diverse mechanisms by which AMPs exert their antimicrobial effects, their immunomodulatory roles, and their potential therapeutic applications in treating infections, chronic inflammation, and cancer. The challenges associated with their clinical use, such as toxicity and stability, are also discussed, along with recent advances in AMP-based drug development.