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Current Protein & Peptide Science

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 1389-2037
ISSN (Online): 1875-5550

Development of Novel Therapeutic Drugs in Humans from Plant Antimicrobial Peptides

Author(s): Maira Galdino da Rocha Pitta, Marina Galdino da Rocha Pitta and Suely Lins Galdino

Volume 11, Issue 3, 2010

Page: [236 - 247] Pages: 12

DOI: 10.2174/138920310791112066

Price: $65

Abstract

All living organisms, ranging from microorganisms to plants and mammals, have evolved mechanisms to actively defend themselves against pathogen attack. A wide range of biological activities have been attributed to plant antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) including growth inhibitory effects on a broad range of fungi, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, viruses, neoplastic cells and parasitic protozoa. Classes of AMPs, their mechanisms of action, biological activity, and cytotoxicity towards host cells are discussed. A particular focus regards AMP candidates with potential for use in defense against biological warfare agents. This field is young, but provides additional stimulus to consideration of these molecules as a new class of therapeutic agents and promises to revolutionize treatment of many infectious diseases.

Keywords: AMPs, novel therapeutic approaches


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