What is a host defence peptide or antimicrobial peptide?
Q: What is a host defence peptide or antimicrobial peptide?
A: A host defence peptide (or antimicrobial peptide) is a part of the innate immune response that acts against invading microorganisms.
Q: What types of organisms are affected by host defence peptides?
A: Host defence peptides kill Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria, mycobacteria (including Mycobacterium tuberculosis), enveloped viruses, fungi and even transformed or cancerous cells.
Q: Do host defence peptides work against antibiotic-resistant bacteria?
A: Yes, host defence peptides work against strains of bacteria that are resistant to conventional antibiotics.
Q: Are host defence peptides suitable for medical use?
A: Yes, host defence peptides are excellent candidates for medical use because they complement conventional antibiotic therapy and have a broad range of activity.
Q: How do host defence peptides differ from conventional antibiotics?
A: Host defence peptides are bactericidal as opposed to bacteriostatic, meaning they kill bacteria rather than just inhibiting their growth. They also require only a short contact time to kill bacteria.
Q: Do host defence peptides affect eukaryotic cells?
A: Host defence peptides have big differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells as targets. They are not harmful to eukaryotic cells, only targeting invading microorganisms.
Q: Can host defence peptides improve immunity?
A: Yes, research suggests that host defence peptides may improve immunity by working as immunomodulators, which strengthen the immune system.
