Antimicrobial peptide expression pathways (AMP expression pathways)

Antimicrobial peptide (AMP) expression pathways are fundamental components of the innate immune system, governing the production of host defense peptides like defensins and cathelicidins [2, 5]. These pathways are typically initiated by the recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) through pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and NOD-like receptors (NLRs) [8, 12]. In mammals, this recognition triggers signaling cascades involving NF-κB, MAP kinases, and JAK/STAT, which ultimately drive the transcription of AMP genes [8, 13]. Beyond microbial triggers, certain nutrients and hormones, such as Vitamin D and butyrate, can modulate these pathways via nuclear receptors like the Vitamin D receptor (VDR) [2, 5]. Dysregulation of AMP expression is implicated in a variety of diseases, including chronic infections, sepsis, and inflammatory skin disorders such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis [5, 7]. In cancer, these pathways can influence the tumor microenvironment and immune evasion [8, 10]. Therapeutic strategies often involve the use of small molecules, such as calcitriol or HDAC inhibitors like phenylbutyrate, to induce AMP expression and enhance the host's natural defense mechanisms [2, 10]. Conversely, inhibitors of these pathways are explored for treating conditions characterized by excessive AMP-driven inflammation [13].

Other names

AMP induction pathwaysHost defense peptide signalingInnate immune signaling pathwaysToll and Imd pathways

Activation of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) or nuclear receptors (e.g., VDR) to trigger signaling cascades such as NF-κB, JAK/STAT, and MAPK, which induce the transcription of genes encoding antimicrobial peptides like cathelicidins and defensins.