Antimicrobial peptide (unspecified) (AMP)

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are short, typically cationic proteins that serve as critical components of the innate immune system and ecological regulators within the gastrointestinal tract. They exert their effects by directly disrupting the cell membranes of pathogens or by modulating the composition of the gut microbiota, thereby influencing host health and disease states. While many AMPs have well-characterized structures, such as defensins and cathelicidins, the specific molecular targets for many secreted peptides in the gut remain 'unknown' or involve complex multi-target interactions with bacterial lipids and host receptors. These molecules are increasingly being investigated as therapeutic agents to treat dysbiosis and enteric infections by selectively pruning the microbiome. Their role extends beyond simple killing, as they also act as signaling molecules that bridge the gap between the microbiome and host epithelial or immune cells.

Other names

Host defense peptideEndogenous antibioticBacteriocinMicrobiome-modulating peptide

Direct lysis of microbial membranes, modulation of host immune signaling pathways, and competitive exclusion within the gut ecological niche.