Antimicrobial Peptides

One of the major challenges of the 21st century in biological sciences is the discovery of new molecules with antimicrobial properties and active on bacterial strains that are multi-resistant to the antibiotics currently available in our therapeutic arsenal. Peptides are a family of molecules that are capable of acting effectively against such bacteria—in particular those responsible for nosocomial diseases such as the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Interestingly, antibacterial peptides are part of the arsenal of host defense peptides that are present in a variety of simple and complex life forms, from prokaryotes (e.g., bacteriocins) to eucaryotes (e.g., defensins, cathelicidins). Due to their particular antibacterial potential, they are currently emerging as solid candidate therapeutic compounds against both pathogenic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including those resistant to ‘conventional’ antibiotics. Many applications of antimicrobial peptides do exist in various fields, including human and animal health, feeding, agriculture and cosmetic/dermatologic fields.

The Section ‘Antimicrobial Peptides’ of the journal Antibiotics focuses on the various aspects of antibacterial/antimicrobial peptides from natural (e.g., animal venoms, milk) or non-natural sources (synthetic de novo designed peptides), from their discovery to the structural and functional characterization, the mode of action at a molecular level, as well as the development and evaluation in clinical trials. Potential contributors are strongly encouraged to submit their best work(s) in this important emerging field of applied scientific research.