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Antimicrobial Peptides

Explore antimicrobial profiles and evidence guides by mechanism, research stage, safety context, and primary sources.

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Evidence boundary

Activity in an assay does not establish an effective or safe treatment in people. Concentration, organism, formulation, toxicity, and clinical context all matter.

Profiles

18

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2

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Profiles in this research area

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LL-37LL-37 is the only human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide, playing a critical role in innate immunity through direct antimicrobial activity, immunomo…Thymosin Alpha 1Thymosin Alpha-1 is a 28-amino acid immunomodulatory peptide derived from the thymus gland that enhances T-cell function, dendritic cell maturation, a…KPVKPV is a C-terminal tripeptide fragment of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone with potent anti-inflammatory properties. It is primarily researched f…Alpha-Defensins (HNP-1 to HNP-4, HD-5, HD-6)Alpha-defensins are 29-35 amino acid cysteine-rich antimicrobial peptides stored in neutrophil azurophilic granules (HNP-1 to HNP-4) and Paneth cells …Beta-DefensinsBeta-defensins (hBD-1, hBD-2, hBD-3) are cationic antimicrobial peptides of the innate immune system, expressed by epithelial cells to provide first-l…Colistin (Polymyxin E)Cationic cyclic lipopeptide antibiotic of the polymyxin class, used as a last-line agent against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.DaptomycinNaturally derived cyclic lipopeptide antibiotic with rapid bactericidal activity against Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staph…DermcidinDermcidin (DCD) is a 47-amino acid antimicrobial peptide constitutively secreted by human eccrine sweat glands, providing first-line innate immune def…EnfuvirtideEnfuvirtide (T-20, Fuzeon) is a 36-amino acid synthetic peptide derived from the HR2 region of HIV-1 gp41. It is the first FDA-approved HIV fusion inh…GramicidinNaturally derived linear peptide antibiotic that forms monovalent-cation channels in bacterial membranes; used topically in combination antibiotic pro…Histatin 5Histatin 5 is a 24-amino acid histidine-rich salivary antimicrobial peptide with potent antifungal activity against Candida albicans, acting through a…Lactoferrin-Derived Antimicrobial Peptides (Lactoferricin, Lactoferrampin)Lactoferricin and lactoferrampin are potent antimicrobial peptides derived from the N-terminal region of bovine and human lactoferrin, exhibiting broa…MagaininMagainins are 23-amino acid alpha-helical antimicrobial peptides discovered in the skin of the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) by Michael Zasloff…Nisin34-amino-acid lanthionine-containing antimicrobial peptide produced by Lactococcus lactis; the first bacteriocin in widespread commercial use as a foo…Pexiganan (MSI-78)22-amino-acid synthetic analog of the frog-skin peptide magainin 2, developed as a topical antimicrobial for infected diabetic foot ulcers.Protegrin-1 (PG-1)Protegrin-1 is an 18-amino acid beta-hairpin antimicrobial peptide from porcine leukocytes, featuring two disulfide bonds and potent broad-spectrum an…ReutericinReutericin is a Class II bacteriocin produced by select strains of Lactobacillus reuteri with antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive pathogens. …TAT-Beclin-1 Conjugate PeptideTAT-Beclin-1 is an engineered cell-penetrating autophagy-inducing peptide combining the HIV TAT transduction domain with a Beclin-1-derived sequence. …
Read the full category research notes

These notes map terminology and research themes. Verify claims in the linked profile references and current primary records.

Antimicrobial Peptides

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are an ancient class of immune effectors found across all kingdoms of life. These peptides typically disrupt microbial membranes, inhibit intracellular targets, or modulate the host immune response to infection. Research interest has surged due to rising antibiotic resistance.

Complete Peptide Directory

PeptideDescriptionPrimary Mechanism
LL-37Human cathelicidin with broad-spectrum antimicrobial and immune-signaling activityMembrane disruption; LPS neutralization; biofilm disruption; immune cell chemotaxis
MagaininFrog-derived antimicrobial peptide with selective membrane activityPore formation in microbial membranes; selectivity for bacterial lipid composition
ProtegrinBeta-hairpin antimicrobial peptide from porcine leukocytesTransmembrane pore formation; broad-spectrum activity against bacteria and fungi
Defensin BetaHuman beta-defensin family of innate immune antimicrobial peptidesElectrostatic membrane disruption; immune cell recruitment; mucosal defense
Cathelicidin (CAMP)Precursor antimicrobial protein processed to active LL-37 fragmentBroad-spectrum antimicrobial; wound healing; immune signaling cascade
Histatin-5Salivary antimicrobial peptide with potent antifungal activityMitochondrial targeting in fungi; oral cavity defense against Candida
DermcidinConstitutively expressed antimicrobial peptide in human sweatSkin surface antimicrobial defense; broad-spectrum activity in acidic pH
AMP PeptideSynthetic antimicrobial peptide designed for enhanced microbial killingEngineered membrane disruption; optimized charge and hydrophobicity

Common Research Themes

Membrane Disruption: Most AMPs (LL-37, Magainin, Protegrin, Defensin Beta) work by inserting into microbial membranes, creating pores or destabilizing the lipid bilayer. This mechanism makes resistance development more difficult compared to conventional antibiotics.

Biofilm Activity: LL-37 and Protegrin have demonstrated ability to disrupt established biofilms and prevent biofilm formation, making them key peptides for medical device-associated infection and chronic wound research.

Dual Immunomodulatory-Antimicrobial Role: LL-37 and Defensin Beta exemplify the dual nature of many AMPs — they directly kill pathogens while simultaneously modulating the host immune response, recruiting immune cells and regulating inflammation.

Tissue-Specific Defense: Histatin-5 (oral cavity), Dermcidin (skin), and Defensin Beta (mucosal surfaces) each protect specific body surfaces, reflecting the tissue-specific deployment of innate antimicrobial defense.

Antibiotic Resistance Alternative: With antibiotic-resistant infections increasing globally, AMPs are being studied as potential alternatives or adjuncts to conventional antibiotics due to their distinct mechanisms of action.

Getting Started

If you are new to this category, we recommend starting with LL-37 — the most well-characterized human antimicrobial peptide with extensive research on both direct antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects. From there, explore related peptides through the See Also sections on each page to build a comprehensive understanding of the research landscape.

Thymic & Immune Peptides

Research peptides derived from or acting on the thymus gland, modulating T-cell maturation, innate immunity, and age-related immune decline.

Cosmetic & Skin Peptides

Research peptides that stimulate collagen synthesis, reduce wrinkle formation, improve skin tone, and support dermal regeneration.