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Antimicrobial Peptides and How to Find Them
- Source :
- Frontiers for Young Minds. 9
- Publication Year :
- 2021
- Publisher :
- Frontiers Media SA, 2021.
-
Abstract
- Bacteria and viruses may enter our bodies through mucous membranes of the airways or the gut. To prevent infections, one defense mechanism of our immune system is antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Most AMPs are composed of 10–50 amino acids and insert into bacterial cell membranes to destroy the cell. Some AMPs are also active against viruses and fungi. AMPs can be generated by chopping up bigger proteins like hemoglobin. The hemoglobin fragments can inactivate bacteria and viruses, while the whole hemoglobin protein cannot. To identify new AMPs, peptide libraries consisting of thousands of different peptides can be generated from human body fluids and organs. These libraries are tested for antibacterial or antiviral activity and can be further purified to identify the responsible peptide. This method may lead to the development of new antimicrobial substances with a potential for treating infections.
- Subjects :
- Chemistry
Antimicrobial peptides
Microbiology
Subjects
Details
- ISSN :
- 22966846
- Volume :
- 9
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Frontiers for Young Minds
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi...........8028613d05a900547689a5617b3b3914
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.3389/frym.2021.567875