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Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) and the Microbiome in Preterm Infants: Consequences and Opportunities for Future Therapeutics

Authors :
Janina Marissen
Lilith Reichert
Christoph Härtel
Mats Ingmar Fortmann
Kirstin Faust
Delfina Msanga
Jürgen Harder
Michael Zemlin
Mercedes Gomez de Agüero
Katja Masjosthusmann
Alexander Humberg
Source :
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Vol 25, Iss 12, p 6684 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2024.

Abstract

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are crucial components of the innate immune system in various organisms, including humans. Beyond their direct antimicrobial effects, AMPs play essential roles in various physiological processes. They induce angiogenesis, promote wound healing, modulate immune responses, and serve as chemoattractants for immune cells. AMPs regulate the microbiome and combat microbial infections on the skin, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. Produced in response to microbial signals, AMPs help maintain a balanced microbial community and provide a first line of defense against infection. In preterm infants, alterations in microbiome composition have been linked to various health outcomes, including sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis, atopic dermatitis, and respiratory infections. Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in the microbiome, can alter AMP profiles and potentially lead to inflammation-mediated diseases such as chronic lung disease and obesity. In the following review, we summarize what is known about the vital role of AMPs as multifunctional peptides in protecting newborn infants against infections and modulating the microbiome and immune response. Understanding their roles in preterm infants and high-risk populations offers the potential for innovative approaches to disease prevention and treatment.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
14220067 and 16616596
Volume :
25
Issue :
12
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.f4be17cc349e457da89882e07dba7f97
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25126684