Antimicrobial Peptides: The Production of Novel Peptide-Based Therapeutics in Plant Systems

Abstract

The increased prevalence of antibiotic resistance is alarming and has a significant impact on the economies of emerging and underdeveloped nations. The redundancy of antibiotic discovery platforms (ADPs) and injudicious use of conventional antibiotics has severely impacted millions, across the globe. Potent antimicrobials from biological sources have been extensively explored as a ray of hope to counter the growing menace of antibiotic resistance in the population. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are gaining momentum as powerful antimicrobial therapies to combat drug-resistant bacterial strains. The tremendous therapeutic potential of natural and synthesized AMPs as novel and potent antimicrobials is highlighted by their unique mode of action, as exemplified by multiple research initiatives. Recent advances and developments in antimicrobial discovery and research have increased our understanding of the structure, characteristics, and function of AMPs; nevertheless, knowledge gaps still need to be addressed before these therapeutic options can be fully exploited. This thematic article provides a comprehensive insight into the potential of AMPs as potent arsenals to counter drug-resistant pathogens, a historical overview and recent advances, and their efficient production in plants, defining novel upcoming trends in drug discovery and research. The advances in synthetic biology and plant-based expression systems for AMP production have defined new paradigms in the efficient production of potent antimicrobials in plant systems, a prospective approach to countering drug-resistant pathogens.

Plant Protease Inhibitors as Emerging Antimicrobial Peptide Agents: A Comprehensive Review

“…In this regard, some AMPs have been found to prime the plant's immune response, preparing it for a more robust defense against subsequent pathogen attacks. This priming effect boosts the plant's innate immune system, enhancing its responsiveness through the modulation of various signaling cascades [42]. Hevein-like peptides are basic peptides contain- Plant AMPs are generally classified based on their tridimensional structure, their sequence, and the presence of disulfide bonds, such as thionins, defensins, hevein-like peptides, knottins, stable-like peptides, lipid transfer proteins, snakins, and cyclotides [24,[34][35][36][37].…”

“…In this regard, some AMPs have been found to prime the plant's immune response, preparing it for a more robust defense against subsequent pathogen attacks. This priming effect boosts the plant's innate immune system, enhancing its responsiveness through the modulation of various signaling cascades [42]. Hevein-like peptides are basic peptides containing 29-45 amino acid residues stabilized by 3-5 disulfide bonds, with a conserved chitin-binding domain (SXFGY/SXYGY), which is associated with antifungal activity [43].…”