Chemically Peptide Synthesis and Role of Arginine and Lysine in the Antimicrobial and Antiviral Activity of Synthetic Peptides: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

This review examines the potential applications of peptides in biotechnology, medicine, and pharmacy, while highlighting the important antibacterial and antiviral properties of peptides. Peptides and chemical peptide synthesis have become a field of study that is gaining great momentum today. Some of the main reasons for this are high specificity, biodegradability and versatility of peptides. Peptides also have some specific properties that make them attractive for pharmaceutical development. As a case study, it can be used to create peptides that can be used to replace or fix damaged proteins in the body by mimicking the action of naturally occurring proteins. Delivering drugs or other therapeutic agents to specific cells or tissues is another method that can help increase the effectiveness of treatment and reduce unwanted effects. Various types of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), such as defensins and cathelicidins, and their anti‐infective properties are also discussed. Finally, peptides (melittin, lactoferricin, etc.) can be used to trigger an immune response against certain infections, such as COVID‐19 and Zika virus, by acting as vaccines. In our study, a comprehensive review was made on antiviral and AMPs, and especially peptides containing arginine and lysine were mentioned. The properties of these peptides, examples of these peptides and their developments in the pharmaceutical field are emphasized.