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  • Review Article
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Antimicrobial peptides: structure, functions and translational applications

Nature Reviews Microbiology volume 23, pages 687–700 (2025)Cite this article

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Abstract

Novel solutions to combat the rapid evolution of antimicrobial resistance in human and animal pathogens are urgently required. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent promising therapeutic molecules, as they exhibit structural nuances and distinct molecular targets against pathogenic microorganisms. In this Review, we explore the multifaceted structural nature of AMPs and advanced structural conformations, discuss the distinct mechanisms of action and explore novel targets. Additionally, we discuss resistance mechanisms, cross-resistance and innovative strategies for AMP design and optimization. We argue that gaining insight into novel AMP structural arrangements, targets and design optimization is crucial for the development of innovative therapies that can be translated into clinical as well as broader applications.

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Fig. 1: The complex role of AMPs during infection in animal and plant hosts and environments.
Fig. 2: Structures, mechanisms of action and distinctive targets of AMPs.
Fig. 3: AMP design strategies and modifications.
Fig. 4: Diversity of self-assembled structures of AMPs.

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Acknowledgements

N.G.O.J., C.M.S. and D.F.B. are supported by FUNDECT. M.H.C. is supported by CNPq and FUNDECT. O.L.F. is supported by CNPq, CAPES and FUNDECT.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil

    Nelson G. Oliveira Júnior, Camila M. Souza & Octávio L. Franco

  2. S-inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil

    Camila M. Souza, Danieli F. Buccini, Marlon H. Cardoso & Octávio L. Franco

  3. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais e Sustentabilidade Agropecuária, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil

    Marlon H. Cardoso

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  1. Nelson G. Oliveira Júnior
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Contributions

N.G.O.J., C.M.S., D.F.B. and M.H.C contributed to writing, editing and researching data for the article and contributing to the discussion of this manuscript. M.H.C. and O.L.F. contributed to discussing, reviewing and editing the manuscript before submission.

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Correspondence to Marlon H. Cardoso or Octávio L. Franco.

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Nature Reviews Microbiology thanks Marc Devocelle; Man-Wah Tan, who co-reviewed with Craig MacNair; and the other, anonymous, reviewer(s) for their contribution to the peer review of this work.

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Oliveira Júnior, N.G., Souza, C.M., Buccini, D.F. et al. Antimicrobial peptides: structure, functions and translational applications. Nat Rev Microbiol 23, 687–700 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41579-025-01200-y

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