Antimicrobial Peptides - Creative Peptides
Most AMPs act by provoking an increase in plasma membrane permeability. First step in the mechanism of membrane permeabilization is the electrostatic interaction between the positively charged AMP with the negatively charged membrane surface of the microorganism. Subsequent disruption of the membrane by creation of pores within the microbial membrane ultimately results in cell death of the organism due to leakage of ions, metabolites, cessation of membrane-coupled respiration, and biosynthesis. The mechanics of AMPs represent an unusual source for the targeted exploration of new applications in the therapy of microbial and viral infection, cancer, and sepsis.