Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), also called
host defense peptides (HDPs) are part of the
innate immune response found among all classes of life. Fundamental differences exist between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells that may represent targets for antimicrobial peptides. These peptides are potent, broad spectrum
antibiotics which demonstrate potential as novel therapeutic agents. Antimicrobial peptides have been demonstrated to kill
Gram negative and
Gram positive bacteria, enveloped viruses, fungi and even transformed or cancerous cells. Unlike the majority of conventional antibiotics it appears as though antimicrobial peptides may also have the ability to enhance immunity by functioning as
immunomodulators.