Structural and functional diversity of natural antimicrobial oligopeptides

摘要

Antimicrobial peptides have been isolated and characterized from tissues and organisms representing virtually every kingdom and phylum, ranging from prokaryotes to humans. These molecules are small, relatively compact compounds, which are structurally and functionally rather diverse. This consideration is focussed on the structural and functional properties of the natural antimicrobial oligopeptides that are ribisomally synthesised without extensive posttranslational modifications. They are cationic molecules as the molecules are usually rich in lysine, and arginine. They are also amphipathic, containing hydrophobic and hydrophilic region. Natural antimicrobial oligopeptides have a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. They serve as an ancient defence mechanism against pathogenic microorganisms that easily come into contact with the host through the environment. These molecules are considered as part of the innate immune system of all species. Lastly, the review discusses the potential applications in health care products.