The dual antimicrobial and immunomodulatory roles of host defense peptides and their applications in animal production
Di Wu, Linglong Fu, Weizhang Wen, Na Dong
2022Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology/Journal of animal science and biotechnology46 citationsDOIOpen Access PDF
Abstract
Host defense peptides (HDPs) are small molecules with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities against infectious bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Increasing evidence suggests that HDPs can also indirectly protect hosts by modulating their immune responses. Due to these dual roles, HDPs have been considered one of the most promising antibiotic substitutes to improve growth performance, intestinal health, and immunity in farm animals. This review describes the antimicrobial and immunomodulatory roles of host defense peptides and their recent applications in animal production.
Topics & Concepts
AntimicrobialAntimicrobial peptidesHost (biology)Immune systemBiologyImmunityBroad spectrumAntibioticsDual roleInnate immune systemMicrobiologyComputational biologyImmunologyChemistryEcologyCombinatorial chemistryAntimicrobial Peptides and ActivitiesProtein Hydrolysis and Bioactive PeptidesInvertebrate Immune Response Mechanisms