immunology

    Antimicrobial Peptide (AMP)

    Definition

    Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a diverse class of naturally occurring peptides that form part of the innate immune defense against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. AMPs typically carry a net positive charge that enables electrostatic interaction with negatively charged microbial membranes, leading to membrane disruption and cell lysis. LL-37 is a well-characterized human AMP, and KPV exhibits anti-inflammatory properties related to the melanocortin system's antimicrobial functions.

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