Antimicrobial peptides from domestic & farm animals and its uses in veterinary medicine

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are naturally occurring substances vital to the innate immune response against various pathogens. Over 4000 AMPs have been identified, with around 3000 sequences cataloged in databases, predominantly derived from animals and plants. They exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, classified based on their source, composition, and activity, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitic, and antitumor properties. AMPs can be synthesized either constitutively or in response to pathogens, interacting with microbial membranes to compromise their integrity and induce lysis. Their application in veterinary medicine extends to immunomodulation, dietary supplementation, gut microbiota modulation, and combating multidrug-resistant infections. While AMPs show promise as alternatives to traditional antibiotics, resistance mechanisms have been observed. Continued research is essential for understanding their full potential and ensuring safety and efficacy in veterinary applications, thereby benefiting both animal and human health without promoting new microbial resistance.