Harnessing AMPs to Tackle ESKAPE Pathogens

The widespread and rapid dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global burden, and its consequences, especially in healthcare settings, are threatening. ESKAPE pathogens, a group of common nosocomial bacteria, have developed high levels of resistance to multiple antibiotics, leading to adverse effects, such as increased morbidity and mortality. As a result, there is an urgent need for effective strategies to combat AMR. Among the various available strategies, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as a promising approach to deal with AMR. This review elaborates on the diverse nature of AMPs and their applications, with a particular focus on ESKAPE pathogens. It also provides an overview of the current status of AMP research including both <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> studies and explores their potential in combination therapies against drug-resistant pathogens. The current challenges and future prospects of using AMPs in a clinical setting have also been discussed to acknowledge the gap between laboratory research and clinical application.