The potential of antimicrobial peptides to treat oral infections and cancer

Oral cancer represents a significant cause of mortality and morbidity, especially when discovered late. Microbial infections, particularly those caused by <i>Porphyromonas gingivalis</i> and <i>Fusobacterium nucleatum</i>, play a crucial role in cancer development and prognosis, especially in the oral cavity. Unfortunately, the current pharmacological arsenal for treating infections and oral cancer has a low therapeutic spectrum and high levels of resistance. In this regard, some antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) appear to be potential therapeutic agents, as they exhibit direct cytotoxic activity against bacterial and cancer cells with a low propensity for resistance. This study aimed to review the current literature on dual-function peptide molecules with the potential to treat oral infections and cancer. Peptides such as Nal-P113, hCAP_(109-135), and Nisin Z exhibit both antimicrobial and antitumor activity, making them promising therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of oral infections and cancer. However, owing to the limitations of AMPs, further <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> safety and efficacy studies are needed before their commercialization.