DIVERSITY, IMMUNE REGULATION AND BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF ANTIMICROBIAL PEPTIDES IN LEPIDOPTERAN INSECTS

Lepidopteran insects, including moths and butterflies, represent the second largest insect order and are widely distributed across diverse ecological niches. Their remarkable evolutionary success is largely attributed to sophisticated immune defenses, particularly antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). AMPs are small, gene-encoded peptides produced in response to microbial infection and play a crucial role in innate immunity. Lepidopteran AMPs are classified into several families, including cecropins, moricins, defensins, attacins, lebocins, gloverins, and defensin-like peptides, among others. These peptides exhibit broad spectrum antimicrobial activities against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. This review highlights the diversity, molecular characteristics, mechanisms of action, and immune regulation of AMPs in lepidopteran insects. It also explores their potential applications in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology, emphasizing the prospects of AMP engineering and recombinant production. Overall, lepidopteran AMPs offer promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics and represent a valuable resource for developing next-generation antimicrobial agents.