Harnessing Antimicrobial Peptides: A Key Defense Against Emerging Respiratory Viral Diseases

. The respiratory system's large surface area acts as a primary defense zone for microbial interaction, protected by airway and alveolar secretions. Host defense peptides (HDPs), such as defensins and cathelicidins, are key antimicrobial components in these secretions, produced by epithelial and immune cells, functioning as natural antibiotics. Their presence in lung surface fluids makes them the first line of defense against pathogens. With the rise of highly pathogenic viruses leading to global health crises, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are gaining attention for their broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. This chapter delves into the potential of AMPs, particularly defensins, in fighting viral infections, discussing their origins, mechanisms of action, and the pressing need for developing AMP-based treatments to address antibiotic resistance and emerging viral threats.