Antimicrobial Peptides and Their Role in Therapeutics

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) exhibit a remarkable capacity to combat an extensive range of pathogens, encompassing bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. These versatile molecules exhibit potent antimicrobial properties, enabling them to effectively target and neutralize microbes. AMPs hold considerable promise as potential therapeutic agents, particularly due to their reduced propensity for generating resistant microbes. Consequently, their applicability extends to diverse domains ranging from cancer treatment to food preservation. Furthermore, AMPs exert regulatory effects on immune response, cell proliferation, and exhibit notable anti-inflammatory properties. In the context of vaccination, AMPs can be employed as adjuvants to enhance the potency of vaccines while exhibiting lower toxicity compared to formalin-inactivated vaccines. AMPs also present a viable alternative to antibiotics in aquaculture. By conducting more extensive investigations into their utilization, we can enhance the well-being of aquatic animals while mitigating the environmental impacts associated with conventional antibiotic usage. This chapter aims to provide a comprehensive overview of fish-derived AMPs, their classification, mode of action, and comparative analysis with antibiotics, thus emphasizing their inherent advantages and biological significance.