Therapeutic Potential of Antimicrobial Peptides for Wound Healing

Abstract

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small molecular weight proteins with the potential to be applied for drug development. Despite their different amino acid sequences, most of the AMPs possess cationic charges and amphipathic structures, which result in electrostatic interaction with the anionic phospholipids of the microbial cell membrane. AMPs have been identified to have a role in immunomodulatory activity and promoting wound healing. Certain AMPs, such as defensins and cathelicidin LL-37, are produced by different cell types, like keratinocytes, which are involved in the inhibition of skin infections and can promote the reestablishment of skin tissue. Several AMP delivery strategies have been developed to combat infection and modulate wound healing rates, such as nanoparticles, PLGA electrospun fibrous scaffolds, and hydrogels; meanwhile, still maintaining antimicrobial abilities. Diabetes is a common disease that often causes amputations due to impaired wound healing. Therefore, novel and more effective therapeutics agents are essential for the treatment of diabetes. Various studies have been conducted on the capability of peptides to boost diabetic wound closure, which has been discussed. In this review, we focused on AMPs involved in the wound healing process and novel delivery systems.