Antimicrobial Peptides and How to Find Them

Bacteria and viruses may enter our bodies through mucous membranes of the airways or gut. To prevent infections, one defense mechanism immune system is antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Most AMPs are composed 10–50 amino acids insert into bacterial cell to destroy cell. Some also active against fungi. can be generated by chopping up bigger proteins like hemoglobin. The hemoglobin fragments inactivate bacteria viruses, while whole protein cannot. identify new AMPs, peptide libraries consisting thousands different from human body fluids organs. These tested for antibacterial antiviral activity further purified responsible peptide. This method lead development substances with a potential treating infections.