Antimicrobial peptides in the treatment of dermatosis

Abstract

Dermatosis refers to any skin defect or lesion on the skin due to scratches, wounds, ulcer, sunburn, skin abnormalities, skin thinning, different extrinsic and intrinsic factors and results allergy, skin infection, auto-immune disorder. For that skin protection decreases and it leads to damages of protective barrier and defensive system. Several conventional medication including antibiotics is using for dermatosis. But with uprising antibiotic resistance, the use of these antibiotics is compromised. The discovery or the design of antimicrobials with lower susceptibility to antimicrobial resistance is a key for the effective treatment of bacterial infections. Antimicrobial peptides appear to be promising therapeutic options for the treatment of dermatosis including soft skin tissue infections, atopic dermatitis and critical non-healing wound. Many peptides have broad spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This comprehensive review highlights different skin diseases and conventional treatment complications, source of antimicrobial peptides and their potential activity against dermatosis causing microorganisms. Patients with diabetic mellitus are prone to have diabetic foot infection and critical non-healing wound. Some peptides work great to improve those condition. Also, Cathelicidin-DM can improve infected non-healing wound. Though, there are some limitations and challenges in AMPs development process for therapeutic purpose. But with more research on limitation, better understanding about AMPs, structural modification of AMPs can lead to develop a smart, safe and effective treatment.