What are Antimicrobial Peptides and How Do They Work?
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small proteins that play a significant role in the innate immune response. They exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and are produced by various cells in response to pathogen invasion. The mechanism of action often involves the disruption of microbial membranes, which is facilitated by the catalytic activity of enzymes that modify these peptides to enhance their efficacy. For instance, the enzyme lysyl oxidase catalyzes the cross-linking of AMPs, increasing their stability and potency.
