Antibiofilm activity of host defence peptides: complexity provides opportunities

In this Review, Hancock, Alford and Haney discuss how the complex functional attributes of host defence peptides provide many opportunities for the development of antimicrobial therapeutics, focusing on their emerging antibiofilm properties. Host defence peptides (HDPs) are integral components of innate immunity across all living organisms. These peptides can exert direct antibacterial effects, targeting planktonic cells (referred to as antimicrobial peptides), and exhibit antibiofilm (referred to as antibiofilm peptides), antiviral, antifungal and host-directed immunomodulatory activities. In this Review, we discuss how the complex functional attributes of HDPs provide many opportunities for the development of antimicrobial therapeutics, focusing particularly on their emerging antibiofilm properties. The mechanisms of action of antibiofilm peptides are compared and contrasted with those of antimicrobial peptides. Furthermore, obstacles for the practical translation of candidate peptides into therapeutics and the potential solutions are discussed. Critically, HDPs have the value-added assets of complex functional attributes, particularly antibiofilm and anti-inflammatory activities and their synergy with conventional antibiotics.

Automated summary

This review discusses how the complex functional attributes of host defence peptides offer opportunities for antimicrobial therapeutics, with a focus on their emerging antibiofilm properties. The mechanisms of action of antibiofilm peptides are compared with antimicrobial peptides. Additionally, obstacles to translating candidate peptides into therapeutics and potential solutions are discussed.