Dual-action potential of cationic cryptides against infections and cancers

Cryptides are a subfamily of bioactive peptides embedded latently in their parent proteins and have multiple biological functions. Cationic cryptides could be used as modern drugs in both infectious diseases and cancers because their mechanism of action is less likely to be affected by genetic mutations in the treated cells, therefore addressing a current unmet need in these two areas of medicine. In this review, we present the current understanding of cryptides, methods to mine them sustainably using available online databases and prediction tools, with a particular focus on their antimicrobial and anticancer potential, and their potential applicability in a clinical setting.

Automated summary

Cryptides are bioactive peptides embedded in their parent proteins, which have multiple biological functions. Cationic cryptides, with their mechanism less likely to be affected by genetic mutations, could serve as modern drugs in infectious diseases and cancers. This review provides an overview of current understanding of cryptides, sustainable mining methods, and their potential applications in antimicrobial and anticancer therapy.