Antimicrobial Peptides: the Mode of Action and Perspectives of Practical Application

This review deals with antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that demonstrate antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activity. It considers structure and mechanism of AMP interaction with lipid membrane and intracellular targets of pathogens. Special attention is paid to modern state and perspectives of AMP practical application and also to approaches that increase efficacy and reduce toxicity of AMP by chemical modification of their structure.