Antimicrobial peptides: beyond the Petri dish

Why do peptides that work so well in the laboratory often struggle on the way to the clinic? A new review by Marc Torrent examines how the route of administration changes the challenges facing antimicrobial peptides.

Oral, intravenous, inhaled and topical delivery each expose peptides to different combinations of degradation, binding to host molecules, poor tissue access and toxicity. The review argues that these barriers should guide peptide design from the outset, alongside antibacterial potency. It provides a framework for testing candidates in biological conditions relevant to their intended use.

Published in ACS Bio & Med Chem Au. This is a review of the evidence and design challenges, rather than a report of a new treatment.