Marine-derived Antimicrobial Peptides: Science and Application

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are emerging as promising alternatives to traditional antibiotics, particularly in the face of rising drug resistance. Despite their potential, only a limited number of AMPs have been adopted for clinical use, largely due to the narrow selection of known candidates effective against pathogens. The majority of AMPs identified so far originate from terrestrial organisms, with approximately 6% discovered in marine species. This discrepancy highlights a significant gap in our understanding and utilization of marine-derived AMPs. Marine organisms, particularly invertebrates, have evolved unique immune responses due to their constant exposure to diverse pathogens in aquatic environments. Unlike terrestrial animals, marine invertebrates lack an adaptive immune system and rely heavily on innate immunity, which includes a diverse array of AMPs. These peptides, along with other anti-infective molecules, play a crucial role in their defence mechanisms. Recent studies have underscored the potential of marine AMPs, yet comprehensive characterization and application remain underexplored, necessitating further research to harness their full potential.

This research topic aims to explore and expand the understanding of marine-derived antimicrobial peptides, focusing on their identification, functional mechanisms, and potential applications. The objective is to address the existing knowledge gaps by identifying novel AMPs from marine organisms, understanding their synergistic interactions with other immune components, and developing innovative techniques for their production and application. By doing so, the research seeks to unlock new avenues for the use of AMPs in various industries, including aquaculture, pharmaceuticals, and food.

To gather further insights in the exploration and application of marine-derived AMPs, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Novel or unknown AMPs identified in marine invertebrates or vertebrates, including functional and mechanism studies.
- New variants or homologous AMPs from marine invertebrates or vertebrates, including functional and mechanism studies.
- The synergistic mechanism and effects of two or more AMPs with other immune components in marine animals in vitro and in vivo.
- The newly constructed or modified approaches or techniques for high expression of individual AMPs or fusion expression in prokaryotic or eukaryotic expression systems.
- Field experiments and effect demonstration of AMP products as additives.
- Application of AMPs in aquaculture, pharmaceuticals, medicine, and food industries.