[Antimicrobial peptides. A perspective for the treatment of chronic wounds?]

Hautarzt. 2005 Sep;56(9):860-5. doi: 10.1007/s00105-005-0915-8.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Human antimicrobial peptides play a substantial role in the immune response to various dermatological diseases, such as acne, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis vulgaris, and even mucosal HIV-protection is mediated inter alia by antimicrobial peptides. In wound healing, the antimicrobial and immune-modulating properties of, in particular, human defensins and cathelicidins can affect important controlling factors. For example, the interaction between different antimicrobial peptides and growth factors supports neoangiogenesis. Although further clinical investigations are necessary to identify the exact effects of antimicrobial peptides in chronic wounds, such peptides could be a promising therapeutic option in the near future for the treatment of patients with chronic wounds by promoting endogen expression or exogenous supplementation.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Infective Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / therapeutic use*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Humans
  • Skin Diseases, Bacterial / drug therapy*
  • Wound Healing / drug effects*
  • Wound Infection / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides