Antimicrobial peptides of invertebrates. Part 1. structure, biosynthesis, and evolution
- Authors: Balandin S.V.1, Ovchinnikova T.V.1
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Affiliations:
- Shemyakin–Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry
- Issue: Vol 42, No 3 (2016)
- Pages: 229-248
- Section: Article
- URL: https://journals.rcsi.science/1068-1620/article/view/227909
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1068162016030055
- ID: 227909
Cite item
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides and proteins (AMPs) are among the most important components of the immune system of multicellular organisms. The role of AMPs is of particular importance for invertebrates which constitute the vast majority of species diversity of the living world, because these animals lack acquired immunity. The AMPs of animal origin are ribosomally-synthesized molecules that have, as a rule, a positive net charge and amphiphilic properties. They can act against bacteria, yeast and filamentous fungi, protozoa, and enveloped viruses. AMPs can also play a role of mediators of the immune system. Search and investigation for protective factors of the invertebrate host defense provide a better understanding of mechanisms of the innate immunity of humans and other mammals and give a key to a development of new medicines. The first part of this review focuses on special features of a structure, biosynthesis, regulation of gene expression, and molecular evolution of AMPs of invertebrates.
About the authors
S. V. Balandin
Shemyakin–Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry
Author for correspondence.
Email: ovch@ibch.ru
Russian Federation, ul. Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, Moscow, 117997
T. V. Ovchinnikova
Shemyakin–Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry
Email: ovch@ibch.ru
Russian Federation, ul. Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, Moscow, 117997