Med Klin
-
Antimicrobial peptides are naturally occurring antibiotics. As part of the innate immune system of vertebrates they have direct antimicrobial function. Further, they can act as mediators of inflammation. ⋯ Further, lung disease in cystic fibrosis may be linked to the dysfunction of antimicrobial peptides. Based on naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides, derivates of these molecules were developed as innovative antibiotic drugs. The present review focuses on the biology of antimicrobial peptides as well as their potential as drugs.