Advances in the Role of Antimicrobial Peptides in the Management of Sexually Transmitted Infections

Abstract

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major threat to global health, and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains has made therapeutic strategies more complex. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a ubiquitous class of natural compounds that are expected to be an alternative to conventional antibiotics due to their broad spectrum of activity and lower propensity for resistance, promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Objective: To emphasize the importance of antimicrobial peptides in the fight against STIs and to review recent advances in AMPs for the treatment and prevention of STIs. Methods: This article focuses on reviewing the progress of research on AMPs in the treatment and prognosis of STIs such as gonorrhea, HIV, HPV, and chlamydia, and discusses the challenges and future directions of the field. Results: AMPs have great potential in the prevention and treatment of STIs. However, AMPs for the treatment of STIs face challenges such as enzymatic degradation, safety and high cost, while nanotechnology and peptide modification are expected to enhance the stability and bioavailability of AMPs. Conclusion: AMPs have the potential to become an important tool for the treatment of STIs with further research and technological innovation.