Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), otherwise known as host defence peptides (HDPs), are naturally occurring biomolecules expressed by a large array of species across the phylogenetic kingdoms. They have great potential to combat microbial infections by directly killing or inhibiting bacterial activity and/or by modulating the immune response of the host. Due to their multimodal properties, broad spectrum activity, and minimal resistance generation, these peptides have emerged as a promising response to the rapidly concerning problem of multidrug resistance (MDR). However, their therapeutic efficacy is limited by a number of factors, including rapid degradation, systemic toxicity, and low bioavailability. As such, many strategies have been developed to mitigate these limitations, such as peptide modification and delivery vehicle conjugation/encapsulation. Oftentimes, however, particularly in the case of the latter, this can hinder the activity of the parent AMP. Here, we review current delivery strategies used for AMP formulation, focusing on methodologies utilized for targeted infection site release of AMPs. This specificity unites the improved biocompatibility of the delivery vehicle with the unhindered activity of the free AMP, providing a promising means to effectively translate AMP therapy into clinical practice.

中文翻译：

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抗微生物肽的稳健递送以对抗细菌耐药性

抗菌肽 (AMP)，也称为宿主防御肽 (HDP)，是天然存在的生物分子，由系统发育界的大量物种表达。它们具有通过直接杀死或抑制细菌活性和/或通过调节宿主的免疫反应来对抗微生物感染的巨大潜力。由于它们的多峰特性、广谱活性和最小的耐药性，这些肽已成为对迅速关注的多药耐药 (MDR) 问题的有希望的反应。然而，它们的治疗功效受到许多因素的限制，包括快速降解、全身毒性和低生物利用度。因此，已经开发了许多策略来减轻这些限制，例如肽修饰和递送载体缀合/封装。然而，通常情况下，特别是在后者的情况下，这会阻碍亲本 AMP 的活动。在这里，我们回顾了当前用于 AMP 制剂的递送策略，重点关注用于靶向感染部位释放 AMP 的方法。这种特异性将递送载体改善的生物相容性与游离 AMP 的不受阻碍的活性结合起来，为将 AMP 疗法有效转化为临床实践提供了一种有前景的方法。