Complexity of antimicrobial peptide regulation during pathogen–host interactions

Abstract Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a key component of the immune system and are expressed by a large variety of organisms. AMPs are capable of eliminating a broad range of micro-organisms, illustrated by murine models where lack of AMP expression resulted in enhanced susceptibility to infection. Despite the importance of AMPs in immune defences, it is not clear whether a change in AMP expression is pathogen-specific or reflects a general response to groups of pathogens. Furthermore, it is unclear how the evoked change in AMP expression affects the host. To fully exploit the therapeutic potential of AMPs – by direct application of peptides or by using AMP-inducers – it is crucial to gain an insight into the complexity involved in pathogen-mediated regulation of AMP expression. This review summarises current knowledge on how AMP expression is affected by pathogens. In addition, the relevance and specificity of these changes in AMPs during infection will be discussed.