Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are short, naturally occurring peptides found in a wide variety of organisms ranging from microorganisms to humans. They play a crucial role in the innate immune system by providing the first line of defense against a wide array of pathogens including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. These peptides are typically composed of 10 to 50 amino acids and are characterized by their positive charge and amphipathic nature, which allows them to interact with microbial membranes, leading to cell death.
