ABSTRACT

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have a long history and play a key role in natural defence mechanisms. AMPs constitute an organism’s frontline defence against bacteria, fungi, viruses and other pathogens through direct killing and modulation of the immune system. For example, defensins, histatins, and cathelicidin LL-37 are produced and work synergistically in the oral cavity to protect periodontal tissues from infection and/or damage. Therefore, AMPs are important to oral health because they may directly enable clearance of infection and may also bolster immune responses. In periodontitis specifically, undirected AMP expression or function contributes to microbial persistence, inflammation, and periodontal tissue destruction. This review provides a comprehensive review of AMP structural characteristics, expression, biological roles, clinical significance in periodontal health and disease, and finally, the potential for therapeutically modulating AMP activities in treatment in contemporary periodontics. Keywords: Antimicrobial Peptides, Defensins, Periodontitis, Anti-inflammation
Publication date: 01/09/2026

https://www.ijbpas.com/pdf/2026/September/MS_IJBPAS_2026_10408.pdf

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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2026/15.9.10408