Analyzing the potential of selected gut commensal strains to produce antimicrobial peptides: phenotypic and in silico approaches

The World Health Organization estimates that the number of antibiotic resistance-related deaths could reach 10 million by 2050 [1]. Given the dynamics and high diversity of microorganisms that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract, this is the ideal place to discover new antimicrobial peptides (AMP) to replace traditional antibiotics [2]. Among the most extensively studied members are the commensal strains Akkermansia muciniphila DSM 22959 and Faecalibacterium duncaniae DSM 17677, which are reported to have a beneficial impact on intestinal health [3;4]. Antimicrobial peptides are small molecules that act as the first line of defense against microbial invaders, playing a vital role in the innate immune system [5]. One approach to identify new strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance is to evaluate the ability of these bacteria to produce AMP.