Antimicrobial Peptides of Silk Worm: A Review

Insect immunology and the antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), contributing to their innate immunity, serves as a very important field of research to conduct numerous studies. Among the insects, silkworms are one of the best-known groups that are used for scientific research since they have a highly developed and extremely responsive immune system. This study aims to understand the different classes of AMPs identified in silkworms by reviewing the works of various related studies and researches conducted previously. For performing various experiments and induction of AMPs, in most cases artificial immunization of microorganisms is carried out in the body of the silkworm, which in turn leads to the activation of the immune system producing specific AMPs in them. As per the study, commonly, about six different classes of AMPs have been identified that have different size, amino acid sequence and mode of action. They are Cecropin, Moricin, Defensin, Attacin, Lebocin and Gloverin. The structure and biochemistry of the AMPs has also been derived. Such researches and studies might not only open up opportunities leading to the discovery of newer AMPs but it also indicates a wide potential in leading to the discovery of natural antibiotics in the future that will not only be easily available, but also less toxic and cost effective.

@article{shibani2026,
  author  = {Shibani Kalita1 and Palki Hazarika2*},
  title   = {{Antimicrobial Peptides of Silk Worm: A Review}},
  journal = {Journal of Bioresearch},
  year    = {2026},
  volume  = {1},
  number  = {2},
  doi     = {https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/FSCA3},
}