Protein epitope mimetics as anti-infectives

There is growing interest in the design of synthetic molecules that mimic the structures and functions of epitopes found on the surface of peptides and proteins. Epitope mimetics can provide valuable tools to probe complex biological processes, as well as interesting leads for drug and vaccine discovery. One application of epitope mimetics is reviewed here, focusing on mimetics of the cationic antimicrobial peptides that form part of the innate immune response to microbial and viral infection in many organisms. Mimetics of these naturally occurring peptides and proteins may be useful to explore mechanisms of antimicrobial and immunomodulatory action, and as a potential source of new antibiotics to address one of the most pressing current threats to human health.

Research highlights
► Protein epitope mimetics are tools for chemical biology and drug/vaccine discovery.
► Cationic antimicrobial peptides possess anti-infective and immunomodulatory properties.
► Mimetic design based on CAMPs has led to new families of antimicrobials.
► CAMP mimetics are described with novel mechanisms of antimicrobial action.
► CAMP mimetics can also target G-protein-coupled chemokine receptors.