Anticancer Potential of Cecropin Antimicrobial Peptides: A Systematic Review

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

2 Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

3 Student researcher, department of biological sciences, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA.

4 Department of life sciences and biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.

5 Bachelor's student, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of advanced science and technology, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

6 Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology (DMMBM), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.

7 Student research committee, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

8 Department of Life Science Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

9 Student research committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.

10 Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

11 Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran.

Abstract

Background: This systematic review investigates the anticancer properties of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) belonging to the Cecropin family, emphasizing their promise as innovative and effective agents for cancer therapy.
Methods: This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines to evaluate the potential anticancer effects of AMPs. The Advanced strategy of search in PubMed was: (((Cecropin*)) AND (((Neoplasm*)) OR (cancer*) OR (Tumor*) OR (Carcinoma))); and in the Science Direct and Scopus was: (((Cecropin)) AND (((Neoplasm)) OR (cancer) OR (Tumor) OR (Carcinoma))).
Results: The Cecropin family comprises linear α-helical AMPs, also called host defense peptides (HDPs), characterized by their wide-ranging antimicrobial efficacy. Numerous studies reveal encouraging results for Cecropin A and B; however, some investigations focusing on less optimized analogs or specific combinations have reported ineffective outcomes. Cecropins are recognized for their relatively low host toxicity, positioning them as potential candidates for cancer treatment. Typically, AMPs contain fewer than 100 amino acids and exhibit cationicity, hydrophobicity, and an amphipathic structure. Recent research indicates that these AMPs also demonstrate notable anticancer activities. By leveraging the molecular attributes and functionalities of AMPs, it is possible to identify or design selective anticancer peptides (ACPs) for clinical application as novel therapeutic agents against cancer.
Conclusion: The findings underscore the capability of Cecropin family peptides as targeted cancer therapies, showcasing their strong anticancer efficacy alongside minimal host toxicity.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Epigenetics
Volume 6, Issue 2
November 2025
Pages 39-52

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History

  • Receive Date: 16 May 2025
  • Revise Date: 05 September 2025
  • Accept Date: 20 September 2025

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