Abstract: Insects produce a variety of antibacterial peptides which act synergistically to kill invading microoganisms. Antibacterial peptides are also found in other animals. They are highly effective against becteria, fungi, viruses and protozoan parasites and also act as tumcides. With the number of antibacterial peptides increasing and their structure becoming known, some new mechanisms for their activity are proposed. With the aim of developing this field of research, we present a broad overview of the function, action mechanism, genetic engineering and clinical application of these substances.

Key words: antibacterial peptide, pathogenic organism, action mechanism