Short arthropod-derived antimicrobial peptides can play pivotal roles in tackling MDR infections in the future.
ABSTRACT
The global surge in antimicrobial resistance has intensified the search for novel therapeutic strategies that can overcome the limitations of conventional antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), particularly those derived from arthropod venoms, have emerged as promising alternatives due to their unique ability to target conserved microbial structures and minimize resistance development. Among these, Lasioglossin-III (LL-III) stands out for its remarkable potency and versatility. LL-III exhibits a broad spectrum of activity encompassing antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer properties, attributed to its structural features that facilitate selective interactions with microbial and cancer cell membranes. Despite its promising therapeutic profile, comprehensive reviews focusing specifically on LL-III remain scarce, with most existing literature addressing lasioglossins only in general terms. This review provides the first in-depth and consolidated discussion on LL-III by examining its structural characteristics, mechanisms of action, and pharmacological applications, alongside insights from computational modeling and experimental studies. By integrating current knowledge on the structure–function relationship of LL-III, this article underscores its translational potential as a next-generation therapeutic. Notably, the peptide’s dual mechanism of action, combining membrane disruption with intracellular targeting, together with its multifunctional properties, including antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, and immunomodulatory activities, positions LL-III as a promising, versatile peptide-based therapeutic candidate.
