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Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs)are small, naturally occurring peptides produced by immune cells and epithelial cells to inhibit or ward off pathogens (harmful invading microorganisms) such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi (Bahar & Ren, 2013).
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are an important part of the body’s innate immune defense and are particularly relevant to gut health. In the gastrointestinal tract, AMPs help regulate interactions between the intestinal lumen and microorganisms in the gut microbiome. Their activity can contribute to maintaining microbial balance and protecting the intestinal barrier, linking immune function, nutrition, and gastrointestinal health.
From a nutritional psychology perspective, the gut environment is relevant because gut microbes and immune signaling can interact with processes involved in brain and behavioral health. Diet influences the availability of nutrients that support immune and gastrointestinal functions, although the relationship between Antimicrobial peptides AMPs, diet, the microbiome, and mental health is complex. Understanding these connections provides a useful framework for exploring how nutrition may influence the gut-brain axis.
Author and reviewer
Editorial responsibilityReferences and further reading
- Cazorla, C. G., et al. (2012). Intestinal antimicrobial peptides during homeostasis, infection, and disease. Frontiers in Immunology, 3, 310. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2012.00310 View source
- Hancock, R. E. W., & Sahl, H.-G. (2006). Antimicrobial and host-defense peptides as new anti-infective therapeutic strategies. Nature Biotechnology, 24, 1551–1557. https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt1267 View source
How to cite this entry
CNP (2026). Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). In CNP Encyclopedia Editorial Board (Eds.), Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology. The Center for Nutritional Psychology.
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