Applications of Bioactive Peptides in Dermatology

use beyond clinical guidelines can result in the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Synthetic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), engineered analogs of naturally occurring AMPs, have been evaluated as antibiotic alternatives. Granulysin-derived peptides are bactericidal against Cutibacterium acnes and possess anti-inflammatory properties.¹¹  The added value of these peptides has been evaluated in conjunction with isotretinoin, with data suggesting that granulysin-derived peptides improve the efficacy of isotretinoin.¹²

Bioactive peptides can enhance the skin reparation and renewal processes after injury by promoting collagen and elastin production, cellular proliferation, inflammation, and angiogenesis.¹⁰ Specifically, AMPs have been shown to promote wound healing through immunomodulation and cytokine production.¹³ AMPS are effective against multidrug-resistant organisms in wound infections and may be advantageous during prolonged treatment considering the challenges associated with antibiotic resistance.¹⁴ Only a handful of AMPs have obtained FDA approval for bacterial skin infections or wounds, including gramicidin D, daptomycin, oritavancin, telavancin and dalbavancin.^15,16

Synthetic a-MSH analogs have been evaluated for their ability to enhance melanin synthesis, imparting photoprotection. Pharmacological modifications to tetrapeptides derived from α-MSH have increase their stability and efficacy on melanocyte α-MSH receptors, reducing DNA damage from UV radiation.³ Ongoing research on these oligopeptides may lead to topical agents that replenish or boost melanin density in the skin, potentially reducing the incidence of skin cancer and imparting protection for those with photosensitive disorders.

Conversely, inhibiting melanin synthesis is important for regulating hyperpigmentation disorders. PTPD-12, a synthetic peptide derivative, was found to induce depigmentation via an autophagy pathway when topically applied to human skin explants.¹⁷ Decapeptide-12, a relatively new peptide, has been found to be safer than hydroquinone in reducing melanin content, with efficacy of more than 50% after 16 weeks of twice-daily treatment.¹⁸ Building upon this promising profile, a topical formulation containing decapeptide-12 was evaluated in a randomized, split-face, placebo-controlled study and was found to significantly improve the appearance of recalcitrant melasma.¹⁹

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