Antimicrobial peptide and their role in sperm cryopreservation

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are host defense peptides having antimicrobial properties that have been used as an additive in semen diluent of various mammalian species for enhancement of semen quality and prevention of bacterial load. The continuous use of antibiotics reduced the efficacy in checking of bacterial growth as well as semen quality. This review aims to provide an overview of the AMPs used as semen additives in different mammalian species as an alternative to antibiotics. We have discussed systematic development study on AMPs, their structure, classification, mechanism of action, application, future prospective, and challenges in this review. We have also reviewed our research on the use of different AMP as an additive for enhancement of post-thaw fertility of goat semen. Particular focus has been given on AMPs as a potential substitute strategy to deal with bacterial strains that are resistant to antibiotics. Synthetic AMPs may be designed to increase antimicrobial activity against microbes, particularly those resistant to antibiotics. AMPs also aid in the protection of the host by modifying host cellular immunity and improving post-thaw sperm fertility. Due to the growing issue of antibiotic resistance, the development of AMPs has sparked attention as a future-oriented anti-infective and antimicrobial agent to improve cryo-survivability and sperm fertility.