The article discusses the role of cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in animal defenses, highlighting their importance as a component of the innate immune system. AMPs are gene-encoded peptides with positive charges, found in various species, including plants, insects, and animals. They have broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi, parasites, and even enveloped viruses. AMPs are constitutively expressed or induced by bacteria or their products and exhibit rapid killing, synergy with antibiotics, and resistance to developing resistant mutants. They prevent cytokine induction by bacterial products and block the onset of sepsis in animal models. The peptides interact with bacterial cell envelopes, disrupting outer membranes and inserting into cytoplasmic membranes, leading to cell death. They also inhibit the binding of LPS to LBP, reducing cytokine production by macrophages. AMPs have potential as therapeutics against antibiotic-resistant infections, showing promise in clinical trials for treating oral mucositis and preventing catheter infections. However, challenges remain, including production costs, toxicity, and protease susceptibility. The article emphasizes the need for further research to develop effective AMP-based treatments.The article discusses the role of cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in animal defenses, highlighting their importance as a component of the innate immune system. AMPs are gene-encoded peptides with positive charges, found in various species, including plants, insects, and animals. They have broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi, parasites, and even enveloped viruses. AMPs are constitutively expressed or induced by bacteria or their products and exhibit rapid killing, synergy with antibiotics, and resistance to developing resistant mutants. They prevent cytokine induction by bacterial products and block the onset of sepsis in animal models. The peptides interact with bacterial cell envelopes, disrupting outer membranes and inserting into cytoplasmic membranes, leading to cell death. They also inhibit the binding of LPS to LBP, reducing cytokine production by macrophages. AMPs have potential as therapeutics against antibiotic-resistant infections, showing promise in clinical trials for treating oral mucositis and preventing catheter infections. However, challenges remain, including production costs, toxicity, and protease susceptibility. The article emphasizes the need for further research to develop effective AMP-based treatments.