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<p>Bacterial enteric pathogens, antimicrobial resistance, and mycotoxin-associated intestinal injury remain important challenges in poultry-associated systems. In this context, <i>Bacillus</i>-derived antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have attracted attention as potential alternatives to conventional antibiotics due to their structural diversity and multifunctional properties. These peptides include ribosomally synthesized bacteriocins and non-ribosomally synthesized lipopeptides, such as surfactin, iturin, and fengycin. Their amphipathic structures enable interaction with microbial membranes, leading to permeabilization and disruption of cellular homeostasis. In addition to direct antimicrobial activity, these AMPs may interfere with biofilm-associated processes, modulate host immune responses, and help protect against toxin-induced epithelial injury. This review summarizes current knowledge on the diversity, structural characteristics, biosynthesis, mechanisms of action, and microbiological relevance of <i>Bacillus</i> AMPs in poultry-associated environments. Emphasis is placed on membrane targeting, biofilm regulation, immunomodulation, and mycotoxin-related gut protection, as well as limitations associated with antimicrobial resistance. Available evidence indicates that these peptides have diverse mechanisms of action; however, their activity is influenced by peptide class, formulation, microbial ecology, and host physiological factors. In addition, the potential for adaptive or genetically encoded resistance should be considered. Key translational challenges include peptide instability, variability in in vivo efficacy, strain-specific differences, safety considerations, and the lack of standardized comparative models. Future progress will depend on improved delivery systems, microbiome-resolved in vivo studies, and the integration of genomic mining, synthetic biology, and computational peptide design. These approaches may support the development of AMPs with improved stability, specificity, and functional performance in poultry-associated microbial systems.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>

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Bacillus-derived antimicrobial peptides as alternatives to antibiotics in poultry: mechanisms, applications, and future prospects— a review

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月23日

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  • Noor Muhammad,
  • Waiza Ansar,
  • Tehmina Bashir,
  • Hubza Ruatt Khan

摘要

Bacterial enteric pathogens, antimicrobial resistance, and mycotoxin-associated intestinal injury remain important challenges in poultry-associated systems. In this context, Bacillus-derived antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have attracted attention as potential alternatives to conventional antibiotics due to their structural diversity and multifunctional properties. These peptides include ribosomally synthesized bacteriocins and non-ribosomally synthesized lipopeptides, such as surfactin, iturin, and fengycin. Their amphipathic structures enable interaction with microbial membranes, leading to permeabilization and disruption of cellular homeostasis. In addition to direct antimicrobial activity, these AMPs may interfere with biofilm-associated processes, modulate host immune responses, and help protect against toxin-induced epithelial injury. This review summarizes current knowledge on the diversity, structural characteristics, biosynthesis, mechanisms of action, and microbiological relevance of Bacillus AMPs in poultry-associated environments. Emphasis is placed on membrane targeting, biofilm regulation, immunomodulation, and mycotoxin-related gut protection, as well as limitations associated with antimicrobial resistance. Available evidence indicates that these peptides have diverse mechanisms of action; however, their activity is influenced by peptide class, formulation, microbial ecology, and host physiological factors. In addition, the potential for adaptive or genetically encoded resistance should be considered. Key translational challenges include peptide instability, variability in in vivo efficacy, strain-specific differences, safety considerations, and the lack of standardized comparative models. Future progress will depend on improved delivery systems, microbiome-resolved in vivo studies, and the integration of genomic mining, synthetic biology, and computational peptide design. These approaches may support the development of AMPs with improved stability, specificity, and functional performance in poultry-associated microbial systems.

Graphical abstract