Peptide-membrane interactions
Peptide-membrane interactions are at the heart of a number of important biological
processes. For example, antimicrobial peptides are a family of peptides with a particular
propensity to recognize and disintegrate bacterial pathogens. A number of these
peptides have been identified as key components of the natural immune defence system
[7]. A related family of peptides is the so-called cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs)
capable of efficient translocation through the cell membrane, either by themselves or
together with a molecular cargo [8]. These peptides are being explored as potential
programmable drug delivery vectors. As a part of larger proteins, ion-conducting
channel peptides form well-organized transmembrane bundles capable of selective
transport of ions. Other peptides are believed to play a key role in mediation of various