Antimicrobial peptides in cervical carcinogenesis: Dual roles in tumor progression and emerging therapeutic strategies

Despite advances in screening and prevention, cervical cancer remains a frequent cause of cancer-related mortality in women, with current treatments often compromising the patients’ quality of life. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as promising anticancer agents due to their pleiotropic properties. In the context of cancer development, AMPs are frequently compared to a ”double-edged sword”, as they can display either anti- or protumorigenic effects. This review explores the biological effects of antimicrobial peptides, both endogenously produced as well as those with non-human source and synthetic ones, for cervical cancer development. The interplay between AMPs, vaginal microbiota, and cervical cancer development is discussed. Finally, we summarize the recent achievements, current challenges and future directions of AMP-based therapies against cervical cancer. While AMPs, both endogenous or synthetically modified, offer significant therapeutic potential, further research is needed to address their end-effect, optimize delivery systems, and validate efficacy, both in vivo and in the clinical setting. • AMPs act as a double-sword, contributing to both cancer promotion and inhibition. • Vaginal microbiota cooperates with AMPs to combat both infection and inflammation. • Both synthetic and natural AMPs demonstrate activity against cervical cancer. • AMPs may become useful in cervical cancer treatments, such as combination therapy.