6.1. α-MSH
α-MSH and its derived peptides have been extensively studied for over 30
years due to their potential anti-inflammatory properties in various
microbial infections, including fungal, bacterial, and viral infections
(Cutuli et al., 2000; Catania et al., 1998a; Catania et al., 2000).
These peptides are part of the melanocortin system, which includes
adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), α-, β-, and γ-melanocyte-stimulating
hormones (α-, β-, γ-MSHs) (Dinparastisaleh et al., 2021). Despite the
presumed potential of α-MSH, only a few studies have explored the role
of this molecule during infections. There are different melanocortin
receptors (MC1R-MC5R), and most of the anti-inflammatory or
pro-resolving effects are attributed to MC1R or MC3R.