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.