Bats are reservoir hosts for many viruses and a recurring source of viral spillover events. Their unique innate immune system’s anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties likely underpin this. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a key part of antiviral innate immunity, and while some AMPs, such as some alpha- and beta-defensins, have been well characterized in humans as antiviral, little is known about AMPs in bats and their contribution towards antiviral immunity and viral carriage.  In this project we asked if bat AMPs are enhanced in their antiviral capacity. Bat AMP genes were identified from 20 complete bat genomes via the Bat1K consortia and then cross-referenced with genetic positive selection signatures through analysis of 115 mammalian genomes in order to identify AMPs with potentially enhanced antiviral characteristics. Panels of bat and human AMPs were then assayed for antiviral activity against various pseudotypes, and both replication competent influenza A virus and common cold coronavirus 229E. This revealed the augmented antiviral potential of DEFB114 from Molossus molossus, and CAMP from various Rhinolophus species which are more antiviral than their human equivalent and both of which exhibit similar or stronger antiviral capacity to the well characterized human Cathelicidin/LL-37. Currently, AMP structures, protein-ligand docking and their modes of action on virus replication are being investigated. The results from this study may help define bat immune systems in regards their ability to tolerate viral infection and the relative contribution of AMPs towards this. The data may also result in the identification of potential AMP candidates for antiviral therapeutics.