Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides

Small cationic peptides that are an important component, in most species, of early innate and induced defenses against invading microbes. In animals they are found on mucosal surfaces, within phagocytic granules, and on the surface of the body. They are also found in insects and plants. Among others, this group includes the DEFENSINS, protegrins, tachyplesins, and thionins. They displace DIVALENT CATIONS from phosphate groups of MEMBRANE LIPIDS leading to disruption of the membrane.

Also Known As:

Amphipathic Cationic Antimicrobial Peptides; Host Defense Peptides; Antimicrobial Peptide, Cationic; Antimicrobial Peptides, Cationic; Cationic Peptides, Antimicrobial; Cationic Proteins, Microbicidal; Defense Peptide, Host; Defense Peptides, Host; Peptide, Cationic Antimicrobial; Peptide, Host Defense; Peptides, Antimicrobial Cationic; Peptides, Cationic Antimicrobial; Peptides, Host Defense; Proteins, Microbicidal Cationic; Cationic Antimicrobial Peptide; Cationic Antimicrobial Peptides; Cationic Host Defense Peptides; Host Defense Peptide; Microbicidal Cationic Proteins

Pharmalogical Action Categories:

Anti-Infective Agents

Amino Acids, Peptides, and Proteins: 1
- Proteins: 484843
  - Membrane Proteins: 10078
    - Pore Forming Cytotoxic Proteins
      - Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides: 414
- Peptides: 82426
  - Antimicrobial Peptides: 3727
    - Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides: 414
  - Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides: 414

Ceratophrys calcarata ceratoxin

Bio-Agent Context: Research Results