Background information
Cathelicidins are a family of antimicrobial proteins found in the peroxidase-negative granules of neutrophils. Along with the family of proteins known as defensins, cathelicidins participate in the first line of defense by preventing local infection and systemic invasion of microbes. FALL-39 precursor (FALL-39 peptide antibiotic, cationic anti-microbial protein, CAMP, CAP-18, HSD26) is a cathelicidin anti-microbial protein that contains the antibacterial peptide LL-37 (amino acids 134-170). In contrast to the defensins, which are cysteine-rich peptides that fold in ∫-pleated sheets, LL-37 is a cysteine-free peptide that can adopt an amphipathic å-helical conformation. LL-37 binds to bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and is a potent chemotactic factor for recruiting mast cells to sites of inflammation. LL-37 is present in inflammatory skin diseases that include psoriasis, sub-acute lupus erthematosus, dermatitis and nickel contact hypersensitivity. It is not found in normal skin epidermis. The secreted protein is expressed primarily in bone marrow, testis and neutrophils. The mouse and rat ortholog, CRAMP (cathelin-related antimicrobial peptide), is also part of the cathelicidin family of host defense peptides. These include precursors of potent antimicrobial peptides that direct antimicrobial activity against various microbial pathogens and also activate mesenchymal cells during wound repair. CRAMP is expressed in testis, spleen, stomach and intestine.
