Neutrophil antibacterial peptides, multifunctional effector molecules in the mammalian immune system

The bactericidal machinery of mammalian neutrophils is built up of many components with different chemical properties, involving proteins, peptides and oxygen-dependent radicals. All these components work in synergy, leading to destruction and elimination of ingested microbes. During the eighties, it gradually became clear, that cationic peptides are a part of the oxygen-independent bactericidal effectors in phagocytic cells. In mammals, these antimicrobial peptides are represented by two families, the defensins and the cathelicidins. These potent broad spectra peptides are included as immediate effector molecules in innate immunity. The detailed killing mechanism for these effectors is partly known, but nearly all of them have membrane affinity, and permeate bacterial membranes, resulting in lysis of the bacteria. This peptide–membrane interaction includes also eukaryotic membranes, that implicates cytotoxic effects on host cells. Studies in vitro have established that the microenvironment is critical for their activities. In connection to cystic fibrosis, the effects of microenvironment changes are apparent, causing inactivation of peptide defences and leading to repeated serious bacterial infections. Thus, the importance of the microenvironment is also supported in vivo. Additional functions of these peptides such as chemotactic, mitogenic and stimulatory in the wound healing process suggest further important roles for these peptides.