METHODS FOR INCREASING CATIONIC ANTIMICROBIAL PEPTIDES

摘要

Novel methods for enhancing or inducing the endogenous production of cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAP), preferably defensins, in epithelial cells preferably is provided. The method involves administering to cells either in vitro or in vivo a CAP stimulant. The CAP stimulant comprises the inducer and optionally an aqueous carrier. The inducer is selected from the group consisting of: a bacterial cell wall extract, a purified inducer, a peptidoglycan inducer and mixtures thereof. The bacterial cell wall extract inducer is an extract of a commensal bacteria such as Fusobacterium nucleatum. The CAP stimulant when administered to cells enhances the production of CAPs, particularly defensins. Novel methods of CAP detection are also provided.