Antimicrobial peptides from bovine neutrophils

摘要

The present invention provides a new family of cysteine-rich antimicrobial peptides isolated from bovine neutrophils herein named beta defensins. Thirteen structurally homologous peptides were purified to homogeneity from a granule-rich cytoplasmic fraction of purified blood neutrophils. These antimicrobial compounds are useful in human and veterinary medicine, and as agents in agricultural, food science, and industrial applications.