Antimicrobial peptides

Antimicrobial peptides are cationic chemicals released by surface epithelia which inhibit the growth of bacteria, usually by disrupting the cell membrane. Some are made in the intestinal tract, in Paneth Cells such as cryptidins and alpha defensins.  They can also aid phagocytosis as they can attach to the surface of some bacteria .

Antimicrobial Peptides can destroy the membranes of Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi and Parasites.