title: Functions of Cationic Host Defense Peptides in Immunity.
abstract: Cationic host defense peptides are a widely distributed family of immunomodulatory molecules with antimicrobial properties. The biological functions of these peptides include the ability to influence innate and adaptive immunity for efficient resolution of infections and simultaneous modulation of inflammatory responses. This unique dual bioactivity of controlling infections and inflammation has gained substantial attention in the last three decades and consequent interest in the development of these peptide mimics as immunomodulatory therapeutic candidates. In this review, we summarize the current literature on the wide range of functions of cationic host defense peptides in the context of the mammalian immune system.
authors.affiliation: Manitoba Centre for Proteomics and Systems Biology, Departments of Internal Medicine and Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E3P4, Canada. Hem.Mahadevappa@umanitoba.ca.
authors.forename: Mahadevappa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hemshekhar
authors.affiliation: Manitoba Centre for Proteomics and Systems Biology, Departments of Internal Medicine and Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E3P4, Canada. Vidyanand.Anaparti@umanitoba.ca.
authors.forename: Vidyanand
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Anaparti
authors.affiliation: Manitoba Centre for Proteomics and Systems Biology, Departments of Internal Medicine and Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E3P4, Canada. neeloffer.mookherjee@umanitoba.ca.
authors.forename: Neeloffer
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Mookherjee
keywords: antimicrobial peptides; cationic host defense peptides; immunomodulation; inflammation