Lingual antimicrobial peptide

Lingual antimicrobial peptide describes a peptide that has been found in mammalian internal epithelial tissue, in particular, that of the digestive tract. It has antimicrobial activity against many different pathogens. It was first isolated from inflamed cattle tongue, hence its designation as lingual; since then it has been found more extensively throughout the body; its presence has even been detected in bovine milk. It belongs to the family of beta-defensins and has the amino acid sequence QGVRNSQSCRRNKGICVPIRCPGSMRQIGTCLGAQVKCCRRK. Its expression is selective and increases in inflamed areas. LAP may have a closer relationship with immune response than simple antimicrobial activity, such as an association with growth factor activity.