DCD

[DCD-1]: Found in sweat, has an antimicrobial activity during early bacterial colonization. The secreted peptide assembles into homohexameric complexes that can associate with and also insert into pathogen membranes. Once inserted in bacteria membranes forms anion channels probably altering the transmembrane potential essential for bacterial survival. Highly effective against E.coli, E.faecalis, S.aureus and C.albicans. Optimal pH and salt concentration resemble the conditions in sweat. Also exhibits proteolytic activity, cleaving on the C-terminal side of Arg and, to a lesser extent, Lys residues..

Function from UniProtKB (P81605), read 2026-09-23. CC BY 4.0.