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Antimicrobial and cytolytic peptides of venomous arthropods

Kuhn-Nentwig, L.

In: Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences CMLS, 2003, vol. 60, no. 12, p. 2651-2668

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    Titre
    • Antimicrobial and cytolytic peptides of venomous arthropods
    Auteur
    • Kuhn-Nentwig, L.. Zoological Institute, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 6, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
    Type de document
    • Postprint
    Langue
    • Inglese
    Publié dans
    • Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences CMLS, 2003, vol. 60, no. 12, p. 2651-2668. Birkhäuser-Verlag
    Autre version électronique
    Identifiant OAI-PMH
    • oai:doc.rero.ch:311390
    Summary
    As a response to invading microorganisms, the innate immune system of arthropods has evolved a complex arrangement of constitutive and inducible antimicrobial peptides that immediately destroy a large variety of pathogens. At the same time, venomous arthropods have developed an additional offensive system in their venom glands to subdue their prey items. In this complex venom system, several enzymes, low-molecular-mass compounds, neurotoxins, antimicrobial and cytolytic peptides interact together, resulting in extremely rapid immobilization and/or killing of prey or aggressors. This review provides an overview of antimicrobial peptides identified in the hemolymph of venomous arthropods, and especially of cytolytic peptides in their venom. For these peptides a dual role is proposed: acting as antimicrobials as well as increasing the potency of the venom by influencing excitable cells