2016 年 62 巻 4 号 p. 292-294
Our skin forms an effective barrier against pathogens and water loss. This is partly mediated by antimicrobial/host defence peptides (AMPs/HDPs). Among these peptides, human β-defensins and LL-37 are the most widely characterized today. They are not only endogenous antibiotics but also display various immunomodulatory functions, including promoting chemotaxis, stimulating the production of cytokines/chemokines, regulating apoptosis, and inducing angiogenesis. Our aim was to review various activities of AMPs/HDPs in keratinocytes, such as regulation of skin barrier function, acceleration of wound healing, promotion of cell differentiation, and inhibition of itching. Therefore, AMPs/HDPs may serve as novel anti-infective and immunomodulatory agents.
