Pattern receptor that binds to murein peptidoglycans (PGN) of Gram-positive bacteria. Has bactericidal activity towards Gram-positive bacteria. May kill Gram-positive bacteria by interfering with peptidoglycan biosynthesis. Binds also to Gram-negative bacteria, and has bacteriostatic activity towards Gram-negative bacteria. Plays a role in innate immunity.
Subcellular locations: Secreted
Detected in skin epidermis, eccrine sweat glands and ducts, ciliary body epithelial cells of the eye, in small intestine, colon, stomach and in mature epithelial cells of the tongue (at protein level). Highly expressed in skin and esophagus, expressed also in tonsils and thymus and to a much lesser extent in the stomach, descending colon, rectum and brain.