Host defense peptide that exhibits antimicrobial activity against both Gram-negative bacteria, such as E.coli and S.typhimurium, and Gram-positive bacteria, such as S.aureus and B.subtilis (, ). Inhibits cell adhesion of E.coli on intestinal epithelial enterocytes . Causes rapid permeabilization of both the outer and inner membrane of E.coli, leading to morphological alterations on the bacterial surface . Binds to bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) with high affinity, and may thereby be involved in immunoregulation through LPS neutralization . May contribute to epididymal innate immunity and protect the sperm against attack by microorganisms .
Subcellular locations: Secreted
High-level and epididymis-specific expression . Most abundant in the epithelium of the caput and present in the epididymis lumen and bound to sperm . Also expressed in pancreas .