A structural component of the cornified envelope of the stratum corneum involved in innate cutaneous host defense (Probable). Possesses defensin-like antimicrobial activity against a broad spectrum of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, both aerobic and anaerobic species. Upon inflammation, may regulate skin barrier repair by shaping cutaneous microbiota composition and immune response to bacterial antigens .
Skin-specific. Expression was readily detected in adult trunk skin, adult arm skin, fetal skin, penal skin, vulva, esophagus and tongue. Not expressed in the cervix, rectum, lung, colon, or placenta.