DCD-1L

DCD-1L is a 48-amino acid anionic antimicrobial peptide (AMP) derived from the human protein dermcidin. It is constitutively expressed in eccrine sweat glands and secreted into sweat, where it plays a crucial role in the innate immune defense of human skin against infection. DCD-1L exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against various pathogenic microorganisms, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (e.g., *Staphylococcus aureus*, methicillin-resistant *S. aureus* (MRSA), *Escherichia coli*, *Enterococcus faecalis*, *Acinetobacter baumannii*) and fungi (*Candida albicans*). Its mechanism of action involves interacting with negatively charged bacterial phospholipids, forming oligomeric complexes, and subsequently creating ion channels in the bacterial membrane, leading to membrane depolarization and bacterial cell death. It is being investigated as a potential therapeutic agent for drug-resistant infections and sepsis.

Other names

Dermcidin (63-110)anionic peptide