Sustained Secretion of the Antimicrobial Peptide S100A7 Is Dependent on the Downregulation of Caspase-8.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are the body's natural innate immune defense against a spectrum of pathogens and can also modulate cell proliferation, chemotaxis, angiogenesis, wound healing, and immune cell activity. Harnessing these diverse functions for prophylactic use is contingent upon understanding the regulatory mechanisms governing their unconventional secretion from cells. Analysis of the secretion of S100A7 (Psoriasin), an abundant AMP stored in differentiated keratinocytes of the skin, has revealed an unexpected biphasic secretory response to bacterial exposure.

Niacinamide leave-on formulation provides long-lasting protection against bacteria in vivo.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) form a part of the skin's innate immune system. Their primary activity is to provide antimicrobial benefits and hence protect from infections. AMPs that are present on human skin include psoriasin (S100A7), RNase 7, lysozyme, LL-37 and defensins.