[The antimicrobial proteins and peptides of neutrophilic leukocytes]

Findings suggesting a vast variety of non-enzymic cationic proteins and peptides in human and animal leucocytes are reported. These cationic proteins and peptides demonstrate their antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties due to their detergent characteristics and their capacity to change the permeability of cellular wall and membrane by electrostatic interactions. Information on their homology with some serine proteases is presented.