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Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Creating and Applying a Reference to Facilitate the Discussion and Classification of Proteins in a Diverse Group
Published on: August 16, 2017
Unifying themes in host defence effector polypeptides
Michael R Yeaman1, Nannette Y Yount
1Division of Infectious Diseases, LAC-Harbour UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California 90509, USA. RYeaman@ucla.edu
Abstract:
It is said that nature is the greatest innovator, yet molecular conservation can be equally powerful. One key requirement for the survival of any host is its ability to defend against infection, predation and competition. Recent discoveries, including the presence of a multidimensional structural signature, have revealed a previously unforeseen structural and functional congruence among host defence effector molecules spanning all kingdoms of life. Antimicrobial peptides, kinocidins, polypeptide venoms and other molecules that were once thought to be distinct in form and function now appear to be members of an ancient family of host defence effectors. These molecules probably descended from archetype predecessors that emerged during the beginning of life on earth. Understanding how nature has sustained these host defence molecules with a potent efficacy in the face of dynamic microbial evolution should provide new opportunities to prevent or treat life-threatening infections.
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