Open AccessAntimicrobial peptides of human saliva
Author(s) -
Ivan Dožić,
Tatjana Todorović
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
stomatološki glasnik srbije
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1452-3701
pISSN - 0039-1743
DOI - 10.2298/sgs0504208d
Subject(s) - saliva , lactoferrin , antimicrobial , lysozyme , mucin , antimicrobial peptides , immune system , microbiology and biotechnology , calprotectin , beta defensin , innate immune system , myeloperoxidase , oral cavity , bacteria , biology , chemistry , immunology , biochemistry , medicine , inflammation , dentistry , disease , genetics , pathology , inflammatory bowel disease
Among the many functions of human saliva, its digestive and protective properties have attracted the most interest. Human saliva contains a number of physical, physicochemical and chemical agents that protect oral tissues against by various microorganisms and their metabolic products. Among such protective factors, the flushing effect of saliva flow is the most important one, not only because it so effectively removes exogenous and endogenous microorganisms and their products into the gut but also because a steady supply of saliva guarantees continuous presence of both non-immune and immune factors in the mouth. The most important antimicrobial peptides in saliva are: histatins, defensins, lactoferrin, cathelicidins, mucins, calprotectin, lysozyme, oral peroxidase. Antimicrobial peptides are components of complex host secretions, acting synergisticaly with other innate defence molecules to combat infection and control resident microbial populations throughout the oral cavity