MeSH definition : Proteins secreted from an organism which form membrane-spanning pores in target cells
to destroy them. This is in contrast to PORINS and MEMBRANE TRANSPORT PROTEINS that
function within the synthesizing organism and COMPLEMENT immune proteins. These pore
forming cytotoxic proteins are a form of primitive cellular defense which are also
found in human LYMPHOCYTES.;
Related MeSH term : Antimicrobial Peptide; Peptide, Antimicrobial;
Proteins secreted from an organism which form membrane-spanning pores in target cells
to destroy them. This is in contrast to PORINS and MEMBRANE TRANSPORT PROTEINS that
function within the synthesizing organism and COMPLEMENT immune proteins. These pore
forming cytotoxic proteins are a form of primitive cellular defense which are also
found in human LYMPHOCYTES.