Dermcidine

Dermcidins (DCD) are antimicrobial peptides (AMP) produced in human sweat glands. A derivative that has been studied in atopic eczema is the antimicrobial peptide (AMP) Dermcidin DCD-1L. Dermcidin DCD-1L, which is produced from a precursor by proteolytic cleavage, is distributed on the skin surface with sweat. Dermcidin remains stable on the skin surface and has amphiphilic properties.

Dermcidin DCD-1L acts antimicrobially like a "broad-spectrum antibiotic". The antimicrobial effect against Escherichia coli and staphylococci is well known. Furthermore it has an antifungal effect e.g. against Candida albicans.

The AMP Dermcidin DCD-1L, together with other AMPs, is primarily reduced in patients with atopic eczema . This explains the increased bacterial and viral infection rate of these patients (s.a. psoriasis vulgaris).

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