Alarmine

Alarmins is a synonymous term for so-called antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). They are a heterogeneous group of naturally occurring, small, cationic amphiphilic peptides, consisting of 6-50 amino acids, with broad microbicidal activity, known as "endogenous antibiotics". Alarmins (antimicrobial peptides) form the host's first line of defense against infections in vertebrates. They are mainly produced by keratinocytes in the skin. Alarmins are part of the innate immune system and have other functions in addition to their direct antimicrobial function, for example as inflammatory mediators. For further information, see antimicrobial peptides below.