Antimicrobial peptide microbicides targeting HIV.

Cationic antimicrobial peptides and proteins are among the earliest molecular effectors of the innate arm of immunity in humans and other vertebrates. This review, inspired by recent emphasis on the development of topical preventatives for sexually transmitted infections, describes antimicrobial peptides and proteins in the context of microbicide design and development. Particular emphasis is placed on the defensin family of peptides.