TY - JOUR T1 - Avian Cationic Antimicrobial Peptides in Health and Disease: A Mini Review AU - , Omar Bennoune AU - , Mohamed Melizi AU - , Kamel Khazal AU - , Romyla Bourouba JO - Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances VL - 8 IS - 4 SP - 755 EP - 759 PY - 2009 DA - 2001/08/19 SN - 1680-5593 DO - javaa.2009.755.759 UR - https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?doi=javaa.2009.755.759 KW - Cationic peptides KW -avian KW -antimicrobial activity KW -heterophils KW -avian β-defensins AB - The cationic antimicrobial peptides, including avian β-defensins called gallinacins in chickens, are endogenous natural antibiotics and constitute bioactive molecules of innate immune system. Marked by their broad spectrum antimicrobial activity and lack of antibioresistance, these antimicrobial peptides act promptly and form the first line of host defense against bacteria, fungi and enveloped viruses. They have been isolated from different species and constitute the most active molecules of the non-oxidative killing mechanism in chicken heterophils and expressed in the chicken reproductive system, tongue and bursa of fabricius and they constitute the backbone for new class of antibiotics and alternatives of feed additives. Their expression shows variability in health and disease and their low level is incriminated in some genetic disorders. ER -