Cathelicidins, a group of cationic peptides found in leukocytes and epithelial cells, play a
central role in the early innate immune defense against infection. Although these host
defense peptides have been reported in several mammalian species, including primates, no
cathelicidins have been identified in carnivores. Here we report the cloning, tissue
expression and biological activity of a novel canine cathelicidin (K9CATH). The full-length
cDNA sequence of K9CATH encodes a predicted 172 amino acid pre-propeptide that is 60 …