MCRAMP, mouse

MCRAMP (mouse) or mouse calethicidin-related antimicrobial peptide, is the sole murine cathelicidin and intestinal homologue of human LL-37. mCRAMP expression in the intestinal tract is restricted to surface epithelial cells in the colon where it exhibits antimicrobial activity against enteric pathogens and it is established as a component of the innate antimicrobial defense in mice. mCRAMP deficiency has been linked to alcoholic liver disease (ALD) in mice and it also produces viral-induced responses in mouse cells. mCRAMP synergises wirh rifamycin for intracellular killing of mycobacteria.