Bactericidal C-type lectin which acts against several intestinal Gram-positive bacteria and Gram-negative bacteria. Lacks antibacterial activity against S.typhimurium. May play a role in protection against infection with S.enteritidis by inhibiting its translocation from the gut lumen into intestinal tissues and further extraintestinal tissues (By similarity). Found in the apical region of pancreatic acinar cells. Constitutively expressed in intestine. Appears in pancreatic juice after induction of pancreatic inflammation. Secreted also by pituitary cells; the secretion there is stimulated by GH-releasing hormone and inhibited by somatostatin. The EPN motif is essential for recognition of the peptidoglycan carbohydrate backbone and for efficient bacterial killing with Glu-114 playing a key role in peptidoglycan binding and bactericidal activity. Proteolytic processing by trypsin removes an inhibitory N-terminal propeptide and is essential for peptidoglycan binding and antibacterial activity. Overexpressed during the acute phase of pancreatitis. Extended N-terminus.