Lysozymes have primarily a bacteriolytic function; those in tissues and body fluids are associated with the monocyte-macrophage system and enhance the activity of immunoagents. Hydrolysis of (1->4)-beta-linkages between N-acetylmuramic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine residues in a peptidoglycan and between N-acetyl-D-glucosamine residues in chitodextrins. Expressed in salivary glands and Malpighian tubules. Expressed at all developmental stages, highest expression is in the adult. By bacterial infection, expression significantly increases 6-12 hours post challenge with bacteria. Belongs to the glycosyl hydrolase 22 family.