Histatins are salivary proteins that are considered to be major precursors of the protective proteinaceous structure on tooth surfaces (enamel pellicle). In addition, histatins exhibit antibacterial and antifungal activities. His3-(20-43)-peptide (histatin-5) is especially effective against C.albicans and C.neoformans, and inhibits Lys-gingipain and Arg-gingipain (rgpB) from P.gingivalis. In addition, His3-(20-43)-peptide is a potent inhibitor of metalloproteinases MMP2 and MMP9. His3-(20-43)-peptide is a homodimer. Histatin-3 and His3-(20-43)-peptide interact with yeast SSA1 and SSA2 proteins. Secreted by serous acinar and demilune cells. 24 proteolytic products are found in saliva. There are two alleles of HTN3, HIS2(1) (shown here) and HIS2(2) that codes for the variant histatin-3-2 found primarily and in high frequencies in black populations. The recommended nomenclature of salivary peptides follows published guidelines (PubMed:20973643). In agreement with the authors, it has been decided to indicate the boundaries of the peptides according to the positions within the precursor, and not in the mature protein, as has formerly been proposed. Belongs to the histatin/statherin family.