Found in sweat, has an antimicrobial activity during early bacterial colonization (PubMed:11694882, PubMed:23426625). The secreted peptide assembles into homohexameric complexes that can associate with and also insert into pathogen membranes (PubMed:23426625). Once inserted in bacteria membranes forms anion channels probably altering the transmembrane potential essential for bacterial survival (PubMed:23426625). Highly effective against E.coli, E.faecalis, S.aureus and C.albicans (PubMed:11694882). Optimal pH and salt concentration resemble the conditions in sweat (PubMed:11694882). Also exhibits proteolytic activity, cleaving on the C-terminal side of Arg and, to a lesser extent, Lys residues (PubMed:17448443). Promotes survival of neurons and displays phosphatase activity (PubMed:9736629). It may bind IgG (PubMed:9736629). Homohexamer. The secreted peptide assembles into homohexameric complexes that can probably associate with pathogen membranes and also insert into these membranes where they behave as channels. Specifically and constitutively expressed in eccrine sweat gland cells (at protein level). Secreted into the sweat at a concentration of 1-10 micrograms/ml. May be produced at very low levels due to a premature stop codon in the mRNA, leading to nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. Smart sweat - Issue 18 of January 2002