Lingual antimicrobial peptide (LAP) is a beta-defensin found in bovine internal epithelial tissue, in particular, that of the digestive tract.[1] It has antimicrobial activity against many different pathogens. It was first isolated from an inflamed cattle tongue, hence its designation as lingual.[2] Since then it has been found more extensively throughout the body;[3] its presence has even been detected in bovine milk.[4] Its expression is selective and increases in inflamed areas. LAP may have a closer relationship with immune response than simple antimicrobial activity, such as an association with growth factor activity.[5]
