Dictionary of Cancer Terms
View in Spanish: Protegrina
Protegrin (proh-TEH-grin)
One of a family of small proteins found in white blood cells in pigs. Protegrins kill certain bacteria, fungi, and viruses by making holes in their outer membranes and causing them to burst. A protegrin is a type of antimicrobial peptide.
Source: National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms, available at www.cancer.gov/dictionary.