Antimicrobial peptides in frog poisons constitute a molecular toxin delivery system against predators. IF 12.353 Vrije Universiteit Brussel Universiteit Gent
Animals using toxic peptides and proteins for predation or defense typically depend on specialized morphological structures, like fangs, spines, or a stinger, for effective intoxication. Here we show that amphibian poisons instead incorporate their own molecular system for toxin delivery to attacking predators. Skin-secreted peptides, generally considered part of the amphibian immune system, permeabilize oral epithelial tissue and enable fast ...