Abstract: Objective To investigate the role and mechanism of defensin from human neutrophilic granulocytes against some Candida spp. Methods Human neutrophil peptide(HNP) were isolated and purified by using gel filtration chromatography. The antifungal activity of HNP against Candida albicans M1012R, NIH A-207, Candida tropicalis, Candida kefyr, and Candida guilliermondii was tested. The above fungi were observed under electron microscope after exposing to HNP. Results HNP was succesfully isolated and purified by Sephadex G₁00 and Bio-gel P10 gel filtration chromatography, and concentration-dependent candidcidal activity to Candida albicans M1012R, NIH A-207, Candida kefyr, Candida tropicalis, and Candida guilliermondii of HNP was demonstreated in vitro. After exposing to HNP the Candida spp. were examined by electron microscope, profound cell wall changes such as cell surface collapse and perforation were noted,the separation of cell membrane from cell wall and formation of vacuole were also observed. Conclusion Human neutrophil peptide exerted potent antifungal activity against some Candida spp.

Key words: Human neutrophil peptide, Candida, Activity, antifungal