背景资料：This gene encodes an elastase-specific inhibitor that functions as an antimicrobial peptide against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and fungal pathogens. The protein contains a WAP-type four-disulfide core (WFDC) domain, and is thus a member of the WFDC domain family. Most WFDC gene members are localized to chromosome 20q12-q13 in two clusters: centromeric and telomeric. This gene belongs to the centromeric cluster. Expression of this gene is upgulated by bacterial lipopolysaccharides and cytokines.