Evaluation of the membrane lipid selectivity of the pea defensin Psd1

► Psd1 shows lipid selectivity toward membranes containing ergosterol (as fungal membranes). ► Psd1 mutants His36Lys and Gly12Glu present reduced membrane binding relative to wild type. ► Psd1 does not interact with cholesterol-rich membranes, limiting side-effects on mammalian cells. ► Psd1 lipid selectivity confers it a high potential to be applied as antimycotic agent.