Functional characterization of codCath, the mature cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide from Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua)

► The Atlantic cod mature cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide was characterized. ► It was active against a fungus and Gram-negative but not a Gram-positive bacterium. ► It demonstrated a rapidly lytic mode of action. ► It did not show cytotoxicity toward a fish cell line or mammalian membrane mimetics. ► It had no activity at physiological salinity and was cleaved by bacterial proteases.