Antifungal proteins: More than antimicrobials?

► Mammals, insects, plants and fungi produce various antimicrobial proteins (AMPs). ► This review focuses on small, cysteine-rich antifungal proteins. ► Their antifungal spectrum, structure and mode of action are described. ► Additional biological functions based on their signalling activity are highlighted. ► The multitude of functions endows AMPs with great medical/biotechnological potential.