The vertebrate lysozyme family is composed of lysozyme c, lactalbumin and calcium-binding lysozyme. The classical lysozyme c has been extensively studied []. From human testis cDNA libraries, a group of lysozyme c-like sequences is identified [, ]. The function of this group of lysozyme c-like proteins is not clear. Some of them (LYZL2, SLLP1/SPACA3/LYXL3, LYZL4 and LYZL6) are expressed in the male reproductive tract [, ]and may be involved in fertilisation.LYZL6 exhibits antibacterial activity and may contribute to the innate immunity of the male genital tract [].
