Abstract: The present invention provides novel antimicrobial peptides expressed in the primate epididyrnis (hereinafter, “EP2 peptides”) and the nucleic acids encoding therefore. EP2 peptides and the nucleic acids encoding therefore can be administered to an individual having a microbial infection in an amount effective to treat the microbial infection or the endogenous production of EP2 peptides can be upregulated to an amount effective to treat the microbial infection. EP2 peptides are useful as antimicrobial agents in animals, including humans, and as antimicrobial agents in agricultural and industrial applications.