Defensins also participate in the local immune response to regulate the risk of spontaneous preterm birth. In the MRT, a high expression level of β-defensins is also found. It is mainly highly expressed in the epididymal caput and corpus, indicating that defensins play an important role in sperm maturation.May 7, 2020 · Defensins are a major family of host defense peptides expressed predominantly in neutrophils and epithelial cells. Their broad antimicrobial activities and multifaceted immunomodulatory functions have been extensively studied, cementing their role in innate immunity as a core host-protective component against bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Stability of DEFA5 in Gastrointestinal Conditions. Secreted by Paneth cells in the small intestine as antibacterial peptides in the lumen of intestinal track, alpha-defensins are reported to be persisting throughout the intestinal tract, suggesting that the peptides may mediate enteric innate immunity in the colonic lumen (Darmoul and Ouellette, 1996; …Defensins are a family of small, variably cationic proteins which are highly abundant in the granules of mammalian phagocytes. Three defensins, HNP-1, 2, and 3, comprise 30 …In the small intestine α-defensins (or cryptdins) and additional antimicrobial proteins 22,23,24 are abundant constituents of Paneth cell secretory granules 25,26,27,28,29.A number of antimicrobial peptides such as defensins have multiple functions in host defence. Defensins are produced not only by phagocytic cells and ...Jun 6, 2023 · Background The body and head lice of humans are conspecific, but only the body louse functions as a vector to transmit bacterial pathogens such as Bartonella quintana. Both louse subspecies have only two antimicrobial peptides, defensin 1 and defensin 2. Consequently, any differences in the molecular and functional properties of these two louse subspecies may be responsible for the ... Defensins combat pathogenic bacteria invading the mammalian intestine. Salzman and co-workers find that defensins influence the composition of the small intestinal commensal microbiota and the ...Plant Defensins Play Roles in Protection of Seeds and Various Organs. Most plant defensins isolated to date are seed-derived and have been characterized at the molecular, biochemical and structural levels. 2, 10, 14, 17 – 19 In radish, defensin protein (Rs-AFPs) represents 0.5% of the total protein in seeds. During seed germination, the …In the small intestine α-defensins (or cryptdins) and additional antimicrobial proteins 22,23,24 are abundant constituents of Paneth cell secretory granules 25,26,27,28,29.Plant defensins are small cysteine-rich antimicrobial proteins. Their three-dimensional structures are similar in that they consist of an α-helix and three anti-parallel β-strands stabilized by four disulfide bonds. Plant defensins MsDef1 and MtDef4 are potent inhibitors of the growth of several filamentous fungi including Fusarium graminearum.Paneth cells are a secretory epithelial lineage that release dense core granules rich in host defense peptides and proteins.Jun 20, 2022 · A putative defensin peptide, Scorpions-Ticks Defensins Ancestor (STiDA), was acquired by reconstructing the ancestral amino acid sequence of chelicerate defensins around 444 million years ago, was also functional against P. falciparum, which inferred that antiplasmodial capacity of tick defensins had a conserved and ancient characteristic . noun. de· fen· sin di-ˈfen (t)-sən. : any of a class of peptides that are found in neutrophils and have antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties.Defensin function extends beyond direct antimicrobial activity, affecting viral pathogenesis and the elaboration of an immune response to viral infection ...Background β-defensins and cathelicidins are two families of cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with a broad range of antimicrobial activities that are key components of the innate immune system. Due to their important roles in host defense against rapidly evolving pathogens, the two gene families provide an ideal system for …Defensin: a multifunctional molecule lives up to its versatile name ... Human neutrophil proteins 1, 2 and 3 (HNP1–3) were originally identified as endogenous ...Scientific research shows that Defensins can reprogram dormant cells in our body to promote newer-, healthier- and truly youthful-looking new skin. Defensin molecules visibly rejuvenate the skin in a short period of time, resulting in a brighter-looking skin tone, an improvement in the appearance of dark spots, pores, fine lines and wrinkles ...In this review, we focus on a subset of these remarkable host-defense factors – enteric α-defensins, select lectins, mucins, and secretory immunoglobulin A – that have the capacity to bind microbes and thereby contribute to barrier function in the human gut.Plant Defensins Play Roles in Protection of Seeds and Various Organs. Most plant defensins isolated to date are seed-derived and have been characterized at the molecular, biochemical and structural levels. 2, 10, 14, 17 – 19 In radish, defensin protein (Rs-AFPs) represents 0.5% of the total protein in seeds. During seed germination, the …Jan 25, 2019 · Introduction. Defensins are small cationic peptides, present in a wide range of species across the animal and plant kingdoms. Characterized by a conserved six cysteine signature, three sub-classes of defensins have been identified as α, β, and θ (). α-defensins arose from β-defensins in some mammals and the bridging pattern between the three pairs of intramolecular disulphide bonds made ... birds (e.g. avian defensins) and mammals (e.g. cathelicidins, alpha- and beta-defensins, regIII peptides) Research has increased in recent years to develop artificially-engineered mimics of antimicrobial peptides such as SNAPPs, in part due to the prohibitive cost of producing naturally-derived AMPs.Mar 21, 2012 · In mammals, the evolution of β-defensins has been complex with both rapid positive and negative selective pressure acting on the gene family [7,8,9].The positive selection may be driven by exposure to particular pathogens, and indeed β-defensins demonstrate different profiles of antimicrobial activity and tissue distribution (reviewed by [2,10]) suggesting that the molecular diversity and ... A number of antimicrobial peptides such as defensins have multiple functions in host defence. Defensins are produced not only by phagocytic cells and ...Plant defensins are small, basic peptides that have a characteristic three-dimensional folding pattern that is stabilized by eight disulfide-linked cysteines. They are termed plant defensins because they are structurally related to defensins found in other types of organism, including humans. To dat …Defensins are a major family of host defense peptides expressed predominantly in neutrophils and epithelial cells. Their broad antimicrobial activities and …In the small intestine α-defensins (or cryptdins) and additional antimicrobial proteins 22,23,24 are abundant constituents of Paneth cell secretory granules 25,26,27,28,29.α- and β-defensins modify cell migration and maturation, induce cytokines and trigger histamin and prostaglandin D2 release from mast cells. There are six α- ...Beta defensins are a family of vertebrate defensins. The beta defensins are antimicrobial peptides implicated in the resistance of epithelial surfaces to microbial colonization. Defensins are 2-6 kDa, cationic, microbicidal peptides active against many Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses, [1] containing three ... Human defensins are cationic peptides with β-pleated sheet structures that are stabilized by three intramolecular disulfide bonds between cysteine residues [5,6,7]. These defensins are classified into the α-, β- and θ-defensins based on the disulfide links between conserved cysteine residues and their structure [5,6,7].α, β, and θ defensins are effectors of the innate immune system with potent antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activity. Defensins have direct antiviral activity in cell culture, with varied mechanisms for individual viruses, although some common themes have emerged. In addition, defensins have potent immunomodulatory activity that can alter innate and adaptive immune responses to ... This inhibitory property of platelets is due to β-defensin 1, a small antimicrobial protein that kills bacteria. β-defensin 1 also induces white blood cells to ...Plant defensins (PDFs) are cysteine-rich peptides that have a range of biological functions, including defence against fungal pathogens. However, little is known about their role in defence ...Defensins are a family of cationic antimicrobial peptides active against a broad range of infectious microbes including bacteria, viruses and fungi, playing important roles as innate effectors and immune modulators in immunological control of microbial infection. Their antibacterial properties and unique mechanisms of action have garnered ... Results: The alpha-defensin test for PJI was positive in the setting of a wide spectrum of organisms typically causing PJI. The median alpha-defensin level for all 244 alpha-defensin-positive, culture-positive samples (4.7 [interquartile range {IQR}, 3.7-5.3]) was higher than negative controls (0.26 [IQR, 0.22-0.33]) with a median difference of ...Defensins could be used as biomarkers in the early diagnosis of inflammatory diseases and cancer. Defensins also have cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. For example, HNP-1 presents toxicity against OSCC cells at 100 μg/mL. Their cytotoxic properties could be attributed to DNA damage and inhibition of the neovascularisation of …Plant defensins belong to a large and diverse evolutionary group of proteins called the cis-defensin superfamily. This superfamily was identified using structural similarity and topology to detect remote evolutionary homology [12].The structures of cis-defensins vary, but are all built around a conserved core scaffold (Fig. 1).The structure is referred to …The defensins consist of two superfamilies, each derived from an independent evolutionary origin, which have subsequently undergone extensive divergent evolution in their sequence, structure and function. Referred to as the cis- and trans-defensin superfamilies, they are classified based on their secondary structure orientation, cysteine motifs ... Beta defensin 1. Beta-defensin 1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the DEFB1 gene. [3] [4] Defensins form a family of microbicidal and cytotoxic peptides made by neutrophils. Members of the defensin family are highly similar in protein sequence. This gene encodes defensin, beta 1, an antimicrobial peptide implicated in the resistance of ... Porcine beta-defensin 2 (PBD-2) which is a member of the family of antimicrobial peptides, is widely expressed in pig organs with a broad spectrum of bactericidal activities confirmed in vitro.We previously demonstrated that transgenic (TG) pigs overexpressing PBD-2 could resist the infection by the porcine pathogen …Human defensins are cationic peptides with β-pleated sheet structures that are stabilized by three intramolecular disulfide bonds between cysteine residues [5,6,7]. These defensins are classified into the α-, β- and θ-defensins based on the disulfide links between conserved cysteine residues and their structure [5,6,7].Defensins have direct antimicrobial effects and kill a wide range of Gram-positive and negative bacteria, fungi and some viruses. The primary antimicrobial action of defensins is permeabilization of microbial target membranes but several additional mechanisms have been suggested (Brogden 2005, Wilmes et al. 2011).Major antiviral mechanisms of defensins. Defensins inhibit many steps in enveloped and non-enveloped viral infections. Mechanistic information is available for …Defensins, as part of the PR protein family, not only have antimicrobial activity in vitro, but also play an important role in plant disease resistance. To explore the molecular function of defensin in spruce, a defensin gene PaDef was isolated and characterized from Picea asperata. The full-length cDNA sequence of the PaDef was 264 …Defensins have been long recognized as natural antimicrobial peptides, but they also possess diverse and versatile immune functions. Defensins can both induce …α, β, and θ defensins are effectors of the innate immune system with potent antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activity. Defensins have direct antiviral activity in cell culture, with varied mechanisms for individual viruses, although some common themes have emerged. In addition, defensins have potent immunomodulatory activity that can alter innate and adaptive immune responses to ... The defensin family comprises three subfamilies (α, β and θ defensins) and is one of the groups of antimicrobial peptides involved in the innate immune response. Human α-defensins are stored in granules of PMN (HNP 1–4) or epithelial granulocytes of the gut (HD-5, HD-6). They differ from β-defensins for the different position of the ...Defensins mainly act by removing the pathogens through membrane depolarisation, opsonisation of immune cells, cytokines stimulations, and inhibiting …Their expression in airway epithelia may be constitutive or inducible by bacterial products or pro-inflammatory cytokines. β-defensins also act as chemokines ...Oct 15, 1999 · In vitro, defensins (at micromolar concentrations) have a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, and even some enveloped viruses. In mammals and birds, defensins are among the most abundant polypeptides secreted by phagocytic white cells involved in host defense against bacteria and fungi ( 7 ). Plant defensins are a prominent family of cationic peptides in the plant kingdom. They are structurally and functionally related to defensins that have been previously characterized in mammals and insects. They present molecular masses between 5 and 7kDa and possess a pattern of eight conserved Cys …Defensins are a major family of host defense peptides expressed predominantly in neutrophils and epithelial cells. Their broad antimicrobial activities and …Beta defensin 1. Beta-defensin 1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the DEFB1 gene. [3] [4] Defensins form a family of microbicidal and cytotoxic peptides made by neutrophils. Members of the defensin family are highly similar in protein sequence. This gene encodes defensin, beta 1, an antimicrobial peptide implicated in the resistance of ...noun. de· fen· sin di-ˈfen (t)-sən. : any of a class of peptides that are found in neutrophils and have antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties.Defensins have direct antimicrobial effects and kill a wide range of Gram-positive and negative bacteria, fungi and some viruses. The primary antimicrobial action of defensins is permeabilization of microbial target membranes but several additional mechanisms have been suggested (Brogden 2005, Wilmes et al. 2011).α, β, and θ defensins are effectors of the innate immune system with potent antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activity. Defensins have direct antiviral activity in cell culture, with varied mechanisms for individual viruses, although some common themes have emerged. In addition, defensins have potent immunomodulatory activity that can alter innate and adaptive immune responses to ... Defensins have direct antiviral activity in cell culture, with varied mechanisms for individual viruses, although some common themes have emerged. In addition, defensins have …Wikidata. View/Edit Human. Beta-defensin 2 (BD-2) also known as skin-antimicrobial peptide 1 (SAP1) is a peptide that in humans is encoded by the DEFB4 (defensin, beta 4) gene. [3] Human beta-defensin-2 (hBD-2) is a cysteine-rich cationic low molecular weight antimicrobial peptide recently discovered in lesional skin.Human α-defensins are arginine-rich peptides, containing 29–35 amino acids [ 25, 26 ]. Their three disulfide bridges connect cysteines 1–6, 2–4 and 3–5 [ 25, 26 ]. Human α-defensins are synthesized as 93–100 amino acid prepropeptides with a 19-amino acid signal peptide and a 41–51 amino acid anionic pro segment [ 12 ].Jul 8, 2020 ... The video briefly desribes Defensins or Plant Defense Proteins.Defensins are a major family of host defense peptides expressed predominantly in neutrophils and epithelial cells. Their broad antimicrobial activities and …Human β-defensins are a family of genes predominantly secreted from leukocytes and epithelial tissues. β-Defensins are small proteins (15–20 residues) that function in antimicrobial defense by penetrating a microbe’s cell membrane and cause microbial death in a manner similar to that of antibiotics. In the presence of interleukin 1-alpha ... Plant defensins (formerly gamma-thionins) are a family of primitive, highly stable, cysteine -rich defensins found in plants that function to defend them against pathogens and parasites. [1] Defensins are integral components of the innate immune system and belong to the ancient superfamily of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Defensins are antimicrobial peptides produced at a variety of epithelial surfaces. In the intestinal tract, they contribute to host immunity and assist in maintaining the balance between protection from pathogens and tolerance to normal flora. However, attenuated expression of defensins compromises host immunity and hence may alter the balance ...Major antiviral mechanisms of defensins. Defensins inhibit many steps in enveloped and non-enveloped viral infections. Mechanistic information is available for …Jul 8, 2020 ... SMS Link ... By clicking “Accept Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and ...2. Defensins in Man and Animals. There are three major classes of defensins expressed by different cells within the vertebrate world; α-, β-, and θ-defensins are differentiated by their structure and antimicrobial activity. α-defensins, which have been identified in humans, monkeys, and several rodent species, are particularly abundant in …Defensins are “prototype” of cationic peptides. They are characterized by a “hairpin-like” globular structure stabilized by three intramolecular disulfide bridges linking six cysteine amino acids . Based on the pattern of cysteine-pairing, two main subfamilies are distinguished, namely the α-defensins and the β-defensins [54,63].β-defensins have a variety of different functions that are determined by the level of expression. Possibly, defensins combine pro- and anti-inflammatory effects depending on disease state and ...The defensins consist of two superfamilies, each derived from an independent evolutionary origin, which have subsequently undergone extensive divergent evolution in their sequence, structure and function. Referred to as the cis- and trans-defensin superfamilies, they are classified based on their secondary structure orientation, cysteine motifs ...Defensins mainly act by removing the pathogens through membrane depolarisation, opsonisation of immune cells, cytokines stimulations, and inhibiting …Human α-defensin 6 (HD6) is a 32-residue cysteine-rich peptide that contributes to innate immunity by protecting the host at mucosal sites. This peptide is produced in small intestinal Paneth cells, stored as an 81-residue precursor peptide named proHD6 in granules, and released into the lumen. One unusual feature of HD6 is that it …conclusions. This study demonstrates that HBD-1 is constitutively present in the aqueous and vitreous, probably at sub-bacteriocidal concentrations. HBD-2 was ...Though many plant defensins exhibit antibacterial activity, little is known about their antibacterial mode of action (MOA). Antimicrobial peptides with a characterized MOA induce the expression of multiple bacterial outer membrane modifications, which are required for resistance to these membrane-targeting peptides. Mini-Tn5-lux mutant …β-Defensins are cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that play an important role in the innate immune defense of bovines. They are constitutively expressed in mammary glands and induced differently in response to pathogens. Their expression is influenced by various factors, including hormones, plant-derived compounds, and dietary …The defensin family comprises three subfamilies (α, β and θ defensins) and is one of the groups of antimicrobial peptides involved in the innate immune response. Human α-defensins are stored in granules of PMN (HNP 1–4) or epithelial granulocytes of the gut (HD-5, HD-6). They differ from β-defensins for the different position of the ...1. Introduction. Defensins are antimicrobial peptides known to protect the host through their direct or indirect activities on microbes [1–3], although recent studies have demonstrated their ability to promote viral infectivity [4,5], indicating a complex role of defensins in host defense in a microbe, defensin, cell-type specific manner. The Defensins Consist of Two Independent, Convergent Protein Superfamilies. 2016 Sep;33 (9):2345-56. doi: 10.1093/molbev/msw106. Epub 2016 Jun 13. The defensin and defensin-like proteins are an extensive group of small, cationic, disulfide-rich proteins found in animals, plants, and fungi and mostly perform roles in host defense.The product with the most reviews is Defenage 8-in-1 Bioserum, which has earned an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars after more than 100 customer reviews. The positive reviews for Defenage 8-in-1 Bioserum mention that it has a nice texture and produces noticeable results. For example, one review says, “This product is just amazing! birds (e.g. avian defensins) and mammals (e.g. cathelicidins, alpha- and beta-defensins, regIII peptides) Research has increased in recent years to develop artificially-engineered mimics of antimicrobial peptides such as SNAPPs, in part due to the prohibitive cost of producing naturally-derived AMPs.Though many plant defensins exhibit antibacterial activity, little is known about their antibacterial mode of action (MOA). Antimicrobial peptides with a characterized MOA induce the expression of multiple bacterial outer membrane modifications, which are required for resistance to these membrane-targeting peptides. Mini-Tn5-lux mutant …The presence of multiple HNP binding sites on SAK provides a potent protective device for neutralizing bactericidal peptides and keeping them away from the ...Two different defensins (alpha-defensin 5 and beta-defensin 3) are claimed to significantly improve skin barrier function, which is key for healthy, hydrated skin. The DefenAge brand formulated these two defensins, in addition to other peptides and supporting molecules, into a proprietary blend that the brand calls “Age-Repair Defensins.”Plant defensins represent a large class of structurally similar peptides found throughout the plant kingdom. Despite a conserved cysteine spacing pattern and three-dimensional structure, their sequences are highly divergent and they display a range of activities including antifungal and antibacterial activities, enzyme inhibitory activities as …Defensins have direct antimicrobial effects and kill a wide range of Gram-positive and negative bacteria, fungi and some viruses. The primary antimicrobial action of defensins is permeabilization of microbial target membranes but several additional mechanisms have been suggested (Brogden 2005, Wilmes et al. 2011).Defensins are “prototype” of cationic peptides. They are characterized by a “hairpin-like” globular structure stabilized by three intramolecular disulfide bridges linking six cysteine amino acids . Based on the pattern of cysteine-pairing, two main subfamilies are distinguished, namely the α-defensins and the β-defensins [54,63].The body and head lice of humans are conspecific, but only the body louse functions as a vector to transmit bacterial pathogens such as Bartonella quintana. Both louse subspecies have only two antimicrobial peptides, defensin 1 and defensin 2. Consequently, any differences in the molecular and functional properties of these two …Structure and mode of action. Defensins, while diverse in overall structure, are related through six invariant cysteine residues that form 3 intramolecular disulfide bridges found in all defensins (Xie et al., 2005).Additionally, there is a highly conserved salt bridge formed between Arg 6 –Glu 14 that is thought to play an important role in the …Defensins are the most widely studied family of antimicrobial peptides present in airway fluid. Humans produce at least 10 different defensin molecules, six alpha-defensins and four beta-defensins similar in structure and function. Direct evidence that defensins have central roles in host defense has only recently become available. Defensins are small, cationic peptides that contribute to the antimicrobial activity of phagocytes, the skin, and the mucosa (including that of the lung). Neutrophils and epithelial cells are the main cellular sources of these peptides, but monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, and lymphocytes also produce defensins. Defensins (alpha and beta) are cationic peptides with a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity that comprise an important arm of the innate immune system. The alpha-defensins are distinguished from the beta-defensins by the pairing of their three disulfide bonds. To date, six human beta-defensins have been identified; ...
Beta defensins are a family of vertebrate defensins. The beta defensins are antimicrobial peptides implicated in the resistance of epithelial surfaces to microbial colonization. Defensins are 2-6 kDa, cationic, microbicidal peptides active against many Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses, [1] containing three ... . Convert pacific to eastern time
Defensins have direct antimicrobial effects and kill a wide range of Gram-positive and negative bacteria, fungi and some viruses. The primary antimicrobial action of defensins is permeabilization of microbial target membranes but several additional mechanisms have been suggested (Brogden 2005, Wilmes et al. 2011).Apr 29, 2021 · Defensins were explored, in particular, their capacity to stimulate innate and adaptive immunity by trigging as anti-coronavirus (COVID-19) peptides. The present review summarised its immunomodulatory and immunoenhancing properties and predominantly focused on its promising therapeutic adjuvant choices for combat against viral infection. Alpha defensins are a family of mammalian defensin peptides of the alpha subfamily. In mammals they are also known as cryptdins and are produced within the small bowel. Cryptdin is a portmanteau of crypt and defensin . Defensins are 2-6 kDa, cationic, antimicrobial peptides active against many Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, fungi ... Mar 21, 2012 · In mammals, the evolution of β-defensins has been complex with both rapid positive and negative selective pressure acting on the gene family [7,8,9].The positive selection may be driven by exposure to particular pathogens, and indeed β-defensins demonstrate different profiles of antimicrobial activity and tissue distribution (reviewed by [2,10]) suggesting that the molecular diversity and ... Models of membrane permeabilisation induced by HDPs and defensins. (A) HDPs and defensins first associate with the cell membrane via electrostatic charge interactions.(B) In the barrel stave model, the HDPs embed themselves through the membrane, forming a pore completely lined with peptide.(C) In the toroidal pore model, …Defensins are antimicrobial peptides composed of 3 conserved disulfide bridges, a β-sheet, and both hydrophobic and cationic amino acids. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the immunomodulation role of avian β-defensin 8 (AvBD8) in a chicken macrophage cell line.Chicken AvBD8 stimulated the expression of proinflammatory …Jun 30, 2017 ... The article highlights the multiple immunoregulatory functions of defensins, also referred to as “moonlighting antimicrobial peptides” and “the ...Description · This entry represents the C-terminal domain of a group of alpha-defensins and similar sequences mainly found in mammals. · Defensins are 2-6kDa, .....Six α-defensins and four β-defensins have been detected in human specimens and characterized, and additional human β-defensin genes have been identified (Linzmeier et al., 1999). For the purposes of this review, we focus on two peptides, the human enteric α-defensins 5 and 6 (HD5 and HD6), that contribute to innate immunity in the gut.1. Introduction. Defensins are antimicrobial peptides known to protect the host through their direct or indirect activities on microbes [1–3], although recent studies have demonstrated their ability to promote viral infectivity [4,5], indicating a complex role of defensins in host defense in a microbe, defensin, cell-type specific manner. Defensins are small, cysteine-rich antimicrobial peptides that are abundant in human, rabbit, and guinea pig neutrophils (PMN). Three defensins (human neutrophil peptide defensin [HNP]-1, HNP-2, and HNP-3) constitute between 30 and 50% of the total protein in azurophil granules of human PMN. We examined the mechanism of HNP-mediated ...Oct 22, 2019 ... We found that the ancestral N-terminal domain confers salt-stable antimicrobial activity to the β-defensin-like domain, which is otherwise ...Six α-defensins and four β-defensins have been detected in human specimens and characterized, and additional human β-defensin genes have been identified (Linzmeier et al., 1999). For the purposes of this review, we focus on two peptides, the human enteric α-defensins 5 and 6 (HD5 and HD6), that contribute to innate immunity in the gut.Defensins are small (29–35 amino acids) proteins produced by circulating white blood cells and tissue cells. Defensins can be classified into alpha and beta families. Alpha ….