| Modification Notes |
∫-defensins (also designated BDs, or hBDs in human) are small cationic peptides with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against a variety of enveloped viruses, fungi and bacteria. Produced in mucosal epithelia and neutrophils of several species, ∫-defensins are developmentally regulated. The family of ∫-defensin proteins share a common defensin-motif that is characterized by multiple cysteine residues and a highly conserved tertiary structure. Besides playing a significant role in host immune defense, many ∫-defensins also are involved in sperm maturation and capacitation. ∫-defensin 111, also known as DEFB-10, DEFB-11 or DEFB110, is a 67 amino acid secreted protein belonging to the ∫-defensin family. Existing as two alternatively spliced isoforms and encoded by a gene located on human chromosome 6, ∫-defensin 111 is thought to have antibacterial activity. |