| 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 126, also known as epididymal secretory protein 13.2, is a 111 amino acid secreted protein that most likely contains a signal peptide sequence that requires cleavage by proteolytic enzymes in order to become biologically active. Originally cloned in Macaca fascicularis, ∫-defensin 126 is specifically expressed in the epididymis and is thought to play a role in sperm maturation and epididymal function. |
