Human beta-defensins.

M Pazgier; D M Hoover; D Yang; W Lu; J Lubkowski

doi:10.1007/s00018-005-5540-2

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Human beta-defensins.

M Pazgier·D M Hoover·D Yang·W Lu·J Lubkowski

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Abstract

The last decade led to the discovery and characterization of several human beta-defensins. Analysis of genomic information indicates that the number of beta-defensin-like molecules encoded by the human genome may number in the tens. Growing interest in beta-defensins steadily enhances our knowledge about various aspects of their gene location, expression patterns and the transcription factors involved in their regulation in vivo. The hallmark property of beta-defensins, their antimicrobial activity, is clearly only the tip of the iceberg in the extensive network of inter-relations within the immune system in which these peptides function. Structural studies of beta-defensins provide the molecular basis for a better understanding of their properties, functions and their potential for practical applications. In this review, we present some recent advances in the studies of human beta-defensins, with an emphasis on possible correlations between their structural and functional properties.

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Amino Acid Sequence Anti-Infective Agents Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides Humans Models, Molecular Molecular Sequence Data Protein Structure, Quaternary Protein Structure, Tertiary Sequence Homology, Amino Acid Structure-Activity Relationship beta-Defensins Journal Article Review

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M Pazgier, D M Hoover, D Yang, W Lu, J Lubkowski. 2006. Human beta-defensins.. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-005-5540-2

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