Recombinant human beta Defensin 1 protein (Active)

Supplementary information

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Beta Defensin 1 also known as DEFb-1 is an antimicrobial peptide with a mass of approximately 4.8 kDa. This defensin emits from epithelial cells across various tissues such as the respiratory tract urogenital tract and skin. It forms part of a family of small cysteine-rich cationic proteins. The defensin microenvironment allows it to disrupt microbial cell membranes providing immediate defense against pathogens.

Biological function summary

This defensin protein plays an important role in the innate immune system by protecting epithelial surfaces from infection. DEFb-1 does not act as part of a larger protein complex and it independently modulates immune responses. Its expression helps maintain a balanced relationship between the host's immune system and microbial populations reducing inflammatory reactions.

Pathways

The action of beta Defensin 1 integrates into the Toll-like receptor signaling and NF-kB pathways. It participates in regulating the immune response against microbial invasion. These pathways involve interactions with proteins like MyD88 and TRAF6 linking beta Defensin 1 to the broader network of innate immunity.

DEFb-1 has associations with conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and cystic fibrosis. In inflammatory bowel disease the reduced expression of beta Defensin 1 can disrupt gut microbiota balance while in cystic fibrosis altered defensin levels affect mucus-associated bacterial load. The interplay between DEFb-1 and the CFTR protein highlights its impact on surface clearance and infection susceptibility.