Human [beta]-defensins

The last decade led to the discovery and characterization of several human β-defensins. Analysis of genomic information indicates that the number of β-defensin-like molecules encoded by the human genome may number in the tens. Growing interest in β-defensins steadily enhances our knowledge about var...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inCellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS Vol. 63; no. 11; p. 1294
Main Authors Pazgier, M, Hoover, D M, Yang, D, Lu, W, Lubkowski, J
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Basel Springer Nature B.V 01.06.2006
Subjects
Genomics
Immune system
Immunology
Molecular biology
Peptides
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Summary:The last decade led to the discovery and characterization of several human β-defensins. Analysis of genomic information indicates that the number of β-defensin-like molecules encoded by the human genome may number in the tens. Growing interest in β-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 β-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 β-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 β-defensins, with an emphasis on possible correlations between their structural and functional properties.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
ISSN:1420-682X
1420-9071
DOI:10.1007/s00018-005-5540-2