β-defensin 110 Inhibitors

β-defensin 110, a member of the defensin family of antimicrobial peptides, plays a crucial role in the innate immune system's defense against a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. These peptides are known for their ability to penetrate and disrupt the microbial cell membrane, leading to pathogen death. This mechanism is primarily based on the cationic and amphipathic properties of defensins, which allow them to interact with and compromise the integrity of the negatively charged microbial membranes. Beyond their direct antimicrobial activity, β-defensins also participate in modulating the immune response, acting as a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity by attracting immune cells to the site of infection and promoting the activation of these cells. The multifunctionality of β-defensin 110 underscores its significance in maintaining host defense and immunoregulation.

The inhibition of β-defensin 110 can arise through various mechanisms, reflecting a countermeasure by pathogens to evade the host's immune defenses or as a result of regulatory processes within the host aimed at controlling inflammation and preventing tissue damage. Pathogens have evolved strategies to neutralize defensins, including the production of proteases that degrade these peptides or the expression of surface molecules that reduce defensin-mediated membrane disruption. From the host perspective, the regulation of β-defensin 110 expression and activity is tightly controlled to prevent excessive inflammation that can lead to tissue damage. Regulatory mechanisms may include the modulation of signaling pathways that influence defensin gene expression, such as downregulation of NF-κB activity, or alterations in the epigenetic landscape that affect the accessibility of defensin genes for transcription. Additionally, the host may produce proteins that bind to and sequester defensins, reducing their availability to act against pathogens. These regulatory and inhibitory mechanisms ensure a balanced immune response, enabling effective defense against pathogens while minimizing potential damage to the host's own tissues through excessive or prolonged inflammatory responses.