β-defensin 127 Activators

β-defensins are a group of antimicrobial peptides that are part of the innate immune system. They are primarily known for their role in the first line of defense against a broad range of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Structurally, β-defensins are small, cationic peptides, and their antimicrobial activity is attributed to their ability to permeabilize the cell membranes of invading microorganisms.These peptides are characterized by a beta-sheet topology stabilized by three intramolecular disulfide bridges formed from six conserved cysteine residues. The β-defensin fold is crucial for their stability and functional interactions with microbial membranes.

Beyond their direct bactericidal and virucidal activities, β-defensins have immunomodulatory functions. They can act as chemoattractants for immune cells, such as macrophages and dendritic cells, influencing both innate and adaptive immune responses. Some β-defensins also have the ability to bind to and activate cellular receptors, inducing chemokine production and influencing inflammatory responses.β-defensins are expressed by epithelial cells lining the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urogenital tracts-surfaces that are frequently in contact with the external environment and, thus, potential pathogens. The expression of β-defensins can be upregulated in response to microbial invasion and pro-inflammatory signals, reflecting the dynamic nature of the host defense system.