The term defensin relates different families of host defense peptides (HDPs) in vertebrates, invertebrates, plants, and molds that display structural similarities based on a cystine stabilized antiparallel b-sheet core, with an N-terminal a-helical stretch in many members. Despite structural and functional similarities, invertebrate/ plant and vertebrate defensins belong to two distinct phylogenetic groups, and whether a unified relationship exists is controversial. Most defensins show a direct, salt- and medium-sensitive antimicrobial activity in vitro, with varying spectra, which requires interaction with the microbial membrane, although the mode of action differs markedly for defensins both within and from different families. A regulatory role in innate and adaptive immunity has also been observed for mammalian defensins.

Cationic Antimicrobial Peptides—The Defensins

ANTCHEVA, Nikolinka;ZELEZETSKY, IGOR;TOSSI, ALESSANDRO
2006-01-01

Abstract

The term defensin relates different families of host defense peptides (HDPs) in vertebrates, invertebrates, plants, and molds that display structural similarities based on a cystine stabilized antiparallel b-sheet core, with an N-terminal a-helical stretch in many members. Despite structural and functional similarities, invertebrate/ plant and vertebrate defensins belong to two distinct phylogenetic groups, and whether a unified relationship exists is controversial. Most defensins show a direct, salt- and medium-sensitive antimicrobial activity in vitro, with varying spectra, which requires interaction with the microbial membrane, although the mode of action differs markedly for defensins both within and from different families. A regulatory role in innate and adaptive immunity has also been observed for mammalian defensins.
2006
9780123694423
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11368/1688720
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