Defensins have been long recognized as natural antimicrobial peptides, but they also
possess diverse and versatile immune functions. Defensins can both induce inflammation …

Defensins are endogenous, small, cysteine-rich antimicrobial peptides that are produced by
leukocytes and epithelial cells. Substantial evidence accumulated in recent years indicates …

As a family of cationic host defense peptides, defensins are mainly synthesized by Paneth
cells, neutrophils, and epithelial cells, contributing to host defense. Their biological functions …

Immunostimulatory properties of defensins on DC promote maturation and proinflammatory
response. Defensins are endogenous defense peptides with well-defined antimicrobial …

The production of natural antibiotic peptides has emerged as an important mechanism of
innate immunity in plants and animals. Defensins are diverse members of a large family of …

Defensins are peptidic components of the innate immune system of plants and animals. In
mammals, defensins have evolved to have a central function in the host defense properties …

Defensins are the 'Swiss army knife'in innate immunity against microbial pathogens. Their
modes of action are often reminiscent of the story of 'The Blind Men and the Elephant'. The …

Defensins and related antimicrobial peptides serve a central role in innate immunity in all
species of plants and animals. In humans, defensins are widely expressed, including in …

Defensins are small, β-sheet-rich, cationic peptides found in many organisms. All defensins
have amphiphilic properties, which are central for antimicrobial activities of the proteins. The …

The innate immune system is the first line of defense against many common
microorganisms, which can initiate adaptive immune responses to provide increased …