Sterile Filtered lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder.
BD-3 is a 45-amino acid peptide with a molecular mass of approximately 5.2 kDa . It is characterized by its three intramolecular disulfide bonds, which distinguish it from alpha-defensins . The peptide is membrane-active and exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, and fungi .
BD-3 is widely expressed in epithelial tissues, including the skin, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract . It is produced by keratinocytes and airway epithelial cells and is upregulated in response to proinflammatory cytokines, microbial infections, and at the edges of skin wounds . This upregulation is part of the body’s natural defense mechanism to combat infections and promote healing.
BD-3 exhibits strain-specific microbicidal activity and is effective against a broad range of pathogens, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as yeast . Its antimicrobial activity is measured by its ability to inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli, with an effective dose (ED50) ranging from 7.5 to 30 μg/mL .
In addition to its antimicrobial properties, BD-3 has several immunomodulatory functions. It can induce monocyte migration, activate mast cells, and increase vascular permeability . BD-3 also interacts with various receptors, including melanocortin receptors, cytokine receptors, and voltage-gated potassium channels . These interactions contribute to its role in inflammation and immune responses.
Recombinant human BD-3 is typically produced using Escherichia coli as the expression system . The recombinant protein is purified to a high degree of purity (>95%) and is available in both carrier-free and BSA-containing formulations . The carrier-free version is recommended for applications where the presence of BSA could interfere with experimental results .
BD-3 has promising applications in various fields, including medicine and biotechnology. Its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity makes it a potential candidate for developing new antimicrobial therapies. Additionally, its immunomodulatory functions could be harnessed for treating inflammatory diseases and enhancing wound healing .