Cytokines
Product List
BD 1 Human
Beta Defensin-1 Human Recombinant
The BD-1 is purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
BD 1 Mouse
BD 1 Mouse
The BD 1 Mouse is purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
BD 1 Rat
Beta Defensin -1 Rat Recombinant
The BD-1 is purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
BD 2 Human
Beta Defensin-2 Human Recombinant
The BD-2 is purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
BD 2 Mouse
Beta Defensin-2 Mouse Recombinant
The BD-2 is purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
BD 3 Human
Beta Defensin-3 Human Recombinant
The BD-3 is purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
Sterile Filtered lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder.
BD 3 Mouse
Beta Defensin-3 Mouse Recombinant
The BD-3 is purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
BD 3 Rat
Beta Defensin-3 Rat Recombinant
The BD-3 is purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
BD 4 Human
Beta Defensin-4 Human Recombinant
The BD-4 is purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
BD 4 Rat
BD 4 Rat
The BD-4 is purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
Introduction
Beta defensins are a family of small, cationic, antimicrobial peptides that play a crucial role in the innate immune system. They are characterized by their ability to disrupt the membranes of pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses . Beta defensins are classified into three main categories based on their structure and disulfide bonding patterns: alpha, beta, and theta defensins . Every mammalian species explored thus far has beta-defensins .
Key Biological Properties: Beta defensins are typically 2 to 6 kDa in size and contain three pairs of intramolecular disulfide bonds . They are cationic and microbicidal, active against a wide range of pathogens .
Expression Patterns: Beta defensins are produced by various cell types, including epithelial cells lining organs such as the epidermis, bronchial tree, and genitourinary tract . They are also found in white blood cells like macrophages, granulocytes, and NK-cells .
Tissue Distribution: Beta defensins are widely distributed across different tissues. For instance, in cows, as many as 13 beta-defensins exist in neutrophils . In humans, they are found in epithelial cells of various organs .
Primary Biological Functions: The primary function of beta defensins is to provide antimicrobial defense by disrupting the membranes of pathogens . They also play a role in immune responses by inducing the activation and degranulation of mast cells, leading to the release of histamine and prostaglandin D2 .
Role in Immune Responses: Beta defensins are involved in the innate immune response, acting as the first line of defense against microbial invasion . They help in pathogen recognition and initiate immune responses by binding to receptors such as toll-like receptors (TLR) and nod-like receptors (NLR) .
Mechanisms with Other Molecules and Cells: Beta defensins interact with the membranes of invading microbes, which are negatively charged due to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA) in the cell membrane . They have a higher affinity for these binding sites compared to Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions, leading to membrane destabilization .
Binding Partners and Downstream Signaling Cascades: Beta defensins can form net-like structures that entrap bacteria, preventing their migration and invasion . This redox-dependent function serves as an additional mechanism of action, differing from other defensins .
Control of Expression and Activity: The expression of beta defensins is regulated by various pathways, including the toll-like receptors (TLRs)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway . Alternative pathways such as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and epigenetic regulation also contribute to their regulation .
Transcriptional Regulation and Post-Translational Modifications: Beta defensins are usually translated from characteristic two-exon gene structures . The first exon encodes a pre-pro-peptide, while the mature peptide is encoded by the second exon, containing the six cysteine motif .
Biomedical Research: Beta defensins are used in research to understand their role in immune responses and their potential as antimicrobial agents .
Diagnostic Tools: They have potential applications in diagnostic tools due to their ability to recognize and bind to specific pathogens .
Therapeutic Strategies: Beta defensins are being explored as therapeutic agents for their antimicrobial properties and their ability to modulate immune responses .
From Development to Aging and Disease: Beta defensins play a role throughout the life cycle, from development to aging . They are expressed pre-birth and disruptions in their regulation may contribute to disease susceptibility . In adults, they help maintain homeostasis and protect against infections .
