Beta-Defensin-2 (HBD-2/MBD-2)

Human defensins are Cys-rich antimicrobial peptides which specifically react against Gram-negative bacteria. Originally defensins were isolated from hemolysates, but they can also be found on the cell surface of epithelia of the urogenital tract, lung, and trachea. In leukocytes defensins are stored in granules being released into phagolysosomes for the destruction of incorporated microorganisms. Amino acid sequences of alpha-defensins 1-4 (HNP1-4) and beta-Defensins 1-4 (HBD1-4) are known. Beta-defensin-1 and beta-defensin-2 share 34% amino acid sequence homology. ß-defensin-2 (HBD-2) whole molecule and N-terminal fragments of HBD-2, no cross-reactivity to alpha-defensin and other beta-defensins, full cross-reaction with mouse and rat beta-defensin-2.