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Multifaceted immune functions of human defensins and underlying mechanisms.

Multifaceted immune functions of human defensins and underlying mechanisms.

Authors :
Fruitwala, Saahil
El-Naccache, Darine W.
Chang, Theresa L.
Source :
Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology. Apr2019, Vol. 88, p163-172. 10p.
Publication Year :
2019

Abstract

Abstract Defensins have been long recognized as natural antimicrobial peptides, but they also possess diverse and versatile immune functions. Defensins can both induce inflammation and suppress inflammatory responses by acting on specific cells through distinct mechanisms. Defensins can also modulate the immune response by forming a complex with cellular molecules including proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates. The mechanisms of defensin-mediated immune modulation appear to be cell-type and context specific. Because the levels of human defensins are often altered in response to infection or disease states, suggesting their clinical relevance, this review summarizes the complex immune functions of human defensins and their underlying mechanisms of action, which have implications for the development of new therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
10849521
Volume :
88
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
135077480
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semcdb.2018.02.023