DEFB116 Human is a recombinant human beta-defensin peptide, a key component of the innate immune system. Belonging to the beta-defensin family, it is a small cationic peptide (11.5 kDa) characterized by its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Produced via bacterial expression systems (e.g., Escherichia coli), it is non-glycosylated and contains 102 amino acids (residues 24–102) with a His-tag fusion for purification .
DEFB116 Human exhibits antimicrobial activity through membrane disruption and interference with microbial metabolic processes . Key functions include:
Disease/Infection | Proposed Mechanism | Clinical Relevance |
---|---|---|
Bacterial Skin Infections | Membrane disruption of pathogens | Alternative to antibiotics |
Respiratory Tract Infections | Neutralization of viral/fungal agents | Adjunct therapy for antiviral drugs |
Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens | Novel target for antibiotic resistance | Preclinical studies underway |
DEFB116 Human is under investigation as a therapeutic agent due to its:
High Efficacy: Demonstrated in vitro antibacterial activity .
Low Immunogenicity: Recombinant production minimizes immune cross-reactivity .
Drug Delivery Potential: Formulation in medical devices or topical treatments for long-term antibacterial activity .
Expression Systems: Recombinant DEFB116 is typically purified via nickel affinity chromatography due to its His-tag fusion .
Quality Control: SDS-PAGE and Western blotting confirm purity and structural integrity .
Beta-defensins are small, cationic peptides characterized by their beta-sheet structure stabilized by disulfide bonds. DEFB116, like other beta-defensins, exhibits antimicrobial activity, which is vital for the host defense mechanism . The gene encoding DEFB116 is located on chromosome 20 and is densely clustered with other beta-defensin genes .
Recombinant human DEFB116 is produced using Escherichia coli (E. coli) expression systems. The recombinant protein is often fused with a His-tag at the N-terminus to facilitate purification . The recombinant DEFB116 protein is typically used in research to study its antimicrobial properties and potential therapeutic applications .
Recombinant DEFB116 is valuable in various research applications, including: