HBD-1

Antimicrobial Peptide / Innate Immunity

Also known as: Human Beta-Defensin 1, Beta-Defensin 1, DEFB1, hBD-1

Beta-DefensinsResearch phase: PreclinicalRegulatory: Not approved as drug. Endogenous epithelial antimicrobial peptide.

Mechanism

HBD-1 is an antimicrobial peptide constitutively produced by epithelial surfaces throughout the body. It provides constant baseline protection against microbes.

Technical detail

HBD-1 is a 36-amino acid beta-defensin constitutively expressed by epithelial cells of the respiratory, urogenital, and GI tracts. Unlike inducible defensins, its expression is largely constitutive. Its reduced (thiol) form exhibits potent antifungal activity against Candida species. Also functions as a chemokine via CCR6 receptor.