HD-5
Antimicrobial Peptide / Innate ImmunityAlso known as: Human Defensin 5, Alpha-Defensin 5, DEFA5, HD5
Alpha-DefensinsResearch phase: PreclinicalRegulatory: Not approved as drug. Endogenous intestinal antimicrobial peptide.
Mechanism
HD-5 is an antimicrobial peptide produced by Paneth cells in the small intestine. It protects the gut lining from bacterial invasion and helps maintain healthy intestinal flora.
Technical detail
HD-5 is a 32-amino acid alpha-defensin constitutively secreted by Paneth cells in small intestinal crypts. It is activated by trypsin cleavage of its pro-form and kills bacteria through membrane permeabilization. HD-5 also neutralizes bacterial toxins and plays a role in shaping the intestinal microbiome composition.