HNP-2
Antimicrobial Peptide / Innate ImmunityAlso known as: Human Neutrophil Peptide 2, Alpha-Defensin 2, DEFA2, HNP2
Alpha-DefensinsResearch phase: PreclinicalRegulatory: Not approved as drug. Endogenous innate immune peptide.
Mechanism
HNP-2 is a natural antimicrobial peptide released by white blood cells (neutrophils) to kill invading bacteria, fungi, and some viruses.
Technical detail
HNP-2 (Human Neutrophil Peptide 2) is a 29-amino acid alpha-defensin with three disulfide bonds, stored in neutrophil azurophilic granules. It disrupts microbial membranes and also exhibits immunomodulatory functions including chemotaxis of monocytes and T cells. Differs from HNP-1 by lacking the N-terminal alanine.