HNP-3

Antimicrobial Peptide / Innate Immunity

Also known as: Human Neutrophil Peptide 3, Alpha-Defensin 3, DEFA3, HNP3

Alpha-DefensinsResearch phase: PreclinicalRegulatory: Not approved as drug. Endogenous innate immune peptide.

Mechanism

HNP-3 is a neutrophil-derived antimicrobial peptide that works alongside HNP-1 and HNP-2 as part of the body's first-line immune defense.

Technical detail

HNP-3 is a 30-amino acid alpha-defensin from neutrophil azurophilic granules. It differs from HNP-1 by an Asp-to-Val substitution at the N-terminus, resulting in somewhat reduced antimicrobial potency. It retains immunomodulatory functions including enhancement of adaptive immune responses.