Defensins, Alpha

Athens Research

Defensins, Alpha

9

In Vitro Diagnostic, Antimicrobials, NETosis, Cirrhosis, Autoimmune Disease,

Research Use Only

≥95% by SDS-PAGE

Alpha-defensins are small (3-4 kDa), cysteine-rich cationic peptides characterized by a conserved triple bèta-sheet structure stabilized by three disulfide bonds. Primarily secreted by neutrophils and Paneth cells, these peptides exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses via membrane disruption. Their cationic nature facilitates electrostatic attraction to negatively charged microbial membranes, forming voltage-dependent pores that induce osmotic lysis. Beyond direct pathogen killing, alpha-defensins (e.g., HNP1-3) promote neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation and modulate immune responses by enhancing phagocytosis, regulating cytokine production, and suppressing glucocorticoid-mediated immunosuppression. Elevated alpha-defensin levels correlate with alcohol-related liver cirrhosis severity, where they predict hepatic encephalopathy and mortality. In prosthetic joint infections (PJI), synovial alpha-defensin detection via lateral flow assays achieves 92-100% specificity, serving as a rapid diagnostic biomarker. Genetic polymorphisms link alpha-defensin dysregulation to autoimmune disorders like lupus and neuropsychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia. Conversely, deficiencies increase susceptibility to pyogenic infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.

more then 1 year

Neutrophils shown to be non reactive for HBsAg, anti-HCV, anti-HBc, and negative for anti-HIV 1 & 2 by FDA approved tests.

≤ -80° C

41116100