Avian antimicrobial peptides: the defense role of beta-defensins.
Avian antimicrobial peptides, classified as beta-defensins, have been identified from bloods of chicken, turkey, and ostrich; epithelial cells of chicken and turkey; and king penguin stomach contents. Beta-defensins are a family of antimicrobial peptides characterized by six cysteine residues forming beta-defensin motifs that are also found in bovine, ovine, pig, and human. These peptides are active against a wide range of microorganisms including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and yeast. Analysis of evolutionary relationships of vertebrate beta-defensins showed that there might be a common ancestral gene between avian and other mammalian peptides. This ancient gene may have been passed down and evolved from species older than the oldest living birds, forming a beta-defensin-like precursor molecule. This review describes potential applications of these peptides in health care products.
Sugiarto
Haryadi
H
Biotechnology Group, Institute of Technology and Engineering, College of Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 5301, New Zealand.
Yu
Pak-Lam
PL
D000818:Animals; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D001717:Birds / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D009181:Mycoses / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D023083:beta-Defensins / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides; D023083:beta-Defensins