Human beta-defensin 1: a restless warrior against allergies, infections and cancer.
Human beta-defensin 1 (hBD-1) is probably the most important antimicrobial peptide in epithelial tissues. Its alleles and/or altered gene expression have been associated with at least 20 human diseases. hBD-1 is a tumor suppressor and DEFB1 is the only innate immunity gene that shows long-term balanced selection and heterozygote advantage. It is unique in its constitutive expression, but is still capable of upregulation upon inflammatory or microbial stimuli. The present minireview focuses on hBD-1 properties, biological function, its proposed pathogenic mechanisms and the potential uses of elicitors, inhibitors or the peptide itself in the treatment of hBD-1-related human diseases including allergies, infections and cancer.
Prado-Montes de Oca
Ernesto
E
Molecular Biology Laboratory, Southeast Unit, Research Center in Technology and Design Assistance of Jalisco State (CIATEJ, AC), National Council of Science and Technology (CONACYT), Calle 30 (Circuito Colonias) #151, García Ginerés, C.P. 97070, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico. ernestoprado@hotmail.com
D000818:Animals; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D040761:Biomimetic Materials; D004848:Epithelium / Q000378:metabolism; D016147:Genes, Tumor Suppressor; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000628:therapy; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D056747:Immunomodulation; D007239:Infections / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000628:therapy; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000628:therapy; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D023083:beta-Defensins / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; C406407:DEFB1 protein, human; D023083:beta-Defensins