title: A novel subclass of bovine β-defensins links reproduction and immunology.
abstract: β-defensins are effector molecules of the innate immune system, found in many diverse species. Their presence in invertebrates as well as vertebrates suggests highly conserved functional roles. Most β-defensins are believed to act as antimicrobial agents at epithelial surfaces, although additional functions have also been described, including immune regulatory activity, wound repair and a role in coat-colour determination. High expression of β-defensins have been found in testis and epididymidal epithelium as well as in the seminal fluid of humans, macaque, rat, mouse and cow. Human and macaque β-defensins have recently been shown to affect sperm motility while a mutation in β-defensin 126 is associated with reduced fertility in men. Genetic variation in bovine defensin genes may explain the increased incidence of low fertility in cattle. Here, we present a summary of the known functions of β-defensins as well as their emerging role in reproduction and their potential to improve fertility in cattle.
authors.affiliation: Comparative Immunology Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Narciandi
authors.affiliation: Department of Science & Health, Carlow Institute of Technology, Kilkenny Rd, Co. Carlow, Ireland.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lloyd
authors.affiliation: Animal & Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Co. Meath, Ireland.
authors.forename: K G
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Meade
authors.affiliation: Comparative Immunology Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: O'Farrelly
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D005837:Genitalia, Male / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000235:genetics*; D008251:Macaca; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D051381:Rats; D012098:Reproduction / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D017386:Sequence Homology, Amino Acid; D023083:beta-Defensins / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D023083:beta-Defensins