DEFA1B
Description
The DEFA1B (defensin alpha 1B) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 8.
Defensin, alpha 1B (DEFA1B) is a human protein encoded by the DEFA1B gene.
DEFA1B acts as an effector molecule of the innate immune system with antibiotic-like properties against a wide range of infectious agents such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It can also activate and mature specific antigen-presenting cells (APCs). DEFA1B targets lipid II, a key precursor in bacterial cell wall synthesis, thereby inhibiting this process. In addition, it prevents adenovirus infection by interfering with viral disassembly, blocking the release of pVI capsid protein crucial for cellular entry. Further, interaction with the adenovirus capsid redirects viral particles to TLR4, initiating a NLRP3 inflammasome response and IL-1beta release. DEFA1B also triggers proinflammatory cytokine production, including type I interferon (IFN), in plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) by promoting the degradation of NFKBIA and nuclear translocation of IRF1, both essential for pDC activation.
DEFA1B is also known as HNP-1, HP-1, HP1.
