Synthesis and structure-activity relationship of beta-defensins, multi-functional peptides of the immune system

beta-defensins are a large family of multiple disulfide-bonded peptides occurring in mammals and birds. They play an important role in the innate immune system, directly killing microbial organisms. Recent research has demonstrated that beta-defensins are important for other biological functions beyond antimicrobial effects, including inhibition of viral infection, interaction with Toll-like receptors, chemotactic effects, and sperm function. The corresponding broad spectrum of activities makes this peptide class an important subject and tool in immunologic research. In this review, we summarize the current status of the routes to obtain synthetic beta-defensins, their major structural properties and structure-activity relationship.