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Updated: Feb 15, 2026

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
Published on: August 7, 2017
Human beta defensin (HBD) gene copy number affects HBD2 protein levels: impact on cervical bactericidal immunity in
Catherine P James1,2, Mona Bajaj-Elliott3, Razan Abujaber4
1UCL Institute for Women's Health, 86-96 Chenies Mews, London, WC1E 6HX, UK. catherine.james@ucl.ac.uk.
Abstract:
Human beta defensin 2 (HBD2) is an endogenous mucosal antimicrobial peptide (AMP) upregulated during infection and inflammation. HBD2 is encoded by the DEFB4 gene, which exhibits extensive copy number variation. Previous studies have demonstrated a relationship between HBD copy number and serum HBD2 protein levels; however, our current understanding of the influence of copy number on mucosal AMP function remains limited. This study explores the relationship between HBD copy number, cervicovaginal HBD2 protein levels and antimicrobial activity in 203 women with risk factors for preterm birth. We provide evidence that suggests HBD copy number modulates cervical antimicrobial immunity.
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