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Human Defensins: Structure, Function, and Potential as Therapeutic Antimicrobial Agents with Highlights Against SARS
Maryam Nagib1, Ahmed M Sayed2, Ahmed H Korany3
1School of Computing Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, Scotland, PA12BE, UK.
Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins
|December 18, 2024
Summary
Human defensins are antimicrobial peptides with potential therapeutic applications. This review summarizes their features, actions, and discusses their promise as antiviral agents, including against SARS-CoV-2.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Human defensins are cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) crucial to innate immunity.
- They possess a conserved structure with six disulfide-linked cysteines.
- Over two decades, numerous alpha- and beta-defensins have been identified with diverse antimicrobial activities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of human defensin research.
- To detail their identification, classification, molecular characteristics, and expression.
- To explore their mechanisms of action, therapeutic potential, and challenges.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of human defensin research.
- Analysis of molecular features and antimicrobial effects.
- In silico investigation of antiviral mechanisms against SARS-CoV-2.
Main Results:
- Human defensins exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and evade resistance development.
- They show significant promise for medical and pharmaceutical applications.
- In silico analysis suggests potential antiviral roles, including against SARS-CoV-2.
Conclusions:
- Human defensins represent a promising class of therapeutic agents due to their unique properties.
- Further research into their mechanisms and applications, particularly as antivirals, is warranted.
- Overcoming current obstacles will unlock the full potential of human defensins in medicine.
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