Defensin Beta 129 (DEFb129)

beta-Defensins comprise one important family of mammalian antimicrobial peptides. Defensins are cysteine-rich cationic polypeptides that are important in the immunologic response to invading microorganisms.

DEFb129 is secreted and is a member of the beta defensin protein family. Beta defensin genes are found in several clusters throughout the genome, with this gene mapping to a cluster at 20p13. Similar defensins are produced in plants, particularly in the reproductive structures (flowers and seeds). Male reproductive tract defensins are known only in mammals. These defensins may be as large as 18 kDa (human DEFB129) and often have long N-terminal or C-terminal extensions, generally of unknown function.