Summary:
- This article discusses the discovery and characterization of a new class of potent antimicrobial peptides called defensins, which are produced by various cells and tissues in humans and other mammals.
- Defensins play a crucial role in the innate immune system, providing a first line of defense against bacterial, fungal, and viral infections by disrupting the integrity of microbial cell membranes.
- The article highlights the potential therapeutic applications of defensins, as they may serve as novel antimicrobial agents in the face of increasing antibiotic resistance, and could also be used to treat inflammatory and autoimmune disorders.