Abstract
Modulation of defensin expression may be one way to improve animal health and to reduce zoonotic diseases. Defensins are
small, cationic, and amphipathic cysteine-rich antibiotic peptides found in plants, insects, mammals and birds. Whereas a- and udefensins
appear to be absent in birds, several b-defensins have been isolated from avian heterophils. In addition, b-defensins were
found to be constitutively or inducibly expressed at mucosal surfaces of the respiratory, intestinal and urogenital tracts. In this
review the current knowledge of the defensin repertoire of birds, their tissue-specific expression, regulation and corresponding
biological functions are described.
small, cationic, and amphipathic cysteine-rich antibiotic peptides found in plants, insects, mammals and birds. Whereas a- and udefensins
appear to be absent in birds, several b-defensins have been isolated from avian heterophils. In addition, b-defensins were
found to be constitutively or inducibly expressed at mucosal surfaces of the respiratory, intestinal and urogenital tracts. In this
review the current knowledge of the defensin repertoire of birds, their tissue-specific expression, regulation and corresponding
biological functions are described.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1-18 |
Number of pages | 18 |
Journal | Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology |
Volume | 124 |
Publication status | Published - 2008 |
Keywords
- Defensins
- ntimicrobial Peptides
- Innate immunity
- Birds