1. Host Defence Peptides B cell
CATEGORY: RECEPTORS & MOLECULES
HOST DEFENCE PEPTIDES
Host Defence Peptides
Christine Tyrrell, MRC Human Genetics Unit, Edinburgh, UK
Host defence peptides (HDPs) are also known as anti-microbial peptides, although more recently they have been shown to demonstrate a number of other immunomodulatory functions. They were first identified as having antibiotic effects on a wide range of bacteria, fungi and viruses. Most HDPs are cationic, and this is thought to mediate their anti-microbial action by interfering with microbial membranes. However, they are also able to protect host tissues from proteases and regulate innate and adaptive immunity by means of both pro- and anti-inflammatory actions. These actions include immune cell activation, recruitment, chemoattraction and regulation of immunomodulatory molecules such as cytokines and complement.
Host defence peptides are produced by a wide range of immune and epithelial cells in the body and can be expressed constitutively or induced during infection. They are also thought to be one of the most ancient forms of immune defence.
Abnormal regulation of host defence peptides can be associated with disease. For example, high levels of β-defensins are expressed in psoriasis, with low levels occurring in Crohn’s and prostate cancer.
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Examples of HDPs and their combined effects
α- and β-defensins
Cathelicidins
Trappin-2
SLPI
Lactoferrin
Neutrophil
T cell
Macrophage
Dendritic cell
Monocyte
Mast cell
B cell
Viruses, fungi,
bacteria
Chemotaxis
Degranulation
Proliferation
Antibody production
Killing
Aggregation
Binding of LPS/LTA
Recruitment
Activation
Maturation
Chemokines
Upregulation
Proteases
Inhibition
Cytokines
Downregulation
Corticosteroids