Defensin Alpha 6, Paneth Cell Specific (DEFa6)

Defensins are a family of microbicidal and cytotoxic peptides thought to be involved in host defense. They are abundant in the granules of neutrophils and also found in the epithelia of mucosal surfaces such as those of the intestine, respiratory tract, urinary tract, and vagina. Members of the defensin family are highly similar in protein sequence and distinguished by a conserved cysteine motif. Several alpha defensin genes appear to be clustered on chromosome 8.

Defensin Alpha 6 is highly expressed in the secretory granules of Paneth cells of the small intestine, and likely plays a role in host defense of human bowel.Paneth cells of the small intestine.Has very low antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. May protect cells against infection with HIV-1.