Alterations in Immune-Related Defensin Alpha 4 () Gene Expression in Health and Disease

Overview

Journal Int J Inflam

Publisher Wiley

Date 2022 Jun 7

PMID 35668817

Authors

Fatemah Basingab

Abeer Alsaiary

Shahad Almontashri

Aisha Alrofaidi

Mona Alharbi

Sheren Azhari

Khloud Algothmi

Safiah Alhazmi

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Defensin Alpha 4 (DEFA4) is the fourth member of the Alpha Defensins family known as a part of antimicrobial peptides in the innate immune system. DEFA4 has a strong preference to kill Gram-negative bacteria more than Gram-positive bacteria. In addition, DEFA4 exhibits antiviral activity against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) . Moreover, DEFA4 can act as an inhibitor of corticosterone production (Corticostatin). On the other hand, alternations in gene expression have been reported in different disorders such as diseases related to inflammation and immunity dysfunction, brain-related disorders, and various cancers. The up-regulation of appears to be involved in the malignant transformation or aggressive form of cancer. Interestingly, the modified version of DEFA4 fragment (1-11) was potent and efficient against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This review provides a general background abSaudi Arabia out and sheds light on changes in gene expression in different diseases. The paper also discusses other aspects related to DEFA4 as an antimicrobial and antiviral agent. The research was conducted based on available articles obtained from databases starting from 1988 to the present.

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