Maryam Nagib, Ahmed M Sayed, Ahmed H Korany, Karim Abdelkader, Falah H Shari, William G Mackay, Mostafa E Rateb
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
The human defensins are a group of cationic antimicrobial peptides that range in size from 2 to 5 kDa and share a common structural motif of six disulphide-linked cysteines. Several naturally occurring human α- and β-defensins have been identified over the past two decades. They have a wide variety of antimicrobial effects, and their potential to avoid the development of resistance to antimicrobial treatment makes them attractive as therapeutic agents. Human defensins have recently been the focus of medical and molecular biology studies due to their promising application in medicine and the pharmaceutical industry. This work aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the current developments of human defensins, including their identification, categorization, molecular features, expression, modes of action, and potential application in medical settings. Current obstacles and future opportunities for using human defensins are also covered. Furthermore, we shed light on the potential of this class as an antiviral agent, particularly against SARS CoV-2, by providing an in silico-based investigation of their plausible mechanisms of action.
期刊介绍:
Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins publishes reviews, original articles, letters and short notes and technical/methodological communications aimed at advancing fundamental knowledge and exploration of the applications of probiotics, natural antimicrobial proteins and their derivatives in biomedical, agricultural, veterinary, food, and cosmetic products. The Journal welcomes fundamental research articles and reports on applications of these microorganisms and substances, and encourages structural studies and studies that correlate the structure and functional properties of antimicrobial proteins.