인체 비점막에서 항균성 Defensin 펩티드의 발현

초록

Background and Objectives：Antimicrobial peptides are cationic proteins that are found in a wide range of organisms. Recent reports suggest that human β-defensin-1 (hBD-1), a prominent group of antimicrobial peptides, is an important component of the innate immune response, particularly at mucosal surfaces that are vulnerable to colonization by potential pathogens. Therefore, hBD-1 may participate in providing intrinsic nasal mucosal defense against microbial infections. The present study aimed to look for hBD-1 mRNA in apparently normal human nasal mucosa. Materials and Methods：The expression of hBD-1 mRNA was investigated in the inferior turbinate tissues using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and in situ hybridization. Results：The expression of hBD-1 mRNA was detected in these tissues. By in situ hybridization, hBD-1 mRNA was found to be predominantly localized in superficial epithelial cells and submucosal glandular epithelium. Conclusion：These data suggest that nasal epithelia and submucosal glands may secrete hBD-1 and thus contribute to the mucosal defense of the nose.

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