Beta-defensin 114 (DEFB114)

Beta-defensin 114 (DEFB114) is a member of the beta-defensin family, which comprises short, cationic antimicrobial peptides involved in the innate immune response. DEFB114 is encoded by the DEFB114 gene, and its protein product displays salt-sensitive antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria (e.g., *Escherichia coli*), Gram-positive bacteria (e.g., *Staphylococcus aureus*), and fungi (e.g., *Candida albicans*). Functionally, DEFB114 binds and neutralizes bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), thereby reducing LPS-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production by macrophages and counteracting the negative effects of LPS on sperm motility. This defensin is part of the densely clustered beta-defensin gene loci in the human genome and may play roles in infection, inflammation, and male reproductive health.

Other names

Beta-defensin 114DEFB114DEFB14DEFB-14Beta-defensin 14Defensin, beta 114beta-defensin 114defensin, beta 14

Not applicable; no drugs directly targeting DEFB114 are documented