Defensin alpha 4 (DEFA4)

Defensin alpha 4 (DEFA4) is a human alpha-defensin peptide encoded by the DEFA4 gene, primarily found in the granules of neutrophils. It plays a key role in the innate immune response by exhibiting antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria, to a lesser extent also against Gram-positive bacteria and some fungi. DEFA4 can also interact with certain pathogen proteins, such as HIV-1 gp120 and anthrax lethal factor. Additionally, it displays corticostatic activity, inhibiting ACTH-stimulated corticosteroid production. Expression patterns and mRNA levels of DEFA4 may have clinical significance as biomarkers in diseases such as chronic myeloid leukemia[1][2][6][8].

Other names

Defensin alpha 4DEFA4DEF4HP-4Corticostatin HP-4HNP-4Neutrophil defensin 4defensin, alpha 4corticostatindefensin alpha 4 preproproteinDEF4_HUMANHP4

Disruption of microbial membranes (antimicrobial); Inhibition of pathogen virulence factors (such as HIV-1 gp120 and anthrax lethal factor); Inhibition of hormone-stimulated steroidogenesis (corticostatin activity)