Defensin beta 108A (DEFB108A)

Defensin beta 108A (DEFB108A) belongs to the beta-defensin family of antimicrobial peptides, which are typically small, cysteine-rich, cationic peptides with antibacterial and immunomodulatory functions[1][2][3]. However, DEFB108A is annotated in the human genome as a **putative** or **pseudogene**, and there is **no clear evidence of its transcription or translation into a functional protein in humans**. Beta-defensins more broadly are involved in immune defense, cell signaling, and mucosal protection, but these roles are not confirmed for DEFB108A specifically. Humans have many pseudogenes for beta-defensins, and rapid gene evolution within this family has led to multiple variants, some of which are no longer functional[2]. The established, functional beta-defensins—such as DEFB1, DEFB4 (HBD2), and DEFB103 (HBD3)—play key roles in innate immunity, but DEFB108A does not appear to be among them[2][3]. **Key points:** - DEFB108A is a defensin gene family member, but is considered a pseudogene with no confirmed function, protein product, or druggability in humans. - There are no known disease associations, drugs, mechanisms of action, or biomarker roles for this gene[2]. - Any role attributed to beta-defensins as a broad family, such as antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects, **should not be assumed for DEFB108A without further evidence**. If you need information on functional human beta-defensin targets, such as DEFB1 or DEFB4, please specify.

Other names

Putative beta-defensin 108ADEFB108ADEFB108P1DEFB108P2DEFB-8Defensin, beta 108ADefensin, beta 108CPutative beta-defensin 108B pseudogene 1Putative beta-defensin 108B pseudogene 2