HNP-1, HNP-2 and HNP-3 are encoded by two genes DEFA1 and DEFA3 localized at chromosome 8, location 8p23.1. DEFA1 and DEFA3 encode identical peptides except the conversion of the first amino acid from alanine in HNP-1 to aspartic acid in HNP-3; HNP-2 is an N-terminally truncated iso-form lacking the first amino acid. Human neutrophil peptides are found in human atherosclerostic arteries, inhibit LDL metabolism and fibrinolysis and promote Lp(a) binding. Like other<unk> s, cryptdins are small, 32-36 amino acid long cationic peptides. They possess 6 conserved cysteines that form a tridisulfide array with an arrangement of cysteine pairings that typify<unk> s. Cryptdins also display a secondary and tertiary structure that is dominated by a three-stranded beta-sheet. The topology that arises from this structure is an amphipathic globular form in which the termini are paired opposite a pole including a cluster of cationic residues. Sequences of major human α-defensins: Gene Aliases Peptide Sequence DEFA1 HNP1 human neutrophil peptide 1 ACYCRIPACIAGERRYGTCIYQGRLWAFCC HNP2 human neutrophil peptide 2 CYCRIPACIAGERRYGTCIYQGRLWAFCC DEFA3 HNP3 human neutrophil peptide 3 DCYCRIPACIAGERRYGTCIYQGRLWAFCC DEFA4 HNP4 human neutrophil peptide 4 VCSCRLVFCRRTELRVGNCLIGGVSFTYCCTRV DEFA5 HD5 human defensin 5 ATCYCRHGRCATRESLSGVCEISGRLYRLCCR DEFA6 HD6 human defensin 6 AFTCHCRRSCYSTEYSYGTCTVMGINHRFCCL Genes encoding cryptdins are located on the proximal arm of mouse chromosome 8. They are similar to other enteric<unk> s genes in that they involve a two exon structure. The first exon encodes an N-terminal canonical signal peptide and proregion that is present in the cryptdin precursor. The processed, mature peptide is encoded by the second exon which is separated from the first exon by a ~500 bp intron. Biosynthesized as precursors possessing an anionic, N-terminal proregion, cryptdins are packaged into the apically-directed secretory granules of Paneth cells. During this process and perhaps succeeding it, the precursors are cleaved by matrix metalloproteinase-7 (matrilysin; MMP-7). As a result of this proteolysis, the C-terminal mature form is released from the proregion.
Alpha defensin
Beta defensin
Defensin
Immunoevasin
Neutrophil elastase
Leukotriene
Histamine
Major basic protein