Effects of β-defensins（Cationic Peptides）on Innate Response

Author : Rota

Update time : 2023-03-21 14:19:45

Effects of β-defensins（Cationic Peptides）
on Innate Response

Cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) are present throughout the plant and animal kingdoms and bear striking structural and functional similarities across species lines. (Ellen W. Evans, etc. December 1995)

CAMPs are critical front line contributors to host defense against invasive bacterial infection.

B. Brett Finlay and Robert E. W. Hancock, 2004

There is excellent evidence that host defence peptides have activities that correspond to many aspects of innate immunity usually associated with acute inflammation and host defense.

β-defensins are cationic antimicrobial peptide (CAMPs) which can stimulate body to innate immune response when pathogens invade the body( a, b); Same time, defensin help to control chronic inflammation and induce specific immune response(c) (FIG.1).

Figure 1 Effects of cationic peptides on innate response B. Brett Finlay and Robert E. W. Hancock, 2004

When abundant pathogens invade the mucosa across enterocyte, On one hand, cationic peptides is the first one to adhere to pathogens and then kill them. Meanwhile, cationic peptides will recruit more Macrophages to swallow bacterial. In addition, some cationic peptides will stimulate mast cells to release histamine, which is used to dilate blood vessels to release more PMN cells, and induce immune cells to produce more cationic peptides. This process is accompanied by acute inflammation.

If the bacteria are not completely eliminated, the cationic peptides will involved in down-regulating inflammatory signaling pathways, repairing the wound, and stimulating the immune response of T cells, this process is accompanied by chronic inflammatory responses, in which cationic peptides act as signaling molecules.

Reference:

B. Brett Finlay and Robert E. W. Hancock, Can innate immunity be enhanced to treat microbial infections, Nature Reviews∣Microbiology 2004

Previous : How to Define a Healthy Gut

Next : Understand the Role of Defensins Correctly

Article Sharing | Interactions Between the Porcine Host and Gut Microbiota — The impact of gut microbiota on the host immune system Ⅱ

Apr .30.2026

Here is a **concise, journal-style introduction (a few sentences)**:

---

Commensal gut microbiota play a fundamental role in the development and regulation of host immunity in mammals. Disruption of the microbiota–immune balance leads to dysbiosis, which is closely associated with increased disease susceptibility. In contrast, the establishment of a stable and defined microbial community supports the maturation of immune functions. Among these, lactic acid bacteria have attracted significant attention due to their strain-specific ability to modulate immune responses and enhance host defense mechanisms.

Article Shareing | Interactions Between the Porcine Host and Gut Microbiota — The impact of gut microbiota on the host immune system

Apr .07.2026

Pigs are the only animal susceptible to human rotavirus (HRV)-induced diarrhea, making them an important model for studying host-microbe interactions. Studies in gnotobiotic pigs show that probiotic colonization with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium animalis Bb12 enhances HRV-specific IgA responses and reduces diarrhea severity. Similarly, colonization with the simplified Bristol microbiota upregulates serum IgA and IgM levels, supporting intestinal and systemic immune development in newborn pigs. These findings highlight the potential of gut microbiota interventions to modulate immunity and improve pig health.

Article Sharing | Interactions Between the Porcine Host and Gut Microbiota — The Role of Antibiotics

Mar .18.2026

Antibiotics are widely used in pig production to prevent disease and promote growth. However, their use can disrupt the gut microbiota, reduce beneficial bacteria, and increase opportunistic pathogens. These changes may affect intestinal health, immune function, and the spread of antibiotic resistance genes.

HUADE VOICE| The Festive Spirit Lingers — Life at Huade

Mar .17.2026

The Lunar New Year may be nearing its end, but the festive spirit is still in the air.