Understand the Role of Defensins Correctly

Author : Rota

Update time : 2023-08-01 10:36:59

Understand the Role of Defensins Correctly

Functions of Defensins

Defensins, which belongs to the host defense peptide, are defensive molecule for early defense response of mammalian mucosal immunity, and are important components of the innate immune system. Defensins not only directly kill invade pathogenic microorganisms, but also indirectly kill them by activating the immune system.

Robert E W Hancock, 2006

Action of Defensins in Crypt

Defensins in intestinal mucosa play an important role, but both epithelial cells and mucous membrane tissues are highly differentiated structures, and defensins’ role are played with gut matures.

Long-term exposure of mucous membrane system with the outside world, shaping of a complex cavity micro-ecology environment, taking pig's intestines for example, which has more than 400 kinds of microbes, and the total concentration can achieve 10⁷cfu/cm². Therefore mucosa need a maintain ecological balance and a mechanisms to identify harmful bacteria and resident bacteria. For example, on the one hand the intestinal recess structure will distinguish pathogenic sensitive areas and non-pathogenic sensitive areas, on the other hand after the evolution, mucosa has formed an easy captured features mechanism, which is that the resident bacteria can secret low-toxic lipopolysaccharide and non-adhesive, to get along with the host.

Defensins play an important role in maintaining the ecological balance of mucosal microcirculation. First of all, Take the intestinal mucosa for example, Defensins mainly maintain the concentration of crypt resident bacteria on a low-level, if the resident microbes randomly invert into the intestines, Defensins will eliminate it; Secondly, Defensins are the primary elment of removing harmful microbes. These resident microorganisms usually belong to lipopolysaccharide with low toxicity and charge. When cell concentration of the intestinal mucosal increased, Defensins preferential adsorption the harmful micro-organisms (usually with higher charge) and kill it, finally adjusted concentration of microbial to normal levels.

Philippe J. Sansonetti, December 2004

Exogenous Defensins act more as Signal Factor

In the crypt, Defensins protect intestinal stem cells from microbes. At here, the main effect of Defensins are sterilization. The concentration of Defensins is the highest here. But exogenous Defensins cannot reach to this area theoretically. In Lumen area, Defensins control resident microorganisms. The main effect here is bacteriostasis, just to remain the resident microorganism balance. In Distal end area, Defensins’ main fucntion is chemotaxis or signaling of host defense. This area is most exogenous AMPs are.

Muniz, 2012; Bevins, 1999

Therefore, we believe that a correct understanding of the role of AMPss is essential for the correct use of AMPs. Actually, AMPs do not have the strong ability to kill microorganisms compares to antibiotics. The purpose of using AMPs is not to kill all microbes, but maintain the microbiota balance. In order to ensure the number of resident microorganisms, AMP not only controls the invasion in local microorganisms, more is developing tolerance of animals to resident microorganisms, and generating the defense ability to pathogenic microorganisms through chemotaxis and signaling.

Lukas Martin, 2015

Reference:

Philippe J. Sansonetti,WAR AND PEACE AT MUCOSAL SURFACES,NATURREVIEWS IMMUNOLOGY,VOLUME 4 | DECEMBER 2004

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

Next : Will Beneficial Bacteria be Killed by AMPs (Defensin)?

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.