Defesins

Question 1

what are they

Answer 1

small cationic peptides containing both cationic and hydrophobic regions

Question 2

where are they produced

Answer 2

by epithelia cells of mucosal surfaces and granule containing luekocytes, including neutrophils, NK cells, and CTLs

Question 3

when are they synthesized

Answer 3

stimulated in response to cytokines and microbial produces

Question 4

two kinds of defensins

Answer 4

alpha/beta produced by different cell types

Question 5

defensins have

Answer 5

direct toxicity to microbes

this includes bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses

Question 6

how do defensins work?

Answer 6

directly insert themselves into and disrupting functions of the microbial membranes

Question 7

they can ALSO

Answer 7

regulate cells involved in inflammation