Defensin Beta 126 (DEFb126)

DEFb126 belongs to the beta-defensin family. High-level and epididymis-specific expression. The innate immune system includes antimicrobial peptides that protect multicellular organisms from a diverse spectrum of microorganisms. beta-Defensins comprise one important family of mammalian antimicrobial peptides. Defensins are cysteine-rich cationic polypeptides that are important in the immunologic response to invading microorganisms.

DEFb126 is secreted and is a member of the beta defensin protein family. Beta defensin genes are found in several clusters throughout the genome, with this gene mapping to a cluster at 20p13. The encoded protein is highly similar to an epididymal-specific secretory protein (ESP13.2) from cynomolgus monkey.