Scavenger receptors belong to a superfamily of proteins that are structurally heterogeneous
and encompass the miscellaneous group of transmembrane proteins and soluble secretory …

More than a decade has passed since the conceptualization of the “alarmin” hypothesis. The
alarmin family has been expanding in terms of both number and the concept. It has recently …

Despite the high prevalence of both cervico-vaginal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
and bacterial vaginosis (BV) worldwide, their causal relationship remains unclear. While BV …

With the growing problem of the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the search for
alternative ways to combat bacterial infections is extremely urgent. While analyzing the effect …

Cationic host defense (antimicrobial) peptides were originally studied for their direct
antimicrobial activities. They have since been found to exhibit multifaceted …

Defensins are an effector component of the innate immune system with broad antimicrobial
activity. Humans express two types of defensins, α-and β-defensins, which have antiviral …

Defensins have been long recognized as natural antimicrobial peptides, but they also
possess diverse and versatile immune functions. Defensins can both induce inflammation …

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), including defensins and cathelicidins, constitute an arsenal
of innate regulators of paramount importance in the gut. The intestinal epithelium is exposed …

BACKGROUND At the interface of the external environment and the mucosal surface of the
female reproductive tract (FRT) lies a first-line defense against pathogen invasion that …

α, β, and θ defensins are effectors of the innate immune system with potent antibacterial,
antiviral, and antifungal activity. Defensins have direct antiviral activity in cell culture, with …