Defensins are a large family of peptides of which two groups exist in mammals: alpha defensins and beta defensins - which are distinguishable by the spacing and connectivity of the conserved cysteine residues within the mature peptides. It is thought that the function of defensins in the eradication of pathogens from the host system is to insert themselves into the bacterial membrane under the influence of membrane potential, in doing so forms channels which lead to leakage of cytoplasmic molecules and cell death. Unlike hBD-1, this second peptide, human beta-defensin-2 (hBD-2), is regulated at a transcriptional level in response to contact with microorganisms, and is highly effective in killing the gram negative bacteria. Its expression is also upregulated by the cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha.
Product Name- Recombinant Human Beta-Defensin 2 (DEFB4A)
Aliases- Beta-defensin 4A, BD-2, hBD-2, Defensin, beta 2, Skin-antimicrobial peptide 1, SAP1, DEFB102, DEFB2, DEFB4
Formulation- Lyophilized from a 0.2 µm filtered solution in PBS (pH 8)
Endotoxin Level- <1.0 EU/µg of recombinant protein as determined by the LAL method.
Storage Condition- The lyophilized protein is stable for at least one year from date of receipt at -70°C. Upon reconstitution, this cytokine can be stored in working aliquots at +2° to +8°C for one month, or at -20°C for six months, with a carrier protein without detectable loss of activity. Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles.