Defensins (alpha and beta) are cationic peptides with antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses. They are 2-6 kDa proteins and take important roles in innate immune system. On the basis of their size and pattern of disulfide bonding, mammalian defensins are classified into alpha, beta and theta categories. β-defensins contain a six-cysteine motif that forms three intra-molecular disulfide bonds. Four human β-defensins have been identified and they are expressed on some leukocytes and at epithelial surfaces. Because β-defensins is cationic peptides, they can therefore interact with the membrane of invading microbes, which are negative due to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA) found in the cell membrane. Especially, they have higher affinity to the binding site compared to Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions. Furthermore, they can affect the stability of the membrane.
Source
Escherichia coli.
Molecular Weight
Approximately 6.0 kDa, a single non-glycosylated polypeptide chain containing 50 amino acids.
Biological Activity
Fully biologically active when compared to standard. The biological activity determined by a chemotaxis bioassay using human monocytes is in a concentration range of 0.1-100.0 ng/ml.
Appearance
Sterile filtered white lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder.
Formulation
Lyophilized from a 0.2 um filtered concentrated solution in 20 mM PB, pH 7.4, 130 mM NaCl.
Endotoxin
Less than 1 EU/ug of rHuBD-4 as determined by LAL method.
Reconstitution
We recommend that this vial be briefly centrifuged prior to opening to bring the contents to the bottom. Reconstitute in sterile distilled water or aqueous buffer containing 0.1 % BSA to a concentration of 0.1-1.0 mg/mL. Stock solutions should be apportioned into working aliquots and stored at ≤ -20 °C. Further dilutions should be made in appropriate buffered solutions.
Stability and Storage
Use a manual defrost freezer and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.- 12 months from date of receipt, -20 to -70 °C as supplied.- 1 month, 2 to 8 °C under sterile conditions after reconstitution.- 3 months, -20 to -70 °C under sterile conditions after reconstitution.
