Abstract
Host defense peptides (HDPs) are an evolutionarily conserved component of the innate immune response found in all living species. They possess antimicrobial activities against a broad range of organisms including bacteria, fungi, eukaryotic parasites, and viruses. HDPs also have the ability to enhance immune responses by acting as immunomodulators. We discovered a new family of HDPs derived from pathogenic helminth (worms) that cause enormous disease in animals and humans worldwide. The discovery of these peptides was based on their similar biochemical and functional characteristics to the human defense peptide LL-37. We propose that these new peptides modulate the immune response via molecular mimicry of mammalian HDPs thus providing a mechanism behind the anti-inflammatory properties of helminth infections.
Highlights
Host defense peptides (HDPs) are conserved in all living species as a primitive component of the innate immune response (Hancock and Diamond, 2000; Bowdish et al, 2004) and have a broadspectrum of activity against bacteria, fungi, eukaryotic parasites, and viruses (Mookherjee and Hancock, 2007; Andes et al, 2009; Hsu et al, 2009)
We suggested that these new peptides modulate the immune response via molecular mimicry of HDPs providing a mechanism for the anti-inflammatory properties commonly observed in these helminth infections
The discovery of a family of defense peptides that is conserved amongst medically-important trematode pathogens has raised the question of their utility for helminths
Summary
Host defense peptides (HDPs) are conserved in all living species as a primitive component of the innate immune response (Hancock and Diamond, 2000; Bowdish et al, 2004) and have a broadspectrum of activity against bacteria, fungi, eukaryotic parasites, and viruses (Mookherjee and Hancock, 2007; Andes et al, 2009; Hsu et al, 2009). INTRODUCTION Host defense peptides (HDPs) are conserved in all living species as a primitive component of the innate immune response (Hancock and Diamond, 2000; Bowdish et al, 2004) and have a broadspectrum of activity against bacteria, fungi, eukaryotic parasites, and viruses (Mookherjee and Hancock, 2007; Andes et al, 2009; Hsu et al, 2009).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
