DEFB124

Defensin Beta 124 (DEFB124), also known as BD-124, is a cationic antimicrobial peptide belonging to the β-defensin family. It contributes to innate immunity by exerting broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi, and some viruses—its mechanism involves electrostatic interactions that disrupt microbial cell membranes, leading to permeabilization and lysis.
DEFB124 interacts with toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated innate immune pathways to regulate inflammatory responses. Altered expression is linked to infectious diseases and inflammatory disorders. Though its potential as an antimicrobial agent is recognized, clinical development remains early-stage, with ongoing studies exploring its utility against drug-resistant pathogens.