Antimicrobial peptides are a common mechanism of host defense utilized by a variety of species, from insects to humans. Defensins are a large family of broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptides, identified originally in leukocytes of rabbits and humans. Defensins, cationic/polar peptides (30-35 aa; 3-4kD), are distinguished by a conserved tri-disulfides and a largely b-Sheet structure. Defensins, expressed at the cell surface, have been hypothesized to function as a biochemical barrier against microbial infection by inhibiting colonization of the epithelium by wide range of pathogenic microorganisms. In leukocytes, these peptides are stored in cytoplasmic granules and are released into phagolysosomes where they contribute to the killing of engulfed microorganisms.

The genes encoding human α and β -defensins are clustered in a contiguous segment of chromosome 8p23. Defensins are classified into two families designated α – and β-based on distinctive, although similar, tri-disulfide linkages in the peptides. b-defensins are slightly larger and differ in the position and arrangement of 3 disulfides. In humans, six α –defensin (cryptidins), HD 1-6 (HD1-4 are also known as HNP1-4 for Human Neutrophil Peptides), and two β -defensins, HBD-1 and HBD-2, have been identified to date. Rat (RBD-1 and RBD-2) and mouse (MBD1-4) homologues of the human beta-defensin have also been identified. a-defensins are encoded by genes designated DEFA1-6, whereas human b-defensins are encoded by the DEFB1 and DEFb2 genes

Suitable for use in ELISA and Antibody Blocking. Not suitable for Western Blot due to low MW. Other applications not tested.

ELISA: 1ug/ml to coat plates. Antibody Blocking: 5-10ug peptide. Optimal dilution determined by the researcher.

Lyophilized powder may be stored at -20°C. Stable for 12 months at -20°C. Reconstitute with sterile buffer or ddH2O. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20°C. Reconstituted product is stable for 6 months at -20°C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.

Mouse synthetic peptide

Highly purified.

~1mg/ml

Supplied as a lyophilized powder from PBS, 0.05% sodium azide.

The MBD-3 sequence is ~ 50% conserved bovine and human beta defensin-3.

This product as supplied is intended for research use only, not for use in human, therapeutic or diagnostic applications without the expressed written authorization of United States Biological.