Protein-coding gene in the species Homo sapiens
Defensin, alpha 6 (DEFA6) also known as human alpha defensin 6 (HD6) is a human protein that is encoded by the "DEFA6" gene. "DEFA6" is expressed in the Paneth cells of the ileum.
Function.
The alpha defensins are a family of microbicidal and cytotoxic peptides that defend the host against bacteria and viruses. HD6 has poor antibacterial potency. However, HD6 affords protection against invasion by enteric bacterial pathogens by self-assembly to form fibrils and nanonets that surround and entangle bacteria.
Several alpha defensin genes, including "DEFA6", are clustered on chromosome 8.
References.
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Further reading.
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