| Literature DB >> 16724099 |
Mary E Klotman1, Theresa L Chang.
Abstract
Defensins are small antimicrobial peptides that are produced by leukocytes and epithelial cells, and that have an important role in innate immunity. Recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of the antiviral action(s) of defensins indicate that they have a dual role in antiviral defence, acting directly on the virion and on the host cell. This Review focuses on the antiviral activities and mechanisms of action of mammalian defensins, and on the clinical relevance of these activities. Understanding the complex function of defensins in innate immunity against viral infection has implications for the prevention and treatment of viral disease.Entities:
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Year: 2006 PMID： 16724099 DOI： 10.1038/nri1860
Source DB: PubMed Journal: Nat Rev Immunol ISSN： 1474-1733 Impact factor: 53.106