key term - Defensins

Definition

Defensins are small antimicrobial peptides produced by leukocytes and epithelial cells that play a crucial role in the body's innate immune defense against pathogens. They act by disrupting the membrane integrity of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, leading to their destruction.

Related terms

Leukocytes:

White blood cells that are part of the immune system, responsible for defending the body against both infectious disease and foreign materials.

Antimicrobial peptides: Short proteins that are part of the innate immune response, capable of destroying or inhibiting the growth of microbial pathogens.

Innate immune system: The first line of defense in the immune system, composed of physical barriers, immune cells, and proteins that protect the body from pathogens universally