s41431-017-0061-7.pdf (1.25 MB)
Download fileHuman beta defensin (HBD) gene copy number affects HBD2 protein levels: impact on cervical bactericidal immunity in pregnancy
journal contribution
posted on 2018-04-24, 10:37 authored by C. P. James, M. Bajaj-Elliott, Razan Abujaber, F. Forya, N. Klein, A. L. David, Edward J. Hollox, D. M. PeeblesHuman beta defensin 2 (HBD2) is an endogenous mucosal antimicrobial peptide (AMP) upregulated during infection and inflammation. HBD2 is encoded by the DEFB4 gene, which exhibits extensive copy number variation. Previous studies have demonstrated a relationship between HBD copy number and serum HBD2 protein levels; however, our current understanding of the influence of copy number on mucosal AMP function remains limited. This study explores the relationship between HBD copy number, cervicovaginal HBD2 protein levels and antimicrobial activity in 203 women with risk factors for preterm birth. We provide evidence that suggests HBD copy number modulates cervical antimicrobial immunity.
History
Citation
European Journal of Human Genetics, 2018, 26 (3), pp. 434-439Author affiliation
/Organisation/COLLEGE OF LIFE SCIENCES/Biological Sciences/Genetics and Genome BiologyVersion
- VoR (Version of Record)