DEFA4 antibody targets human defensin alpha 4 (DEFA4), a member of the α-defensin family, which are small cationic antimicrobial peptides integral to innate immunity. Primarily secreted by neutrophils and Paneth cells, α-defensins exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. DEFA4. encoded by the DEFA4 gene on chromosome 8p23.1. plays roles in host defense by disrupting microbial membranes and modulating immune responses, including chemotaxis and cytokine release.
Elevated DEFA4 expression is associated with inflammatory conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and infections, where neutrophils infiltrate tissues. It also shows potential as a biomarker for certain cancers, as tumor-associated neutrophils may secrete DEFA4. influencing tumor progression. However, its exact mechanisms in disease contexts remain unclear, with studies suggesting both pro-inflammatory and tissue-repair functions.
DEFA4 antibodies are valuable tools for research, enabling detection of DEFA4 in biological samples to study its distribution, regulation, and pathological roles. Therapeutic applications are under exploration, such as targeting DEFA4-mediated pathways in chronic inflammation or cancer. Challenges include understanding its dual roles in immunity and disease, and optimizing antibody specificity for clinical use. Current studies focus on elucidating its interactions with microbial and host cells to harness its therapeutic potential.