Human DEFA1 ELISA Kit EZ-Set™ (DIY Antibody Pairs)

Defensin is a human protein that is encoded by the DEFA1 gene. Defensins are a family of antimicrobial and cytotoxic peptides thought to be involved in host defense. They are abundant in the granules of neutrophils and also found in the epithelia of mucosal surfaces such as those of the intestine, respiratory tract, urinary tract, and vagina. The protein encoded by this gene, defensin, alpha 1, is found in the microbicidal granules of neutrophils and likely plays a role in phagocyte-mediated host defense. Members of the defensin family are highly similar in protein sequence and distinguished by a conserved cysteine motif. Several alpha defensin genes are clustered on chromosome 8. This gene differs from defensin, alpha 3 by only one amino acid. This gene and the gene encoding defensin, alpha 3 are both subject to copy number variation.

Defensin 1 and defensin 2 have antibacterial, fungicide and antiviral activities. Has antimicrobial activity against Gram- negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Defensins are thought to kill microbes by permeabilizing their plasma membrane.

Store at 4°C for 6 months, at -20°C for 12 months. Avoid multiple freeze-thaw cycles (Ships with gel ice, can store for up to 3 days in room temperature. Freeze upon receiving.)