Peptide Database

Human Neutrophil Peptides (HNP-1, HNP-2, HNP-3) · α-defensins

Alpha-defensins are cationic antimicrobial peptides secreted by neutrophils (HNP-1 to 4) and Paneth cells (HD-5, HD-6) in the small intestine. They kill bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses through membrane disruption and also function as chemokines, recruiting immune cells and bridging innate and adaptive immunity. Paneth cell alpha-defensins (HD-5, HD-6) play a critical role in shaping intestinal microbiome composition.