Description
Human defensin-5 (HD 5) is a key regulator of gut microbiota homeostasis. HD 5 exhibits microbicidal activity against bacteria, fungi, and viruses and is released by Paneth cells in the small intestine. Reduction or absence of HD 5 release in the intestinal mucosa has been associated with susceptibility to enteric pathogens, changes in composition of the microbiota, and disruption of intestinal immune homeostasis. As a biomarker, HD 5 might be used to distinguish between ulcerative colitis (low levels of HD 5) or Crohn’s colitis (high levels of HD 5).
