STRUCTURE, FUNCTION, AND MEMBRANE INTEGRATION OF DEFENSINS

Defensins comprise a structural class of small cationic peptides that exert broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities through membrane permeab ilization. Their predominantly beta-sheet structure, stabilized by thr ee disulfide bonds, distinguishes them from other antimicrobial peptid es which typically form amphiphilic helices. Defensins bind to membran es electrostatically and subsequently form apparently multimeric pores . Recent structural and biophysical studies are beginning to provide i nsights into the process of permeabilization.