Expression of human beta-defensin 1 mRNA in human nasal mucosa

Antimicrobial peptides are cationic proteins that are found in a wide range of organisms. Recent reports suggested that human beta-defensin I (hBD-1). a prominent group of antimicrobial peptides, is an important component of the innate immune response. particularly at mucosal surfaces that are vulne rable to colonization by potential pathogens. Therefore, hBD-1 may particip ate in providing intrinsic nasal mucosal defence against microbial infectio ns. The present study aimed to look for hBD-1 mRNA in human nasal mucosa wi thout obvious signs of inflammation. Total RNA was isolated from human infe rior turbinate mucosa and hBD-1 mRNA was detected in these tissues by using reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). By in situ h ybridization, hBD-1 mRNA was predominantly localized in superficial epithel ial cells and submucosal glandular epithelium of human inferior turbinate m ucosa. These data suggest that nasal epithelia and submucosal glands may se crete hBD-1, contributing to the mucosal defences of the nose.