Human beta-defensin-1 (hBD-1) is a 36-amino-acid antimicrobial peptide that
functions in the host innate defense. We developed a highly sensitive radi
oimmunoassay for hBD-1 and identified several hBD-1 peptides in human kidne
y, urine, and plasma by amino acid sequencing and mass spectrometry, Large
quantities of hBD-1 peptides are produced in the kidney, are released into
the tubular lumen as 47-amino-acid pro-hBD1, and then undergo proteolytic p
rocessing and generate multiple truncated forms. The respective urine and p
lasma concentrations of hBD-1 in patients with pyelonephritis are 48.1 +/-
(SEM) 15.7 pmol/mg creatinine and 2.66 +/- 0.41 pmol/ml, 3.1-fold and 1.8-f
old those of normal individuals. hBD-1 is thought to contribute to mucosal
defense in the urinary tract. Our findings provide a better understanding o
f the biosynthesis of this peptide and its pathophysiological significance
in infectious diseases. Copyright (C) 2000 S .Karger AG, Basel.