Highly purified. Control peptide for N5378-08D (antiserum) and N5378-08K (affinity purified antibody). Synthetic peptide corresponding to 16aa sequence near the C-terminus of human mature alpha defensin-6. Sequence is specific for human alpha defensin-6. No significant homology exists with other alpha-defensins. Defensins are a large family of broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptides, identified originally in leukocytes of rabbits and humans. Defensins, cationic/polar peptides (30-35aa; 3-4kD), are distinguished by a conserved tri-disulfides and a largely beta-sheet structure. Defensins, expressed at the cell surface, have been hypothesized to function as a biochemical barrier against microbial infection by inhibiting colonization of the epithelium by wide range of pathogenic microorganisms. In leukocytes, these peptides are stored in cytoplasmic granules and are released into phagolysosomes where they contribute to the killing of engulfed microorganisms. The genes encoding human alpha an