M. Nishimura, Y. Abiko, Yoshihito Kurashige
Nov 1, 2004
Citations
2
Influential Citations
76
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Journal of dermatological science
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the usefulness of the antimicrobial peptides known as defensins has been suggested against oral and skin infections, possible adverse effects of the defensins on the host should be understood before clinical applications can be contemplated. OBJECTIVE In the present study, we investigated how alpha-defensin (HNP-1) and beta-defensins (hBD-1, -2, -3) affect cells including primary epithelial cells, fibroblasts and squamous cell carcinoma cell lines, SCC-9 and KB. METHOD Cell proliferation was assessed by the direct cell counting and XTT assay. RESULTS We found that alpha-defensin promotes proliferation of the epithelial cells at low concentration but has a cytotoxic effect at high concentration. In contrast, beta-defensins have little effect on these cells at any concentration, suggesting that beta-defensins may have no adverse effects on the host. CONCLUSION Therefore, in terms of host response beta-defensins may be more suitable antimicrobial agents for clinical applications than alpha-defensins.