Defensin, alpha 5 (DEFA5) also known as human alpha defensin 5 (HD5) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the DEFA5 gene. DEFA5 is expressed in the Paneth cells of the ileum. Defensins are a family of microbicidal and cytotoxic peptides (antimicrobial peptides; AMP) that are involved in host defense, and help to maintain homeostasis of intestinal microbiota. DEFA5 is the main AMP that controls the enteric microbiota composition by selective killing of bacterial pathogens while preserving commensals.
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