{"type": "root", "children": [{"type": "p", "children": [{"type": "t", "text": "\n Human beta‐defensins are a family of small, cationic peptides that play central roles in the first‐line host defense by directly neutralizing pathogens and by orchestrating immune responses at epithelial barriers. In this context, DEFB105B—as a member of the beta‐defensin gene cluster—appears to contribute to innate immunity through a dual mechanism involving both antimicrobial activity and immunomodulation. For instance, studies on beta‐defensin copy number variation have linked increased gene dosage with enhanced susceptibility to inflammatory skin disorders such as psoriasis"}, {"type": "fg", "children": [{"type": "fg_f", "ref": "1"}]}, {"type": "t", "text": ", indicating that precise regulation of defensin expression is critical for maintaining tissue homeostasis. In reproductive and urogenital tissues, selective and coordinated expression of beta‐defensin isoforms reinforces local barrier protection against invading microbes."}, {"type": "fg", "children": [{"type": "fg_f", "ref": "2"}]}, {"type": "t", "text": " Similarly, at mucosal surfaces, defensins are upregulated following microbial challenges – for example, increased local expression in extraplacental membranes helps restrict bacterial growth in the intrauterine environment"}, {"type": "fg", "children": [{"type": "fg_f", "ref": "3"}]}, {"type": "t", "text": "—and they are inducible in intestinal epithelia upon enteroviral infection."}, {"type": "fg", "children": [{"type": "fg_f", "ref": "4"}]}, {"type": "t", "text": " Moreover, certain beta‐defensin family members have been shown to interfere with viral entry processes, as exemplified by their ability to block membrane fusion events of respiratory viruses, including influenza and SARS‑CoV‑2"}, {"type": "fg", "children": [{"type": "fg_f", "ref": "5"}]}, {"type": "t", "text": ", which underscores their antiviral potential. Finally, maintenance of mucosal barrier function—with stable defensin expression even under hormonal modulation—further supports an ongoing role in innate defense against pathogens in sensitive tissues such as the vaginal epithelium."}, {"type": "fg", "children": [{"type": "fg_f", "ref": "6"}]}, {"type": "t", "text": " Collectively, these findings suggest that DEFB105B likely functions in a similar manner, serving as an antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effector that helps maintain epithelial integrity and modulate inflammatory responses in various tissues.\n "}]}, {"type": "rg", "children": [{"type": "r", "ref": 1, "children": [{"type": "t", "text": "Edward J Hollox, Ulrike Huffmeier, Patrick L J M Zeeuwen, et al. 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