Beta-defensin 3 is a

protein Proteins are large biomolecules and macromolecules that comprise one or more long chains of amino acid residues. Proteins perform a vast array of functions within organisms, including catalysing metabolic reactions, DNA replication, respo ...

that in humans is encoded by the ''DEFB3''

gene In biology, the word gene (from , ; "...Wilhelm Johannsen coined the word gene to describe the Mendelian units of heredity..." meaning ''generation'' or ''birth'' or ''gender'') can have several different meanings. The Mendelian gene is a ba ...

. HBD-3 was first isolated from human lesional psoriatic scales. RT-PCR showed HBD-3 to be expressed highly in skin, trachea, tongue and tonsils, with lower levels found salivary glands, uterus, kidney, bone marrow, thymus, colon, stomach, adenoid, pharynx, and larynx.

References

{{reflist Peripheral membrane proteins Defensins