A Review on the competence of Defensins to become alternative of antibiotics

Abstract

Defensins are highly cationic proteins consisting of 20-40 amino acids, having antimicrobial potential. Size of defensins vary between 3 to 5 kDa and are found in human, plants and several subhuman species such as ducks, insects, penguin etc. Because of their antimicrobial efficacy, they boost the immune system. In human alpha and beta-defensins play a pivotal role in providing the first line of defence against microbial infection in several occasions. Plant defensins are small, highly stable and cysteine-rich peptide that constitute a part of the innate immune system against pathogens. Plant defensins also exhibit remarkable antifungal and antibacterial potencies. Till date antibiotics are the mainstay of medical science for the fight against microbial infections. As the disadvantages and limitations of antibiotic use are growing on the hunt for new preventive and therapeutic means is increasing worldwide. To that end, defensins especially plant-based defensins can become a major al- ternative to antibiotics. In this review, the antimicrobial efficiency of defensins have been thoroughly discussed, and focus has been given to highlight the competence of defensins mainly plant-based defensins as a substitute for antibiotics.