The Two Domains of the Avian Double-β-Defensin AvBD11 Have Different Ancestors, Common with Potential Monodomain Crocodile and Turtle Defensins.

ABSTRACT: Beta-defensins are an essential group of cysteine-rich host-defence peptides involved in vertebrate innate immunity and are generally monodomain. Among bird defensins, the avian β-defensin 11 (AvBD11) is unique because of its peculiar structure composed of two β-defensin domains. The reasons for the appearance of such 'polydefensins' during the evolution of several, but not all branches of vertebrates, still remain an open question. In this study, we aimed at exploring the origin and evolution of the bird AvBD11 using a phylogenetic approach. Although they are homologous, the N- and C-terminal domains of AvBD11 share low protein sequence similarity and possess different cysteine spacing patterns. Interestingly, strong variations in charge properties can be observed on the C-terminal domain

SUBMITTER: Guyot N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9138766 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature