Do β-Defensins and Other Antimicrobial Peptides Play a Role in Neuroimmune Function and Neurodegeneration?

Figure 1

It is hypothesized that reduction or abnormal elevation of AMP expression by brain microglia, astrocytes, or choroid plexus epithelium (CP) may contribute to loss of AMP-induced regulation of dendritic cell maturation and activity. Prolonged and elevated dendritic cell activity could in turn contribute to chronic release of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, etc.) that ultimately promote neuronal cell injury and death. Hyperglycemia-induced glycation of specific AMPs may inhibit antimicrobial and immunomodulatory function.