Peptide Profile
Defensin (HBD-2)
Inducible human beta-defensin antimicrobial peptide (41 amino acids) that kills bacteria through membrane disruption at MIC 50 μg/mL against S. aureus, recruits dendritic cells and T cells via CCR6 receptor chemotaxis, and serves as a critical bridge between innate and adaptive immunity — upregulated up to 100-fold during infection and inflammation
Dose Range
10-100μg/mL (research)
Frequency
As needed
Route
Topical application (research/wound care)
Cycle Length
Ongoing/indefinite
Onset
Rapid (hours to days)
Evidence
Moderate
Compound Profile
Scientific & Efficacy Data
Approximately C185H290N54O57S6 (41-amino acid peptide with 3 disulfide bonds)
Molecular Formula
~4,328 Da (mature peptide)
Molecular Weight
Short plasma half-life (minutes); locally stable at wound and epithelial sites due to disulfide-bonded structure; degraded by metalloproteinases in chronic wound environments
Half-Life
Topical application provides local antimicrobial activity; three disulfide bonds confer resistance to proteolytic degradation; salt-sensitive — activity reduced above 150 mM NaCl; not intended for oral or systemic delivery
Bioavailability
Not assigned (endogenous human peptide; research-grade available from multiple suppliers)
CAS #
Not assigned (protein/peptide; available via UniProt P60981)
PubChem Status
Developed By · 1997 (first isolation from psoriatic skin); subsequent characterization of antimicrobial, chemotactic, and biomarker properties through the 2000s-2020s
Endogenous; developed by Immuron Limited
Immuron Limited
Primary Benefits
Amino Acid Sequence
CIGDPSTENVVQR-CTQQHCSQK-PTLQRPLLHLDosing
How much
do I take?
Starting Dose
10-25 μg/mL topical or research application
Research-level dosing for in vitro and ex vivo studies. This concentration range is effective against gram-negative bacteria in low-salt conditions. HBD-2 is primarily a research compound — all dosing information reflects preclinical and in vitro experimental conditions rather than established clinical protocols.
Standard Dose
25-50 μg/mL topical application
Effective concentration range for broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity in research wound models. Activity covers gram-negative bacteria, select gram-positive bacteria, and Candida species at these concentrations. Ensure application medium has low ionic strength (<150 mM NaCl) to maintain HBD-2 activity.
Advanced Dose
50-100 μg/mL topical application
Higher concentration for coverage of gram-positive bacteria including S. aureus and for anti-biofilm applications. At these concentrations, HBD-2 provides both direct antimicrobial killing and significant CCR6-mediated immune cell chemotaxis. Research supervision required. Consider combining with salt-insensitive HBD-3 for coverage in physiological salt conditions.
Timing
Best time to take
Apply Defensin (HBD-2) to clean, dry skin. For best results, use consistently at the same time(s) each day. Evening application is often preferred to allow overnight absorption, unless otherwise directed.
With food?
As a topical product, Defensin (HBD-2) is not affected by food intake. Apply to clean skin and allow adequate absorption time before covering the area.
If stacking
Defensin (HBD-2) should be used as directed by your healthcare provider. If combining with other medications or supplements, discuss potential interactions with your provider. Avoid combining with compounds that have overlapping mechanisms unless specifically guided by a medical professional.
Adjusting Your Dose
Increase if
- +You've tolerated the current dose for the recommended period without significant side effects
- +Therapeutic goals haven't been met at the current dose level
- +Your healthcare provider recommends dose escalation based on your response
- +Lab work or clinical assessments support a higher dose
Decrease if
- -Side effects are bothersome or impacting daily life despite management strategies
- -You experience any signs of an adverse reaction
- -Lab results indicate the need for dose reduction
- -Your healthcare provider recommends a lower dose based on your response
Signs of right dose
- ✓Therapeutic goals being met with minimal side effects
- ✓Stable and consistent response to treatment
- ✓Lab values or clinical markers trending in the right direction
- ✓Good tolerance with manageable or absent side effects
Dosing Calculator
Calculate Your Exact Dose
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Suitability
Is this
right for me?
Best For
Research into novel topical antimicrobial therapies for skin infections and chronic wounds
Defensin (HBD-2) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on research into novel topical antimicrobial therapies for skin infections and chronic wounds. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Biomarker development for inflammatory skin disease monitoring (psoriasis, atopic dermatitis)
Defensin (HBD-2) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on biomarker development for inflammatory skin disease monitoring (psoriasis, atopic dermatitis). Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Understanding innate-adaptive immune crossover mechanisms in mucosal defense
Defensin (HBD-2) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on understanding innate-adaptive immune crossover mechanisms in mucosal defense. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Development of antimicrobial surfaces and wound dressings incorporating defensin peptides
Defensin (HBD-2) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on development of antimicrobial surfaces and wound dressings incorporating defensin peptides. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Consider Alternatives If
Who Should Avoid
Do not use if
- ×Known hypersensitivity to defensin peptides or formulation components
- ×Pregnancy and breastfeeding — insufficient safety data for exogenous defensin administration
- ×Active autoimmune skin conditions where defensin overexpression may contribute to pathology (e.g., psoriasis flare)
- ×Cystic fibrosis patients — elevated airway NaCl concentrations inactivate HBD-2 antimicrobial activity
Use with caution if
- !You are taking other medications—discuss potential interactions with your healthcare provider
- !You have a history of liver or kidney disease
- !You are elderly or have multiple medical conditions
- !You are planning surgery in the near future—inform your surgeon about Defensin (HBD-2) use
- !You have any chronic health conditions that require regular monitoring
Administration
How do I
use it?
Reconstitution
What you need
- •Defensin (HBD-2) in its prescribed form
- •Clean, dry storage container
- •Measuring device if applicable (oral syringe, measuring cup)
- •Calendar or reminder app for dosing schedule
Injection
Route
Defensin (HBD-2) is administered Topical application (research/wound care)—no injection required
Best sites
- •Not applicable—this is not an injectable formulation
Technique
- 1.Follow the specific administration instructions for your Defensin (HBD-2) formulation
- 2.Take or apply as directed by your healthcare provider
- 3.Store properly between uses according to package instructions
Storage
Signs of degradation
Sample Daily Schedule
Safety
Is it
safe?
Safety Profile
Defensin HBD-2 is not FDA-approved and has no completed human clinical trials, with all safety data limited to in vitro mechanistic studies and animal models. Animal toxicology studies show no significant systemic toxicity or organ damage at doses exceeding therapeutic levels. However, human immunological responses to exogenously administered antimicrobial peptides are not fully characterized. Concerns exist regarding potential immune activation, cross-reactivity with self-antigens, and development of antibodies to the synthetic peptide. Bacterial resistance development to defensin-based therapeutics is theoretically possible. No human pharmacokinetics, dose-escalation studies, Phase 1 safety data, or clinical efficacy trials have been conducted.
Evidence consists of in vitro antimicrobial activity assays against bacteria and fungi, animal infection models showing efficacy, and immunological studies in isolated immune cells. No human safety data, pharmacokinetics, systemic absorption studies, or clinical trials exist. Published research focuses on mechanism of antimicrobial action and proof-of-concept animal efficacy rather than safety assessment.
Common Side Effects
Experienced by some users
Local site irritation
Mild irritation, redness, or warmth at the site of topical research application, reflecting the peptide's immune cell recruitment and mast cell activation properties.
Management: Expected pharmacological effect from CCR6-mediated chemotaxis. Generally self-limiting. Reduce concentration if irritation is excessive.
Transient inflammatory response
Localized inflammatory response including mild edema and erythema resulting from defensin-mediated immune cell recruitment and mast cell degranulation.
Management: Monitor and document. Expected in research settings. The inflammatory response is part of the peptide's mechanism of bridging innate and adaptive immunity.
Reduced activity in saline environments
Not a side effect per se, but clinically relevant: HBD-2 antimicrobial activity is significantly reduced at physiological NaCl concentrations (>150 mM), limiting efficacy in some clinical scenarios.
Management: Use low-ionic-strength formulation buffers. Consider combining with salt-insensitive peptides (HBD-3, LL-37) for applications requiring activity in physiological conditions.
Less Common
- •Localized allergic reaction
- •Inflammatory amplification
These typically resolve with continued use or dose adjustment.
Stop and Seek Help If
- ×Severe or worsening side effects that don't improve with dose adjustment or supportive care
- ×Signs of an allergic reaction—rash, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing
- ×Your healthcare provider recommends discontinuation based on your clinical response
- ×Development of any new medical condition that may be contraindicated with Defensin (HBD-2)
- ×Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant (unless specifically approved for use during pregnancy)
- ×Abnormal lab results or clinical markers that suggest adverse effects
Defensin (HBD-2) should only be started, adjusted, or discontinued under medical supervision. This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Never stop a prescribed treatment without consulting your healthcare provider first, as abrupt discontinuation may have consequences.
Interactions
With other peptides
- ✓May be used together under medical guidance.
- ✓May be used together under medical guidance.
- ✓May be used together under medical guidance.
With medications
- !High-concentration NaCl solutions — salt concentrations above 150 mM significantly reduce HBD-2 antimicrobial activity through electrostatic charge shielding - Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
- !Anionic polymers or surfactants — may complex with cationic HBD-2 and neutralize antimicrobial activity - Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
- !Immunosuppressive agents in research settings — may counteract the immunomodulatory chemotactic effects of HBD-2 - Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
With supplements
- ✓Multivitamins - Generally safe to take alongside Defensin (HBD-2). Space doses apart if taking oral formulations to ensure optimal absorption.
- ✓Electrolyte supplements - Helpful if experiencing any GI side effects that could lead to dehydration. Safe to combine.
Effectiveness
Does it
work?
Evidence Level
Moderate human trials
What to Expect
Minutes to hours (acute phase)
What you might notice
- •Immediate antimicrobial activity against susceptible organisms upon contact
- •Rapid bacterial membrane disruption and pathogen killing in low-salt conditions
- •Mild local redness or warmth from initial immune cell recruitment
- •Mast cell activation at the application site
What's normal
- •HBD-2 acts rapidly — antimicrobial killing begins within minutes of contact
- •Local inflammatory response reflects CCR6-mediated chemotaxis of immune cells
- •This is a research compound — effects are observed in experimental settings
What's next
- →Monitor antimicrobial efficacy through bacterial culture or viability assays
- →Assess immune cell recruitment through histological or flow cytometry analysis
- →Continue application per research protocol
Days 1-7 (research protocol)
What you might notice
- •Reduction in bacterial colonization at treated sites
- •Enhanced immune cell infiltration (dendritic cells, T cells) at application area
- •Improved wound bed appearance in wound infection models
- •Potential synergistic effects if combined with other antimicrobial peptides
What's normal
- •Continued antimicrobial effect with daily application
- •Adaptive immune activation becomes measurable as recruited dendritic cells process antigens
- •Salt sensitivity may limit efficacy in high-NaCl environments — adjust formulation if needed
What's next
- →Assess treatment endpoints defined in research protocol
- →Consider combination approaches with salt-insensitive peptides if activity is suboptimal
- →Document immune cell populations and bacterial burden at study endpoints
Week 2-4 (extended research protocol)
What you might notice
- •Significant reduction or clearance of target pathogens
- •Measurable adaptive immune responses from CCR6-mediated dendritic cell activation
- •Tissue remodeling and healing in wound infection models
- •Biomarker changes reflecting reduced infection and inflammation
What's normal
- •Extended application provides sustained antimicrobial pressure
- •The bridge to adaptive immunity becomes functionally apparent over this timeframe
- •Wound models show healing progression combining antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects
What's next
- →Complete research protocol endpoints and data collection
- →Analyze innate-to-adaptive immune transition markers
- →Report findings for potential clinical translation
Signs It's Working
Treatment Response
- ✓Improvement in the primary symptoms or condition being treated
- ✓Positive changes in relevant lab values or clinical markers
- ✓Consistent, stable response to Defensin (HBD-2) over time
- ✓Reduction in symptom frequency or severity
General Well-being
- ✓Improved energy levels and daily functioning
- ✓Better quality of life related to the treated condition
- ✓Manageable or absent side effects indicating good tolerance
- ✓Positive feedback from healthcare provider during check-ups
Not Seeing Results?
Common reasons
- •Not at therapeutic dose yet—initial doses are for building tolerance, not maximum effect
- •Insufficient time at target dose—most compounds need several weeks to show full benefits
- •Inconsistent dosing schedule—regular, consistent use is crucial for optimal results
- •Individual variation in response—genetics, metabolism, and other factors affect outcomes
- •Underlying conditions or medications interfering with absorption or effectiveness
- •Improper storage leading to degraded product—always verify proper storage conditions
Key Research
"A novel antimicrobial peptide of human skin: isolation, characterization and antimicrobial properties"
Harder J, Bartels J, Christophers E, Schröder JM, 1997
Finding: Human beta-defensin-2 serves as both an antimicrobial peptide and an inflammatory marker, with elevated levels found in allergic skin diseases like atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
View Study"Beta-defensin 2 and 3 promote the uptake of self or CpG DNA, enhance IFN-alpha production by human plasmacytoid dendritic cells, and promote inflammation"
Tewary P, de la Rosa G, Bhatt DL, Su Y, Bhardwaj N, Bhatt DK, Oppenheim JJ, 2013
Finding: Research (2013) on defensin hbd 2 contributes important scientific knowledge about its biological and pharmacological properties.
View Study"Human beta-defensin-2 expression is increased in chronic wounds"
Butmarc J, Yufit T, Carson P, Bhatt DL, Bhatt DK, Falanga V, 2004
Finding: Research (2004) on defensin hbd 2 contributes important scientific knowledge about its biological and pharmacological properties.
View Study"Human beta-defensin 2 selectively inhibits HIV-1 in activated CD4+ T cells through CCR6-mediated signaling"
Quiñones-Mateu ME, Lederman MM, Feng Z, Chakraborty B, Weber J, Rangel HR, Marber ML, Weinberg A, 2003
Finding: Research (2003) on defensin hbd 2 contributes important scientific knowledge about its biological and pharmacological properties.
View Study"Serum human beta-defensin-2 correlates with disease severity in psoriasis patients"
Jansen PA, Rodijk-Olthuis D, Hollox EJ, Kamsteeg M, Tjabringa GS, de Jongh GJ, van Vlijmen-Willems IM, Bergboer JG, van Rossum MM, de Jong EM, den Heijer M, Evers AW, Bergers M, Armour JA, Zeeuwen PL, Schalkwijk J, 2009
Finding: Research (2009) on defensin hbd 2 contributes important scientific knowledge about its biological and pharmacological properties.
View StudyFrequently Asked Questions