Exhibits antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria S.aureus and S.pyogenes, Gram-negative bacteria P.aeruginosa and E.coli and the yeast C.albicans. Kills multiresistant S.aureus and vancomycin-resistant E.faecium. No significant hemolytic activity was observed. Highly expressed in skin and tonsils, and to a lesser extent in trachea, uterus, kidney, thymus, adenoid, pharynx and tongue. Low expression in salivary gland, bone marrow, colon, stomach, polyp and larynx. No expression in small intestine. By bacterial infection and by IFNG/IFN-gamma. Belongs to the beta-defensin family.