The best offense is a good beta-defensin

The full range of receptors through which antimicrobial peptides exert their immunologic effects remains incompletely explored. Dong and colleagues identify Mgrpra2 as a G-coupled protein receptor on neutrophils, for which keratinocyte-derived Beta-defensins serve as key ligands. Binding of Mgrpra2 leads to release of neutrophil granules and Il-1β, which helps shape skin microbiome composition and augments cutaneous defense against bacterial infection. The full range of receptors through which antimicrobial peptides exert their immunologic effects remains incompletely explored. Dong and colleagues identify Mgrpra2 as a G-coupled protein receptor on neutrophils, for which keratinocyte-derived Beta-defensins serve as key ligands. Binding of Mgrpra2 leads to release of neutrophil granules and Il-1β, which helps shape skin microbiome composition and augments cutaneous defense against bacterial infection. Keratinocyte-derived defensins activate neutrophil-specific receptors Mrgpra2a/b to prevent skin dysbiosis and bacterial infectionDong et al.ImmunityJuly 25, 2022In BriefAntimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are vital for host defense. Dong et al. discover that keratinocyte-derived defensins activate G-protein-coupled receptors Mrgpra2a/b on neutrophils. This epithelial-neutrophil signaling axis prevents skin dysbiosis and is required for immunity against bacterial infections. Full-Text PDF