Abundant human β-defensin-1 expression in milk and mammary gland epithelium

Abstract

Human β-defensin-1 (HBD-1) was detected in breast milk in concentrations of ∼1 to 10 μg/mL. Breast tissue during lactation showed HBD-1 expression in mammary gland epithelia and within luminal secretions. The peptide demonstrated antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli. HBD-1 may augment neonatal host defenses through antimicrobial effects or prime the adaptive immune system at mucosal surfaces.