Immune system molecule weaves cobweb-like nanonets to snag Salmonella, other intestinal microbes
Thursday, June 21, 2012 - 15:30
in Biology & Nature
Scientists have found that human alpha-defensin 6 (HD6) -- a key component of the body's innate defense system -- binds to microbial surfaces and forms "nanonets" that surround, entangle and disable microbes, preventing bacteria from attaching to or invading intestinal cells.