Crystal structure of defensin HNP-3, an amphiphilic dimer: mechanisms of membrane permeabilization.
Hill, C.P., Yee, J., Selsted, M.E., Eisenberg, D.(1991) Science 251: 1481-1485
- PubMed: 2006422 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.2006422
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
1DFN - PubMed Abstract: 
Defensins (molecular weight 3500 to 4000) act in the mammalian immune response by permeabilizing the plasma membranes of a broad spectrum of target organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses. The high-resolution crystal structure of defensin HNP-3 (1.9 angstrom resolution, R factor 0.19) reveals a dimeric beta sheet that has an architecture very different from other lytic peptides. The dimeric assembly suggests mechanisms by which defensins might bind to and permeabilize the lipid bilayer.
Organizational Affiliation: 
Eisenberg, Molecular Biology Institute, Los Angeles, CA.