In Vitro and In Vivo Anticancer Activity of Human β-Defensin-3 and Its Mouse Homolog

Background/Aim: Defensins comprise a family of mammalian cationic antimicrobial peptides. We investigated the anticancer effects of human β-defensin-3 (hBD3) and its mouse homolog, Defb14, on lung cancer cells. Materials and Methods: We stained lung cancer cells cultured after treatment with the defensin peptide using propidium iodide and Hoechst 33342. In vivo, Defb14 peptide or vehicle was continuously infused near subcutaneous Lewis lung carcinoma cell tumor in mice. After 9-day infusion, the weights of excised tumors were determined. Results: A 10-min treatment with hBD3 (70 μg/ml) induced propidium iodide uptake in lung cancer cells. The anticancer activity of hBD3 was significantly more potent than the activity of other defensin isoforms. Continuous infusion of Defb14 peptide showed significant tumor-growth suppression in Lewis lung carcinoma cells in mice. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated the suppression of tumor growth by Defb14 peptide in an animal model.