MODIFIED DEFENSINS AND THEIR USE

摘要

This disclosure provides modified antimicrobial agents, for example modified defensin polypeptides. Compositions including a modified arginine residue, such as an ADP-ribosylated and/or ribosylated alpha defensin polypeptide, are provided. Also provided are methods of modulating an immune response using the modified defensin polypeptides. Methods are provided for modulating an antimicrobial activity and for inhibiting a cytotoxic activity. Also disclosed are methods for treating diseases in a subject that are associated with an immune response, such as inflammatory and pulmonary diseases, using the disclosed modified defensin polypeptides.