Fusobacterium nucleatum-associated beta-defensin inducer (FAD-I): identification, isolation, and functional evaluation.

Human β-defensins (hBDs) are small, cationic antimicrobial peptides, secreted by mucosal epithelial cells that regulate adaptive immune functions. We previously reported that Fusobacterium nucleatum, a ubiquitous gram-negative bacterium of the human oral cavity, induces human β-defensin 2 (hBD2) upon contact with primary oral epithelial cells. We now report the isolation and characterization of an F.