This gene encodes a member of the beta subfamily of defensins. Beta-defensins are antimicrobial peptides that protect tissues and organs from infection by a variety of microorganisms. This gene is found in a cluster with other beta-defensin genes on the long arm of chromosome 20. Multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Nov 2014] see less This gene encodes a member of the beta subfamily of defensins. Beta-defensins are antimicrobial peptides that protect tissues and organs from infection by a variety of microorganisms. This gene is found in a cluster with other beta-defensin genes on the long arm of chromosome 20. Multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Nov 2014]