防御素是一类具有抗微生物活性的小分子多肽,广泛存在于生物体内,按其分子结构特点,分为α、β和θ防御素三大类,参与机体对微生物的防御作用。此文综述β防御素的发现分布、基因表达调控及其抗微生物作用,探讨其与炎症性肠病的关系及应用前景。 Defensins are a class of small molecule peptides with antimicrobial activity. They exist widely in organisms. According to their molecular structure, defensins are classified into three categories: α, β and θ defensins, which are involved in the body’s defense against microorganisms. This review summarizes the discovery and distribution of β-defensins, the regulation of gene expression and their anti-microbial effects and their relationship with inflammatory bowel disease and its application prospects.