Alpha-defensins increase NTHi binding but not engulfment by the macrophages enhancing airway inflammation in Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
Neutrophilic inflammation and a high level of free α-defensins are main features of chronic airway inflammation in alpha-1 antitrypsin-deficient (AATD) individuals. Despite the antimicrobial activities of α-defensins by direct bacterial killing and by …