Based on limited published evidence, DEFB130A encodes an antimicrobial host-defense peptide with antiplasmodial activity. The protein functions as a chemoattractant through CCR6 chemokine receptor binding and promotes cell chemotaxis and defense responses to bacteria. A genetic locus near DEFB130A was associated with periodontitis susceptibility in a large Finnish GWAS study 1, suggesting a role in oral immune dysregulation and bacterial defense.