Based on limited published evidence, DEFB136 is a host defense peptide with antimicrobial activity. It exhibits antibacterial and antifungal properties against E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans in vitro, with minimal cytotoxicity to human cells 1. DEFB136 demonstrates high lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding affinity, suggesting involvement in immunoregulation through LPS neutralization 1. The gene resides within the 8p23.1 region associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia and cardiac defects 2.