The structural basis for defensin-mediated membrane attack

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This project aims to define how the innate defense proteins called defensins attack target membranes to cause cells to burst and die. It is often said that attack is the best form of defense, and the immune systems of plants and animals will often target the cell membranes of microbes and other pathogens to defend themselves. This project will identify the precise molecular mechanism underlying defensin activity, and clarify how ligand recognition and subsequent multimerisation leads to target membrane lysis. The project will establish the fundamental mechanisms regulating antimicrobial defense systems based on small proteins, and define a conceptual framework for the action of defensins to develop strategies to combat fungal infections.