[Enhancement of BCG-induced hBD-1 mRNA expression in human pulmonary gland epithelial cells].

Using reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and Northern blot analysis, the present authors found an enhanced expression of the human beta-defensin 1 (hBD-1) gene in the SPC-A-1 cells challenged with heat-killed M. Bovis Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG). The enhanced expression of hBD-1 mRNA was dose- and time-dependent. This result indicated a significant progress in the work of developing a new antimicrobial strategy that enhances mucosa antibiotic peptide expression for the prevention and treatment of mucosal infections.