NCIt definition : A synthetic, nonpeptidic, small molecule mimetic of defensin, a type of host defense
proteins/peptides (HDPs) or antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), with potential antibacterial
and antiviral activities. Upon administration, brilacidin selectively destabilizes
bacterial and viral membrane integrity, which leads to their proteolysis and degradation.
HDPs are part of the innate immune response and act as the first line of defense against
foreign pathogens. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection
has been shown to suppress defensins.;