As mentioned above, the first defensive strategy of the host against infection consists of a non-specific phase, where the mucus and its contents (for example defensin and lysozyme) play a major role. Other important soluble chemical factors are acute phase proteins such as C-reactive protein, interferon, lactoferrin, sIgA, and the complement system (159) . • Viruses. Defensin plays an important role in defence against both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. This protein is present in immune cells, to assists in the killing of phagocytized pathogens. Defensins can bind to the microbial cell membrane, forming pore-like membrane defects that allow efflux of essential ions.
