Abstract
Defensins are antimicrobial peptides important for innate immune responses. Defensins can positively or negatively modulate infection by both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. The effect of defensins on viral infection varies significantly depending on the specific virus, defensin and cell type in vitro. This chapter focuses on the interplay between human defensins and viral infection. Understanding the functions of defensins in viral infection may provide insights into developing novel anti-viral preventative or therapeutic strategies.