Unlocking the potential of antimicrobial peptides: Beta-defensins and the future of cancer diagnostics

Oral cancer is a significant public health concern globally, with India reporting a high incidence rate. Genetic factors related to immunity, taste perception, and tooth mineralization are being increasingly studied in the context of dental caries. Beta-defensins, a group of antimicrobial peptides crucial for innate immunity, have been linked to oral cancer development. Studies have shown dysregulation of beta-defensins, particularly hBD-3, may contribute to oral squamous cell carcinoma progression via modulation of inflammation and immune responses. The Beta-defensin index (BDI), which measures hBD-3 and hBD-2 ratios, shows promise as a non-invasive test for early oral cancer detection. Clinical applications include guiding biopsy decisions and prognostication. Further research on beta defensins’ mechanisms and broader oncological implications is crucial for innovative therapeutic strategies. •Beta-defensins, particularly hBD-3, show potential as biomarkers for the early detection of oral cancer. The article investigates the possibility of using the ratio of hBD-3 to hBD-2 also known as the beta-defensin index, or BDI in oral lesions as a non-invasive method of detecting early-stage cancer.•The BDI has the potential to enhance patient outcomes by guiding biopsy choices by providing an indication of cancer risk.•New treatment approaches may result from further study on beta-defensins. Beyond oral cancer, new therapy approaches may become possible as a result of our growing understanding of how these peptides affect the development of cancer.