Effect of the rhesus theta defensin-1 (RTD-1) on gene expression in human monocytic THP-1 cells. [I]

Theta defensins are unique since they are the only cyclic peptides in the animal kingdom. The theta defensin, Rhesus theta defensin (RTD)-1, first isolated from rhesus macaque neutrophils as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptide was subsequently found to regulate gene expression and immune signaling pathways in cell culture and animal models of immune mediated diseases. To gain insights into RTD-1 regulation, we performed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to determine the effect of RTD-1 on global gene expression in THP-1 monocytes. Differential gene expression analysis revealed RTD-1 mediated stimulation of interferon and antiviral gene expression pathways potentially priming cells for resistance to viral infections.