Recombinant Human HTN3 protein

The HTN3 gene encodes histatin 3. a small cationic protein predominantly found in human saliva. Histatins are a family of histidine-rich peptides with multifunctional roles in oral biology, including antimicrobial activity, wound healing, and enamel remineralization. Among them, histatin 3 (encoded by HTN3) and its proteolytic cleavage product, histatin 5. are particularly notable for their potent antifungal properties against Candida species, making them critical components of innate oral immunity. Recombinant HTN3 protein is produced using genetic engineering techniques, often expressed in microbial systems like E. coli or yeast to overcome the limitations of natural salivary extraction, such as low yield and compositional variability. This recombinant approach enables scalable production and consistent quality for research and therapeutic applications. Studies on HTN3 recombinant protein focus on elucidating its structure-function relationships, antimicrobial mechanisms, and potential clinical uses, such as developing antifungal agents for oral candidiasis or bioactive coatings for dental materials. Its ability to disrupt microbial membranes and modulate immune responses has also sparked interest in broader biomedical contexts, including wound care and infection control. Despite promising attributes, challenges remain in optimizing stability, delivery, and cost-effectiveness for translational applications. Ongoing research aims to harness HTN3's unique properties while addressing these hurdles, positioning recombinant histatin 3 as a biologically inspired tool bridging oral health innovation and antimicrobial therapeutics.