∫-defensins (also designated BDs, or hBDs in human) are small cationic peptides with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against a variety of enveloped viruses, fungi and bacteria. Produced in mucosal epithelia and neutrophils of several species, ∫-defensins are developmentally regulated. The family of ∫-defensin proteins share a common defensin-motif that is characterized by multiple cysteine residues and a highly conserved tertiary structure. Besides playing a significant role in host immune defense, many ∫-defensins also are involved in sperm maturation and capacitation. ∫-defensin 32, also known as ∫-defensin 132, is a 95 amino acid secreted protein that most likely contains a signal peptide sequence that requires cleavage by proteolytic enzymes in order to become biologically active.