This gene encodes a member of the beta subfamily of defensins. Beta-defensins are antimicrobial peptides that protect tissues and organs from infection by a variety of microorganisms. Expression of this gene is regulated by androgen, and the encoded protein binds to sperm and exhibits antibacterial activity against E. coli. This gene is found in a cluster with other beta-defensin genes on the long arm of chromosome 20. [provided by RefSeq, Nov 2014].