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Abstract Human β-defensins (hBD) play central roles in antimicrobial activities against various microorganisms and in immune-regulation. These peptides perturb phospholipid membranes for function, but it is not well understood how defensins approach, insert and finally disrupt membranes on the molecular level. Here we show that hBD-3 analogs interact with lipid bilayers through a conserved surface that is formed by two adjacent loops in the solution structure. By integrating a collection of13C,1H and31P solid-state NMR methods with long-term molecular dynamic simulations, we reveal that membrane-binding rigidifies the peptide, enhances structural polymorphism, and promotes β-strand conformation. The peptide colocalizes with negatively charged lipids, confines the headgroup motion, and deforms membrane into smaller, ellipsoidal vesicles. This study designates the residue-specific, membrane-bound topology of hBD-3 analogs, serves as the basis for further elucidating the function-relevant structure and dynamics of other defensins, and facilitates the development of defensin-mimetic antibiotics, antifungals, and anti-inflammatories.
