CD8A and infection: In addition to the antiviral activities, cysteine-rich peptides such as defensins modulate adaptive immune responses via mobilization of dendritic cells, induction of their maturation, enhancement of antigen uptake, and mobilization of T Lymphocytes (CD4 + and CD8 + effector T cells) to sites of infection, due to the T cell-chemoattracting effect of defensins [47, 49].