Specifically, the most recent observations on the subject do not yet allow us to define the precise pathogenetic role of human β‐defensins (hBD) in melanoma, although the hypo‐expression of hBD‐1 in melanoma patients compared with healthy controls and the reported antiproliferative effects of hBD‐2 on human melanoma cells in vitro suggest an anti‐tumor role of these two alarmins. The gene discussed is DEFB1; the disease is melanoma.