Tra Cao TB, Cha HY, Yang EM, et al. - Researchers examined the links between serum human β-defensin 2 (HBD2; a well-known antimicrobial peptide) levels and the clinical features of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) patients. Participants were 124 CSU patients and 56 healthy controls, from whom serum samples were obtained and screened for the levels of HBD2 and translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP)_ by employing ELISA. A negative correlation of serum HBD2 level with the peripheral basophil percentages as well as with vitamin D levels was identified in CSU patients, whereas a positive correlation between serum HBD2 level and TCTP levels was evident in CSU patients. Findings showed presence of increased level of HBD2 (a known mast-cell degranulator) in the sera from CSU patients vs healthy controls. In addition, there may be an involvement of HBD2 in the pathogenesis of accompanying angioedema.