α-defensins are mainly produced by
Antimicrobial peptides such as defensins and cathelicidins are cationic molecules that disrupt microbial membranes by forming pores or micelles. α-Defensins are stored in neutrophil granules and Paneth cells, while β-defensins are produced by epithelial cells. Their broad-spectrum activity constitutes an important chemical barrier of innate immunity at mucosal and epithelial surfaces.
Ref: NCERT Biology Class 11–12 Alberts et al Molecular Biology of the Cell Lodish et al, Molecular Cell Biology Cooper & Hausman, The Cell Abbas et al., Cellular and Molecular Immunology (for immunology sections)