Tongue papillae. Fluorescence deconvolution light micrograph of a section through the papillae of a human tongue, showing beta defensin proteins (red), f-actin (green), and cell nuclei (blue). The lingual papillae are the small, nipple-like structures on the upper surface of the tongue that give it its characteristic rough texture. Most, except the filiform papillae, contain taste buds. Beta defensins are antimicrobial peptides, part of the innate immune response. Magnification: x200, when printed 10 cm wide.