Host defense effector molecules in mucosal secretions

FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol. 2005 Aug 1;45(2):151-8. doi: 10.1016/j.femsim.2005.03.004. Epub 2005 Apr 9.

Abstract

Mucosal secretions contain a range of defense effector molecules including antimicrobial peptides and proteinase inhibitors. These molecules play a central role in host defense against infection, and in a variety of immune and inflammatory reactions. The aim of this study was to analyze the levels of neutrophil defensins, the cathelicidin hCAP-18/LL-37, and the proteinase inhibitors secretory leukocyte proteinase inhibitor, SKALP/elafin and cystatin M/E in various mucosal secretions and urine. We show here that especially seminal plasma is characterized by high concentrations of hCAP-18/LL-37, SLPI, SKALP/elafin and cystatin M/E. The results of this study demonstrate that each mucosal secretion is characterized by a unique profile of effector molecules, which may supply individual mucosal secretions with specific properties related to the control of local infection and inflammation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / immunology*
  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / metabolism*
  • Cathelicidins
  • Cystatin M
  • Cystatins / immunology
  • Cystatins / metabolism
  • Defensins / immunology
  • Defensins / metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate*
  • Male
  • Mucous Membrane / immunology
  • Mucous Membrane / metabolism
  • Mucus / immunology*
  • Mucus / metabolism
  • Protease Inhibitors / immunology*
  • Proteinase Inhibitory Proteins, Secretory
  • Proteins / immunology
  • Proteins / metabolism
  • Secretory Leukocyte Peptidase Inhibitor

Substances

  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides
  • CST6 protein, human
  • Cathelicidins
  • Cystatin M
  • Cystatins
  • Defensins
  • Protease Inhibitors
  • Proteinase Inhibitory Proteins, Secretory
  • Proteins
  • SLPI protein, human
  • Secretory Leukocyte Peptidase Inhibitor