SP-A and SP-D in host defense against fungal infections and allergies

Front Biosci (Elite Ed). 2012 Jan 1;4(2):651-61. doi: 10.2741/e406.

Abstract

Innate immunity mediated by pattern recognition proteins is relevant in the host defense against fungi. SP-A and SP-D are two such proteins belonging to the class of collagen domain containing C-type lectins, or collectins. They bind to the sugar moieties present on the cell walls of various fungi in a dose dependent manner via their carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD). SP-A and SP-D directly interact with alveolar macrophages, neutrophils, lymphocytes. We review these roles of SP-A and SP-D against various clinically relevant fungal pathogens and fungal allergens. SP-A and SP-D gene deficient mice showed increased susceptibility/ resistance to various fungal infections. Patients of fungal infections and allergies are reported with alterations in the serum or lung lavage levels of SP-A and SP-D. There are studies associating the gene polymorphisms in SP-A and SP-D with alterations in their levels or functions or susceptibility of the host to fungal diseases. In view of the protective role of SP-D in murine models of Aspergillus fumigatus infections and allergies, therapeutic use of SP-D could be explored further.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / immunology
  • Hypersensitivity / prevention & control*
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Mice
  • Mycoses / immunology
  • Mycoses / microbiology
  • Mycoses / prevention & control*
  • Protein Conformation
  • Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Protein A / chemistry
  • Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Protein A / physiology*
  • Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Protein D / chemistry
  • Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Protein D / physiology*

Substances

  • Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Protein A
  • Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Protein D