Logo image
Collectins and cationic antimicrobial peptides of the respiratory epithelia
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Collectins and cationic antimicrobial peptides of the respiratory epithelia

B Grubor, D K Meyerholz and M R Ackermann
Veterinary pathology, Vol.43(5), pp.595-612
09/2006
DOI: 10.1354/vp.43-5-595
PMCID: PMC2786072
PMID: 16966437
url
https://doi.org/10.1354/vp.43-5-595View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

The respiratory epithelium is a primary site for the deposition of microorganisms that are acquired during inspiration. The innate immune system of the respiratory tract eliminates many of these potentially harmful agents preventing their colonization. Collectins and cationic antimicrobial peptides are antimicrobial components of the pulmonary innate immune system produced by respiratory epithelia, which have integral roles in host defense and inflammation in the lung. Synthesis and secretion of these molecules are regulated by the developmental stage, hormones, as well as many growth and immunoregulatory factors. The purpose of this review is to discuss antimicrobial innate immune elements within the respiratory tract of healthy and pneumonic lung with emphasis on hydrophilic surfactant proteins and beta-defensins.
Collectins - metabolism Animals Respiratory Mucosa - metabolism Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides - metabolism

Details

Metrics

Logo image