Open AccessHost defense effector molecules in mucosal secretions
Author(s) -
Tjabringa G. Sandra,
Vos Joost B.,
Olthuis Diana,
Ninaber Dennis K.,
Rabe Klaus F.,
Schalkwijk Joost,
Hiemstra Pieter S.,
Zeeuwen Patrick L.J.M.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
fems immunology & medical microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1574-695X
pISSN - 0928-8244
DOI - 10.1016/j.femsim.2005.03.004
Subject(s) - elafin , effector , cathelicidin , biology , slpi , secretion , cystatin , microbiology and biotechnology , immune system , immunology , defensin , inflammation , antimicrobial peptides , innate immune system , cystatin c , antimicrobial , biochemistry , renal function
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.