Pulmonary collectins and innate host defense of the lung.

Abstract

Surfactant proteins A and D (SP-A and SP-D) are members of the collectin family of polypeptides expressed in the respiratory tract that bind bacterial, fungal and viral pathogens, enhancing their opsonization and killing by phagocytic cells. Clearance of bacterial pathogens including group B streptococci, Haemophilus influenza, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and viral pathogens, respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus and influenza A virus, was deficient in SP-A(-/-) mice. SP-A deficiency was associated with enhanced inflammation and synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines. SP-D(-/-) mice cleared these bacteria as efficiently as wild-type mice; however, clearance of viral pathogens was deficient in SP-D(-/-) mice and associated with increased inflammation. SP-A and SP-D play critical and distinct roles in the regulation of alveolar macrophage function and inflammation, contributing to innate defense of the lung.

• Authors: A M LeVine, J A Whitsett
• Journal: Microbes and infection (Microbes Infect) Vol. 3 Issue 2 Pg. 161-6 (Feb 2001) ISSN: 1286-4579 [Print] France
• PMID: 11251302 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S., Review)

Chemical References

• Glycoproteins
• Proteolipids
• Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Protein A
• Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Protein D
• Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Proteins
• Pulmonary Surfactants

Topics

• Animals
• Bacterial Infections (immunology)
• Glycoproteins (metabolism)
• Humans
• Immunity, Innate
• Inflammation (immunology)
• Lung (immunology)
• Mice
• Proteolipids (metabolism)
• Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Protein A
• Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Protein D
• Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Proteins
• Pulmonary Surfactants (metabolism)
• Virus Diseases (immunology)