Lung surfactant proteins A and D in innate immune defense.
The lung surfactant proteins (SP) A and D are large multimeric proteins and belong to a family of collagenous C-type lectins designated collectins. Both SP-A and SP-D are believed to play a role in the innate immunity of the lung. SP-A and SP-D bind to a broad spectrum of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and yeasts but also lipopolysaccharides and allergens. Furthermore, SP-A and SP-D enhance the clearing of various pathogens by neutrophils and macrophages in vitro. Recent in vivo studies on SP-A deficient mice also support a role of SP-A in host defense.
Vaandrager
A B
AB
Department of Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Histology, and Graduate School of Animal Health, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands. A.B.Vaandrager@vet.uu.nl
van Golde
L M
LM
D000818:Animals; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000502:physiology*; D008168:Lung / Q000502:physiology; D011510:Proteolipids / Q000502:physiology*; D037662:Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Protein A; D037663:Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Protein D; D037661:Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Proteins; D011663:Pulmonary Surfactants / Q000502:physiology*
D006023:Glycoproteins; D011510:Proteolipids; D037662:Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Protein A; D037663:Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Protein D; D037661:Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Proteins; D011663:Pulmonary Surfactants