Human beta defensin is absent in burn blister fluid.
Defensins are a family of cationic antimicrobial peptides that participate in innate host defence. Human beta defensin-2 (HBD-2) is produced by human keratinocytes, and has a potent bactericidal activity against a wide spectrum of microorganisms. We have recently shown that expression of HBD-2 is present in normal skin and lost in the full-thickness burn wound. Defensins have been found in the blister fluid of chronic wounds. Our study was designed to examine blister fluid from partial-thickness burns for defensin content. Fluid from five patients was collected from partial-thickness burn blisters, and then analysed by sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) with a monoclonal antibody and rabbit polyclonal antibody to HBD-2. The assay was validated against a Western blot assay for HBD-2 in samples of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from patients with inflammatory lung disease. No HBD-2 was detectable in any of the burn blister fluids analysed. HBD-2 is lost in the full-thickness burn wound, and we have now demonstrated its absence in burn blister fluid. This finding represents evidence of a host defence defect within the burn wound and suggests a possible therapeutic role for antimicrobial peptides in the management of burn wounds.
Ortega
M R
MR
Institute for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62794, USA.
Ganz
T
T
Milner
S M
SM
D000293:Adolescent; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001768:Blister / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002056:Burns / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005122:Exudates and Transudates / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology; D023083:beta-Defensins / Q000032:analysis*
D023083:beta-Defensins