The NADPH oxidase of professional phagocytes--prototype of the NOX electron transport chain systems.
The NADPH oxidase is an electron transport chain in "professional" phagocytic cells that transfers electrons from NADPH in the cytoplasm, across the wall of the phagocytic vacuole, to form superoxide. The electron transporting flavocytochrome b is activated by the integrated function of four cytoplasmic proteins. The antimicrobial function of this system involves pumping K+ into the vacuole through BKCa channels, the effect of which is to elevate the vacuolar pH and activate neutral proteases. A number of homologous systems have been discovered in plants and lower animals as well as in man. Their function remains to be established.
Cross
Andrew R
AR
Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
Segal
Anthony W
AW
D000818:Animals; D045222:Electron Transport Chain Complex Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D004789:Enzyme Activation; D006801:Humans; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000378:metabolism; D019255:NADPH Oxidases / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D010586:Phagocytes / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000276:immunology*; D016897:Respiratory Burst / Q000502:physiology
D045222:Electron Transport Chain Complex Proteins; D007527:Isoenzymes; D019255:NADPH Oxidases