The role and potential therapeutical applications of antimicrobial proteins in infectious and inflammatory diseases.
Antimicrobial proteins (AMP) are endogenous, gene-encoded proteins, which are able to kill bacteria, fungi and viruses at micro- and nanomolar concentrations. The constitutive as well as inducible production of AMP provides a rapid first-line of defense against invading microorganisms. The significance of such ancient defense system is reflected by the wide distribution of AMP in the plant and animal kingdom. There is increasing evidence that AMP may play an important role in several infectious and inflammatory diseases such as atopic dermatitis, cystic fibrosis and Crohn's disease. In this review we aim to provide a short overview about the role of antimicrobial proteins in human diseases. In addition, the use and selective induction of AMP for the development of novel potential therapeutic strategies are addressed. The benefits and possible restrictions of AMP utilization as a new class of antibiotic compounds are discussed.
Harder
Jürgen
J
Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Schittenhelmstr. 7, 24105 Kiel, Germany. jharder@dermatology.uni-kiel.de
Gläser
Regine
R
Schröder
Jens-Michael
JM
D000818:Animals; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D019005:Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D023082:Defensins / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009113:Muramidase / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D010586:Phagocytes / Q000737:chemistry; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D023082:Defensins; D011506:Proteins; D019005:Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator; D009113:Muramidase