Surfactant protein (SP)-A and SP-D as antimicrobial and immunotherapeutic agents.
Surfactant protein (SP)-A and SP-D belong to the "Soluble C-type Lectin" family of proteins and are collectively known as "Collectins". Based on their ability to recognize pathogens and to regulate the host defense, SP-A and SP-D have been recently categorized as "Secretory Pathogen Recognition Receptors". SP-A and SP-D were first identified in the lung; the expression of SP-A and SP-D has also been observed at other mucosal surfaces, such as lacrimal glands, gastrointestinal mucosa, genitourinary epithelium and periodontal surfaces. Since the role of these proteins is not fully elucidated at other mucosal surfaces, the focus of this article is on lung-SP-A and SP-D. It has become clear from research studies performed over a number of years that SP-A and SP-D are critical for the maintenance of lung homeostasis and the regulation of host defense and inflammation. However, none of the surfactant preparations available for clinical use have SP-A or SP-D. A review is presented here on SP-A- and SP-D-deficiencies in lung diseases, the importance of the administration of SP-A and SP-D, and recent patents and research directions that may lead to the design of novel SP-A- or SP-D-based therapeutics and surfactants.
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA. Shanjana-Awasthi@ouhsc.edu
Shanjana
S
Awasthi
D000818:Animals; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D010330:Patents as Topic; D037662:Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Protein A / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000172:deficiency / Q000494:pharmacology; D037663:Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Protein D / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000172:deficiency / Q000494:pharmacology; D011663:Pulmonary Surfactants / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D037662:Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Protein A; D037663:Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Protein D; D011663:Pulmonary Surfactants; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D013501:Surface-Active Agents