title: WAP domain proteins as modulators of mucosal immunity.
abstract: WAP (whey acidic protein) is an important whey protein present in milk of mammals. This protein has characteristic domains, rich in cysteine residues, called 4-DSC (four-disulfide core domain). Other proteins, mainly present at mucosal surfaces, have been shown to also possess these characteristic WAP-4-DSC domains. The present review will focus on two WAP-4-DSC containing proteins, namely SLPI (secretory leucocyte protease inhibitor) and trappin-2/elafin. Although first described as antiproteases able to inhibit in particular host neutrophil proteases [NE (neutrophil elastase), cathepsin-G and proteinase-3] and as such, able to limit maladaptive tissue damage during inflammation, it has become apparent that these molecules have a variety of other functions (direct antimicrobial activity, bacterial opsonization, induction of adaptive immune responses, promotion of tissue repair, etc.). After providing information about the 'classical' antiproteasic role of these molecules, we will discuss the evidence pertaining to their pleiotropic functions in inflammation and immunity.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Life Science, Microbiology and Infection, Floor 5, School of Medicine, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK.
authors.forename: Thomas S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Wilkinson
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Roghanian
authors.forename: Alexander John
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Simpson
authors.forename: Jean-Michel
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Sallenave
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D053492:Elafin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D018928:Immunity, Mucosal; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology; D008894:Milk Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D011480:Protease Inhibitors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary; D053481:Secretory Leukocyte Peptidase Inhibitor / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D014018:Tissue Distribution
chemical_list: D053492:Elafin; D008894:Milk Proteins; D011480:Protease Inhibitors; D053481:Secretory Leukocyte Peptidase Inhibitor; C024471:whey acidic proteins