title: The importance of surfactant proteins-New aspects on macrophage phagocytosis.
abstract: Surfactant and its components have multiple functions. The so called collectins are surfactant proteins which opsonize bacteria and improve pulmonary host defense via the phagocytosis and clearance of microorganisms and particles. In this special issue of the Annals of Anatomy a new surfactant protein, Surfactant Associated 3, is highlighted. As outlined in this mini review Surfactant Associated 3 is regarded as an enhancer of phagocytosis. In addition, the role played by SP-A is updated and open research questions raised.
authors: Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University, Homburg, Saar, Germany. Electronic address: thomas.tschernig@uks.eu.
authors: Thomas
authors: T
authors: Tschernig
authors: Department of Traumatology, Saarland University, Homburg, Saar, Germany.
authors: Nils T
authors: NT
authors: Veith
authors: Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University, Homburg, Saar, Germany.
authors: Ebru
authors: E
authors: Diler
authors: Department of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Homburg, Saar, Germany.
authors: Markus
authors: M
authors: Bischoff
authors: Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University, Homburg, Saar, Germany.
authors: Carola
authors: C
authors: Meier
authors: Department of Anatomy II, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
authors: Martin
authors: M
authors: Schicht
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000276:immunology*; D008168:Lung / Q000276:immunology*; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology*; D018448:Models, Immunological; D010587:Phagocytosis / Q000276:immunology*; D037661:Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Proteins / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D037661:Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Proteins; C000597598:SFTA3 protein, human
keywords: Host defense; Phagocytosis; SFTA3; Staphylococci; Surfactant; Surfactant Associated 3; Surfactant proteins