Tuyển tập các báo cáo nghiên cứu về y học được đăng trên tạp chí y học 'Respiratory Research cung cấp cho các bạn kiến thức về ngành y đề tài:Epithelial antimicrobial peptides in host defense against infection. | http content 1 3 141 Review Epithelial antimicrobial peptides in host defense against infection Robert Bals Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munich Germany Received 4 September 2000 Revisions requested 18 September 2000 Revisions received 25 September 2000 Accepted 27 September 2000 Published 20 October 2000 Respir Res 2000 1 141-150 Current Science Ltd Print ISSN 1465-9921 Online ISSN 1465-993X Abstract One component of host defense at mucosal surfaces seems to be epithelium-derived antimicrobial peptides. Antimicrobial peptides are classified on the basis of their structure and amino acid motifs. Peptides of the defensin cathelicidin and histatin classes are found in humans. In the airways a-defensins and the cathelicidin LL-37 hCAP-18 originate from neutrophils. p-Defensins and LL-37 hCAP-18 are produced by the respiratory epithelium and the alveolar macrophage and secreted into the airway surface fluid. Beside their direct antimicrobial function antimicrobial peptides have multiple roles as mediators of inflammation with effects on epithelial and inflammatory cells influencing such diverse processes as proliferation immune induction wound healing cytokine release chemotaxis protease-antiprotease balance and redox homeostasis. Further antimicrobial peptides qualify as prototypes of innovative drugs that might be used as antibiotics antilipopolysaccharide drugs or modifiers of inflammation. Keywords cathelicidin chronic bronchitis defensin host defense infection Introduction The survival of a multicellular organism in a world laden with microorganisms depends on a network of host defense mechanisms involving several levels of interacting systems. The initial contact of pathogenic microorganisms with the host usually takes place at inner or outer body surfaces. The surface of the airways is a primary site for the deposition and introduction of microorganisms mainly through inspired air. Several possible consequences result from the contact .
