Author:

Rogan, M; Geraghty, D; Catherine M Greene, Shane J O’Neill,

Date: 20 March 2006

Abstract:

Inspired air contains a myriad of potential pathogens, pollutants and inflammatory stimuli. In thenormal lung, these pathogens are rarely problematic. This is because the epithelial lining fluid in thelung is rich in many innate immunity proteins and peptides that provide a powerful anti-microbialscreen. These defensive proteins have anti-bacterial, anti- viral and in some cases, even anti-fungalproperties. Their antimicrobial effects are as diverse as inhibition of biofilm formation andprevention of viral replication. The innate immunity proteins and peptides also play keyimmunomodulatory roles. They are involved in many key processes such as opsonisation facilitatingphagocytosis of bacteria and viruses by macrophages and monocytes. They act as importantmediators in inflammatory pathways and are capable of binding bacterial endotoxins and CPGmotifs. They can also influence expression of adhesion molecules as well as acting as powerful antioxidantsand anti-proteases. Exciting new antimicrobial and immunomodulatory functions are beingelucidated for existing proteins that were previously thought to be of lesser importance. Thepotential therapeutic applications of these proteins and peptides in combating infection andpreventing inflammation are the subject of ongoing research that holds much promise for the future.

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