Accuri C6 Flow Cytometer System
Originally published online as doi:10.1189/jlb.0808495 on October 27, 2008

Published online before print October 27, 2008
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(Journal of Leukocyte Biology. 2009;85:344-351.)
© 2009 by Society for Leukocyte Biology

Neutrophil-derived azurocidin alarms the immune system

Oliver Soehnlein*,{dagger},1 and Lennart Lindbom*

* Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; and
{dagger} Institute of Molecular Cardiovascular Research (IMCAR), University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany

1 Correspondence: IMCAR, Universitätsklinik Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany. E-mail: oliver.sohnlein{at}ki.se or osoehnlein{at}ukaachen.de

Azurocidin (heparin-binding protein/cationic antimicrobial protein of 37 kD) is a protein that is mobilized rapidly from emigrating polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). Initially, this inactive serine protease was recognized for its antimicrobial effects. However, it soon became apparent that azurocidin may act to alarm the immune system in different ways and thus serve as an important mediator during the initiation of the immune response. Azurocidin, released from PMN secretory vesicles or primary granules, acts as a chemoattractant and activator of monocyte and macrophages. The functional consequence is enhancement of cytokine release and bacterial phagocytosis, allowing for a more efficient bacterial clearance. Leukocyte activation by azurocidin is mediated via β2-integrins, and azurocidin-induced chemotaxis is dependent on formyl-peptide receptors. In addition, azurocidin activates endothelial cells leading to vascular leakage and edema formation. For these reasons, targeting azurocidin release and its actions may have therapeutic potential in inflammatory disease conditions.

Key Words: granule proteins • inflammation • alarmin • heparin-binding protein • CAP37




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