Pulmonary surfactant proteins A and D (SP-A and SP-D) belong to the collectin subgroup of the C-type lectin superfamily along with mannose-binding protein (MBP) and conglutinin. Phospholipids are also ligands for collectins, in addition to carbohydrates and glycosphingolipids. SP-A binds dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, and SP-D and MBP bind phosphatidylinositol. SP-A also interacts with alveolar type II cells, implicating SP-A in surfactant phospholipid homeostasis. We analyzed an epitope for anti-SP-A monoclonal antibodies that block SP-A-specific functions using a phage display peptide library and SP-A/MBP chimeric proteins. We also investigated the regions of SP-A and SP-D that are required for ligand interactions using SP-A/SP-D chimeras. Lung collectins play key roles in the innate immune system of the lung which is critical for immediate antibody-independent host defense. We have found that SP-A exhibits different interactions with distinct serotypes of lipopolysaccharides and affects differently their elicited cellular responses by a direct interaction with the lipopolysaccharide receptor CD14. In addition to the basic aspects, lung collectins as clinical markers will be discussed.

Keywords:
Pulmonary surfactant, Collectin, Lipopolysaccharide, CD14, Phage display peptide library
This content is only available via PDF.
1999
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.