WAP (whey acidic protein) is an important whey protein present in milk of mammals. This protein has characteristic domains, rich in cysteine residues, called 4-DSC (four-disulfide core domain). Other proteins, mainly present at mucosal surfaces, have been shown to also possess these characteristic WAP-4-DSC domains. The present review will focus on two WAP-4-DSC containing proteins, namely SLPI (secretory leucocyte protease inhibitor) and trappin-2/elafin. Although first described as antiproteases able to inhibit in particular host neutrophil proteases [NE (neutrophil elastase), cathepsin-G and proteinase-3] and as such, able to limit maladaptive tissue damage during inflammation, it has become apparent that these molecules have a variety of other functions (direct antimicrobial activity, bacterial opsonization, induction of adaptive immune responses, promotion of tissue repair, etc.). After providing information about the ‘classical’ antiproteasic role of these molecules, we will discuss the evidence pertaining to their pleiotropic functions in inflammation and immunity.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
October 2011
-
Cover Image
Cover Image
- PDF Icon PDF LinkFront Matter
- PDF Icon PDF LinkTable of Contents
Conference Article|
September 21 2011
WAP domain proteins as modulators of mucosal immunity
Thomas S. Wilkinson;
Thomas S. Wilkinson
1
*Institute of Life Science, Microbiology and Infection, Floor 5, School of Medicine, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, U.K.
Search for other works by this author on:
Ali Roghanian;
Ali Roghanian
1
†Cancer Sciences Division, University of Southampton School of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, U.K.
Search for other works by this author on:
Alexander John Simpson;
Alexander John Simpson
‡Institute of Cellular Medicine, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, U.K.
Search for other works by this author on:
Jean-Michel Sallenave
Jean-Michel Sallenave
2
§Unité de Défense Innée et Inflammation, Batiment Metchnikoff, Institute Pasteur, 25 rue du Dr Roux, 75724 Paris, France
‖INSERM U874, 25 rue du Dr Roux, 75724 Paris, France
¶UFR Sciences du Vivant, Université Paris Diderot-Paris 7, Paris, France
2To whom correspondence should be addressed (email jms@pasteur.fr).
Search for other works by this author on:
Publisher: Portland Press Ltd
Received:
March 03 2011
Online ISSN: 1470-8752
Print ISSN: 0300-5127
© The Authors Journal compilation © 2011 Biochemical Society
2011
Biochem Soc Trans (2011) 39 (5): 1409–1415.
Article history
Received:
March 03 2011
Citation
Thomas S. Wilkinson, Ali Roghanian, Alexander John Simpson, Jean-Michel Sallenave; WAP domain proteins as modulators of mucosal immunity. Biochem Soc Trans 1 October 2011; 39 (5): 1409–1415. doi: https://doi.org/10.1042/BST0391409
Download citation file:
Sign in
Don't already have an account? Register
Sign in to your personal account
You could not be signed in. Please check your email address / username and password and try again.
Captcha Validation Error. Please try again.