Impaired Host Defense in Mice Lacking ONZIN

摘要: ONZIN is a small, cysteine-rich peptide of unique structure that conserved in all vertebrates examined to date. We show expressed at high levels epithelial cells the intestinal tract, lung, and immune system including macrophages granulocytes. Because this pattern expression suggestive role innate function, we have generated mice lacking protein their ability respond challenge with infectious agents. Onzin(-/-) heightened response after induction acute peritonitis Klebsiella pneumoniae. This increased consistent an bacterial burden mice. Ex vivo studies that, whereas phagocytosis not altered neutrophils, phagocytes kill bacteria less effectively. result identifies as novel class intracellular required for optimal function neutrophils uptake bacteria.