Defensins and Other Antimicrobial Peptides and a Role of Neutrophil Protein-Synthesing Function Disorders for Pathogenesis of Respiratory Diseases

Abstract

SummaryThe aim. A review of published articles has been made to highlight new data on antimicrobial defensive mechanisms in the respiratory system, to discuss clinical diagnostic methods and future research directions on this field. Methods. This is a review of published data on antimicrobial peptides and their role in respiratory disease. Results. Novel antimicrobial factors such as defensins and other cationic peptides are synthesized by neutrophils and epithelial cell in human. Antimicrobial peptides are thought to play an important role in daily defense of the skin and the mucus membranes against gram negative flora. This fact could explain quite rare occurrence of infections caused by these pathogens in human. In patients with disorders of liver protein-synthesizing activity, the defensins' production could decrease that could be a risk factor of pneumonia, tuberculosis and other lower respiratory infections. Key words: antimicrobial peptides, defensins, neutrophils, epithelial cells, leukocyte lipid releasing properties, respiratory diseases, pneumonia. РезюмеОбзор научных публикаций предназначен для ознакомления научной и врачебной общественности с новыми механизмами противо-микробной защиты при заболеваниях органов дыхания. Обсуждаются вопросы применения методов их диагностики в клинической практике и определения перспективных путей научных исследований в данном направлении. Ключевые слова: противомикробные пептиды, дефензины, нейтрофилы, эпителиальные клетки, липидвысвобождающая способность лейкоцитов, заболевания органов дыхания, пневмония.