Impaired host defense in mice lacking ONZIN

Julie G. Ledford, Marina Kovarova, Beverly H. Koller

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

76 Scopus citations

Abstract

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

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)5132-5143
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Immunology
Volume178
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 15 2007
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

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