Two human host defense ribonucleases against mycobacteria, the eosinophil cationic protein (RNase 3) and RNase 7.

ABSTRACT: There is an urgent need to develop new agents against mycobacterial infections, such as tuberculosis and other respiratory tract or skin affections. In this study, we have tested two human antimicrobial RNases against mycobacteria. RNase 3, also called the eosinophil cationic protein, and RNase 7 are two small cationic proteins secreted by innate cells during host defense. Both proteins are induced upon infection displaying a wide range of antipathogen activities. In particular, they are released by leukocytes and epithelial cells, contributing to tissue protection. Here, the two RNases have been proven effective against Mycobacterium vaccae at a low micromolar level. High bactericidal activity correlated with their bacterial membrane depolarization and permeabilization activities. Further

SUBMITTER: Pulido D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3719706 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature