Table 2.
General Functions of Major Immune Proteins involved in Mucosal Immunity and the Female Reproductive Tract.
| Protein (Abbreviation) | Function | References |
|---|---|---|
| Cathelicidin | Produced by neutrophils, epithelial cells and macrophages; regulated by vitamin D | (Liu, et al. 2006) |
| Elafin/Trappin-2 | Neutrophil elastase inhibitor with broad anti-microbial activity | (Wiedow, et al. 1990) |
| Granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) | Stimulates stem cell production of granulocytes and monocytes | (Caux, et al. 1992) |
| Human β-Defensin 2 (HBD2) | Produced by epithelial cells, has potent anti-microbial activity against gram-negative bacteria. | (Bensch, et al. 1995; Quayle, et al. 1998; Selsted and Ouellette 1995; Wira et al. 2010) |
| Interleukin 6 (IL6) | Both a pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine; Induces differentiation of leukocytes. | (Heinrich, et al. 1998; Kishimoto, et al. 1995; van der Poll, et al. 1997) |
| Interleukin 8 (IL8) | Mediator of inflammatory responses | (Wolf, et al. 1998) |
| Macrophage Inflammatory Protein (MIP3α) | Recruits lymphocytes and neutrophils; binds and activates CCR6; Interfere with CCR5 and CXCR4 to inhibit HIV infection. | (Bleul, et al. 1996; Cocchi, et al. 1995; Schutyser, et al. 2003; Wira et al. 2010) |
| Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1 (MCP-1) | Monocyte chemoattractant factor | (Marra, et al. 1999) |
| Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ) | Controls proliferation, cellular differentiation; anti-proliferative factor in normal epithelial cells | (Annes, et al. 2003; Shi and Massague 2003) |
| Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNFα) | Cytokine involved in inflammation and cell apoptosis; Induce differentiation of leukocytes. | (Sedgwick, et al. 2000; Tracey and Cerami 1994) |
| Secretory Leukocyte Protease Inhibitor (SLPI) | Protects mucosa from neutrophil elastase; Anti-viral properties. | (King, et al. 2000; King, et al. 2003; McNeely, et al. 1995) |