Characterization of the mouse beta defensin 1, Defb1, mutant mouse model.
Infect Immun
; 70(6): 3053-60, 2002 Jun.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-12010997
ABSTRACT
Beta defensins are small cationic antimicrobial peptides present in the respiratory system which have been proposed to be dysfunctional in the environment of the cystic fibrosis lung. Defb1, a murine homologue to the human beta defensins, has also been found to be expressed in the respiratory system and, in order to examine the function of beta defensins in vivo, gene targeting was used to generate Defb1-deficient (Defb1(tm1Hgu)/Defb1(tm1Hgu) [Defb1(-/-)]) mice. The Defb1 synthetic peptide was shown to have a salt-sensitive antimicrobial activity that was stronger against Staphylococcus aureus than against Escherichia coli or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Defb1(-/-) mice were found, however, to be effective in the clearance of the cystic fibrosis relevant pathogen S. aureus from the airways after nebulization. Although no overt deleterious phenotype was evident in the Defb1(-/-) mice, the number of mutant mice found to harbor bacteria of the Staphylococcus species in the bladder was significantly higher (P = 0.008) than that of controls, suggesting a role for these peptides in resistance to urinary tract infection.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Staphylococcus aureus
/
Proteínas
/
Pulmón
/
Antibacterianos
Límite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Infect Immun
Año:
2002
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Reino Unido