Cathelicidin
Cathelicidin
Cathelicidin (pronounced: kath-uh-lih-sid-in) is a family of polypeptides found in the lysosomes of macrophages and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), and are released upon stimulation of these cells.
Etymology
The term "Cathelicidin" is derived from the Latin cathelicus meaning "universal" and -idin meaning "pertaining to". This is due to the widespread presence of these peptides in various species.
Function
Cathelicidins serve a crucial role in the innate immune system. They are antimicrobial peptides, meaning they have the ability to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In addition to their antimicrobial properties, cathelicidins also have the ability to modulate the immune response, promote wound healing, and influence angiogenesis.
Related Terms
- Antimicrobial peptides: Small proteins that are part of the innate immune response. Cathelicidins are a type of antimicrobial peptide.
- Innate immune system: The body's first line of defense against infection. Cathelicidins play a role in this system.
- Angiogenesis: The formation of new blood vessels, a process that cathelicidins can influence.
- Lysosome: A cell organelle that contains enzymes for breaking down waste materials and cellular debris. Cathelicidins are stored in the lysosomes of certain immune cells.
- Macrophage: A type of white blood cell that engulfs and digests cellular debris, foreign substances, microbes, and cancer cells. Cathelicidins are found in the lysosomes of macrophages.
- Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs): A type of white blood cell characterized by the presence of granules in their cytoplasm. They are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are an essential part of the innate immune system.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cathelicidin
- Wikipedia's article - Cathelicidin
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