SECRETORY LEUKOPROTEASE INHIBITOR - A NATIVE ANTIMICROBIAL PROTEIN PRESENTING A NEW THERAPEUTIC OPTION

Secretory leukoprotease inhibitor (SLPI) is a low molecular weight ser ine protease inhibitor found on various mucosal surfaces and has been ascribed an important role in maintaining the protease-antiprotease ba lance of the airways. Recent scientific evidence has suggested that SL PI may also have a broad spectrum antibiotic activity that includes an tiretroviral, bactericidal, and antifungal activity. Given the unpropi tious development of drug resistance to infectious micro-organisms in the human population, the need for therapeutic alternatives in the tre atment of infectious diseases has become clear. SLPI may prove valuabl e in the prophylaxis and future treatment of infectious diseases, yet the clinical efficacy of SLPI remains largely to be elucidated.