Serine proteinase inhibitors in arthropod immunity

Authors
Citation
Mr. Kanost, Serine proteinase inhibitors in arthropod immunity, DEV COMP IM, 23(4-5), 1999, pp. 291-301
Citations number
74
Categorie Soggetti
Animal Sciences",Immunology
Journal title
DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY
ISSN journal
0145305X → ACNP
Volume
23
Issue
4-5
Year of publication
1999
Pages
291 - 301
Database
ISI
SICI code
0145-305X(199906/07)23:4-5<291:SPIIAI>2.0.ZU;2-S
Abstract
Arthropod hemolymph contains proteins with serine proteinase inhibitory act ivity. These inhibitors may exist in plasma or in hemocyte granules. Serine proteinase inhibitors from the Kazal. Kunitz, alpha-macroglobulin, and ser pin families have been identified in arthropod hemolymph and have been char acterized biochemically. Two new families of low molecular weight serine pr oteinase inhibitors have recently been discovered: one in silkworms (the Bo mbyx family) and another in locusts and a crayfish. The serine proteinase i nhibitors in arthropod hemolymph are likely to function in protecting their hosts from infection by pathogens or parasites. Some may inhibit fungal or bacterial proteinases. Others probably have roles in regulating endogenous proteinases involved in coagulation, prophenol oxidase activation, or cyto kine activation. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.