Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor mediates non-redundant functions necessary for normal wound healing

Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) is a serine protease inhibito r with anti-microbial properties found in mucosal fluids. It is expressed d uring cutaneous wound healing. Impaired healing states are characterized by excessive proteolysis and often bacterial infection, leading to the hypoth esis that SLPI may have a role in this process. We have generated mice null for the gene encoding SLPI (Slpi), which show impaired cutaneous wound hea ling with increased inflammation and elastase activity. The altered inflamm atory profile involves enhanced activation of local TGF-beta in Slpi-null m ice. We propose that SLPI is a pivotal endogenous factor necessary for opti mal wound healing.